TACOMA TREKKERExplore Tacoma

Where the city started

Old Town Tacoma Trek

Tacoma's oldest neighbourhood, a public pier over the bay and an old tavern, in a compact two to three hours.

Illustrated Old Town Tacoma Trek

Tacoma Trekker original illustration — an artistic interpretation, not a photograph.

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Plan this Trek

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Length
2-3 hours
Typical cost
Free to moderate
Getting around
walking
Family
Fine with kids; the dock is fenced and open to the public.
Accessibility
Old Town Dock has a level boardwalk; the streets down to the water are steep in places.

The route

1. Old Town Dock → 2. The Spar Tavern → 3. Ruston Way Waterfront → 4. Duke's Seafood

Numbered markers follow the stop order below.

  1. 1

    Old Town Dock

    Start

    Morning

    A public pier over Commencement Bay with a view back at the city skyline.

    Next: The Spar is a short walk up into Old Town.

    Directions
  2. 2

    The Spar Tavern

    Break

    Late morning

    A long-running Old Town tavern.

    Next: Walk back down to the water and pick up the Ruston Way path.

    Directions
  3. 3

    Ruston Way Waterfront

    Walk

    Midday

    The paved waterfront path runs south-west from Old Town along the bay.

    Next: Duke's is on the water further along.

    Directions
  4. 4

    Duke's Seafood

    Finish

    Afternoon

    Seafood on the waterfront to close out the walk.

    Directions

Notes

Old Town sits at the north end of Ruston Way, where Tacoma was first settled. Walk out on Old Town Dock for the view back at the city and across the bay, then stop into The Spar Tavern, one of the oldest continuously operating spots in the neighbourhood. From there the waterfront path carries on along Ruston Way if you want to keep walking, and Duke's Seafood makes a good end point. The dock is exposed — bring a layer, even in summer.

Hours and bookings can change — confirm with each stop before you go.

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