11 Awesome Tacoma Washington Things to Do | Tacoma’s Greatest Attractions

Tacoma is located on the Puget Sound shoreline, about thirty miles south of Seattle. Tacoma is known as The City of Arts and Innovation, which is reflected in the city’s many galleries and more commercial gallery locations.

Tacoma has many neighborhoods, but it is arguably most recognized for its artistic vibe.

Tacoma looks to be a tranquil port city at first glance. The city, on the other hand, has a plethora of creative and artistic companies that represent its outstanding character. Yet, most people have probably never heard of Tacoma since its glassworks were just lately become renowned.

Tacoma’s harbor is another lovely cultural attraction that attracts visitors from all around the area to enjoy its welcoming ambience and many stores. Tacoma has a lot to offer in terms of cuisine as well. The city is home to many distinct civilizations, and its integration has resulted in a diverse spectrum of tastes. On any given day, there is a vast variety of foreign food available to meet all preferences.

Visiting other places in Washington State? Check out our other resource:

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Tacoma Has 11 Great Things To Do

Wright Park is a must-see.

Tacoma, +12533051000501 S I St

Tacoma’s Wright Park is one of the city’s most popular parks. This 16-acre urban park has a half-dozen playgrounds, as well as soccer fields and an adult softball pitch. There is also a dog park with different areas for big and small canines for dog owners to enjoy. Everyone will find something to appreciate in Wright Park.

Wright Park is one of Tacoma’s biggest parks, and visitors seem to enjoy their time there. It opens in the morning and closes at night.

One of my favorite activities here is to eat a hotdog from one of the vendors that come to the park on weekends. At Wright Park, I’ve also spotted burrito and ice cream food trucks. Thus, whatever you’re looking for, Wright Park has it!

Go to Foss Waterway Seaport.

Tacoma, +12532722750705 Dock St

It would be a pity not to witness Tacoma’s water-based setting firsthand if you visit. At Foss Waterway Seaport, where the rich history of sailing is on display, maritime interests are a huge business in Tacoma.

Tacoma has a seaport inside a wooden warehouse, and you may learn about the city’s nautical history by taking a walk along the waterfront.

There, you may view a decommissioned Coast Guard cutter, the Port Townsend-built tugs Dauntless, and Pufferbelly, America’s oldest wooden boat.

Pay a visit to the Museum of Glass.

Tacoma, WA +125328447501801 Dock St

The Tacoma Museum of Glass showcases works by some of the most recognized glass artists of the twentieth and twenty-first century. They make care to include classics in their displays, despite their preference for modern art.

The Museum of Glass is a must-see for art enthusiasts. The museum is free and accessible to the public. If you’re looking for some glass wonders, Tacoma offers a great destination for you. It is a museum on a hill south of downtown Tacoma. There is also a rooftop sky deck with great views of the surrounding region. Fine paintings to fit your mood may be found here.

The Museum of Glass was one of my favorite locations to visit; I took so many shots, and it was absolutely breathtaking. Thus, if you’re searching for things to do in Tacoma, I recommend going! A tip: every third Thursday of the month, from 5 to 8 p.m., the admittance is free.

See the Fuzhou Ting Garden.

Tacoma, +125330510901741 N Schuster Pkwy

There are many things to do in Tacoma, but if you want to try something new, consider visiting Fuzhou Ting. One of Tacoma’s most important gardens is the Fujian Ting Garden. It was founded in 1987 by a sister city agreement between Tacoma and Fuzhou.

Fuzhou Ting has several walking pathways and wonderful views along the Russell Way Waterfront, which runs beside Puget Sound.

At this park, I was able to get away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Tacoma while photographing some unique buildings and flora that were unlike the conventional monuments you may find on a city guide.

Pay a visit to the Washington State History Museum.

Tacoma, WA +125327235001911 Pacific Ave

This museum will take you on a tour of the region’s prehistory, settlement, Civil War years, and growth into modern-day metropolises. Throughout your stay, you will be surrounded by artifacts uncovered around the state, including an actual World War II Spitfire fighter jet.

The museum has six levels of displays, which may seem like too much for one day, but the staff is superb at assisting you in deciding what to view first. As you enter the museum, you may get a map that shows you where each exhibit is.

A guided tour may also be requested. I appreciated my guide’s understanding of the themes of each chamber, since he gave us all we needed to know about each one.

See Vehicles in the LeMay Family Collection at Marymount University.

+12532722324325 Tacoma 152nd St E

The Guinness Book of World Records lists Marymounts LeMay Family Collection as the biggest privately owned automotive collection of all time.

If you like automobiles, this is one of the greatest things to do in Tacoma. You can expect to see a wide range of antique vehicles here, including cars, trucks, fire engines, and even motorbikes.

There are various options for touring the collection. If you want to understand more about the incredible automotive exhibits, you may request a guided tour and get all of your questions addressed.

Visit the Tacoma Children’s Museum.

Tacoma, WA +125362760311501 Pacific Ave

The Childrens Museum of Tacoma, in addition to being housed in the extremely lovely Union Station of Tacoma, has a lot to offer both locals and visitors, making it even more desirable to both.

The museum is situated within the historic railway station, which was erected in 1911 and retains much of its original charm.

When I first visited The Children’s Museum of Tacoma, I was rather pleased. When the museum’s mission statement declares that it is dedicated to giving children with a fun and exciting environment in which to play and learn about the world, you know you’re in for a good time!

Discover the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium.

Tacoma, WA +125340438005400 N Pearl St

Exploring Point Defiance Park, Tacoma’s huge park, is one of the most popular things to do in Tacoma. For a number of reasons, Point Defiance Park is a popular destination in Greater Tacoma. It’s in the newly renovated and bustling Ruston Way Waterfront District.

The Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium has interactive exhibits and is the Pacific Northwest’s first combined zoo and aquarium. This attraction near Tacoma, Washington, in the United States, features creatures from all over the globe, including the Amur leopard (one of Asia’s largest cats) and 10 distinct types of penguins from Brazil.

Throughout the spring and summer, you may see small penguin babies in their burrows at the Little Penguin Critter Trail, a seasonal tide pool display. The park also has a fun kids section called KidZone, as well as a live butterfly display.

Pay a visit to the Fort Nisqually Living History Museum.

Tacoma, WA +125340439705519 Five Mile Dr

You may experience what it was like to live and witness the rich history of the Puget Sound and Nisqually River Valley at the Fort Nisqually Living History Museum in Silver Lake.

During your tour to the fort, you will learn about the region’s history, events, trades, and much more. The Fort Nisqually crew recreates 1850s society in an effort to bring this frequently forgotten chapter of American history to life.

My visit to Tacoma, Washington’s Fort Nisqually Living History Museum was intriguing. When guests arrive, the museum staff members are clothed in historical attire and come to life. I also observed replicas of Native American arts and crafts, as well as the fort’s surrounds. Visiting here is one of the unusual things to do in Tacoma.

Attend a Performance at the Tacoma Dome

Tacoma, +125327236632727 E D St

Spend some time at the Tacoma Dome, which is situated in the city’s centre. With five concert venues, a museum devoted to sports legacy, a full-service food court, and a 10,000-seat events center, it is one of Washington State’s largest venues.

Family gather here for a day of amusement, and residents watch sports events here on a regular basis. Artifacts from local sports history are included in the museum’s holdings.

I went to the Tacoma Dome in search of something fresh and interesting to do in Tacoma. The performance was Cirque Du Soleil, and it was fantastic from beginning to end.

The film’s imaginative direction, excellent choreography, and fascinating plot did not disappoint. I was quite pleased when I left the Tacoma Dome complex.

W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory is a must-see.

Tacoma, WA +12534043975316 S G St

The Botanical Conservatory is an unique treasure for Tacoma since it is one of the few free conservatories. It should be noted that the Botanical Conservatory is not a classic living museum or botanical garden, so don’t expect to see any animals or giant plants like banana trees or redwood forests. Instead, expect to see a classic glass structure with a distinctive dome-shaped top.

Overall, the W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory has a unique atmosphere. I’ve grown to appreciate the wonderfully built dome, the diversity of flowers in each region of the conservatory, and the tranquil atmosphere, which is great for stress relief.

View the Chihuly Glass Bridge.

Tacoma’s Glass Bridge

If you want to appreciate Tacoma’s rich glassmaking legacy at its best, you should go to the Chihuly Bridge of Glass. The 500-foot-high pedestrian bridge joins the Museum of Glass with the Thea Foss Waterway.

This magnificent bridge connects art and history. When artist Dale Chihuly chose to sculpt the three major spans, he not only gave it a new name that pays respect to glass and Tacoma’s heritage, but he also gave it a personality.

Topping off the list of things to do in Tacoma, Washington

Tacoma may lack the urban feel of a larger city, but it is worth a visit. While there, you’ll find lots to do, such as hiking at Point Defiance Park and visiting as many museums as you desire. Tacoma has a few excellent parks that will give you with all the leisure you want. Tacoma is less than an hour’s drive from Seattle. That is my observation, and the lodging here is far less expensive than in Seattle. This lovely community boasts some of the most stunning vistas in the Pacific Northwest. It’s an art lover’s dream!

And if hunger strikes and you’re seeking for terrific places to dine and amuse yourself in Tacoma, I’ve got you covered with my ultimate picks for the 9 Best Tacoma North End eateries.