The 23 Best Things to Do in Tacoma, WA

👉 Jump to: Things to Do | Museums & Cultural | Eat, Drink, Play & Shop | Free & Cheap

Tacoma is an industrial, unpretentious, and vastly underrated city with fantastic museums, beautiful parks, landmark eateries, and well-stocked vintage shops. 

I’m a Washington local and I love sharing the many things to do in Tacoma with unsuspecting visitors. Tacoma hasn’t always had the best reputation, but if you skip it now, you’re really missing out. Not sure where to begin? Don’t worry. This list covers all the must-see sights and attractions, along with hidden gems and local favorites. 

Use this guide and my article on where to stay in Tacoma to plan a perfect visit to Grit City.

23 Best Things to Do in Tacoma

Point Defiance Park

Explore a giant park full of Tacoma’s most notable 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) | 👉 Boat Tour ft. Point Defiance Park

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 and Aquarium, the Fort Nisqually Living History Museum, Owen Beach, Five Mile Drive, a rose garden, and numerous trails and viewpoints. 

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.

Ruston Way Waterfront

Take a scenic stroll along a gorgeous waterfront.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (253) 305-1030 | 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.

6th Ave

Eat, bar hop, and shop on one of Tacoma’s coolest strips.

📍 Google Maps

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.

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 and get there early if you’re visiting the park during peak hours in the summer months.

📚 Related Reading: Check out my article on the best hikes near Seattle where I highlight a few of my favorite Mount Rainier trails!

Museum of Glass

Marvel at stunning glass sculptures.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (253) 284-4750 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Wed – Sun, Closed Mon & Tues | Entrance: $18 Adults, $9 Youth (6-18), Free for 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!

Dash Point State Park

Escape the city at this nearby destination featuring a beach, scenic trails, and camping.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (253) 661-4955 | Website | Entrance: $10 day pass, $45 annual 

Located just 20 minutes from downtown Tacoma, Dash Point State Park is a perfect day trip or overnight getaway. Last summer, my friends and I parked our RV rental at its large campground, which also features cozy cabins and tent sites. 

With its access to the Sound, this waterfront destination offers boating, skimboarding, swimming, and more fun activities. I especially love the quiet forested trails here. While walking along the streams, keep an eye out for banana slugs, a species unique to the Pacific Coast!

– Abigail Bliss

Museums & Cultural Attractions

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 Thurs-Sun, Closed Mon-Wed | 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.

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 from May 1-Sept 30; 11 am – 4 pm Wed-Sun, Closed Mon & Tues from 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 period. 

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.

LeMay – America’s Car Museum

Admire hundreds of classic cars.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (253) 779-8490 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Thurs – Mon, Closed Tues & Wed | Entrance: $24.50 Adults, $17.50 Child (5-17), Free for 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. 

Tacoma Art Museum

View gorgeous, curated Pacific Northwest art.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (253) 272-4258 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Wed, Fri-Sun; 10 am – 8 pm Thu; Closed Mon-Tue | 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 Washington region. 

The Tacoma Art Museum is small but meticulously laid out. Works from Indigenous 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 Tues – Sun, Closed Mon | Entrance: $17 Adults, $11 Student (6-18), Free children 5 and under; Free for all ages 3rd Thursdays from 3 pm – 8 pm

Want to deep dive into the state’s history? 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.

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. It’s the perfect place for a fun night out with Tacoma locals.

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 Fri & Sat, Closed Sun & Mon

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) 572-6062 | Website

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.

Antique Row

Search for vintage and antique treasures.

📍 Google Maps 

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 & 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 a place as cool as your surroundings.

King’s Books

Wander through a maze of books.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (253) 272-8801 | Website | 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 to keep any book-lover happy, but the friendly store cat, Herbert, is also a good reason to visit. 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

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 the kids run wild at the playground.

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 | Building Hours: 10 am – 2 pm Mon-Tue, Thu-Sun; 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm Wed

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 information and learning material for anyone else interested in learning about the Center and what it provides for the city.

Tacoma Narrows Bridge

Walk across the successor to the famously shaky bridge.

📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Boat Tour in Gig Harbor & Narrows Bridges

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 led to its infamous collapse. The bridge 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). And if you’re up for a real challenge, you can sign up for the annual Galloping Gertie half-marathon and run across it. Just know that while on the bridge, it will be quite 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. Or you can rent a car using Discover Cars which will make it that much easier to get to Gig Harbor.

Frisko Freeze

Munch on delicious, cheap eats at a Tacoman staple.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (253) 272-4800 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 12 am Sun-Thu; 10 am 1 am Fri-Sat

Need an easy lunch or some late-night snacks that will hit the spot? This 58-year-old Tacoma staple is the answer. 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 the drive-thru or walk-up counter.

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, is currently a high school, and was featured in the 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, or you can 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.

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I hope this gives you some great ideas for fun things to do in Tacoma! Leave me a comment if you have any questions. Otherwise, check out my guide to the best Washington cities for more ideas on where to go in Washington!