Just 35 miles south of Seattle (yes, you can hire a car from Seattle airport to get there in under an hour), Tacoma offers an amazing Pacific Northwest experience.

With a thriving coffee and brewery scene, vibrant neighborhoods full of character, and unique museums, this city has more than enough to keep you busy.

In this post, we’ll look at the best things to do in Tacoma, plus tips on why and when to visit. So, let’s dive right in!

Why visit Tacoma?

Once a bustling railroad hub, Tacoma has its own laid-back charm that’s a nice contrast to Seattle’s big-city energy. It’s smaller (around 223,900 people), more relaxed, and offers stunning waterfront views along the Salish Sea.

On a clear Northwest day, sitting at a patio with mountain and waterfront views, it’s easy to see why Tacoma’s spot along the Salish Sea is so special.

With seagulls dipping by and the occasional eagle overhead, the beauty around you is unmistakable.

And if you’re up for an adventure, Tacoma’s an ideal base.

Mount Rainier National Park is just 60 miles to the southeast, with Olympic National Park a bit farther west. Whether you’re into hiking, sightseeing, or just soaking up the natural splendor, Tacoma is a gateway to it all.

When’s the best time to visit Tacoma?

Well, the best time to go really depends on what you’re after.

Tacoma enjoys a mild climate, with an average temperature of around 51°F. If you’re all about outdoor adventures, summer is your golden ticket.

With temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to mid-70s, you’ll have plenty of sunshine to explore those beautiful parks and hiking trails.

But here’s where some travelers can make mistakes when booking flights: if you’re hoping for a dry trip, you might want to steer clear of November and December, which are typically the wettest months in Tacoma.

The best things to do in Tacoma

So, here are some of the top things to do in Tacoma.

Explore the iconic Point Defiance Park

Point Defiance Park is Tacoma’s gem, a massive 760-acre spot filled with botanical gardens, old-growth forests, hiking trails, and a scenic beach along the shoreline.

Recently, the park’s Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium got a $7 million facelift, adding a stunning new tropical reef aquarium that opened last June.

Fans of the sci-fi classic Dune will love visiting Dune Peninsula, named after author Frank Herbert, a Tacoma native. Back when this area was a slag heap for the Asarco copper smelter, it inspired Herbert’s vision of a barren world in Dune. Today, it’s a beautiful part of the city, complete with the Frank Herbert Trail that wraps around its perimeter.

Discover the local glass art scene

Now, Frank Herbert isn’t the only big name to come out of this quaint little city.

Tacoma is also the proud home of the legendary Dale Chihuly, a true pioneer in the glass art world. As
one of the first Studio Glass artists to bring techniques from the Venetian glass factories in Murano, Italy, he put Tacoma on the map as a glass art destination.

The Museum of Glass, which opened to the public in 2002, offers a front-row seat to the art of glassmaking. Here, you can wander through ever-changing gallery exhibits and then watch artists at work in The Hot Shop, a studio with live glassblowing demos from brilliant artists.

A must-see is the 500-foot-long Bridge of Glass, a pedestrian pathway with three stunning Chihuly installations that connects the museum to downtown Tacoma.

Tacoma’s glass art scene doesn’t end there. The city is also home to the Hilltop Artists program, founded in the 1990s to help local kids stay engaged in school. The program now serves underprivileged students, offering free glassblowing instruction and mentorship, and hosting events where they can showcase their work.

For those inspired to try their hand at glassblowing, Tacoma has private studios like Area 253 and Tacoma Glassblowing Studio, where residents and visitors alike can get hands-on with this unique art form.

Sip and savor in Tacoma’s brewery district

When spring rolls in and the sun starts shining, Tacoma’s Brewery District is where the real fun brews!

This lively area is packed with taprooms that are practically begging you to hop in for a pint or two (or three – no judgment here!)

The Brewery District has been pouring up local goodness since the late 1800s, and it’s still going strong.

You’ll find classic spots like E9 Brewing Co. and Black Fleet Brewing, where the beer flows smoother than a Sunday drive down Pacific Avenue. Whether you’re a fan of IPAs, stouts, or something more unique, there’s a frosty brew calling your name.

Grab a seat and soak in the atmosphere. These breweries are community hubs. You might see families enjoying board games, friends catching up over a flight of brews, or even some students from the nearby UW Tacoma hitting the books (or the beers!).

Cruise through car history

If you’re revving up for a unique experience, the LeMay-America’s Car Museum is a must- visit pit stop.

This museum celebrates a century of automobile history, showcasing a really impressive collection. With its front grill-designed entrance, it features more than 300 cars displayed by era or theme.

Buckle up, because you’re about to take a joyride through automotive history. Most of the museum’s vehicles are part of a collection exceeding 3,000 that once belonged to Harold LeMay, a true collector extraordinaire.

From Model-Ts that paved the way to modern rides to solar-powered cars zooming into the future, the LeMay Museum shifts gears to provide a fun experience across four levels.

Hike the infamous Mount Rainier

Now, technically, this isn’t in Tacoma itself, but we couldn’t not include Mount Rainier in our guide (trust us, you’d be really upset if you missed this).

Plus, with the rental car that you got at the airport, it’s just a scenic drive away.

Standing tall at 14,410 feet, it’s the highest volcanic peak in the contiguous United States and boasts the most glaciated peak outside of Alaska. This stunning mountain has complete hiking pro looking for a bit more of a challenge.

You’ll find plenty of hiking options here, from short half-day jaunts to full-day treks that let you soak up the jaw-dropping views.

For those feeling extra adventurous, there’s also 2 to 3-night hikes that take you deeper into the park’s beauty. And depending on the season, you can choose from summer trails that burst with wildflowers or winter routes perfect for snowshoeing.

With five developed areas like Paradise and Sunrise, each offering unique views and experiences, you’ll be in for a treat no matter where you go. Just grab your $30 entrance fee (good for a week) or splurge on an $55 annual pass for unlimited access.