If you’re looking for a great beach near Tacoma, UP, or Gig Harbor, here’s one worth finding! At one time, I would have called it a hidden treasure, but judging by the crowd there on our last visit, word is out.
It’s at Narrows Park in Gig Harbor, and it’s just a minute or two from the bridge itself, which makes it a nice destination for those of you in the West End of Tacoma and University Place, as well as my Gig Harbor friends.
The parking lot is just steps from the beach, and there is a nice, paved path with a telescope for checking out the bridge up close.
Look through the telescope to see the Narrows Bridge up close.
The beach itself is pretty standard for the Northwest, although if you look closely, you can find a bit-just a bit-of sand. Once you’ve plunked your chair down, you can try to spot seals or check out the passing boat traffic.
Plenty of beach for play and exploration, water for splashing, and a view with wow factor!
The water is as cold as any you’ll find out here, and it has a decent bit of wave most every day. Your kids will still want to splash around; just watch them closely.
If the tide isn’t up, you can get more privacy by walking a bit in either direction. It was quite high when we were there, so it didn’t feel like a spot for quiet. On the other hand, it was very much a family atmosphere. No party crowd-just families and dogs (Lots of dogs).
If you look hard enough, you can find enough sand to curl your toes in!
The park is at 1502 Lucille Parkway NW, Gig Harbor, and Mapquest will give you good directions. You’ll also find some here. Probably the only tricky thing is that it’s at the end of a residential street, so you might feel like you’re lost. I promise you’ll see the sign. This is a PenMet Parks facility, so you won’t need a Discover Pass, or have other fees, just the bridge toll if you have to head over it to get home.
When you enter the park, you drive down a lovely, tree lined road to the beach, where you’ll find a paved lot with a couple dozen parking spots and a porta potty. Now, I’m not sure what to tell you to do if the parking lot is full. There are some spots to park along the way down the hill, but you’d have quite an uphill hike on the way back, especially with beach gear. It’s probably best just to hover for a spot at the lot by the beach, or go on a less crowded day. While the parking lot was full on our recent outing, it was also a sunny weekend afternoon.
We’ve had the place to ourselves on grey days, and I’m thinking even in the summer a weekday morning wouldn’t be too bad. If you know, leave a comment! You might also want to check out these other beachy posts: A daycation outing to Jetty Island, the beach at Brown’s Point lighthouse park, my list of favorite beach outings, and a round-up of South Sound beaches with sand. I’d love to hear about your favorite summer destinations, too!
Angela says
August 14, 2012 at 2:56 pmYou found our “secret” beach! My husband and I found this place when we lived out in the Gig, and still go back now that we’re in Olympia. BEST views around! We usually go on a weekday morning or midday, and we’ve only ever seen a couple other people there. We haven’t been in quite some time, so we might have to get out there once more before word gets out! 🙂
admin says
August 14, 2012 at 4:18 pmI hesitated to blow the secret for a while, but it did seem like people had caught on this weekend! We’re going to try and go back for a follow-up on a summer weekday. I also just heard good things about Tolmie, down your way!
Amy B says
August 14, 2012 at 3:53 pmWe were there this past Sunday too! We got there early and got a great spot in the shade! Wonderful time!
admin says
August 14, 2012 at 4:18 pmGood job, you! It was a glorious day for beach time!