Your Ultimate Road Trip Guide: Essentials for Adventure On and Off the Road

Your Ultimate Road Trip Guide: Essentials for Adventure On and Off the Road

Are you gearing up for an unforgettable road trip adventure, or are you a local looking for a weekend packed with excitement? Whether you’re leaving the area or exploring the best of what the Pacific Northwest has to offer, the Waterfront Market has you covered with everything you need for an epic journey. From road trip essentials to must-visit local attractions, let’s dive into the ultimate guide for your next escapade!

Road Trip Essentials:

  • Kids Road Games – Eco Repurpose: Keep the little ones entertained and engaged with eco-friendly road games that promote creativity and sustainability. Repurpose household items like cardboard boxes, paper rolls, and old magazines to create DIY games like scavenger hunts, travel bingo, and story cubes.
  • Snacks: Fuel your adventures with delicious snacks from Pico Rico, Pike Nuts, Fardell Farms & Emish Meat, and don’t forget to pack some tasty treats for your furry friend with Shugies doggy snacks.
  • Travel Mugs: Sip on your favorite beverages on the go with travel mugs from Tea Madame, perfect for keeping your drinks hot or cold throughout your journey.
  • Travel Toiletries: Stay fresh and clean with travel toiletries from Love Lura, featuring eco-friendly and sustainable products that are gentle on both your skin and the environment.
  • Reading Material: Dive into a good book during your downtime with a selection from El Rincon, offering a diverse range of reading material to suit every taste.

If We Are the Destination:

  • A Weekend Filled with Activities: Experience the best of our destination area with a weekend packed full of exciting activities for the whole family.
  • Accommodation: Enjoy a comfortable stay at the Silvercloud Hotel, where you can relax and recharge after a day of adventure.
  • Movies at Cinemark: Catch the latest blockbusters or enjoy a classic film at Cinemark, the perfect way to unwind and escape into the world of cinema.
  • Point Defiance Zoo: Get up close and personal with fascinating wildlife at Point Defiance Zoo, where you can explore exhibits featuring animals from around the globe.
  • Kenmore Air: Take to the skies and experience breathtaking aerial views of our destination area with Kenmore Air, offering scenic flights and tours.
  • Skimboards: Hit the beach and ride the waves with skimboards, providing endless fun for water enthusiasts of all ages.
  • Food: Indulge your taste buds with a culinary adventure at Taco Street, Zaya, Wild Sugar, and Boba Tea, where you can sample a variety of delicious dishes and beverages.

No matter where your road trip takes you, the Waterfront Market is your one-stop destination for all your travel needs. From eco-friendly essentials to exciting local attractions, we’re here to help you make the most of your adventure, one stop at a time. Safe travels!

Things to do in Tacoma

What to do in Tacoma Washington - Tacoma Skyline
What to do in Tacoma Washington - Tacoma Skyline

When visiting our fair city of Tacoma you want to be sure to check out everything Tacoma has to offer. We have compiled a list of all the hot spots in and around the Tacoma area. We also have listed our favorite places to stay in Tacoma.

What to do in Tacoma

Having friends or family in from out of town? Of course you will want to bring them to the Waterfront Market at Ruston first, but what about after? What else is there to do in Tacoma? Well, here is a great local approved list. Let us know if you have some other Tacoma hot spots near the market we need to add!

Events at Waterfront Market at Ruston

Waterfront Market at Ruston

Of course, the Waterfront Market at Ruston is the first on our list. Locals and visitors love coming to the market to see what the Pacific Northwest has to offer.

Tours of Tacoma with Gritty City Tours

Pretty Gritty Tours

If you have someone in from out of town, or if you just want to get to know our city a bit more take a tour of Tacoma and the surrounding areas with Pretty Gritty Tours.

Chihuly Bridge of Glass

Within driving distance from our market, the Chihuly Bridge of Glass is a great place to find some of the worlds finest glass art projects. Bridge of Glass.

Point Defiance Park - Tacoma Washington

Point Defiance Park

Tacoma's Point Defiance park is a short 10 minute walk from the Waterfront Market at Ruston. This huge park has lots of seashore as well as forest to explore. Check out Point Defiance Park here.

Lemay America's Car Museum - Tacoma Washington

LeMay - America's Car Museum

A short drive away, this 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 Best Museum in Western Washington. Learn more about the car museum here.

Washington State History Museum - Tacoma Washington

Washington State History Museum

Located on Pacific Avenue in Tacoma, the museum’s brick façade and vaulted arches create a distinctive landmark in keeping with neighboring Union Station... Check out the Washington State History Museum's website.

Museum of Glass - Tacoma Washington

Museum of Glass

Museum of Glass, in the heart of downtown Tacoma, offers live glassblowing demonstrations, dynamic exhibitions, and make your own glass experiences. Learn more about Tacoma's Museum of Art here.

Metro Parks Tacoma - Ruston's park department

Metro Parks

Metro Parks Tacoma creates and supports our great parks here in Tacoma. We have SO many beautiful places to meet and explore, the hardest part is figuring out which park to visit first! Check out some great parks today.

Tacoma Art Museum - Tacoma Washington

Tacoma Art Museum

The Tacoma Art Museum is a great place to spend the day. Lot's of great local art. Here is some more information on the TAM. Pretty Gritty Tours.

Foss Waterway Seaport -Tacoma Washington

Foss Waterway Seaport

Just a short drive from our Market you can explore our region’s extraordinary maritime heritage! Learn how the people, boats, and industries that built the heart of Tacoma have shaped our future and changed the way we view the treasures of Puget Sound. Check out our maritime history

Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium - Tacoma WA

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium

A great place to bring the kids, the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is the only combined zoo and aquarium in the Pacific Northwest, located in Tacoma, Washington. Start your zoorific adventure here!

Wright Park

Wright Park is ideal for a leisurely stroll or taking your kids to the playground or sprayground. This 27 acre arboretum is home to a rich collection of more than 600 trees. Start your zoorific adventure here!

Visit Vashon Island from Tacoma

Visit Vashon Island - Ferry Ride

Within walking distance, the Point Defiance ferry can take you to Vashon Island. Explore the island called The Heart of the Puget Sound. Explore Vashon Island here.

Dune Park Tacoma Washington

Dune Peninsula at Point Defiance Park

With space enough to accommodate public gatherings, Dune Peninsula at Point Defiance Park is 11 acres of newly landscaped park property on the breakwater peninsula surrounding the Tacoma Yacht Club boat basin. It is a unique location with an unparalleled perspective on both the bay and the sky above. Visit the Dune Peninsula.

Where to Stay in Tacoma

Silver Cloud Hotel and Spa - Point Ruston

Silver Cloud Hotel Tacoma at Point Ruston Waterfront

Located just below the Waterfront Market at Ruston, The Silver Cloud Hotel and Spa is a luxury hotel and spa located along the shoreline in North Tacoma in Ruston Washington. Their destination offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Puget Sound waterfront along with the Olympic and Cascade Mountains. Within walking distance to beautiful parks, delicious food, and unique Pacific Northwest shopping experiences.
Book your next Tacoma luxury experience here.

Other Tacoma Tourism Resources

Community Yoga at the Waterfront Market

Weekly Yoga in Ruston Washington at the Waterfront Market

Finding a place to do yoga in Ruston just got a lot easier. Community Yoga at the Waterfront Market at Ruston, every Tuesday! Bring your mat down to the market for a great stretch from 12pm-1pm. All levels of Yoga experience welcomed. This free event is a great way to focus on your wellness. Special thanks to Grit City Wellness for helping us bring wellness to the Tacoma community! As always find other great events in Ruston Washington here.

Weekly Yoga in Ruston Washington at the Waterfront Market

 

Connect with Grit City Wellness here:

https://www.instagram.com/gritcitywellness/

https://www.facebook.com/gritcitywellness

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIhPqbmwkMicrOP3zkgTdQA

https://www.twitter.com/grittwellness

Community Yoga at the Waterfront Market

Weekly Yoga in Ruston Washington at the Waterfront Market

Finding a place to do yoga in Ruston just got a lot easier. Community Yoga at the Waterfront Market at Ruston, every Tuesday! Bring your mat down to the market for a great stretch from 12pm-1pm. All levels of Yoga experience welcomed. This free event is a great way to focus on your wellness. Special thanks to Grit City Wellness for helping us bring wellness to the Tacoma community! As always find other great events in Ruston Washington here.

Weekly Yoga in Ruston Washington at the Waterfront Market

 

Connect with Grit City Wellness here:

https://www.instagram.com/gritcitywellness/

https://www.facebook.com/gritcitywellness

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIhPqbmwkMicrOP3zkgTdQA

https://www.twitter.com/grittwellness

Community Yoga at the Waterfront Market

Weekly Yoga in Ruston Washington at the Waterfront Market

Finding a place to do yoga in Ruston just got a lot easier. Community Yoga at the Waterfront Market at Ruston, every Tuesday! Bring your mat down to the market for a great stretch from 12pm-1pm. All levels of Yoga experience welcomed. This free event is a great way to focus on your wellness. Special thanks to Grit City Wellness for helping us bring wellness to the Tacoma community! As always find other great events in Ruston Washington here.

Weekly Yoga in Ruston Washington at the Waterfront Market

 

Connect with Grit City Wellness here:

https://www.instagram.com/gritcitywellness/

https://www.facebook.com/gritcitywellness

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIhPqbmwkMicrOP3zkgTdQA

https://www.twitter.com/grittwellness

Community Yoga at the Waterfront Market

Weekly Yoga in Ruston Washington at the Waterfront Market

Finding a place to do yoga in Ruston just got a lot easier. Community Yoga at the Waterfront Market at Ruston, every Tuesday! Bring your mat down to the market for a great stretch from 12pm-1pm. All levels of Yoga experience welcomed. This free event is a great way to focus on your wellness. Special thanks to Grit City Wellness for helping us bring wellness to the Tacoma community! As always find other great events in Ruston Washington here.

Weekly Yoga in Ruston Washington at the Waterfront Market

 

Connect with Grit City Wellness here:

https://www.instagram.com/gritcitywellness/

https://www.facebook.com/gritcitywellness

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIhPqbmwkMicrOP3zkgTdQA

https://www.twitter.com/grittwellness

Community Yoga at the Waterfront Market

Weekly Yoga in Ruston Washington at the Waterfront Market

Finding a place to do yoga in Ruston just got a lot easier. Community Yoga at the Waterfront Market at Ruston, every Tuesday! Bring your mat down to the market for a great stretch from 12pm-1pm. All levels of Yoga experience welcomed. This free event is a great way to focus on your wellness. Special thanks to Grit City Wellness for helping us bring wellness to the Tacoma community! As always find other great events in Ruston Washington here.

Weekly Yoga in Ruston Washington at the Waterfront Market

 

Connect with Grit City Wellness here:

https://www.instagram.com/gritcitywellness/

https://www.facebook.com/gritcitywellness

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIhPqbmwkMicrOP3zkgTdQA

https://www.twitter.com/grittwellness

Community Yoga at the Waterfront Market

Weekly Yoga in Ruston Washington at the Waterfront Market

Finding a place to do yoga in Ruston just got a lot easier. Community Yoga at the Waterfront Market at Ruston, every Tuesday! Bring your mat down to the market for a great stretch from 12pm-1pm. All levels of Yoga experience welcomed. This free event is a great way to focus on your wellness. Special thanks to Grit City Wellness for helping us bring wellness to the Tacoma community! As always find other great events in Ruston Washington here.

Weekly Yoga in Ruston Washington at the Waterfront Market

 

Connect with Grit City Wellness here:

https://www.instagram.com/gritcitywellness/

https://www.facebook.com/gritcitywellness

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIhPqbmwkMicrOP3zkgTdQA

https://www.twitter.com/grittwellness