Tacoma

Introduction

You will find Tacoma situated along the Puget Sound as a bustling port city in Pierce County. Located between Seattle and Olympia, this coastal destination serves as the economic and cultural center of the South Sound region.

The city offers proximity to nature, positioned northwest of Mount Rainier National Park. You can explore a landscape defined by its maritime location and its role as a significant hub within the Puget Sound area.

Before you go

Before you arrive, understand that Tacoma’s identity is deeply tied to its history as a major port and the namesake of Mount Rainier. While some older reputations regarding industrial scents may persist, the city now boasts a vibrant arts and culture scene. You can find maps and brochures at the local visitor bureau to help navigate the area.

When planning your stay, be mindful of different neighborhood characters. The Stadium District and Downtown areas are noted for lower crime rates compared to other urban centers, but you should remain cautious in any city environment. Exercise extra caution when traveling alone or at night in poorly-lit areas with little foot traffic, particularly when moving through the Hilltop, Eastside, or surrounding suburbs like Lakewood, Spanaway, and Parkland.

Getting there

You can reach the city by car via Interstate 5, which provides a direct route from both Portland and Seattle. If you are arriving from the Kitsap Peninsula, follow State Route 16 through Gig Harbor and across the Tacoma Narrows Bridge into the city. For those traveling from Spokane, take Interstate 90 to State Route 18 before merging onto I-5 South. Once in the area, specific exits lead you toward the downtown core, the Ruston Way waterfront, or the Port of Tacoma.

Several transit options connect you to the region:

• The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport serves as the primary hub for flights, with various shuttle services and a dedicated express bus route connecting the airport to Tacoma.
• A variety of regional buses operate from the Tacoma Dome Station, providing links to nearby cities like Lakewood, Olympia, and Puyallup.
• The Link Light Rail offers frequent service between Freighthouse Square and downtown Tacoma.
• Trains also provide transit options, with two adjacent stations located in the Freighthouse Square Building.

Getting around

Navigating by car in Tacoma is straightforward as most roads follow a grid system based on their distance from the city center. You will find that numbered roads run east-west while named roads generally run north-south. Key streets like A Street and Orchard Street serve as primary markers to help you orient yourself between east, west, and south.

You can also utilize various public transit options to reach different areas:

• Pierce Transit provides local and regional bus routes throughout Pierce County, connecting communities such as Fife, Gig Harbor, Lakewood, Puyallup, Steilacoom, and Tacoma.
• Sound Transit offers regional transit including Sounder trains, Link light rail, and express buses across King, Snohomish, and Pierce counties.
• The Tacoma LINK A light rail and streetcar line connects the downtown area to locations such as Freighthouse Square, Tacoma General Hospital, and St Joseph's Hospital on Hilltop.

Where to stay

You can find a variety of accommodations in the Downtown area, offering proximity to transit hubs like the Amtrak and bus stations. Some options are situated near the Tacoma Dome or the historic Waddell building, which features an events center and a restaurant. For a stay with local character, you might choose a hotel where history is woven into the rooms through art and stories, or find lodging overlooking Wright Park.

If you prefer a different atmosphere, explore these neighborhoods:

• The North End offers an upscale feel in quiet residential areas. You can stay in large historic homes converted into bed and breakfasts within the Stadium district, or choose a waterfront hotel located along the scenic Ruston Way.
• South Tacoma provides convenient access to shopping complexes and the Lewis McChord military reservation. This area features several national chain hotels and motels situated near various dining options.

Food & drink

Explore a diverse culinary landscape across different neighborhoods. In the 6th Avenue area, you can find a variety of cuisines including Italian and Mediterranean at Primo Grill, Argentinian dinner at Asado, and Indian dishes at Gateway to India. For breakfast, Shakabra offers hearty English-style dishes like pancakes and sausages, while Southern Kitchen provides Southern and Soul food nearby. Other options along 6th Avenue include pan-Asian cuisine at Wild Orchid, Thai dishes at Silk Thai, and a pizzeria called Farreli's that serves as a popular hangout for local students.

Downtown Tacoma offers a range of dining experiences, from steak and chops at El Gaucho to fondue at Melting Pot. You can also find pan-Asian cuisine at Indochine Asian Dining Lounge or pizza and pasta at The Rock, Wood Fire Kitchen. In the Hilltop area, you can enjoy Vietnamese and Thai flavors at LeLe, pho at Pho Boc Cafe or Pho King, and a unique vegan menu with a Jamaican flair at Quickie Too. Other local favorites include Southern cooking at The Fish House and barbecue at Bob's Bar-B-Que Pit. If you head to South Tacoma, you can find Korean cuisine at The Palace Restaurant or authentic Chinese food at Tacoma Szechuan. In the Lincoln District, Vien Dong serves well-known Vietnamese dishes.

For your drinks, several spots offer distinct atmospheres:

• Engine House 9 (E9) in the 6th Avenue area features a large beer list and karaoke.
• The Mix and Club Silverstone are located in the St. Helens neighborhood of Downtown.
• Tacoma Wine Merchants in the Stadium District provides an European-style wine bar experience with cheese plates and panini.
• Airport Tavern and The Church Cantina provide options in South Tacoma, with the former also serving as a live music venue.
• Top Pot Doughnuts offers a selection of doughnuts and freshly brewed coffee in a local neighborhood setting.

What to see and do

Explore the diverse cultural and historical landscape of Tacoma, where you can visit several museums showcasing local heritage. You can explore maritime history at the Foss Waterway Seaport, located in a century-old wooden wheat warehouse, or view an extensive collection of over 400 vehicles at LeMay – America's Car Museum. For those interested in art and glassmaking, the Tacoma Museum of Glass features a dedicated studio and is near the Chihuly Bridge of Glass. You can also visit the Washington State History Museum to see a wide range of local history or explore the Tacoma Art Museum and the Tacoma Children's Museum.

Experience the outdoors and unique architecture throughout the city:

• Explore Point Defiance Park, which features old growth forests, gardens, hiking trails, and the Fort Nisqually Living History Museum.
• Visit the Victorian-style W.W. Seymour Conservatory in Wright Park to see a variety of native and exotic trees.
• View the historic architecture of the Union Station District, including the copper-domed Tacoma Union Station and the repurposed brick buildings of the University of Washington Tacoma campus.
• See the iconic Tacoma Dome, known for its massive wooden dome structure.

Three days in Tacoma

Day one, you can begin your journey in the Downtown area to experience the heart of the city before heading toward the waterfront at Ruston Way. You can explore the local atmosphere and enjoy the coastal views along the water.

Day two, travel toward the Stadium District or venture out toward the Eastside. You can take in the sights near the Port and experience the unique character of these neighborhoods as you navigate the local area.

Day three, you can head toward the Tacoma Narrows Bridge to see the scenic views over the Puget Sound. You can spend your final day exploring the surrounding landscape before concluding your stay.