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Outdoors

Waterfront Trek

Tacoma from the water's edge, linking shoreline stretches.

Illustrated Waterfront Trek

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

Information checked September 16, 2026. See something wrong?

Plan this Trek

Start TrekCustomize
Length
Half day
Typical cost
Free apart from food
Getting around
mixed
Family
Easy with kids; both paths are wide.
Accessibility
Both waterfront paths are paved and level.

The route

1. Thea Foss Waterway Esplanade → 2. Foss Waterway Seaport → 3. Old Town Dock → 4. Ruston Way Waterfront → 5. Katie Downs Waterfront Tavern → 6. The Lobster Shop

Numbered markers follow the stop order below.

  1. 1

    Thea Foss Waterway Esplanade

    Start

    Morning

    Start on the Thea Foss esplanade with the marina on one side and downtown above you.

    Next: Walk north along the waterway.

    Directions
  2. 2

    Foss Waterway Seaport

    Museum

    Late morning

    Tacoma's maritime history in a surviving 1900 wheat warehouse on the water.

    Next: Drive or ride about ten minutes north-west to Old Town.

    Directions
  3. 3

    Old Town Dock

    Stop

    Midday

    A public pier in the oldest part of the city, with Commencement Bay views.

    Next: Follow Ruston Way north along the shoreline.

    Directions
  4. 4

    Ruston Way Waterfront

    Walk

    Early afternoon

    A shoreline path and parks strung along Commencement Bay.

    Next: Waterfront restaurants sit right on this stretch.

    Directions
  5. 5

    Katie Downs Waterfront Tavern

    Lunch

    Afternoon

    Waterfront tavern on Ruston Way.

    Next: Continue north a few minutes.

    Directions
  6. 6

    The Lobster Shop

    Finish

    Evening

    Sit-down seafood at the north end of Ruston Way — book ahead at weekends.

    Directions

Notes

Tacoma has two very different waterfronts: the working, urban Thea Foss Waterway downtown, and the open saltwater shoreline along Ruston Way. This Trek links them, so you get both the city and the bay in one half day. Both stretches are exposed to wind off the water — bring a layer even on a warm day.

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

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