After many years of living in Tacoma, Washington, I've discovered the gems that truly make this city undeniably special. Consider this your VIP pass to the places locals love and keep coming back to. These are my personal faves that never seem to get old.💕
Map
Sections
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Main Attractions
Bite-sized Tacoma
Cozy corners to unwind
Unique Experiences
Main Attractions
My list of popular hangouts…and the list will continue to grow! July, August, as well as September are popular months for visitors because the weather is the absolute best. So plan ahead as it can be quite crowded especially if there are special events being held.
Shops, splash pad for the kids, and lots of good food!
Point Ruston
Great place to spend the day for entire family.
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium | AZA-Accredited | Tacoma, WA
Make your own glass experience.
Museum of Glass
A must see for classic car enthusiasts.
LeMay - America’s Car Museum
A perfect place for the littles with on-hand activities, water fun, and obstacle courses.
Children's Museum of Tacoma
Local farm fresh favorites and home made fresh baked goods and treats.
Proctor Farmers' Market
Best time to go is Spring and Summer!
Rose Garden
Come see the amazing glass of Chihuly that also can be seen at the Bellagio hotel in Las Vegas.
Chihuly Bridge of Glass
Beautiful sunset cruise and a must see!
2025(Gig Harbor) Shared Sunset Cruise from Gig Harbor on Puget Sound
Explore Pt. Ruston boardwalk with one of these fun rentals.
Bike Rentals on the Boardwalk
Not only a beautiful venue for weddings, but overnight romantic getaways...yes, you can stay here!
THORNEWOOD CASTLE - Updated 2024 Inn Reviews (Tacoma, WA)
Spend the day at Pt. Defiance. This is a 760-acre park with amazing gardens, scenic trails, beach access and is home of the Pt. Defiance Zoo & Aquarium.
Point Defiance Park
The Blue Mouse theater has been an icon in the Proctor district since 1923. Come catch a movie and have nice glass of wine or beer to enjoy with your show.
Iconic Blue Mouse Theater
Bite-sized Tacoma
Tacoma's most crave-worthy spots, from comfort food classics to fresh farm-to-table creations. There's something here for everyone.
One of the best places for brunch and flavorful gem. Named one of the top 100 places to eat in the US by Yelp in 2019.
Tibbitts @ Fern Hill - Tacoma, WA
Family-owned fine dining - voted 'Best Fine Dining Restaurant in the South Sound. Located in Tacoma's charming Opera Alley. A local treasure for over two decades.
Over The Moon Cafe - Tacoma, WA
Elevated comfort food and craft cocktails.
Wooden City Tacoma
This place was featured on Diner's Drive-Ins and Dives several years ago. All of the food is great here and not the typical bar food-a must try is the bacon candy and parmesan tots!
Dirty Oscar's Annex
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Great food, budget and kid friendly! Outdoor seating and it's happy hour all day, but limited hours.
Twisted Fork Saloon
Fish and Chips!
The Fish Peddler Restaurant on Foss Waterway
Some of the best Pizza and Pasta!
Tacoma Pie
Great coffee place and to grab a quick bite, like avocado toast.
ANTHEM Coffee & Tea | Point Ruston
Beautiful and scenic right on the heart of Pt. Ruston and next door to the Silver Cloud Inn.
Copper & Salt Northwest Kitchen: A South Sound Eatery | Ruston Restaurants
Changing menu that explores different regions.
Cooks Tavern
Not the typical burgers-delicious!
Stack 571 Burger And Whiskey Bar
Fine dining with a flare and wonderful ambience!
Asado
A local gem favorite for home-style breakfast and lunches. They do not take reservations so wait times could be expected from 20-30 minutes depending on the time of day.
Spring Lake Cafe
Decadent waffles with a touch of flare.
Waffle Stop
Voted the best donuts in Tacoma - made fresh daily. Accepts cash only.
Pao's Donut & Coffee Shop Llc
Fine dining!
Macaluso's Italian Restaurant
A wonderful vegan option with many comfort food favorites.
Quickie Too
A Stadium District favorite, serving a tasty Southeast Asian street flavors like shrimp chive dumplings, banh mi, pork belly yakitori and DIY lettuce wraps to name a few. And don't forget, crafty cocktails.
Indo Asian Street Eatery - Tacoma, WA
The place for the best hot dogs ever!
Red Hot - Tacoma, WA
What can I say? We love our brunch here!
Three Hearts - Tacoma, WA
My favorite place for a sweet treat. The menu changes everyday so be sure to check out their website for the daily specials.
Wanna Cupcake? Bakery Cafe
Cozy corners to unwind
Tacoma offers cozy hotels and waterfront views, while just across the Tacoma Narrows Bridge lies another treasure; Gig Harbor. This harbor town features charming inns and cottages, all within walking distance of boutique shops, inviting cafés, and ar...
Waterfront views and dining. Walkable distance to boutique shops, movie theater, and tasty bites.
Silver Cloud Hotel Tacoma at Point Ruston Waterfront
Another great option if the Silver Cloud on the waterfront is completely booked.
HOTEL MURANO - Updated 2024 Prices & Reviews (Tacoma, WA)
A more budget friendly option in the heart of downtown Tacoma.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Tacoma Downtown - IHG
A home away from home. If the thought of staying at a hotel doesn't appeal to you, there are many vacation home rental options in Tacoma.
Vacation Homes in North End, Tacoma: House Rentals & More | Vrbo
Waterfront hospitality at it's finest. A quick 20 minute drive from Tacoma, WA. Gig Harbor is home to many boutique shops, quaint dining experiences, and of course the scenic waterfront.
Waterfront Inn - Gig Harbor, WA
Boutique style hotel. Walkable distance for coffee and cafe's on the waterfront.
Maritime Inn - Gig Harbor, WA
Unique Experiences
There are so many fun activities to experience in Tacoma that you won't find yourself bored. I've also included some experiences within the surrounding area's in neighboring cities that I feel that are a definite must experience!
For those that love a great mystery and solving puzzles.
Freighthouse Station Escape Room Challenge - Tacoma | Groupon
Looking for a unique experience indoors? Make a beautiful piece of art with glassblowing that you can bring home with you!
Puget Sound Glassblowing Studio - Tacoma | Groupon
For the days that are a bit gloomy and the clouds never seem to lift, and you feel the itch of just wanting to go out and do something. How about ax throwing? While this is just outside the Tacoma city limits, it's definitely worth the drive to exp...
Sea Axe - Auburn, WA | Groupon
Every 3rd Thursday of the month - free admission! Enjoy museums, galleries, local art exhibits, and live music.
Tacoma Artwalk - Free Event
The perfect tour for Beer Lover's
Brewery Tour
Explore the haunted history of Tacoma with this guided tour.
Downtown Tacoma Ghost Tour
Exciting scavenger hunt for the whole family.
Tacoma Tirade Scavenger Hunt
Get to know the history of Tacoma, and maybe a few ghost stories or two.
Get to Know Tacoma
The warmer weather is setting in here on the south sound and what a perfect time for a boat tour. Take in the breathtaking views of the Narrows bridge and catch a glimpse of the local harbor seals who seem a little too friendly at times.
2025 2 Hour Guided Boat Tour in Gig Harbor and Narrows Bridges - with Trusted Reviews
