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Don’t Miss These 4 Great Things To Do in Tacoma, Washington

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Just 30 miles south of Downtown Seattle, Tacoma goes unnoticed by the majority of visitors to the Pacific North West. Despite this, there are so many amazing things to do in Tacoma you’ll soon wonder how it so often slips under the radar.

Nestled at the southern tip of magnificent Puget Sound, Tacoma is surrounded by natural beauty. Flanked by the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges, whichever way you look, you’ll be in for a treat.

Downtown itself is home to many of the best things to do in Tacoma. From a staggering array of museums to divine restaurants and great shopping, there’s no shortage of things to see and do. A relatively small city, especially when compared to its neighbors Seattle and Portland, it’s not hard to work through all of those things to do in Tacoma in one visit.

Getting to Tacoma

Well served by public transport, it’s easy to get to Tacoma even if you haven’t rented a car. Seattle is just 35 miles to the north and, better still, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is just 25 miles away.

By air

The Pacific North West’s busiest airport, SeaTac as it’s colloquially known, sees flights from all corners of the U.S., Europe, Asia and Latin America. A hub for Alaska Airlines, American and Delta, it is extremely well connected. To find the best deals and itineraries, compare flight options before you book.

From SeaTac, it’s a short 35-minute bus ride on Sound Transit bus 574 to Downtown Tacoma. Buses run every half hour and tickets can be purchased with cash on board or via the Transit Go mobile app for iOS and Android.

By land

Aside from regular bus services from Seattle, Tacoma is also served by long distance Flixbus coaches from Eugene, Portland and Spokane. Amtrak trains serve Tacoma Dome station which is within walking distance of Downtown Tacoma’s hotels, restaurants and sights.

There are several trains daily on the Amtrak Cascades route which links Tacoma with Seattle and Vancouver in the north and Portland and Eugene in the south. The iconic Coast Starlight also stops in Tacoma on it’s 35-hour journey between Seattle and Los Angeles.

Where to stay in Tacoma

As many of the best things to do in Tacoma are Downtown, we suggest you stay in a centrally located hotel. Whichever area of Downtown Tacoma you pick, you’ll be within walking distance of the top sights and transport links. Hotel prices in Tacoma are far lower than Seattle, so for the expense of a short commute, you could extend your stay and use Tacoma as a base for exploring the Emerald City.

Hotel Murano

Unequivocally our number one choice of hotel for exploring all the great things to do in Tacoma, Hotel Murano is right in the heart of Downtown. Connected to the convention center and a short walk from Tacoma Dome station, this modern boutique hotel ticks all the boxes.

The rooms are clean and spacious, their restaurant, bite, serves an imaginative menu featuring locally sourced ingredients and the bar is an excellent place to relax or crack on with some work after a day of traveling or exploring. What really puts Hotel Murano on a pedestal, though, is the service. The staff go all out to make every stay special.

McMenamins Elks Temple

At the northern end of Broadway, right by the historic seaport, McMenamins Elks Temple certainly deserves an award for the best named hotel in Tacoma. Built in 1916 to serve as a temple for the Elks fraternal brotherhood, the hotel packs four bars, a craft brewery and a traditional pub serving hearty grub. The rooms are lavishly designed and very spacious.

Emerald Queen Hotel & Casino

A little further from the main streets of Downtown, but still within walking distance and with a price tag to match, Emerald Queen is ideal for longer stays. It boasts an onsite casino, regular entertainment and six restaurants. The rooms are modern and comfortable with simple, minimalistic designs. The Emerald Queen’s suites are perfectly designed for extended stays.

4 things to do in Tacoma you shouldn’t miss

Soak up culture in Tacoma’s museums

Tacoma has more than its fair share of museums, so it should come as no surprise that ticking off a few is one of the best things to do in Tacoma. The majority are within walking distance of each other, meaning you can get through several in a day. Those which are slightly further away are still just a short taxi ride from Downtown.

The best museums in Downtown Tacoma

Tacoma’s most famous museum, the Museum of Glass should be at the top of every list of things to do in Tacoma. Aside from the stunning glass cone-shaped building, the museum has an incredible collection. Pieces on display come from all corners of the globe as well as from local artists and former residencies. Watch glass making in action in the Hot Shop before delving into the exhibitions. I’d recommend skipping the line by purchasing tickets in advance.

Another unmissable spot on our rundown of the best things to do in Tacoma is LeMay- America’s Car Museum. Conveniently located next to Tacoma Dome, LeMay have over 350 vehicles on display. Covering everything from muscle cars to some of the very first cars ever built, there’s something for everyone. LeMay is open Thursday through Monday and tickets can be purchased on the door.

Tacoma Historical Society is the place to go to learn about Tacoma’s past. Free to visit, the museum features regularly changing exhibits. Alongside these, permanent displays recount the history of the city from its origins with the Puyallup Indians through to its founding in the nineteenth century.

The best museums outside Downtown

On a picturesque peninsula jutting out into Puget Sound, a visit to Fort Nisqually Living History Museum is, without doubt, one of the best things to do in Tacoma. Built in 1843, Fort Nisqually was an important trading post for the Hudson’s Bay Company. In the mid-nineteenth century, the fur trade was booming and a number of similar forts were built along the West Coast. Nisqually was one of the most strategically important, serving as a midway point along the coast.

Today, the fort has been transformed into a living museum. Exhibitions showcase the fort’s history along with the arduous process of restoring it to its current state. Opening times vary by season, so check before you visit.

Just across the Sound in Gig Harbor, the next contender for one of the best things to do in Tacoma is the Harbor History Museum. Their permanent exhibits tell the tale of Gig Harbor Peninsula’s rich and unique history. The highlight is 65-foot long purse seiner Shenandoah. Built in 1925, the museum are undertaking a full restoration of this traditional fishing boat.

Make a splash at Tacoma’s top water park

If you’re visiting Tacoma during the summer, the chances are you’ll be looking for a place to cool off. For those not quite adventurous enough to plunge in to the Pacific, we’ve found the next best thing. One of the ultimate things to do in Tacoma, particularly for families, is a trip to Wild Waves.

Thrill seekers will delight at The Wild Thing, the park’s original rollercoaster. Don’t miss your chance to ride on Washington’s largest wooden coaster, the Timberhawk Ride of Prey. If you prefer your fun on the slightly less scary side- I’m raising my hand here- there are loads of family friendly rides. Classic dodgems, an antique carousel and twisters are the pick of the crop.

Wild Waves is open seasonally from mid-May to early November. Check current hours and save on admission fees by booking online.

Dive into Tacoma’s foodie scene

No matter where you go, seeking out good food is one of the most important aspects of travel. It should go without saying that one of the best things to do in Tacoma is to immerse yourself in the local cuisine. And that, Tacoma has no shortage of.

Of course, there’s plenty of spots to indulge in classic all American favorites. Traditional diner classics are in abundance at Alfred’s Cafe whilst burger lovers will find heaven at Shake Shake Shake. If you’re looking for some of Tacoma’s signature seafood, head to waterside restaurant The Fish Peddler. For something a little different, gouge on Weiner Schnitzel and German beers at Berliner Beerhall or try a taste of Naples at woodfired pizza spot Wooden City.

You’ll also find a strong Asian influence in the Tacoma restaurant scene. Travel in a straight line across the Pacific, the first land you’d hit would be Japan. It’s no surprise then that sampling a taste of East Asia should be high on your list of things to do in Tacoma. TheKoi is the place to go for Japanese fayre; the sushi is divine. Pho King is the go-to spot for Vietnamese cooking and is one of Tacoma’s many fantastic vegan-friendly restaurants.

Head to the beach

Surrounded by such beauty, make sure getting out of town and soaking up nature is a priority of your things to do in Tacoma.

With Puget Sound within touching distance of Downtown, you don’t have to go far to dip your toes in the ocean. Some of Washington’s best beaches are just around the corner from Tacoma. One of the closest, Owen Beach is right next to Fort Nisqually.

For the full seaside resort experience, take a trip north to Des Moines. A thirty minute drive, or an hour by public transport, Des Moines sits on Puget Sound between Tacoma and SeaTac airport. Wander out to the end of the pier at sunset for a view that will never leave you. Don’t miss the chance to sample some delicious fish and chips from The Frying Dutchman.

If you fancy getting out on to the water, head across to Gig Harbor for a cruise on Puget Sound. This two hour cruise offers stunning views of Mount Rainer and the Tacoma Narrows Bridge with commentary as you sail.


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