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.
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.
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). [Read more…]