The 23 Best Things to Do in Tacoma, WA
👉 Jump to: Things to Do | Museums & Cultural | Eat, Drink, Play & Shop | Free & Cheap
Tacoma is industrial, unpretentious, and vastly underrated. Expect an edgy art scene, fantastic museums, beautiful parks, unique restaurants, landmark eateries, and well-stocked vintage shops.
I’m a Washington local and I’m always delighted by the many things to do in Tacoma. Not sure where to begin? Don’t worry. This list covers all the must-see sights and attractions, along with several hidden gems.
Use this guide, plus my article on where to stay in Tacoma, to plan a perfect visit to Grit City.
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23 Best Things to Do in Tacoma
Point Defiance Park
Explore a giant park full of amazing Tacoma attractions.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (253) 305-1000 | Website | Hours: Open ½ hour before sunrise – Close ½ hour after sunset | Entrance: free to enter park (attractions prices vary)
Point Defiance Park is an enormous park on the northernmost tip of Tacoma. It’s home to some of the city’s best attractions including the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, the Fort Nisqually Living History Museum, Owen Beach, Five Mile Drive, a rose garden, and numerous trails.
Need a place to start? Go to Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium. The zoo has played a key role in the conservation of America’s red wolf population and they’re always one of my favorite animals to see.
The zoo also has sea otters, Asian elephants, puffins, and enthusiastic zookeepers who won’t mind if you ask dozens of questions about your favorite animals (learned from experience).
Explore the forested part of the park after a zoo visit. Head to Owen Beach to relax by the water and watch the Vashon Island ferry cross the Sound. Or visit the Dune Peninsula to watch for seals.
👉 Pro Tip: Hungry after exploring the park? Grab a delicious sandwich and a slice of pie from nearby Antique Sandwich Co. You won’t regret it.
6th Ave
Eat, bar hop, and shop on one of Tacoma’s coolest strips.
📍 Google Maps | Website
6th Ave is a Tacoma classic. Come here to peruse shops, bars, restaurants, and other local gems. The strip between State and Alder is where you’ll find some of the best this area has to offer.
Start by grabbing hot dogs and beer at The Red Hot. Then, head over to Hi-Voltage Records to peruse the vinyl collection. Find unique vintage clothing at Scorpio Rising, one of the best vintage shops in the city. After, grab a stack of good reads from Stargazer Comics.
Planning an evening visit? Wander down to Jazzbones for karaoke, a live show, or a dance party.
Museum of Glass
Marvel at stunning glass sculptures.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (253) 284-4750 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Wednesday – Monday daily, Closed Tuesday | Entrance: $22 adults, $13 children (6-18), free children under 6; free for all 5 pm – 8 pm on third Thursdays
Gorgeous glass sculptures by Dale Chihuly await visitors at the Museum of Glass. Here you can view awe-inspiring exhibits, see live demonstrations, and learn about the detailed process of making glass art.
The Museum of Glass is connected to the rest of downtown Tacoma by the Chihuly Bridge of Glass, a pedestrian bridge that gives you a little preview of what you’ll see in the contemporary art museum. Look up to spot stunning blown glass sculptures as you walk the 500-foot bridge.
Museum-hopping in Tacoma made my list of the best things to do in Washington State, so visit the MOG to check this item off your list. Feeling inspired after visiting? Sign up for a class at the Tacoma Glassblowing Studio to try your hand at making glass sculptures.
👉 Pro Tip: Are you a recent Tacoma transplant or Pierce County resident? Get free admission to this museum and others in the city with a Pierce County library card!
Ruston Way Waterfront
Take a scenic stroll along a gorgeous waterfront.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (253) 305-1000 | Website | Hours: Open ½ before sunrise – Close ½ after sunset
The Ruston Way Waterfront used to be an industrial area with boatyards and lumber mills. Today, it’s a family-friendly destination with delicious seafood restaurants, several parks, and fishing spots. Locals flock here when the weather’s nice.
Jog, bike, or walk the 2-mile stretch along Commencement Bay. I recommend starting your stroll on the east end at the Chinese Reconciliation Park. Here, you can wander through well-manicured pathways and learn about the city’s history with its Chinese residents.
Mount Rainier National Park
Hike an incredible mountain.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (360) 569-2211 | Website | Entrance: National Park Pass ($55 annual, $30/car for 7-day entry) | 👉 Browse Mt Rainier Tours on Viator
Get close to Washington’s favorite mountain when visiting Tacoma. Mount Rainier National Park is only an hour and a half from Tacoma, meaning it’s a perfect escape for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Explore the many hiking trails or go on a scenic drive, stopping to admire waterfalls along the way. In summer and winter, you can also ride the Crystal Mountain Gondola for breathtaking views of Rainier and the rest of the Cascades.
Mount Rainier is one of the oldest national parks in the country, so it’s well worth visiting. Just make sure you plan in advance – reservations are now required to visit Mount Rainier National Park during peak summer hours.
📚 Related Reading: Check out my article on the best hikes near Seattle where I highlight a few of my favorite Mount Rainier trails!
Museums & Cultural Attractions
Tacoma Art Museum
View gorgeous, curated Pacific Northwest art.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (253) 272-4258 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Wed-Sun (till 8 pm Thus), closed Mon & Tues | Entrance: $18 adults, $10 youth (6-18), free for all ages Thursdays 5 pm – 8 pm
The Tacoma Art Museum has an extensive collection with evocative permanent and rotating exhibits. Come here to see contemporary and historical art from artists of the Northwest and those in the greater Western region.
The Tacoma Art Museum is small but meticulously laid out. Works from Native artists and the glass art displays are particularly popular installments. Be sure to check out the website before you go for upcoming and current exhibitions.
Washington State History Museum
Learn about the history of the Evergreen State.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (253) 272-3500 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Tuesday-Sunday, Closed Mondays, 10 am – 8 pm third Thursdays every month | Entrance: $17 adults, $11 student, free children 5 and under, free admission third Thursdays (3 pm-8 pm)
The Washington State History Museum covers it all: geological history, Indigenous cultures, and early pioneering history to the modern era.
The museum has three floors of exhibits that give visitors a thorough look at the state’s history. History buffs and anyone looking to learn more about how places in Washington came to be should dedicate a few hours here.
💰 Want to save some cash? Both the Washington State History Museum and the Museum of Glass are open late and offer free admission on the third Thursday of every month. Free admission for the WSHM is from 3 pm to 8 pm. The MOG has free admission from 5 pm to 8 pm.
LeMay – America’s Car Museum
Admire hundreds of classic cars.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (253) 779-8490 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Thursday-Monday, Closed Tuesday and Wednesday | Entrance: $24.50 adults, $17.50 child (5-17), free children 4 and under
A visit to America’s Car Museum is a must for any classic car fan. The museum has a collection of 250 domestic and foreign automobiles with various unique and unusual models.
In addition to marveling at the LeMay family collection, you can also spend time here testing your speed on the racing simulator, trying out slot car racing, and learning about the history of cars throughout the United States.
Fort Nisqually Living History Museum
Go back in time to a museum of living history.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (253) 404-3970 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 5 pm daily (May 1-Sept 30); 11 am – 4 pm Wed-Sun, Closed Mon & Tues (Oct 1-April 30) | Entrance: $13.50 adults, $10 youth (4-17), free children 3 and under
You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back to the 19th century when you visit the Fort Nisqually Living History Museum. Back then, this area along the Sound was a European settlement. Some of the buildings you’ll see on your visit are the original structures from that time.
Take a self-guided tour through the premises and speak to volunteers and staff in period-appropriate clothing. You can even attend one of the workshops to learn things like traditional leatherwork, butchering, and making cookie cutters just like they would have in 1855.
Foss Waterway Seaport
Learn about local maritime history in a restored 100-year-old building.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (253) 272-2750 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 4 pm Thursday-Sunday, Closed Monday-Wednesday | Entrance: free
Learn about maritime history and culture in the Puget Sound area at the Foss Waterway Maritime Museum. This maritime museum, built on a historic dock along the Thea Foss Waterway, is a bit of a hidden gem. And now, it’s completely free to visit!
Visit to check out the wooden boat exhibit, learn the history of the Tacoma waterfront, see articulated skeletons of humpback and fin whales, and examine maritime artifacts.
The Tacoma Dome
Catch a show in an epic arena.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (253) 272-3663 | Website
You’ll probably see the Tacoma Dome at some point on your visit. It’s one of the most notable buildings in the city.
Catch everything from sports events and concerts to monster truck rallies here. Make sure you check out the website to see what’s happening during your trip so you can grab your tickets and check off a visit to this classic Washington arena.
Eat, Drink, Play & Shop
Bob’s Java Jive
Drink beer in a coffee pot.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (253) 475-9843 | Website | Hours: 4 pm – 2 am Mon-Fri, 12 pm – 2 am Sat-Sun
You’d think a building shaped like a coffee pot would serve you coffee, but Bob’s Java Jive isn’t a cafe at all. Instead, this no-frills spot is a dive bar that serves up burgers, wings, and beer, and it’s the perfect place for a fun night out.
Stop by for karaoke nights, comedian open mics, live music or to play pinball or shoot pool. The building was constructed in 1927 and is currently on the National Historic Register. If nothing else, you should drive by for a quick glimpse of this quirky attraction.
The Church Cantina
Eat delicious Cuban food in a gothic-themed bar.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (253) 292-0544 | Website | Hours: 12 pm – 12 am Tues-Thurs, 12 pm – 2 am Friday & Saturday, Closed Sunday and Monday
The Church Cantina is one place I nearly always visit on a trip to Tacoma. This gothic, horror-themed bar serves Cuban eats and creative, delicious cocktails.
The food is tasty and comes in large portions. I’m a big fan of the croquettas, the Cantina sandwich, and the cherry mole BBQ chicken bowl. Church Cantina also serves a good amount of vegan food for those with dietary restrictions.
The bartenders are friendly and the decor will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a spooky movie in the best possible way – there’s something to look at in every corner. There are also a few arcade games, a pool table, and a photo booth to keep you entertained before or after you eat.
The Grand Cinema
Watch indie films in a volunteer-run theater.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (253) 593-4474 | Website | Hours: vary depending on showtimes
The Grand Cinema is a movie lover’s dream (and my husband’s favorite spot in the city). This beloved local theater plays indie, foreign, and local films and offers post-film talks after some of the movies.
It hosts the Tacoma Film Festival during October and other film events throughout the year. Grab some local snacks and a glass of beer or wine to sip as you watch something great in this classic arthouse theater.
Dorky’s Arcade
Game the night away.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (253) 888-1844 | Website | Hours: 3 pm – 12 am Tues-Thurs, 12 pm – 2 am Fri & Sat, 12 pm – 12 am Sun, Closed Mondays
Pizza, pinball, and a variety of vintage and newer arcade games are what you’ll find at this popular arcade. Dorky’s is located in the heart of downtown Tacoma and it’s a great place for all ages.
Kids are welcome during the daytime, but the arcade becomes 21+ after 9 pm. Be sure to bring a roll of quarters to play all night, and don’t miss coming early in the week for $2 taco Tuesdays.
Antique Row
Search for vintage and antique treasures.
Antiquers and shoppers who like to support small businesses will adore Tacoma. Go to Antique Row, which is in downtown on Broadway between 7th and 9th St. Here, you’ll find several small shops filled to the brim with vintage goodies. They’re all within walking distance of each other, which makes treasure hunting a breeze.
Check out the vintage clothing at Glenna’s Clothing and Savoy Special Vintage. Search for retro toys at Memory Lane Toys. Scan Sanford and Son Antiques for furniture, art, and other fun knick-knacks.
🛎️ Need a Hotel?: The McMenamins Elks Temple Hotel is the best one to book, especially if you’re interested in staying downtown and want to stay in a place that’ll be as cool as your surroundings.
King’s Books
Wander through a maze of books.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (253) 272-8801 | Hours: 11 am – 7 pm, daily
King’s Books sells comics, new and used books, and even has a vintage clothing shop attached. It hosts fun bookish events and book clubs almost daily, and I always manage to spend at least an hour here when I visit.
There’s a wide selection of books and comics to keep any book-lover happy. The friendly store cat, Herbert, is also a good reason to visit, so make sure you say hello. King’s Books is near many other downtown attractions, which makes this the perfect place to visit on a rainy day.
Free & Cheap Things to Do
Stadium High School
Admire an architectural beauty.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (253) 571-3100 | Website
Fans of the ‘90s movie Ten Things I Hate About You will recognize the iconic Stadium High School. It was originally built to be a luxury hotel in the 1800s, and this present-day high school was featured in this movie for good reason. It’s imposing and beautiful, to say the least.
Visitors are welcome to come by and take pictures of the outside. You can even take a tour of the inside and learn more about the history of the building through Pretty Gritty Tours. Please be sure to respect boundaries if you visit when school is in session.
Frisko Freeze
Munch on delicious, cheap, late-night eats.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (253) 272-4800 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 12 am daily
Quick and delicious describes the type of meal you’ll get from Frisko Freeze. This longstanding restaurant serves cheap burgers, fries, onion rings, milkshakes, and more off of its old-school menu.
Order via drive-through or walk-up counter. Need an easy lunch or some late-night snacks that will hit the spot? This 58-year-old Tacoma staple is the answer.
Tacoma Narrows Bridge
Walk the famously shaky bridge.
📍 Google Maps | Website
The Tacoma Narrows Bridge is another Grit City landmark. It was nicknamed Galloping Gertie in the ‘40s due to the way it violently swayed in the wind…which eventually led to its collapse.
After the infamous collapse, it was completely rebuilt and is now structurally sound and not nearly as wobbly. But it’s still a sight to see.
You can walk across the beautiful bridge where you’ll have breathtaking views (especially if you go during sunset!) Keep in mind that it will be loud because of all the car noise, and it may be very windy, depending on the day.
Want to drive across instead? Turn it into a day trip to Gig Harbor, a quaint Washington town on the other end of the bridge.
🚗 How to Get There: Wondering how exactly to walk the bridge? Just park at War Memorial Park and take the Scott Pierson Trail across it. Rent a car using Discover Cars which will make it that much easier to get to Gig Harbor if you want to drive across instead.
Wright Park
Take a stroll through a beautiful park.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (253) 305-1000 | Website | Hours: 7 am – 9 pm daily
Wright Park is a beautiful urban park and arboretum filled with over 600 trees (each with a plaque to identify its type) and gorgeous statues. In the summertime, it’s a great place to try lawn bowling, have a picnic, or take kids to the spray park and playground.
The W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory is in the park and is filled to the brim with exotic plants. Plus, it has a sweet gift shop. Need a little pick-me-up before or after your visit? Grab a drink at Cosmonaut Coffee Co, which is right across the street.
Tacoma Nature Center
Search for turtles in the middle of the city.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (253) 404-3930 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 2 pm daily
Tacoma Nature Center is made up of wetlands, forests, a lake, and several trails. It’s a good place to get away for some quiet, even though it’s right in the middle of the city. The wetlands make it a great environment for turtles and waterfowl, so you’re sure to see some wildlife here.
Kids will adore exploring the nature playground as well as the interpretive center. The latter has more information and learning material for anyone else interested in learning about the Center and what it provides for the city.
Charlotte’s Blueberry Park
Go blueberry picking at a secret local spot.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (253) 305-1000 | Website | Hours: Open ½ before sunrise – Closed ½ after sunset
This one’s a bit of a local secret… but I’ll let you in on it. Charlotte’s Blueberry Park is the best spot for blueberry picking in the area. Blueberries are typically in bloom from July through September, so this is best to visit during the summer.
You can pick as many blueberries as you like, all for free at this family-friendly park! Just be sure to bring your own bags, buckets, or bins to collect them. When you finish blueberry picking, wander along the walking paths and let kids run wild at the playground.
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Thanks for reading — have fun exploring Tacoma! Up next, check out my guide to the best Washington cities for more ideas on where to go in Washington.
This was truly the best “what to do” article that I have ever read. Can’t wait to check out most (if not all) of these suggestions.
Thanks for the article. Besides the nice food places and parks, any suggestions as to where I can take my elderly mother? She’s 73, she can walk but not stroll in a park or something like that. We’ve never been to Tacoma and want to go spend an afternoon.
Love Taoma restaurants and sites miss living in this city.
Loved the article. So true Tacoma is and was a great town to grow up in. We sleded down Vasault hill rode and raced our derby car next to Chaney Stadium before Foss High School was built. I still love going to point defiance and walk the beach to Owen’s beach and watch the guys and gals fishing off the dock. Thanks for the memories. Gary
Thanks for reading, Nathan! And you’re welcome. I can imagine how confused they must be, but hopefully they come back and actually try out lawn bowling!
Thank you so much for mentioning lawn bowls! We have so much fun in Wright Park, but people still ask us if the green is a dog park.
WOW awesome article
I was born and raised in Tacoma in 1944. Reading you great article brought back so many wonderful memories. I learned to drive a 48Merc on 5 Mile Drive, Water Ski at Owen’s Beach. I lived on what is now called “The Hill Top” on 19th and Sprague. Way back then it was a safe family neighborhood
We could walk anywhere
I would ride my bike to Wright’s Park
For 4 yrs I walked to Stanley School, then
I took the city bus to St Leo’s school, later to Stadium Hi where I Graduated in 1962.
My friends dad had just Driven across’Galloping Gurtie before ” She crashed” I took swimming lessons at Titlow Pool.
Wow and the Most Spectacular WAS
MT RAINIER . Which provided amazing Views, biking, camping and Skiing.
THANKS 👍
I
Thanks for sharing, Patricia! Those sound like some amazing memories and it’s nice to know that people are still able to experience so much of what made Tacoma such a special place for you. I’m so glad you enjoyed reading! 🙂
Good list for locals and non-locals alike. I might have included a walk around Chambers Bay (technically University Place), a stroll through the Farmers Marker and shops in the Proctor District, or the Brewery District for local craft beers. Honestly, there are just so many good spots and unlike Seattle, they are not as packed and it’s easier to get around. Thank you!
Thanks, Jared! I’m glad you enjoyed the list. All of those are also great options for spending some time in and around Tacoma. The Blue Mouse Theater in the Proctor District is a real gem (among so many others!).