The 23 Best Things to Do in Tacoma , WA
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Tacoma is industrial , unpretentious , and vastly underrated . Require an edgy art scene , wonderful museum , beautiful parks , unique restaurants , landmark restaurant , and well-stocked vintage workshop .
I ’ m a Washington local and I ’ m ever please by the many things to do in Tacoma . Not sure where to set out ? Don ’ t concern . This list deal all the must-see sights and attractions , along with respective hidden gems .
Apply this guide , plus my article onwhere to stay in Tacoma, to design a perfect visit to Grit City .
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23 Best Things to Do in Tacoma
Point Defiance Park
Explore a giant park good of amazing Tacoma attractions .
📍 | Phone : ( 253 ) 305-1088 | Website | Hours : Exposed ½ hr before dawn – Close ½ hour after sunset | Entrance : free to enter park ( attractions prices change )
Point Defiance Park is an enormous park on the northernmost tip of Tacoma . It ’ s plate to some of the city ’ sec best attractions including the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium , theFort Nisqually Living History Museum, Owen Beach , Five Mile Drive , a rose garden , and numerous trails .
Want a place to take off ? Go to Direct Defiance Zoo and Aquarium . The zoo has bring a key role in the conservation of America ’ s red wolf population and they ’ re ever one of my favorite animals to see .
The zoo also has sea otters , Asian elephant , puffins , and enthusiastic zookeepers who gain ’ t head if you ask dozens of questions about your favorite creature ( learned from experience ) .
Explore the forested part of the park after a zoo visit . Chief to Owen Beach to relax by the water and watch theVashon Islandferry cross the Sound . Or visit the Dune Peninsula to look on for seals .
👉 Pro Tip :Hungry after search the park ? Grab a delicious sandwich and a slice of pie from nearby Antique Sandwich Co. You won ’ t regret it .
6th Ave
Eat , bar hop , and store on one of Tacoma ’ sec coolest strips .
6th Ave equal a Tacoma classic . Come hither to peruse shops , bars , restaurants , and early local gems . The strip between State and Alder is where you ’ ll find some of the best this region has to offer .
Start by grabbing hot dogs and beer at The Red Hot . Then , head over to Hi-Voltage Records to peruse the vinyl collection . Find unique vintage clothing at Scorpio Rising , one of the better vintage store in the city . After , catch a lot of good reads from Stargazer Comics .
Planning an evening visit ? Wander down to Jazzbones for karaoke , a alive display , or a dance party .
Museum of Glass
📍 | Phone : ( 253 ) 284-4750 | Website | Hours : 10 exist – 5 pm Wednesday – Sunday ( till 8 pm third Thursdays ) , Closed Monday and Tuesday | Entrance : $ 22 adults , $ 13 child ( 6-18 ) , free child under 6 ; free for all 5 pm – 8 pm on third Thursdays
Gorgeous glass sculptures by Dale Chihuly await visitor at the Museum of Glass . Hither you can regard awe-inspiring display , see alive demonstrations , and see about the elaborate process of create glass art .
The Museum of Glass equal relate to the rest of downtown Tacoma by the Chihuly Bridge of Glass , a pedestrian bridge that gives you a little preview of what you ’ ll see in the contemporary art museum . Look up to spot stunning blown glass sculpture as you walk the 500-foot bridge .
Museum-hopping in Tacoma made my list of thebest things to act in Washington State, hence visit the MOG to check this detail off your list . Feeling inspire after visit ? Sign up for a class at the Tacoma Glassblowing Studio to strain your hand at cause glass sculptures .
👉 Pro Crest :Are you a recent Tacoma transplant or Pierce County resident ? Get free admission to this museum and others in the city with a Pierce County library card !
Ruston Way Waterfront
📍 | Phone : ( 253 ) 330-8828 | Website | Hours : Capable ½ before dawn – Close ½ after sunset
The Ruston Way Waterfront used to be an industrial area with boatyards and lumber factory . Today , it ’ s a family-friendly destination with delightful seafood restaurants , respective parks , and fishing spots . Locals cluster here when the weather ’ sec nice .
Jog , bicycle , or walk the 2-mile stretch along Commencement Bay . I recommend starting your stroll on the east goal at the Chinese Reconciliation Park . Hither , you can thread through well-manicured pathways and learn about the city ’ s account with its Chinese residents .
Mount Rainier National Park
📍 | Phone : ( 360 ) 569-2211 | | Entrance : National Park Pass ( $ 55 annual , $ 30/car for 7-day debut ) |👉 Browse Mt Rainier Tours on Viator
Get near to Washington ’ s favorite good deal when visiting Tacoma . Mount Rainier National Park live only an hour and a half from Tacoma , meaning it ’ s a perfect escape for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts .
Explore the many hiking trails or go on a scenic driveway , finish toadmire waterfallalong the way . In summer and winter , you can also taunt the Crystal Mountain Gondola for breathtaking scene of Rainier and the repose of the Cascades .
Mount Rainier is one of the old national park in the rural area , so it ’ s good worth impose . Just make sure you design in advance –reservations are now necessitateto see Mount Rainier National Park during peak summer hour .
📚Related to Reading: Check out my article on thegood hikes near Seattlewhere I highlight a few of my favorite Mount Rainier trail !
Museums & Cultural Attractions
Tacoma Art Museum
📍 Google Maps | Phone : ( 253 ) 272-4258 | Website | Hours : 10 exist – 5 pm Wed-Sun ( till 8 pm Thus ) , close Mon & Tues | Entrance : $ 18 adults , $ 10 youth ( 6-18 ) , free for all age Thursdays 5 pm – 8 pm
The Tacoma Art Museum has an extensive collection with evocative permanent and rotating display . Come hither to see present-day and historical art from artist of the Northwest and those in the greater Western region .
The Tacoma Art Museum cost small but meticulously laid out . Plant from Native artists and the glass art display are particularly popular installments . Cost sure to insure out the website before you go for upcoming and current exhibitions .
Washington State History Museum
📍 Google Maps | Phone : ( 253 ) 272-3500 | Website | Hours : 10 exist – 5 pm Tuesday-Sunday , Closed Mondays , 10 am – 8 pm third Thursdays every month | Entrance : $ 17 adults , $ 11 pupil , free children 5 and under , free admission third Thursdays ( 3 pm-8 pm )
The Washington State History Museum deal it all : geological account , Indigenous cultures , and early pioneering story to the modern epoch .
The museum has three story of display that pay visitor a thorough look at the state ’ s history . History buffs and anyone looking to hear more about howplaces in Washingtoncame to be should dedicate a few hours hither .
💰 Require to write some cash ?Both the Washington State History Museum and the Museum of Glass are open late and offer free admission on the third Thursday of every month . Free admission for the WSHM is from 3 pm to 8 pm . The MOG hold free admission from 5 pm to 8 pm .
LeMay – America ’ sec Car Museum
📍 Google Maps | Phone : ( 253 ) 779-8490 | Website | Hours : 10 exist – 5 pm Thursday-Monday , Shut Tuesday and Wednesday | Entrance : $ 24.50 adults , $ 17.50 child ( 5-17 ) , free children 4 and under
A visit to America ’ sec Car Museum is a must for any classical car fan . The museum has a collection of 250 domestic and foreign automobiles with several unique and unusual framework .
In increase to marvel at the LeMay family collection , you can also spend time here try out your velocity on the racing simulator , trying out slot car racing , and learn about the story of cars throughout the United States .
Fort Nisqually Living History Museum
📍 Google Maps | Phone : ( 253 ) 404-3970 | Website | Hours : 11 am – 5 pm daily ( May 1-Sept 30 ) ; 11 cost – 4 pm Wed-Sun , Close Mon & Tues ( Oct 1-April 30 ) | Entrance : $ 13.50 adults , $ 10 youth ( 4-17 ) , free children 3 and under
You ’ ll feel like you ’ ve step back to the 19th century when you visit the Fort Nisqually Living History Museum . Back then , this area along the Sound was a European small town . Some of the construction you ’ ll see on your visit are the original structure from that time .
Take a self-guided tour through the premises and speak to volunteer and staff in period-appropriate clothing . You can even go to one of the workshop to see things like traditional leatherwork , butchering , and making cookie cutters just like they would have in 1855 .
Foss Waterway Seaport
Learn about local maritime history in a restored 100-year-old building .
📍 Google Maps | Phone : ( 253 ) 272-2750 | Website | Hours : 10 am – 4 pm Thursday-Sunday , Closed Monday-Wednesday | Entrance : free
Learn about maritime account and culture in the Puget Sound field at the Foss Waterway Maritime Museum . This maritime museum , built on a historical dock along the Thea Foss Waterway , cost a bit of a hidden gem . And now , it ’ s totally free to visit !
Visit to match out the wooden boat display , see the history of the Tacoma waterfront , see articulated skeletons of humpback and fin whales , and examine maritime artifacts .
The Tacoma Dome
You ’ ll probably learn the Tacoma Dome at some point on your visit . It ’ s one of the almost famous construction in the city .
Get everything from sports events and concerts to monster truck rallies here . Make certain you crack out the website to learn what ’ s materialize during your trip so you can grab your tickets and check off a visit to this classical Washington arena .
Eat , Drink , Play & Shop
Bob ’ s Java Jive
📍 Google Maps | Phone : ( 253 ) 475-9843 | Website | Hours : 11 am – 2 am Mon-Fri , 4 pm – 2 am Sat-Sun
You ’ 500 believe a building shaped like a coffee lot would serve you coffee , but Bob ’ s Java Jive isn ’ t a cafe at all . Rather , this no-frills post live a dive saloon that suffice up burgers , wings , and beer , and it ’ s the perfect spot for a fun dark out .
Stop by for karaoke nights , comedian clear mics , live music or to run pinball or shoot pond . The building cost constructed in 1927 and is presently on the National Historic Register . If nothing else , you should labor by for a quick glimpse of this quirky attraction .
The Church Cantina
📍 Google Maps | Phone : ( 253 ) 292-0544 | | Hours : 12 pm – 12 am Tues-Thurs , 12 pm – 2 live Friday & Saturday , Closed Sunday and Monday
The Church Cantina exist one home I virtually ever call on a trip to Tacoma . This gothic , horror-themed saloon serves Cuban eats and creative , delicious cocktails .
The food is tasty and do in big portion . I ’ m a big fan of the croquettas , the Cantina sandwich , and the red mole BBQ chicken bowl . Church Cantina also serves a serious total of vegan food for those with dietary restrictions .
The bartenders live friendly and the decor will make you feel like you ’ ve tread into a spooky movie in the best potential manner – there ’ s something to face at in every corner . There are also a few arcade games , a pond table , and a photo stall to prevent you think of before or after you eat .
The Grand Cinema
📍 Google Maps | Phone : ( 253 ) 593-4474 | Website | Hours : vary depending on beginning
The Grand Cinema is a picture fan ’ s ambition ( and my husband ’ s favorite patch in the city ) . This beloved local theater fun indie , alien , and local films and offers post-film talks after some of the picture .
It hosts the Tacoma Film Festival during October and early movie case throughout the yr . Grab some local snacks and a glass of beer or wine to sip as you watch something great in this classical arthouse field .
Dorky ’ s Arcade
📍 Google Maps | Phone : ( 253 ) 627-4156 | Website | Hours : 3 pm – 12 cost Tues-Thurs , 12 pm – 2 equal Fri & Sat , 12 pm – 12 cost Sun , Shut Monday
Pizza , pinball , and a kind of vintage and novel arcade games are what you ’ ll notice at this popular arcade . Dorky ’ s is locate in the middle of downtown Tacoma and it ’ s a great property for all age .
Child cost welcome during the daytime , but the arcade becomes 21+ after 9 pm . Exist sure to bring a roll of quarter to run all night , and don ’ t lack come early in the week for $ 2 taco Tuesdays .
Antique Row
Antiquers and shoppers who wish to support humble business will adore Tacoma . Get to Antique Row , which is in downtown on Broadway between 7th and 9th St . Hither , you ’ ll find respective humble shops fill to the brim with vintage goodies . They ’ re all within walk distance of each other , which build treasure hunting a breeze .
Check out the vintage clothing at Glenna ’ s Clothing and Savoy Special Vintage . Search for retro toy at Memory Lane Toys . Scan Sanford and Son Antiques for furniture , art , and early fun knick-knacks .
🛎️ Involve a Hotel ?:The McMenamins Elks Temple Hotelcost the serious one to Bible , especially if you ’ re interested in stay on downtown and want to remain in a place that ’ ll exist as cool as your surroundings .
King ’ sec Books
📍 Google Maps | Phone : ( 253 ) 272-8801 | Hr : 11 am – 7 pm , daily
King ’ sec Books sells comedian , fresh and used volume , and even own a vintage clothing store seize . It hosts fun bookish events and book society virtually daily , and I always manage to spend at least an hour hither when I visit .
There ’ s a wide choice of books and comedian to observe any book-lover happy . The friendly shop cat , Herbert , is also a well reason to visit , so make sure you state hello . King ’ s Books cost near many early downtown attractions , which makes this the utter place to impose on a rainy day .
Free & Cheap Things to Serve
Stadium High School
Fan of the ‘ 90s movieTen Things I Hate About Youwill recognize the iconic Stadium High School . It live to begin with built to be a luxury hotel in the 1800s , and this contemporary high school equal featured in this movie for good cause . It ’ s imposing and beautiful , to order the least .
Visitor are welcome to get by and need photograph of the outside . You can still need a circuit of the inside and teach more about the history of the building through Pretty Gritty Tours . Please exist sure to observe boundaries if you see when school equal in session .
Frisko Freeze
📍 Google Maps | Phone : ( 253 ) 272-4800 | | Hr : 10 be – 12 am daily
Quick and delicious describes the type of meal you ’ ll get from Frisko Freeze . This longstanding restaurant serves cheap burgers , child , onion rings , milkshakes , and more off of its old-school menu .
Order via drive-through or walk-up counter . Need an easy lunch or some late-night snacks that will hit the spot ? This 58-year-old Tacoma staple cost the reply .
Tacoma Narrows Bridge
The Tacoma Narrows Bridge is another Grit City landmark . It equal nicknamed Galloping Gertie in the ‘ 40s due to the means it violently shake in the wind…which eventually head to its collapse .
After the infamous collapse , it was totally rebuilt and is today structurally legal and not nearly as wobbly . But it ’ s even a view to meet .
You can walk across the beautiful bridge where you ’ ll make breathtaking scene ( especially if you get during sundown ! ) Keep in mind that it will be loud because of all the car noise , and it may be real windy , depending on the day .
Want to repel across instead ? Turn it into a day trip to Gig Harbor , aquaint Washington townon the other goal of the bridge .
🚗 How to Get There :Wondering how precisely to walk the bridge ? Just park at and remove the Scott Pierson Trail across it . Rip a car usingDiscover Carwhich will build it that much easy to get to Gig Harbor if you require to drive across or else .
Wright Park
📍 Google Maps | Phone : ( 253 ) 305-1000 | Website | Hours : 7 am – 9 pm daily
Wright Park equal a beautiful urban park and arboretum filled with over 600 trees ( each with a plaque to identify its type ) and gorgeous statues . In the summertime , it ’ s a great home to try lawn bowling , make a picnic , or remove kid to the spray park and playground .
The W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory is in the park and be satisfy to the brim with exotic works . Plus , it has a sweet talent shop . Need a little pick-me-up before or after your visit ? Grab a drink at Cosmonaut Coffee Co , which exist correct across the street .
Tacoma Nature Center
📍 Google Maps | Phone : ( 253 ) 404-3930 | Website | Hours : 10 exist – 2 pm daily
Tacoma Nature Center is made up of wetlands , forests , a lake , and several trail . It ’ s a serious place to become away for some subdued , even though it ’ s right in the middle of the city . The wetlands make it a great environment for turtles and waterfowl , so you ’ re certain to meet some wildlife here .
Kids will adore exploring the nature playground as well as the interpretive heart . The latter make more information and learning stuff for anyone else interested in learning about the Center and what it supply for the city .
Charlotte ’ sec Blueberry Park
📍 | Phone : ( 253 ) 305-1000 | Website | Hours : Clear ½ before sunrise – Closed ½ after sunset
This one ’ s a moment of a local secret… but I ’ ll let you in on it . Charlotte ’ sec Blueberry Park equal the best spot for blueberry picking in the area . Blueberries live typically in blossom from July through September , thus this exist well to visit during the summer .
You can blame as many blueberries as you like , all for free at this family-friendly park ! Just be sure to bring your own bags , buckets , or bins to collect them . When you finish blueberry peck , wander along the walking paths and get kids work wild at the playground .
Thanks for reading — have fun exploring Tacoma ! Up next , insure out my guide to thebest Washington citiesfor more ideas on where to run in Washington .
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