23 Best Things to Do in Tacoma, WA

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Tacoma is gritty, industrial, unpretentious, and vastly underrated. I’m a Washington local and this is one of my favorite Washington cities because there are so many cool things to do in Tacoma.

Expect an edgy art scene, fantastic museums, beautiful parks, unique restaurants, landmark eateries, and incredibly well-stocked vintage shops. Not sure where to begin? Don’t worry. This article overviews all the must-see sights and attractions in Tacoma.

Let’s dive in!

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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) 305-1088 | Website | Hours: 7 am – 8:30 pm daily | Entrance: Park entrance only free

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, so they’re a must-see. The zoo also has sea otters, Asian elephants, puffins, and enthusiastic zookeepers who won’t mind you asking 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 The Antique Sandwich Co. You won’t regret it.

Ruston Way Waterfront

Take a scenic stroll along a gorgeous waterfront.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (253) 330-8828 | Website | Hours: 7 am – 8 pm, daily

When the weather’s right, Tacoma locals flock to the Ruston Way Waterfront.

What used to be an industrial area with boatyards and lumber mills has transformed into a family-friendly destination with delicious seafood restaurants, picnic tables, several parks, and fishing spots. 

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 where you can stroll through the well-manicured garden 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 | Website 

Checking out the shops, bars, and restaurants along 6th Ave is a good way to get a taste of Tacoman living. 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 and then head over to Hi-Voltage Records to peruse the vinyl collection.

Find unique vintage clothing at Scorpio Rising (one of the best vintage stores in the city, in my humble opinion), and grab a stack of good reads from Stargazer Comics. In the evening 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 – Sunday, Closed Monday and Tuesday | Entrance: $20 adults, $12 children (6-18), free children under 6

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. After visiting you might be inspired enough to sign up for a class at the Tacoma Glassblowing Studio to try your hand at making glass sculptures.

👉 Pro Tip: Recent Tacoma transplant or Pierce County resident? Get free admission to this museum and others in Tacoma with a Pierce County library card!

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

Mount Rainier National Park is only an hour and a half from Tacoma, meaning it’s a perfect escape for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Get close to Washington’s favorite mountain via the many hiking trails, on a scenic drive, or by riding a gondola over it from the Crystal Mountain Resort. 

Mount Rainier is one of the oldest national parks in the country and one of the top places to visit in the state of Washington. A trip to explore its forests, meadows, and waterfalls is a must. Just make sure you plan in advance – reservations are now required to visit Mount Rainier National Park at 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 hikes that you’ll want to add to your list!

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 Thursday-Sunday, Closed Monday-Wednesday | Entrance: $10 adults, $8 child (5+), free children under 5

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. 

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.

💰 Want to save some cash? The museums on Museum Row in downtown Tacoma are open late and offer free admission on the third Thursday of every month! The Foss Waterway Seaport, Museum of Glass, Washington State History Museum, and Tacoma Art Museum are included in this. Times vary for each so just double-check hours before you go.

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: $22 adults, $16 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. 

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 Thurs, 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 relatively small, but meticulously laid out. Works from Native artists and the studio glass art displays are particularly lovely installments. Be sure to check out the website before you go to see upcoming and current exhibitions. 

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 – 4 pm Wednesday – Sunday, closed Monday & Tuesday | 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, and 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.

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: $14 adults, $11 student, free admission third Thursdays (3 pm-8 pm)

The Washington State History Museum covers it all — geological history, Native people and their cultures, and early pioneering history to the modern era.

The museum has three floors of exhibits that give visitors a thorough look at Washington State’s history. History buffs and anyone looking to learn more about how Evergreen State came to be should dedicate a few hours here. 

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.

What to Do to Eat, Drink, Play & Shop

Bob’s Java Jive

Drink beer in a coffee pot.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (253) 475-9843 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 2 am Mon-Fri, 4 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 built 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 Tuesday-Thursday, 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 up Cubano 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 Tacoman theater plays indie, foreign, and local films and offers post-film talks after some of the movies as well.

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) 627-4156 | Website | Hours: 3 pm – 12 am Tuesday-Thursday, 12 pm – 2 am Friday & Saturday, 12 pm – 12 am Saturday, 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.

📍 Google Maps 

Antiquers and shoppers who like to support small businesses will adore Tacoma. Go to Antique Row in downtown Tacoma on Broadway between 7th and 9th St where 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 Lily Pad Antiques and Old Toys, and 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. For more tips, check out my full guide to where to stay in Tacoma.

King’s Books

Wander through a maze of books.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (253) 272-8801 | Hours: 11 am – 7 pm, daily

King’s Books is both a comic book store and a new and used bookstore with a vintage clothing shop attached. And it’s 100% the type of place you can easily spend a few hours in.

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 and he’d love it if you said 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 in Tacoma

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, picnic, or take kids to the spray park and playground. 

The W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory is in the park, and the Manuscript Museum is right across the street. The Conservatory is filled to the brim with exotic plants and has a sweet gift shop as well.

The Manuscript Museum houses tons of original manuscripts (including ones from Charles Darwin and Che Guevara). Exhibits rotate every so often and the curator is friendly and knowledgeable and will be happy to tell you all about them.

Charlotte’s Blueberry Park

Go blueberry picking at a secret local spot.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (253) 305-1000 | Website | Hours: 7 am – 7 pm daily

This one’s a bit of a local secret… but Charlotte’s Blueberry Park is one of the best places to go blueberry picking in the area. You can pick as many blueberries as you like 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.

Frisko Freeze

Munch on delicious, cheap, late-night eats.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (253) 272-4800 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 11 pm Sunday – Thursday, 10 am – 12 am Friday – Saturday

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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.

👉 Read Next: Best Places to Visit in Washington State

FAQs About What to Do in Tacoma

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Ready to explore all the best things to do in Tacoma, Washington? Grit City won’t disappoint. Also, if you’re planning more day trips, check out my article about things to do in Bellevue to explore another Washington city with totally different vibes!