Tucked along the shores of the Puget Sound, Tacoma offers a laid-back mix of waterfront views, creative energy, and easy access to the outdoors. From museum-hopping and food crawls to coastal walks and kayak rides, here are eight experiences you won’t want to miss on your next trip to Tacoma, Washington.
Explore Point Defiance Park
Kick things off at Point Defiance Park, a 640-acre urban oasis that blends forest, shoreline, and wildlife into one expansive setting. Cruise along Five Mile Drive for panoramic views of Puget Sound, or head straight for the Outer Loop Trail for a car-free hike through old-growth forests. Bring a camera for Instagram-worthy shots at scenic viewpoints along the way.
Make your way down to Owen Beach to walk the rocky shoreline or rent a kayak and paddle onto the Sound. Rent a boat from the pier or cast a line from the Point Defiance Marina. Step back in time at Fort Nisqually Living History Museum to experience what life was like in a 19th-century Northwest trading post.
Stroll the botanical garden to see a colorful array of exotic plants from all over the world. Explore the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium for everything from polar bears to tropical marine life. Spend a few hours focusing on one area or commit to a full day—there’s nowhere else in Tacoma where you can move from forest trails to beaches to wildlife exhibits in one place.
Visit the Museum of Glass and the Bridge of Glass
Discover the evolution of modern glass art at the Museum of Glass. Start by crossing into the cone-shaped museum from the Chihuly Bridge of Glass, an immersive pedestrian bridge adorned with colorful glass sculptures. Inside, move through a mix of rotating exhibitions and permanent collections showcasing contemporary glass art.
Watch visiting artists turn molten glass into masterpieces from an amphitheater-style seating area in the Hot Shop. Want to get in on the action? Check the calendar for creative workshops that let you create your own mosaic or glass dish. Grab a quick bite inside The Museum Café, or continue into downtown Tacoma to experience the rest of its artsy waterfront district.
Spend Time in the Museum District
Wander the ultra-walkable museum district to check out several major attractions within just a few blocks. Step into the Tacoma Art Museum to one of the region’s most impressive collections of Northwest and Western American art. Don’t miss the permanent Dale Chihuly glass exhibit for a deeper understanding of Tacoma’s connection to the studio glass movement.
Stroll through interactive exhibits covering early industry and Indigenous culture at the Washington State History Museum. Look for the large-scale model railroad display to view mini versions of historic local landscapes. Head toward the water to see the Foss Waterway Seaport, set inside a restored warehouse. Move through exhibits on shipbuilding and maritime trade, then swing by the boat shop to watch craftsmen restoring wooden vessels in real time.
Walk the Ruston Way Waterfront
Visit the Ruston Way Waterfront for an easy, scenic walk or bike ride along the shores of Commencement Bay. Soak up steady views of the Puget Sound and passing ferries on a path that hugs the shoreline for most of the way. On clear days, look out for Mount Rainier rising in the distance. Feel free to bring your pup—the entire path is dog-friendly.
Stop at Anthem Coffee & Tea in Point Ruston to fuel up before continuing your sightseeing adventure. Craving something to eat? Enjoy fresh seafood at one of the waterfront restaurants lining the path. Start your excursion around golden hour and finish at Dune Peninsula for wide-open views from one of the best sunset spots in Tacoma.
Eat and Drink Along 6th Avenue
Explore downtown Tacoma’s 6th Avenue to experience one of the city’s most personality-driven dining areas. Embrace your inner foodie on a self-guided crawl to sample dishes at a handful of hotspots. Savor comforting brunch staples and creative cocktails at Dirty Oscar’s Annex, or try Latin-inspired small plates and grilled meats at Asado.
Indulge in Mediterranean flavors made with locally sourced ingredients at Primo Grill, but be sure to book ahead to avoid a wait. Taste your way through the craft beer scene at laid-back bars like The Red Hot or Parkway Tavern. Catch live music at Jazzbones, then wrap up the night with pastries from Corina Bakery or a small-batch scoop from Ice Cream Social.
Hang Out in Point Ruston
Make your way to Point Ruston to stroll around the city’s waterfront hub. Walk between shops, restaurants, and public gathering spaces while staying within steps of the water. Shop for trendy clothing at Purpose Boutique or browse artisan-made gifts at Bloom Society. Step inside the Waterfront Market for an assortment of flowers, produce, baked goods, and handcrafted items.
Grab lunch at WildFin American Grill for Northwest seafood with a view, or keep things casual at Stack 571 Burger and Whiskey Bar or Farrelli’s Pizza. Time your visit around one of the area’s seasonal events, from summer outdoor movies and live music to holiday markets and festive light displays.
Visit a Beach or Waterfront Park
Slow the pace and take in the shoreline from one of Tacoma’s beaches or waterfront parks. Go to Titlow Beach for a family-friendly setup with a park, water play area, and boardwalk with great views of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. Sunbathe on the beach or go for a swim if it’s warm out. Or, set up at Thea’s Park for picture-perfect views of Puget Sound in a space that feels private.
Choose Hidden Beach for a peaceful, uncrowded experience. Plan your outing around low tide to view shallow pools of water filled with marine life—like mussels, crabs, and starfish. Stay closer to the Ruston Way area to launch a kayak or paddleboard from Jack Hyde Park, or explore the stone sculptures and ornate Chinese-style pavilion at Chinese Reconciliation Park.
Walk the Prairie Line Trail to See Public Art
Set out on the Prairie Line Trail for a short, self-guided tour that blends public art with Tacoma’s industrial history. Follow the path of the former Northern Pacific Railroad, using the interactive map to uncover more about the city’s role as a rail and shipping hub. Pass restored brick warehouses and academic spaces as you weave through the University of Washington Tacoma campus.
Stop to engage with art installations built right into the trail. Look for pieces like “Shipment to China,” a bronze sculpture made of 100 stacked boxes on a railcar. Allow around 30 minutes for a relaxed pace. Fun fact: The trail leads to the Bridge of Glass, making it a convenient stop before exploring the area’s museums.
