Tacoma

Tacoma is a major port on Puget Sound and the third-largest city in Washington State, with about 220,000 residents. The city adopted its name after nearby Mount Rainier, called "təqʷuʔbəʔ" in the Puget Sound Salish dialect. In the late 19th century, Tacoma was chosen as the western terminus of the Northern Pacific Railroad, and its deep-water harbor at Commencement Bay became Washington's largest port. The city gained notoriety in 1940 for the collapse of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, nicknamed "Galloping Gertie."

Tacoma has a dynamic art scene, anchored by the Museum of Glass and the Tacoma Art Museum. The city's Museum District is one of the largest in the Pacific Northwest. The Museum of Glass features a stunning glass art collection and a working hot shop. Point Defiance Park is one of the largest urban parks in the United States, with old-growth forest, beaches, and a zoo. The city is about 30 minutes south of Seattle via Interstate 5.

Tacoma has a marine west coast climate with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. Summer is the best time to visit, with pleasant temperatures and minimal rain. The city receives about 16 inches of rain annually.

By Plane

Tacoma Narrows Airport (TIW IATA) offers limited commercial service. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA IATA) is the nearest major airport, about 25 miles north. Sound Transit Link Light Rail connects the airport to Tacoma via the Tacoma Dome Station. Taxis and ride-hailing services are available.

By Train

Amtrak Cascades and Coast Starlight trains stop at Tacoma Dome Station (610 S 49th St). Amtrak Cascades runs between Vancouver, BC and Eugene, with stops in Seattle and Olympia. The Coast Starlight runs between Seattle and Los Angeles. Sounder commuter rail connects Tacoma to Seattle during weekday rush hours.

By Car / Road

Tacoma is along Interstate 5, about 30 minutes south of Seattle and 40 minutes north of Olympia. The Tacoma Narrows Bridge (SR-16) connects Tacoma to the Kitsap Peninsula. State Route 512 provides east-west access. Parking is generally more affordable than Seattle. Sound Transit Express buses connect Tacoma to Seattle and other regional destinations.

Pierce Transit operates local bus service throughout the Tacoma area. The Tacoma Link streetcar runs through downtown, connecting the Convention Center to the Museum District. The Sounder commuter rail runs between Tacoma and Seattle during weekday rush hours. The downtown area is walkable, with the Museum District, waterfront, and Stadium District within easy walking distance. Ride-hailing services (Uber, Lyft) are available.

• Museum of Glass (1801 Dock St) — A world-class museum of glass art with a working hot shop and a stunning outdoor Chihuly Bridge of Glass. $15 adults.

• Tacoma Art Museum (1701 Pacific Ave) — Features works by Northwest artists and the Haub Family Collection of Western American Art. $14 adults.

• Point Defiance Park — One of the largest urban parks in the U.S., with old-growth forest, beaches, and the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium.

• LeMay — America's Car Museum (2702 E D St) — One of the largest automobile museums in North America. $17 adults.

• Mount Rainier views — On clear days, Mount Rainier looms over the city skyline.

• Foss Waterway — A revitalized waterfront area with museums, restaurants, and public art.

• Hiking — Point Defiance Park offers forest trails, and the Foothills Trail runs along the Puyallup River.

• Kayaking and paddleboarding — Commencement Bay and the Foss Waterway offer urban paddling.

• Zoo and aquarium — Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium features animals from around the world.

• Art walks — The Tacoma Art Walk occurs on the first Thursday of each month, with galleries open late.

• Outdoor markets — The Tacoma Farmers Market operates on Saturdays in the summer.

Tacoma's dining scene ranges from casual waterfront spots to fine dining. The Foss Waterway and Museum District have numerous restaurants. The city's diverse population brings a variety of cuisines, including Vietnamese, Korean, and Mexican. Asado is a popular Argentine steakhouse. Indo Asian Street Fare serves creative Asian fusion. The Blue Beard Coffee Roasters is a local favorite. Vegetarian and vegan options are available.

Tacoma has a growing craft beer scene with several breweries along the Foss Waterway and in the Stadium District. Wine bars featuring Washington wines are available downtown. Coffee shops and cafés are widespread. Tap water is safe throughout the city.

• Budget: Several budget motels along I-5 and Pacific Avenue offer rooms from approximately $70–120/night.
• Mid-range: The McMenamins Elks Temple (565 Broadway) offers rooms in a historic building from approximately $130–220/night. The Holiday Inn Express Tacoma Downtown is another mid-range option.
• Upscale / heritage: The Hotel Murano (1320 Broadway Plaza) offers upscale rooms from approximately $180–350/night with views of Commencement Bay.

The Museum District along Pacific Avenue offers galleries, bookstores, and specialty shops. The Proctor District and 6th Avenue have local boutiques and vintage stores. The Tacoma Farmers Market features local produce and crafts. Local art, particularly glass art, is a popular purchase.

• Mount Rainier National Park (1.5 hours southeast) — A 14,410-foot stratovolcano with glaciers and wildflower meadows.
• Olympic National Park (2 hours west via SR-16 and US-101) — Rain forests, rugged coastline, and the Olympic Mountains.
• Seattle (30 minutes north via I-5) — The Pacific Northwest's largest city.
• Olympia (40 minutes south via I-5) — Washington's state capital with Capitol Campus and cultural scene.
• Bainbridge Island (via ferry from Seattle, 35 minutes) — A charming island with shops, restaurants, and hiking.