Tacoma, WA

Travel Guide

Tacoma showing a city, a bay or harbor and a marina
Gig Harbor featuring a marina, a bay or harbor and forest scenes
Gig Harbor showing a bay or harbor and a marina
Gig Harbor which includes a bay or harbor
Tacoma showing a marina, a bay or harbor and a city
Visit Tacoma to see stunning glass art and excellent museums. Explore nearby majestic Mount Rainier or a large urban park on Puget Sound. 

Tacoma has transformed itself from its industrial roots into a uniquely enjoyable destination for visitors. Discover a thriving arts scene. Spend time in verdant city parks and gardens or visit nearby Puget Sound and Mount Rainier. Enjoy international cuisine and explore boutique shopping districts.

Marvel at the walk along Chihuly Bridge of Glass, a 500-foot (150-meter) overpass with over 2,000 displayed glass figures and models. Follow the walkway to the Museum of Glass where you’ll find a stunning range of translucent art. Make your own objets d’art at the Glassblowing Studio. Continue to the Tacoma Art Museum, where exhibits range from Native American artifacts to contemporary installations.

Ride the Tacoma Link, a low-cost light rail line serving the main routes around town. One popular stop is the Washington State Museum, which describes life in early frontier towns. A good bus service runs around the rest of Tacoma.

Head to Wright Park where the stunning W. W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory holds over 250 plant species. Travel a short way north to Point Defiance Park on Puget Sound. At 100 years old and 700 acres (280 hectares) in area, it is one of the oldest and largest urban parks in the United States. Visit Point Defiance Zoo, where you can ride a camel or encounter a polar bear. 

Discover real wilderness by walking the trails in nearby Mount Rainier National Park. The shady paths on this volcanic mountain are the perfect place to come on a hot summer day, while in winter you can ski down the slopes.

Return to town for modern luxuries. Look for bargains in the shops of Proctor and Stadium districts and complete your day in a lively bar or restaurant on 6th Avenue. Sample local specialties: Washington cherries, Almond Roca, locally roasted coffee, Dungeness crab, oysters and rhubarb pie.

Fly into Sea-Tac International Airport, 22 miles (35 kilometers) north of Tacoma and 12 miles (19 kilometers) south of Seattle, a pleasant daytrip destination.

Where to stay in Tacoma

Tacoma which includes a city

Downtown Tacoma

In the central business district, this thriving museum and university area boasts attractions like the Museum of Glass, Tacoma Art Museum, and Washington State History Museum. Explore historic sites such as Old City Hall Building and Union Station, while enjoying the revived retail and dining scene.

Downtown Tacoma
Spring is in the air.

Ruston

Travelers like the museums in Ruston, and Point Defiance Park is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Ruston
#Trovember #Food

South Tacoma

3.5/5(161 area reviews)

While you're in South Tacoma, take in top sights like Tacoma Mall and jump on the metro at South 25th Street Station to see more of the city.

South Tacoma
A blast from the past and fixture in Tacoma.

North End

5/5(25 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in North End, 6th Ave and Job Carr Cabin Museum are top sights worth seeing.

North End
Tacoma which includes a city

New Tacoma

3.5/5(587 area reviews)

If you're spending time in New Tacoma, check out sights like Pantages Theater or Tacoma Art Museum and hop on the metro to see more the city at Theater District Station or Commerce Street Station.

New Tacoma
Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium which includes marine life

West End

4.5/5(9 area reviews)

While visiting West End, you might make a stop by sights like Tacoma Narrows Bridge and Point Defiance Park.

West End
Hotel Murano

Hotel Murano

4.5 out of 5
1320 Broadway Plaza, Tacoma, WA
The price is ¥18,652 per night from Sep 7 to Sep 8
¥18,652
¥21,409 total
Sep 7 - Sep 8
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Tacoma. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
Hotel Murano
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Tacoma - Seattle

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Tacoma - Seattle

3 out of 5
1425 E 27th St, Tacoma, WA
The price is ¥14,872 per night from Sep 29 to Sep 30
¥14,872
¥17,116 total
Sep 29 - Sep 30
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Tacoma. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Tacoma - Seattle
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Seattle Federal Way

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Seattle Federal Way

3 out of 5
31611 Pete Von Reichbauer Way South, Federal Way, WA
The price is ¥17,072 per night from Sep 14 to Sep 15
¥17,072
¥19,205 total
Sep 14 - Sep 15
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Federal Way. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Seattle Federal Way
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Historic Charming Boat in Downtown Harbor

Historic Charming Boat in Downtown Harbor

Gig Harbor
Stay at this houseboat in Gig Harbor. Popular attractions Skansie Brothers Park and Grandview Forest Park are located nearby.
9.8/10 Exceptional! (28 reviews)
"I don’t even know where to begin with the compliments! The check-in was easy, the boat was clean & comfortable. It was a truly unique and special experience, and we had such a nice time. Walking distance to great restaurants & shopping and tremendous views on a clear day. Thank you for an awesome ..."

Reviewed on Aug 16, 2025

Historic Charming Boat in Downtown Harbor
Tacoma Tiny House

Tacoma Tiny House

Tacoma
Stay at this vacation home in Tacoma. Enjoy free WiFi and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Tacoma Dome and Tacoma Narrows Bridge are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (28 reviews)
"Check in was easy and better than a hotel lol I loved the privacy of the place and I loved the coffee and coffee maker provided ! My favorite part was that I had two options of where I could sleep. I’m small enough for the couch and the bed is perfect and comfy. Best vacation I’ve had in a very long ..."

Reviewed on Aug 13, 2025

Tacoma Tiny House
Walk to the waterfront The Cozy Cottage

Walk to the waterfront The Cozy Cottage

3 out of 5
4710 N 46th St, Tacoma, WA
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Tacoma. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Tacoma Dome and Emerald Queen Casino ...
Walk to the waterfront The Cozy Cottage
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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