Tacoma's Waterfront: What to See and Do

Ruston Way — the bay walk

A roughly two-mile paved shoreline path along Commencement Bay between downtown and Point Ruston, with pocket beaches, grassy parks, fishing piers and restaurants on pilings over the water. The view is west across the Sound to the Olympic Mountains; look back over your shoulder for Mount Rainier on clear days.

It is flat, stroller-friendly and free. Parking is in small lots along the route and fills on summer evenings.

Point Ruston

At the northern end of Ruston Way, a newer waterfront development with a promenade, restaurants, a cinema and a wide public boardwalk that continues toward Point Defiance Park.

Thea Foss Waterway

The downtown side: a working waterway with marinas, floating docks, the esplanade and the museum cluster along it. This is where you walk if you are already downtown, and it connects to the Chihuly Bridge of Glass.

Owen Beach and Point Defiance

Inside Point Defiance Park, Owen Beach is a real beach — driftwood, gravel, kayak launch, views across to Vashon Island. The park's Five Mile Drive has viewpoints above the water, and a ferry to Tahlequah leaves from the terminal at the bottom of the hill.

On the water

Kayak and paddle rentals, harbour cruises and charter fishing operate seasonally out of the Foss and Point Defiance. Availability varies by season and operator — check directly before turning up.