Things To Do
in Tacoma
Tacoma, Washington sits along Puget Sound just south of Seattle, boasting a revitalized downtown, a thriving arts scene, and a rich maritime legacy. The city pairs world-class museums like the Museum of Glass with scenic waterfront parks and forested hills nearby. Its diverse neighborhoods—from Old Town to the Proctor District—offer easy access to cafés, markets, and live music.
With quick connections to the Olympic Mountains and the broader Puget Sound region, Tacoma makes a convenient base for weekend explorations or longer stays.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Washington State History Museum, where you can delve into exhibits showcasing the state's rich history. Afterward, stroll through the charming streets of Tacoma's Historic District, admiring the beautiful architecture and unique local shops. Grab a coffee at a local café and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of this historic area.
In the afternoon, head over to the LeMay - America’s Car Museum, where you can explore an extensive collection of classic and vintage automobiles. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a nearby diner, sampling some classic American comfort food. After lunch, take a walk along the waterfront at Ruston Way, enjoying stunning views of the Puget Sound and Mount Rainier in the distance.
As the sun sets, make your way to the Museum of Glass for a mesmerizing glass-blowing demonstration. Enjoy dinner at one of Tacoma's waterfront restaurants, where you can indulge in fresh seafood while watching the boats bobbing in the harbor. End your evening with a leisurely walk along the water, taking in the twinkling lights of the city.
Begin your day at the Tacoma Art Museum, where you can appreciate a diverse range of art from the Pacific Northwest. Spend some time admiring the museum's impressive collection of American art and contemporary pieces. Afterward, stop by the nearby Children's Museum of Tacoma, which offers interactive exhibits perfect for families.
For lunch, head to the historic Proctor District and enjoy a meal at one of the trendy eateries that line the streets. Post-lunch, visit the LeMay Museum, where you can explore the history of automobiles and their impact on American culture. Spend your afternoon wandering through the nearby Wright Park, taking in the beautiful gardens and the historic greenhouse.
As evening approaches, dine at a local bistro known for its farm-to-table menu, showcasing the best of local ingredients. After dinner, catch a live performance at the Pantages Theater, which hosts a variety of shows from Broadway musicals to local productions. Wrap up your night with a nightcap at a nearby cocktail bar, where you can unwind in a cozy atmosphere.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| 🥗Meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $40-70 |
| 🏠1-bedroom apartment in city center (monthly) | $1,500-2,500 |
| 🚌Monthly public transit pass | $60-100 |
| 🛒Groceries for a week | $60-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Excellent waterfront views and access to parks
- Strong arts scene with museums and live music
- Compact downtown with walkable neighborhoods and easy day trips to nature
- Weather can be rainy and gray outside summer months
- Some neighborhoods vary in safety at night; stay aware of surroundings
- Certain attractions may require a car or transport to reach remote trails
Places to Visit in Tacoma
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic glass art and striking architecture along the Foss Waterway provide compelling close-ups and reflections, especially around sunset.
Lush gardens, forested trails, and sweeping ocean views make for colorful spring and summer compositions.
Industrial-chic scenes, boats, and waterfront light provide dynamic urban photography opportunities.
Long promenades and views across Puget Sound toward the Olympics are ideal for long-exposure sunset shots.
Historic storefronts and brickwork offer charming architectural photography and street photography scenes.
Food in Tacoma
Tacoma Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fresh local salmon prepared with simple herbs, often featured in waterfront restaurants.
Must-Try!
Creamy chowder with local crab, potatoes, and herbs found at many seafood spots around the waterfront.
Popular Japanese-inspired bowls with marinated meat over rice, widely available in casual eateries.
Fresh Northwest oysters served with a mignonette at seafood bars and markets.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal markets in downtown including local produce, prepared foods, and street vendors.
Community market in the Proctor District offering local goods, snacks, and crafts.
Historic freight building with food stalls and pop-up vendors along the Thea Foss Waterway.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Be polite and patient in lines; keep noise considerate in public spaces; support local businesses; ask before photographing people in some settings; dress casually but neatly in most establishments.
Safety
Tipping in Tacoma
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, typical tips are 15-20% before tax. Rounding up for small orders or counter service is common in casual spots; tipping is customary for ride-shares and taxi trips (around 10-15%).
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments are common. Cash is accepted in most places, but some vendors or smaller stalls may be card-only.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Long daylight hours, dry and mild days with comfortable evenings—perfect for outdoor markets, waterfront strolls, and parks.
Mild days with increasing chances of rain; spectacular autumn foliage in parks and along the water, great for photography.
Cool and wet with a higher chance of rain; indoor museums and cafés make great refuges, but you can still catch crisp, moody waterfront skies.
Showers and sun mix; flowers bloom in Point Defiance and along the water, offering vibrant color palettes for outdoor shoots.
Tacoma at Night
Hiking in Tacoma
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Extensive network of forested and coastal trails with ocean views and wildlife.
Coastal trails with water views and proximity to the Chambers Bay golf course.
Iconic alpine hikes and alpine meadows for a longer excursion from Tacoma.
Airports
How to reach Tacoma by plane.
Primary international gateway located about 20–30 miles north of Tacoma; frequent rail and road connections make trips quick and straightforward.
Small regional airport near Gig Harbor; useful for general aviation and private flights, with some nearby services.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A sizable portion of the population with growing diversity across communities.
A significant and active community contributing to Tacoma's cultural fabric.
A growing presence with restaurants, markets, and cultural events.
Established communities with a variety of cultural contributions.
Complementary communities within the city’s broader demographics.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Minor league baseball team offering family-friendly games at Cheney Stadium during the season.
USL Championship team providing modern, fast-paced soccer in local venues.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Tacoma.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most Tacoma restaurants offer vegetarian options; look for farm-to-table spots and ask for meatless adaptations and sides that highlight produce from local markets.