A weekend is the sweet spot for Tacoma. Two days lets you split the city into its two natural halves: the downtown museum and waterfront core, and the parks and neighborhoods to the north and west.
Day one: downtown, museums and glass
Spend the first day between Pacific Avenue and Dock Street. Tacoma Art Museum, the Washington State History Museum, Union Station and the Museum of Glass are all within a walk of each other, connected by the Chihuly Bridge of Glass. Finish along the Thea Foss Waterway esplanade, then eat in the Theater District or downtown.
Day two: Point Defiance and Ruston Way
Head north-west to Point Defiance Park, one of the largest urban parks in the country, with old-growth forest trails, gardens, saltwater beach at Owen Beach and Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium inside the park boundary. Come back along Ruston Way, the waterfront road lined with parks, public piers and restaurants facing Commencement Bay and, on clear days, Mount Rainier.
Where to base yourself
Downtown puts you within walking distance of the museums and theaters. Point Ruston and the north end put you next to the water and the park. Near the Tacoma Dome makes sense if you are in town for a concert or arriving by train or bus.
Adding a third thing
If you have spare time, pick one neighborhood district rather than another attraction: the Proctor District for its farmers market street and small shops, Sixth Avenue for bars and music, Old Town for the oldest part of the city and Stadium District for the landmark Stadium High School and views over the bay.
Practical notes
Tacoma is about 35 miles south of Seattle and connected by I-5, Sounder commuter rail and Amtrak. Weather is changeable most of the year, so keep a rainy-day option in reserve. Check current opening days and admission with each venue before you build a schedule around it.
Details on this page are compiled independently. Confirm hours, admission and availability with the venue before you go.