Tacoma Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Tacoma showing a city, a bay or harbour and a marina
Gig Harbor which includes a bay or harbour, a marina and forests
Gig Harbor showing a marina and a bay or harbour
Gig Harbor featuring a bay or harbour
Tacoma featuring a bay or harbour, a marina 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-metre) 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 kilometres) north of Tacoma and 12 miles (19 kilometres) south of Seattle, a pleasant daytrip destination.

Where to stay in Tacoma

Tacoma featuring a city

Downtown Tacoma

Known for its abundant dining options and interesting museums, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Tacoma. Top attractions like Tacoma Art Museum and Tacoma Union Station Rotunda are major draws, and you can catch the metro at Convention Center Station or Commerce Street Station to see more of the city.

Downtown Tacoma
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Ruston

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

Ruston
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North End

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

North End
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South Tacoma

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
Tacoma featuring a city

New Tacoma

5/5(1 area review)

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 of the city at Theater District Station or Commerce Street Station.

New Tacoma
Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium which includes marine life

West End

If you're spending some time in West End, Tacoma Narrows Bridge and Point Defiance Park are top sights worth seeing.

West End
Hotel Murano

Hotel Murano

4.5 out of 5
1320 Broadway Plaza, Tacoma, WA
The price is ₹12,692 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹12,692
₹14,547 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Tacoma. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,448 reviews)
"Very clean and central location"

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

Hotel Murano
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 ₹12,911 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹12,911
₹14,524 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Federal Way. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"I didn't like the policy of house keeeping we six night. They cleaned our room just one day."

Reviewed on 12 Jul 2025

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Seattle Federal Way
Emerald Queen Hotel and Casino - Tacoma

Emerald Queen Hotel and Casino - Tacoma

4 out of 5
1820 E 29th St, Tacoma, WA
The price is ₹11,740 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
₹11,740
₹13,465 total
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Tacoma. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,047 reviews)
GOOD TIMES
"Great time. Thank you."

Reviewed on 16 Jul 2025

Emerald Queen Hotel and Casino - Tacoma
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.
Walk to the waterfront The Hobbit House

Walk to the waterfront The Hobbit House

3 out of 5
4710 N 46th St, Tacoma, WA
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Tacoma. Enjoy free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Tacoma Dome and Emerald Queen Casino are located nearby.
"It was a cute little place & close to so many fun places!"

Reviewed on 19 Jan 2025

Walk to the waterfront The Hobbit House
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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