Known for its world-renowned glass art, Tacoma's vibrant urban core is alive with culture. Find yourself surrounded by creativity and city sophistication when you eat, shop and stroll Tacoma's downtown. The friendly city inspires many to celebrate the melding of old and new. See historic architecture amidst urban design.
The city's many districts abound with culture. Stroll the museum district where you can explore art, glass and history. Wander amongst the eclectic mix of upbeat restaurants and music venues on Sixth Avenue. Shop the unique boutiques in the historic Proctor and Stadium districts, which bustle with foot traffic. Rooted in the arts, Tacoma is the place to be.
Tacoma is ideally situated along the saltwater banks of Puget Sound. Boasting stunning natural surroundings, you don't need to pack hiking boots to enjoy the mesmerizing outdoors. Explore the parks, gardens and wildlife that make Tacoma a nature wonderland. The nature in Tacoma extends beyond just land. Comb the beaches of the water's edge and test the open waters in a kayak or boat. Come experience Tacoma's nature—rain or shine. There's plenty for you do to, both indoors and out.
Downtown Tacoma
Known for its world-renowned glass art, Tacoma's vibrant urban core is alive with culture. Find yourself surrounded by creativity and city sophistication when you eat, shop and stroll Tacoma's downtown. The friendly city inspires many to celebrate the melding of old and new. See historic architecture amidst urban design.
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6th Avenue
Part hipster haven, part happy-hour hangout, this North End commercial corridor is one quirky, cool drag.
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Ruston Way Waterfront
Explore several waterfront parks and beaches as you walk, run or stroll Ruston Way. With views of Mount Rainier to the West, the Olympic Mountain Range to the East and Commencement Bay, there's no better place to spend a sunny afternoon or take an after-dinner stroll.
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Dining
Find classic seafood and Northwest cuisine, fresh sushi and waterfront dining in Tacoma. Satisfy almost any craving with one-of-a-kind cuisine. Choose from the best local area restaurants and cafés. Trendy and adventurous eats can be found at restaurants on 6th Avenue. While family-friendly and fun restaurants offer kids eye-popping eats in downtown Tacoma. If you're in it for stunning waterfront views, there are plenty of waterfront dining options along Ruston Way and along 43 miles of shoreline.
Locally Sourced Cuisine
Waterfront Dining
Breweries
Nightlife
Things to Do
Chihuly Bridge of Glass |
A partnership between the
Museum of Glass, legendary Studio Glass pioneer
Dale Chihuly and the city of Tacoma resulted in the
Chihuly Bridge of Glass, a 500-foot-long pedestrian overpass that links the Museum to downtown Tacoma and its cultural corridor.
Celebrating 80 years,
Tacoma Art Museum has a collection of more than 4,500 works emphasizing the art and artists of the Northwest and broader western region.
Come experience the magic of glassblowing at
Tacoma Glassblowing Studio. See glass in its purest form, create it with the help of our instructors, or purchase art already made. See what it's like to be able to mold glass and create something by hand that will attract attention wherever you place it.
Nestled amidst towering conifers,
Pacific Bonsai Museum connects people to nature through the living art of bonsai. A grand outdoor setting with the elegance of a fine museum, the Museum boasts over 100 bonsai and the most diverse public collection in North America with trees from Canada, China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan and the United States.
LeMay America's Car Museum |
In 1908,
W. W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory at Wright Park opened through a generous gift from William W. Seymour. Today, it stands a beloved icon from Tacoma's past and a brilliant venue for exotic plant displays.
LeMay America's Car Museum is an international destination for families and auto enthusiasts to celebrate America's love affair with the automobile and learn how it shaped our society. Based in Tacoma, Wash., the stunning 165,000-sq.-ft. facility has been recognized as one of MSN's 10 Best Automotive Museums worldwide, USA Today's 10 Best Museums in Seattle and KING5's 2015 Best Museum in Western Washington.
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium |
The 760-acre
Point Defiance Park is a popular destination for more than 3.1 million people each year. Natural forest, saltwater beaches and spectacular views offer numerous possibilities for recreation, education and communing with nature.
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium (PDZA) is the only combined zoo and aquarium in the Pacific Northwest. The 29-acre zoological park sits within Point Defiance Park, offering spectacular views of Mount Rainier, the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound.
Minor league baseball has a strong, 50+ year history in Tacoma – hosted at the Cheney Stadium. The Tacoma Rainiers have been the Triple A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners since 1995, and boast high-quality baseball from players that are only a step away from the Big Leagues. The modernized venue still has the personable feel of a smaller stadium, with the ability to get close to the field and the players.
Ascending to 14,410 feet above sea level,
Mount Rainier stands as an icon in the Washington landscape. An active volcano, Mount Rainier is the most glaciated peak in the contiguous U.S.A., spawning six major rivers. Subalpine wildflower meadows ring the icy volcano while ancient forest cloaks Mount Rainier's lower slopes. Wildlife abounds in the park's ecosystems. A lifetime of discovery awaits.