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.
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!
What to do in Tacoma
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.
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'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
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
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
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
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
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
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 & 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 - 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 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.