Things to Do in Tacoma

Top Things to Do in Tacoma

Things to Do in Tacoma


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Top Attractions in Tacoma

These rankings are informed by traveler reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.
Art Museums
Celebrating 81 years, Tacoma Art Museum is an anchor in the city’s downtown and a gathering place for connecting people through art via thoughtful exhibitions, exciting events, and enriching programs. The museum’s collection of more than 4,500 works emphasizes the art and artists of the Northwest and broader western region. Highlights of the collection include: -the largest retrospective museum collection of glass art by Tacoma native Dale Chihuly on continued view; -the largest collection of studio art jewelry by Northwest artists; -key holdings in 19th century European and 20th-century American art; -one of the finest collections of Japanese woodblock prints on the West Coast; and -the Haub Family Collection, one of the nation’s premier western American art collections, with approximately 300 works spanning 200 years. The Haub Family Collection is the first major museum collection of western American art in the Pacific Northwestern region. Named by USA Today as one of the “Top 10 Great Places to See Art in Smaller Cities,” the museum has developed a national reputation for presenting art in a thought-provoking yet accessible manner, with a strong commitment to Northwest art through its acquisition and exhibition programs. In addition to dynamic exhibitions, nationally touring shows, and historical retrospectives, TAM serves the diverse communities of the region through innovative programming and learning opportunities for all ages, including free community events. TAM is located in Tacoma’s Museum District, near the Museum of Glass, the Washington State History Museum, Children’s Museum of Tacoma, and historic Union Station.
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What travelers are saying

  • Gordon
    Houston, TX95 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Stopped by after visiting the Zoo, and just started walking on a couple of trails and on the beach. Sort of a dark day with a bit of rain a couple times. Northwest weather. We only touched on the available trails and could have spent all day and still not covered all of the trails. Well maintained trails, with good surfaces, so easy walking shoes are good. Bring water even on a cool day as the water stations at the beach an the one parking were not on.
    Written October 25, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Mark951
    Riverside, CA222 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We found the museum very interesting and worth a visit. The exhibits were amazing showing what can be done with glass. What we found to be worth the price of admission was watching them making a globe for a hall at a college in Calif. It was very interesting and informative. They have an area with stadium seating, TV screens, and a person describing what is happening. The process took about 45 min per globe.
    Written February 22, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Cello12345
    Urbana, IL556 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We had about an hour and a half to spend before we could check into our AirBnB. With a 5 year old in the group, this zoo & aquarium was ideal. Seeing all of the creatures was great fun - they even had a person holding a small owl, talking about it with anyone who wanted to stop by. The zoo also has some interesting animal sculptures that are fun for little ones to climb on, and a carousel!
    Written March 5, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • gdeakins
    Des Moines, WA345 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A must see if you are a car buff. Classics as well as the ordinary and extraordinary that are important to the automotive culture. Activities for kids and adults alike. Some TLC needed on some of the activities and there is an additional charge for the racing simulators. All in all a reasonable cost for entry.
    Written March 1, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Stephwall
    Germantown, TN87 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is a beautiful installation of glass works, making the walk across the bridge, beautiful and enjoyable.
    Written July 26, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • LongabergerLady
    Oconto Falls, WI260 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We hit this museum the next day. There were so many buildings at this site and all the staff were extremely helpful. There were students having their pictures taken with some of the muscle cars. I wish they would have had a book about the LeMays. Their story is so interesting.
    Written December 15, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Ooric
    Redmond, WA47 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This museum only needed an hour of parking, but it was nice to have a shaded lot. This museum had showcased glass and Native American art and more. We very much enjoyed the exhibits and would recommend this place.
    Written July 24, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • cohoman
    Sammamish, WA2,071 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I rode the 5-Mile Drive with my wife on our bikes and had a great time. This drive is closed to cars, so it was a safe and stress free ride. There are a few hilly spots, but they were easily overcome by our e-Bikes! I'll definitely ride this trail again when in the area.
    Written July 13, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Tim W
    Peru, IN398 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I was in Tacoma visiting family and decided to go catch a Rainiers baseball game. It was a great night at Cheney Stadium. From the moment we entered the stadium, the ushers were great helping me get my elderly mom to our seats. The game was exciting and the fans were fully engaged the whole night. The food was also great with a wider variety than most venues. I highly recommend coming out for a game!
    Written October 29, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Fletch W
    Seattle, WA374 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Washington State Historical Society sounds stodgy, but its museum is anything but. Self-guided tour leads from days of fire and ice through indigenous cultures, to 19thC arrival of settlers by wagon and then Intercontinental RRs, to lumbering heritage to travails of 20thC and various immigrant cultures and their contributions. Special interest exhibitions upstairs and a gigantic model railroad of the region -- over 2,000 feet of track and over 100 locomotives -- guaranteed to enchant the 10yr old in all of us.

    Good for a few two-hour visits, for there is too much to absorb in one. But if that is all you have to invest, don't fail to take advantage and learn about the rich history of this state.
    Written July 10, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • EHBTexas
    Houston, TX167 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Scenic spot with benches, playground, kayak rentals, restroom, ample parking in Port Defiance. We tried to swim on a hot day - water shoes a must to cope with the small stones. Tides may bring in seaweed . There is a food concession, but pricey. Easy access to trails in Port Defiance.
    Written August 26, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Cali4niahiker
    Arlington, WA2,342 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    I was aware of this bridge mostly from YouTube clips of its twisting-in-the-wind and subsequent spectacular failure. The bridge ripped apart and fell into Puget Sound at the age of 4 months in 1940. A new bridge was built in 1950, and a new parallel span was added in 2007. Engineers, mathematicians, physicists and other scientists have since studied the dynamics that brought down the bridge.
    I walked half way across the bridge starting out at War Memorial Park. Only the newer span has a walk/bicycle path. The view of Puget Sound to the South are pretty. You can appreciate the force of the water below just by watching the currents. Mt Rainier is to the North East of the bridge. You can see is only through the cables of the bridge. Love the color of the bridge. Unfortunately though the near-by passing cars make it a stinky walk.
    There’s a bridge overview near War Memorial Park. Don’t waste your time going up there. The views are totally blocked by foliage.
    Maybe I missed it… but I don’t see where any tribute was paid to the original 1940’s bridge. It’s an important part of history that made the bridge world famous. Even though it’s perhaps not something to be proud of, important lessons have been learned from the bridge failure. The event should be commemorated as such!
    Written August 3, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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