20 Fun Things to do in Tacoma
In this article we share our list of 20 fun things to do in Tacoma.
1. Visit Point Defiance Park
5400 N Pearl St, Tacoma, WA 98407
www.metroparkstacoma.org/place/point-defiance-park
One of our favorite places in Tacoma, Point Defiance is a park that has it all! We like it because there are a ton of trails to walk or run, a large car free road to cycle or skate, play areas, sport courts, and even a dog park. There is also newly remodeled Owens beach, which features cool boardwalk, picnic areas, and even a boathouse with boat rentals.
2. Take a trip to Tacoma’s Glass Museum
1801 Dock St, Tacoma, WA 98402
For visitors or locals alike, the Museum of Glass in Tacoma is a must visit spot. Completed in 2002, and situated in the heart of downtown Tacoma, along Thea Foss Waterway, the museum is a 75,000-square-foot building dedicated to showcasing only glass art. One of the standout areas of the museum is the live glassmaking studio, where you can watch glass art being created right in front of your eyes. In addition the museum several different exhibits that display a wide variety of glass artists and styles.
3. Ride the Ferry to Vashon Island
Point Defiance Ferry Terminal
5810 North Pearl St, Tacoma, WA 98405
Just across the water from North Tacoma sits Vashon island, a small island with great vibes, friendly people and awesome shops and restaurants. You can catch the ferry from Point Defiance park, and the boat ride only takes about 10 minutes to complete. Check the ferry schedule here. If you’re lucky you may see some our resident marine life on the trip over. Once you’re on Vashon checkout the local Vashon Island Coffee roaster, stop for lunch at the hardware store and then visit one of the many waterfront parks around the island for stunning views.
4. Stroll Through the University of Puget Sound Campus
1500 N Warner St, Tacoma, WA 98416
Right on the southern edge of North Tacoma neighborhood sits University of Puget Sound. Local Tacomans call it “UPS” while most of the students of the school call it “Puget Sound”. The stunningly manicured campus is set between the Proctor district, 6th Avenue, and Three Bridges making it easy access for most North Enders. UPS has several large open public fields for hanging, several baseball/football/soccer fields, a track for running, swimming pool, and several cafe / dining areas. Grab your dog or a friend (or both) and take a walk through the gorgeous campus to discover this hidden Tacoma gem.
5. Check out Wright Park
501 S I St, Tacoma, WA 98405
www.metroparkstacoma.org/place/wright-park
Wright Park is a beautiful city park situated on the edge of Downtown Tacoma and the Stadium District. It features an adorable newly renovated conservatory on the upper side, full of amazing plants. While it isnt quite the size of Point Defiance, it is a popular spot with plenty of trails to walk or run, a playground, a pond with a fountain, and several sport courts. We suggest you grab a coffee at nearby Cosmonaut and take a walk through the park.
6. Go Play Pickleball at Vassault Park
6100 N 37th St, Tacoma, WA 98407
www.metroparkstacoma.org/place/vassault-park
Pickleball is a fun and friendly game with relatively simple rules. The game is pretty easy for beginners to learn, and once you get the bug, you’re hooked on pickleball! There are many places to pickleball in Tacoma but one of the more popular places is at the public tennis courts at Vassault Park in North Tacoma. Keep in mind, you will need to bring your own equipment, paddles, balls, etc but there is no cost to play the game itself. There are many other places in Tacoma where people play pickleball as well, and you can click here for more places to find a game. .
7. Catch a Show at The Tacoma Comedy Club
933 Market St, Tacoma, WA 98402
The Tacoma Comedy Club opened in October 2010 in downtown Tacoma and is one of the best true comedy clubs in the Tacoma area. Shows runs seven days a week, providing non-stop entertainment for you any day of the week. The club features mostly touring comedians and regular open-mic nights with a sprnking of other events throughout the week.cIf you’re looking for a laugh-filled evening with great food and an intimate venue, check out the Tacoma Comedy Club.
8. Watch a Movie at the Grand Cinema
606 Fawcett Ave, Tacoma, WA 98402
This cozy theater is located in the heart of Tacoma off of Tacoma’s 6th Ave. Opened in 1995, this award winning independent theater is a Tacoma Staple. The experience catching a film here cannot be replicated- the aesthetic is warm and cozy and each theater room is intimate, with only a handful of seats compared to larger, for profit theaters. You feel a part of when you’re here, greeted by volunteer staff and getting to munch on delicious hot popcorn. Enjoy the coolest independent films when you visit this wonderful place!
9. Visit the Tacoma Art Museum
1701 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, WA 98402
The Tacoma Art Museum (or TAM) is stunning both inside and out. The building is architecturally pleasing, and you can tell that thought has gone into every aspect of it. Located on Pacific Avenue in downtown Tacoma, it opened in 1935 and currently boasts more than 5300 pieces of work! There’s plenty of parking below the museum, and you can also get food at their Bistro located inside. Take your time and you wander through, enjoying all there is to see.
10. Go to a Tacoma Rainiers Game
2502 S Tyler St, Tacoma, WA 98405
www.wertacoma.com/tacoma-rainiers
Go enjoy a night at Cheney Stadium, the home to the Tacoma Rainiers – Tacoma’s triple-A Pacific Coast League team and triple-A affiliate team for the Seattle Mariners. A Rainiers game is much more affordable and easier than going up north for a Mariners game, an average ticket will cost between $9 to $40, depending on group and other discounts and seat location.
11. Visit the Lemay Car Museum
2702 E D St, Tacoma, WA 98421
The Lemay Car Museum is a massive 165,000 square foot architectural wonder, located next to the Tacoma Dome. This is a spot for true car enthusiasts, with rare collector pieces, ranging from the early 1900's to present day automobiles. You can check out some of the first electric vehicles in America, 50's classic cars, 70's muscle cars, and a several stunning Ferraris. In total, there are 4 floors of cars in an incredible interior featuring 350 cars on display. The exhibits change every 3 to 6 months. The Museum also includes a gift shop and café on the main floor, with a top floor view of the whole collection.
12. Take a Trip to Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium
5400 N Pearl St, Tacoma, WA 98407
www.metroparkstacoma.org/place/point-defiance-park
The Point Defiance Zoo is a Tacoma staple, but don’t miss the newly remodeled aquarium! The zoo is a great option for any day, rain or shine, just don’t forget your umbrella if you choose to visit during the winter months. We recommend getting here early, right when they open if possible to help skip the crowds, and the animals are more active in the morning. There is a dining hall with different food options and if you really enjoy it, you can get a yearly pass to visit often and save money!
13. Visit the Foss Waterway Seaport Maritime Museum
705 Dock St, Tacoma, WA 98402
Probably the most stunning location for a museum, this historic seaport features local maritime history complete with stunning boats, whale skeletons and cultural exhibits. Be sure to take a walk around Thea’s park and onto the dock below the museum either before or after your trip. You can easily spend a few hours here, meandering through the collections!
14. Have a treat at Corina Bakery
602 Fawcett Ave, Tacoma, WA 98402
There aren’t many things we love more than a bakery, and Corina is no exception. Located next to the Grand movie theater off of 6th Avenue and Fawcett, the cozy bakery has high ceilings, additional seating in the back, and a boatload of delicious choices. Our personal favorite is the ham and cheese croissant, and their cakes are famous! Enjoy it all with a hot latte on a cool fall day.
15. Take a Yoga Class at Tuladhara Yoga
Lakewood Studio - 7304 Lakewood Drive Lakewood, WA
Tacoma Studio- 27117 N. Proctor St. Tacoma, WA
Gig Harbor Studio - 4641 Point Fosdick Drive Gig Harbor, WA
This studio has 3 locations to choose from, one in the heart of Proctor District in Tacoma’s North End, one in South Tacoma off 72nd and Orchard, and one in Gig Harbor. They offer a wide array of classes from beginner sessions to handstand workshops, and everything in between. We recommend trying it all, figuring out which times and classes work best for you as you join this welcoming community.
16. Walk or Bike Across the Narrows Bridge
Tacoma Narrows Bridge, Tacoma, Washington 98335
There is something special about being on the iconic Narrows Bridge, not in your car. It's easier to grasp the magnitude of these incredible suspension bridges when you can get up close and personal. Be prepared for it to be windy! We recommend doing this on a sunny day to enjoy the full views of the Puget Sound, and if you’re lucky you can maybe even spot some humpback or orca whales. Many people walk or bike across the bridge, and of course you can do this, but the bridge is a mile long and if you want to conserve time (and your quads!) we love the e-bike option to help you zip along and get back up the hill.
17. Catch a play at Tacoma Musical Playhouse
7116 6th Ave, Tacoma, WA 98406
Located in Tacoma’s West Side, right off 6th Avenue, Tacoma Musical Playhouse has been putting on productions since 1994. Renovated in 2013, TMP is a National Award Winning Theater that in additions to putting on plays, offers acting and dance classes, workshops and camps for the kids! Visit their website to see show they are putting on right now.
18. Tour through Fort Nisqually Living Museum
Stop by Wednesday through Sunday to check out Fort Nisqually museum which gives its visitors an experience of what it was like to live in 1855. Located in Point Defiance Park and check out their heritage skills workshops, catered to historically accurate activities. Workshops include butchering & curing, tinsmithing and candlemaking. There are exhibits and education around the site, and also day camps for the kids during the summer.
5519 Five Mile Dr, Tacoma, WA 98407
https://www.metroparkstacoma.org/place/fort-nisqually-living-history-museum/
19. Take a photo at the Umbrella Mural Wall
Chris Sharp
Downtown Tacoma, WA
This one is a bit of treasure hunt… All we can tell you is that you’ll need to explore downtown Tacoma, and that if you’re near Freight House Square- you’re close to the mural! This iconic outdoor art installation has become a favorite of local Tacoman’s to stand in front of and take a picture. If you’re feeling extra, hire a local photographer such as Jon Taylor Sweet, and have a photoshoot! Once you’re done there, take a slow cruise through downtown to find your other favorite local graffiti pieces.
20. Check Out the Best Antique Shops in Tacoma at Antique Row
Tacoma makes it easy for you to find all of your treasures at Antique Row, located on Broadway between South 7th and South 9th st. Antique Row is comprised of 20+ shops packed with items ranging from vintage clothing, danish mid-century modern furniture, antique oil paintings and more! Get lost in Sanford & Sons, which is a 3 story building that you can wind through and visit different vendors (you’re a true Tacoma local once you can find the bookstore within, pictured above). Vessel vintage has an extremely curated aesthetic, and you could spend hours digging through goodies at Mecca Mercantile. You can refuel afterward by walking just a little farther up to McMinimans temple.