Rain is part of the deal in western Washington, and Tacoma handles it better than most cities because its best attractions are indoors and clustered together.
Museum District, all indoors
Tacoma Art Museum, the Washington State History Museum and the Museum of Glass can fill an entire wet day between them, and the Chihuly Bridge of Glass is the only outdoor part of the route.
The Museum of Glass Hot Shop
A warm room where something is actively being made is the best possible use of a cold, wet afternoon.
LeMay - America's Car Museum
Four floors of indoor exhibits near the Tacoma Dome, enough for a long visit on its own.
Theaters and live performance
The Pantages, Rialto and Theatre on the Square, run as Tacoma City Theaters, sit within a block of each other in the Theater District, alongside independent cinemas and music venues elsewhere in the city.
Seymour Botanical Conservatory
A Victorian glasshouse in Wright Park, warm and green regardless of the forecast.
Cafes, bookshops and breweries
Tacoma's neighborhood districts, particularly Proctor, Sixth Avenue and downtown, are built for slow indoor afternoons of coffee, books and taprooms.
Practical notes
Rain here is usually light and persistent rather than heavy, so a hooded jacket beats an umbrella. Check current opening days, performance schedules and admission directly with each venue.
Details on this page are compiled independently. Confirm hours, admission and availability with the venue before you go.