10 Fun Things To Do In And Around Tacoma, Washington (Pierce County)
If you’re planning a trip to
Tacoma, Washington, or maybe you’re a local looking for new ideas, you’re in the right place. Tacoma often sits in Seattle’s shadow, but it has its own personality: gritty, creative, and surprisingly beautiful, with big views of
Mount Rainier and the waters of
Puget Sound.
Below are
10 things to do in and near Tacoma that give you a real taste of this
Pierce County city and its surroundings.
1. Stroll Tacoma’s Waterfront at Point Ruston & Ruston Way
If you only do one thing in Tacoma, make it a walk along the water.
Ruston Way and the newer
Point Ruston area offer a long, mostly flat paved path right along Commencement Bay. You’ll see joggers, dog walkers, families with strollers, and cyclists all sharing the same gorgeous views.
- Watch seals and sea birds just off the shore.
- Grab an ice cream, coffee, or fish and chips.
- Let the kids loose at the waterfront playgrounds.
On a clear day, you might catch Mount Rainier glowing pink at sunset. If you like to start your mornings early, this is a peaceful place for a sunrise walk with a hot drink in hand.
2. Explore the Museum of Glass and See Live Glassblowing
Tacoma is the hometown of famous glass artist Dale Chihuly, so it makes sense that one of the top things to do in Tacoma is visit the
Museum of Glass.
The building itself is hard to miss. It has a big silver cone that looks like something from a sci‑fi movie. Inside, you’ll find:
- Hot Shop: Watch live glassblowing demonstrations. It’s warm, bright, and fascinating to see molten glass shaped right in front of you.
- Colorful glass exhibits from artists around the world.
- Family-friendly areas where kids can explore art in a hands-on way.
Afterward, walk across the
Chihuly Bridge of Glass, an outdoor walkway filled with vivid glass sculptures overhead and along the sides. It’s free to wander and makes for great photos, especially in the late afternoon light.
3. Visit LeMay – America’s Car Museum
If you like cars, even just a little, you’ll love
LeMay – America’s Car Museum. It sits right next to the
Tacoma Dome and is one of the largest auto museums in the world.
Inside you’ll find:
- Classic cars from the early 1900s.
- Muscle cars, race cars, and vintage trucks.
- Rotating exhibits that dive into car culture and history.
You don’t have to be a gearhead to enjoy it. The layout is easy to follow, and helpful signs explain the stories behind the cars. It’s a solid indoor activity for a rainy day in Tacoma, which locals know happens pretty often.
4. Step Back in Time at Fort Nisqually Living History Museum
Located inside
Point Defiance Park,
Fort Nisqually Living History Museum is a great stop for families and history buffs.
This reconstructed 1800s Hudson’s Bay Company trading post is staffed by volunteers in period clothing. As you walk through, you can:
- Peek into old-style kitchens and workshops.
- Chat with costumed interpreters about life in the 19th century.
- See demonstrations like blacksmithing or candle making on certain days.
It’s a fun way to learn a little local history without feeling like you’re back in a classroom.
5. Wander Through Point Defiance Park & Zoo
You could easily spend a whole day in
Point Defiance Park, one of the largest urban parks in the country. It covers more than 700 acres and offers a mix of forest, gardens, and water views.
Some highlights:
- Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium: See tigers, polar bears, sharks, and sea otters in one combined zoo and aquarium. It’s very walkable for families.
- Five Mile Drive: A scenic loop (some parts are now bike and pedestrian only) with views of Puget Sound and the Olympics.
- Rose Garden and Japanese Garden: Peaceful places for a quiet stroll and photos when the flowers are in bloom.
- Owen Beach: A sandy, rocky beach where you can watch ferry boats and look for sea glass along the shore.
If you pack a picnic and comfortable shoes, Point Defiance is one of the best free things to do in Tacoma.
6. Enjoy Local Art at the Tacoma Art Museum (TAM)
Downtown Tacoma has a compact arts district, and the
Tacoma Art Museum is right in the middle of it. If you enjoy art but don’t want to spend hours in a huge museum, TAM is a good fit. It’s big enough to be interesting, but not overwhelming.
Inside, you’ll find:
- Works by Northwest artists, including Dale Chihuly glass pieces.
- Western American art, from landscapes to cowboy scenes.
- Rotating exhibits that often feature modern and regional art.
The building is bright, with lots of natural light, and there’s a small café if you need a coffee break. It pairs well with a visit to the Museum of Glass since they’re just a short walk apart.
7. Take a Day Trip to Mount Rainier National Park
One of the best things about Tacoma is how close it is to
Mount Rainier National Park. On clear days, you can see the mountain towering over the city. But if you have time, it’s worth getting closer.
From Tacoma, it’s roughly a 1.5 to 2-hour drive, depending on which entrance you use and traffic. Once you’re there, you can:
- Hike easy trails through wildflower meadows in summer.
- Walk short paths with big views, like the ones around Paradise or Sunrise visitor areas.
- Snowshoe or play in the snow in winter (check road conditions first).
Be sure to bring layers, water, snacks, and sturdy shoes. The weather can change quickly at higher elevations. If you’re visiting Tacoma from out of state, this is a bucket‑list day trip you’ll remember.
8. Discover Gig Harbor, Just Across the Bridge
Hop over the
Tacoma Narrows Bridge (yes, the one famous for the old “Galloping Gertie” collapse) and you’ll soon reach
Gig Harbor, a charming small harbor town in Pierce County.
In Gig Harbor, you can:
- Stroll the waterfront and check out local shops and cafés.
- Rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard and explore the harbor.
- Enjoy fresh seafood with a view of the boats and, on clear days, Mount Rainier.
It feels like a slower, quieter pace compared to downtown Tacoma, making it a nice half-day or evening getaway.
9. Sample Local Food and Beer in Tacoma’s Neighborhoods
Tacoma has a growing food and craft beer scene. If you like trying local flavors when you travel, set aside time to eat your way through a few neighborhoods:
- 6th Avenue: Casual restaurants, coffee shops, and bars all along one long street. It’s easy to park once and walk.
- Proctor District: A smaller, family-friendly area with bakeries, restaurants, and a seasonal farmers market.
- Downtown & Brewery District: Home to several craft breweries where you can try local IPAs, lagers, and seasonal brews.
If you’re not into beer, don’t worry. You’ll find cider, cocktails, and plenty of non-alcoholic options too. It’s a fun way to spend an evening after a day at the museums or waterfront.
10. Catch a Game, Show, or Festival in Tacoma
Tacoma loves its events. Depending on when you visit, you can often find something happening:
- Tacoma Dome: Big-name concerts, major shows, and sports events.
- Cheney Stadium: Home to the Tacoma Rainiers, a Triple-A baseball team. The games are relaxed, family-friendly, and usually more affordable than big league tickets.
- Local festivals: Watch for events like the Daffodil Parade, waterfront festivals, car shows, and art walks.
If you’re planning a trip, it’s worth checking Tacoma’s event calendar ahead of time. You might be able to line up your visit with a concert or game that adds a little extra excitement to your stay.
Tips for Visiting Tacoma, Washington
To make your Tacoma trip smoother, keep these quick tips in mind:
- Weather: Tacoma can be rainy and cloudy, especially fall through spring. Pack a light rain jacket and layers.
- Getting around: A car is handy, especially for Point Defiance and Mount Rainier, but downtown is walkable and has light rail and buses.
- Views of Mount Rainier: Your best chances are on clear days in late spring, summer, and early fall.
Share Your Tacoma Experience
Tacoma might surprise you. It’s a mix of waterfront beauty, art, history, and easy access to some of Washington’s best nature, all in one place.
Have you been to
Tacoma, Washington or anywhere in
Pierce County yet?
Which of these 10 things to do would you put at the top of your list?
Drop a comment with your favorite Tacoma spot or any hidden gems I missed. And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends or family who are planning a trip to the Pacific Northwest.
Comments
Post a Comment