South of Seattle and just under 20 miles from Seattle-Tacoma (SEA) International Airport, Tacoma is a bustling hub of creativity with industrial roots. Once known as the “city of destiny” because of its status as the western terminus of the Northern Pacific Railroad, today you’ll find handsome architecture, a thriving food scene, and a busy waterfront along Commencement Bay. Famous as the hometown of renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly, you’ll find no shortage of art and world-class museums to explore.
Whether you’re looking to sample craft beer, watch glass art take shape, or enjoy time in nature, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Tacoma.
Things to do in Tacoma
Outdoor Adventure
While its Port remains a hub of industry, Tacoma shines when it comes to dedicated green space and boasts a robust park system. Residents and visitors alike flock to the trails throughout sprawling Point Defiance Park. With 760 acres of forests, gardens, and beaches, there’s truly something for everyone. Watch for whales from the shore or wander through a Japanese garden or thickly forested trails. The Five Mile Drive Outer Loop offers cyclists and pedestrians a car-free path. Owen Beach is perfect for families and includes an ADA-accessible playground, plus a peaceful promenade and seasonal kayak rentals for those who want to get out on the water.
Closer to downtown, plant lovers can stroll 27-acre Wright Park, an arboretum filled with about 600 trees. Step inside the glass-enclosed W. W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory to explore a variety of rare plants and flowers. If you’re up for a bike ride or leisurely stroll with big views, head to the paved Ruston Way Waterfront connecting Old Town to Point Ruston. On a clear day, you’ll be rewarded with stellar views of iconic Mount Rainier in the distance.
Thanks to the city’s location, it’s also easy to take day trips to places like charming Vashon Island—reachable via a 15-minute ferry from Point Defiance—and Mount Rainier National Park, where visitors can marvel at the glaciated peaks while hiking.
Culture & History
Tacoma is home to a diverse and thriving arts community. In the downtown Museum District, immerse yourself in the colorful world of glass art and see works by Dale Chihuly and other artists at the Museum of Glass. Check out live glassblowing demonstrations in the Hot Shop before heading across the innovative Chihuly Bridge of Glass, where permanent installations along the 500-foot-long pedestrian bridge are open to all and especially luminous at sunset.
Find even more inspiration at the Tacoma Art Museum, where exhibits include Western American art and a range of rotating exhibits. Fans of classic cars and Americana won’t want to miss LeMay – America’s Car Museum, one of the largest collections of its kind in the world. Admire painstakingly maintained and renovated cars that tell the story of the automotive industry.
Kids can enjoy five nature-inspired play spaces, plus an art studio and interactive programming, at the Children’s Museum of Tacoma. Be sure to save time to get an up-close look at a variety of wildlife, from polar bears to tapirs, at the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium; you can even book a special dive with sharks at the Tropical Reef exhibit.
History buffs interested in the darker side of the city’s past should book a guided evening tour with Pretty Gritty Downtown Tacoma Ghost Tours. For more nighttime fun, attend a concert or event at the Pantages Theater or iconic Tacoma Dome.
Shopping
Whether you’re looking for handcrafted jewelry or home decor, Tacoma has plenty of family-owned boutiques and gift shops. Find the perfect cozy hoodie, Tacoma-branded ball cap, or other sporty menswear at eTc Tacoma in downtown. Visit Cocobolo for a line of women’s clothing, shoes, and other accessories or pick up a relaxing eye pillow and candles for your wellness journey at Two Birds.
For a robust collection of everything from eco-friendly clothing to home goods and greeting cards, the bright and modern Compass Rose is a must-visit in the Procter District. Browse a carefully curated selection of books and vintage vinyl at Hi-Voltage Records – the shop even sells band T-shirts and turntables. Of the many cozy stores in the alley known as Antique Row in Tacoma’s Theater District, be sure to stop by the three-story maze of vintage finds at Sanford & Son Antiques.
Annual Events
Start summer with a bang at Tacoma’s Fourth of July Summer Blast on the Ruston Way Waterfront. Expect live entertainment on two stages, craft vendors and spectacular fireworks over Puget Sound after night falls. Also in July, theMOSAIC Arts and Culture Festival celebrates the city’s diverse communities and transforms Wright Park into a family-friendly event with live performances, over 100 vendors, and plenty of global cuisine.
Showcasing the diverse Native American cultures in and around Tacoma, IN THE SPIRIT Arts Market & Northwest Native Festival celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2025. This annual event in August features live music, free museum exhibitions and demonstrations, a fashion show, arts and crafts, food vendors and more.
During October’s Tacoma Arts Month celebrations, visitors can attend hundreds of free art exhibits and open studio tours, as well as music, theater, and cultural events.
Come November, usher in the holiday season with over a mesmerizing light display at Zoolights. The event at the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium runs through the New Year. Find lighted versions of your favorite animals, including a giant Pacific octopus, American red wolves, and the mysterious Sasquatch.
Where to Eat & Drink
For classic cocktails, specialty pizzas, and creative pasta dishes like beet ravioli, try the seasonal American cuisine at local favorite Wooden City. At Fish Peddler Tacoma, enjoy fresh seafood and award-winning clam chowder from a sunny patio overlooking the water. The restaurant is owned by Pacific Seafood, which supplies a steady stream of fresh fish to the kitchen. In the Stadium District, tuck into dumplings, banh mi sandwiches, and noodle bowls at Indo Asian Street Eatery. You’ll find dishes cover a variety of cuisines, including Thai, Indonesian, and Vietnamese.
For breakfast and coffee downtown, don’t miss sleek Ebony and Ivory Coffee with its floor-to-ceiling windows, wood accents, and views of Mount Rainier. Bonus: The space transforms into a wine bar in the evening.
Craft beer lovers have plenty to choose from thanks to Tacoma’s many brewpubs, including 7 Seas Brewing in the historic Brewery District south of downtown. For a pepperoni pie with your pint, head to what’s known as The Outpost at Camp Colvos Brewing + Pizza. Here you’ll find every beer they brew on tap, plus a large patio for enjoying cold suds on a warm summer day.
After dinner, grab a sweet treat from one of three Tacoma locations of Ice Cream Social, where classic and seasonal flavors – think cherry chocolate chip, rose, or coconut lavender – are piled high on freshly rolled waffle cones.
Where to Stay
Located downtown, the 319-room Hotel Murano features pieces from over 40 glass artists throughout its public spaces and guest floors and is just steps from museums and the convention center. Nearby, the Marriott Tacoma Downtown provides upscale rooms with contemporary furnishings, an exercise facility and outdoor rooftop pool, as well as electric vehicle chargers and a relaxing lounge and restaurant.
For a touch of whimsy, head to the renovated seven-story McMenamins Elks Temple, a former fraternal lodge. With an intimate 45 rooms, you’ll find no less than five eating and drinking venues – including a secret bar – plus a ballroom transformed into a live music venue.
On the water, deluxe rooms at the Silver Cloud Hotel Tacoma at Point Ruston Waterfront provide stunning views of Commencement Bay and easy access to walking paths, where you can stroll after dining at two on-site restaurants or relaxing at the spa.
About the Author
Jennifer Burns Bright is an editor and writer based in Astoria, specializing in Pacific Northwest travel, wellness, and local food. She enjoys foraging for wild food and renovating her 110-year-old cottage. She oversees longform content for clients like Travel Oregon and contributes to AAA’s Via magazine, among others.
Featured image courtesy of Visit Tacoma-Pierce County