While it can sometimes be overshadowed by its northern neighbor, Seattle, Tacoma is more than capable of holding its own. Living in Tacoma means living in Washington’s third-largest city by population, where you’ll find iconic local landmarks like the Tacoma Dome and stunning views of Mount Rainier. From renowned museums and stunning national parks to magnificent beaches and a thriving arts scene, Tacoma has it all.
If you’re new to the city and looking for something to do, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you just rented an apartment in the Hilltop neighborhood, bought a house in Central Tacoma, or are just curious what life in the city is like, here’s a list of some of the most unique things to do in Tacoma. Grab a coffee, sit back, and start reading – you’re guaranteed to find the perfect activity for you.
1. Take an in-depth tour of the city
Tacoma is one of the truly underrated cities in the Pacific Northwest. If you’re new to the city, there are a lot of things you might miss. That’s why a great way to find out about unique things to do in Tacoma is by taking a tour led by locals.
“Pretty Gritty Tours is Tacoma’s most intimate tour experience,” according to travel bloggers Keryn Means and Tawny Clark of Twist Travel Magazine, “They provide unique, fun, and engaging knowledge about the city and things to do here. Our two favorite PGT tours are the Stadium High School Tour (where 10 Things I Hate About You was filmed), also known as Tacoma’s very own Hogwarts. We also recommend the Booze and Boos tour, a beer tour that also highlights Tacoma’s haunted past.”
2. Check out Tacoma’s vibrant performing arts scene
Tacoma is a Puget Sound area hotspot for culture and art. One unique way to experience this is by attending a show at one of several performing arts venues throughout the city.
“Tacoma is blessed with a ton of great arts,” says Chase D. Anderson of NW Theatre, a local performance and art organization. “Its museums rival that of a certain city to the north; its largest venues attract big names in music; and its historic theaters feature Tacoma Opera, Tacoma City Ballet, and magnificent touring acts presented by Tacoma Arts Live.”
“But if you really want to get a feel for the city and its people,” Anderson continues, “look smaller: the tucked-away Dukesbay Theater, whose founders rush to greet you after every show; the up-and-coming dancers of Tacoma Urban Performing Arts Center, founded by the legendary Kabby Mitchell, Pacific Northwest Ballet’s first Black company member; Tacoma Little Theatre, the region’s oldest continuously-running playhouse; the vibrant stage of Tacoma Musical Playhouse; innovative productions from University of Puget Sound’s Theatre Arts department; the newly redone Lakewood Playhouse, just to the south; or, just to the north, the family-friendly Centerstage Theatre at Dash Point, a little forested oasis with grand views of Tacoma’s Commencement Bay. Make a day of it with plenty of great dining options, grab a hopped or fruity beverage at Incline Cider, and find a new-old treasure at Pure Vintage, a Tacoma staple that’s attached to King’s Books.”
3. Spend the day on the water
Being located near the water makes Tacoma a great place for watersports and other unique things to do. If you’re not already a fan of boating or other aquatic activities, that may change after spending some time here.
“Tacoma sits right on the Puget Sound, which means that everyone should try at least one water sport while visiting here,” says local travel blogger Emily Mandagie of The Mandagies. “Head over to the Dock Street Marina in Downtown Tacoma to rent a kayak or paddleboard. The calm waters of the protected Thea Foss waterway make this a perfect place for beginners and advanced kayakers alike to enjoy the marina. After your paddle, head over to the Social Bar and Grill to enjoy lunch near the waterfront.”
With Commencement Bay to the north and the Puyallup River flowing through the city, there are plenty of opportunities for Tacoma residents to enjoy fun activities on the water. If you’re new to the area and don’t own the necessary equipment, there are always rentals available.
“A unique activity to do in Tacoma is rent kayaks at Owens Beach,” says city local Gabrielle Gentry of Gentry’s Footwear. “You can kayak to Point Defiance and look at the sea otters that rest there. I’ve had some come up to me when I was in the kayak, and they’re pretty friendly creatures.”
4. See the Tacoma Rainiers play at Cheney Stadium
There are plenty of things to do in Tacoma for sports fans. If you’re new to the city and think that the Seattle Mariners are the only option in the area for high-level baseball, you would be mistaken. The Mariners’ top minor league team, the Tacoma Rainiers, play in Central Tacoma.
Tacoma-based realtor Laura Anderson says, “One of my favorites is to go watch our local minor league baseball team, the Tacoma Rainiers play at Cheney Stadium here in Tacoma. The stadium has lots of food and drinks, a fun atmosphere, and if you’re lucky, you catch a fireworks show.”
If you’re a baseball fan looking for things to do in the city, this is a great way to catch a live game without paying major league prices or contending with I-5 traffic.
5. Take in the natural beauty of Point Defiance Park
No city is complete without outdoor spaces where you can take a breath of fresh air and enjoy nature. Tacoma’s Point Defiance Park is the perfect destination if you’re looking for something relaxing to do.
“How many urban areas also offer over 700 acres of wilderness waiting to help you connect with nature?” asks Tacoma-area blogger Matthew Kessi of Kessi World. “A unique way to enjoy Tacoma is to head to Point Defiance Park and explore the trails that follow Five-Mile Drive – now closed to vehicles. You’ll feel miles away from the hustle of daily life. Start at the iconic rhododendron garden and wander under an exquisite canopy of maple, cedar, and towering douglas fir. End up soaking in the salty air at the newly renovated Owen Beach. Remember to go slow and pay attention – and the Natural World will open up to you in ways that will recharge your spirit.”
6. Hit the slopes for a snowy winter getaway
Mount Rainier is certainly pretty from a distance, but a trip to Crystal Mountain Resort allows you to get up close and personal with Washington’s highest peak. Living in Tacoma gives you access to one of the most popular skiing destinations in the state.
“Crystal Mountain offers a variety of family-friendly events and activities for all ages to connect with the outdoors,” says Emma Brice, a communications and PR specialist at the resort. “Located just 2 hours from Seattle, Crystal offers a quick escape from the city, making it the perfect day trip or weekend adventure. With 2,600 acres of skiable terrain, Crystal is the largest ski resort in Washington, offering access to skiers, snowboarders, and snowshoers looking to explore the steep and deep terrain. Rental and demo equipment is available for daily use. For guests seeking scenic views and leisure, take a ride on the Mt. Rainier Gondola for sweeping views of the Cascade Range and enjoy lunch at the Summit House, Washington’s highest-elevation restaurant. Whether you’re seeking a challenge or a simple getaway, there’s something for everyone at Crystal Mountain.”
7. Go bowling at Tower Lanes
Located in the West End neighborhood, Tower Lanes is a unique destination for fun and games in Tacoma. With offerings ranging from mini golf and bowling to arcade games, there are plenty of ways to have fun here.
“When we are in need of synergy there is only one place we can be certain all of us enjoy: Tower Lanes,” says Perris Wright of eTc Tacoma, a Tacoma-based lifestyle brand. “It stays open very close to 24 hours and we get to pick our form of entertainment, putt-putt golf, bowling or the arcade games.”
8. Check out Tacoma’s unique glass art
One of Tacoma’s most eye-catching attractions is the Chihuly Bridge of Glass. Local glass art icon Dale Chihuly designed the 500-foot bridge, the largest public art display in the city. Along with the stunning art, pedestrians on the bridge can also catch glimpses of downtown Tacoma and Mount Rainier.
“A unique activity in Tacoma I highly recommend is to venture across the Chihuly Bridge of Glass, one of the most photographed spots in Tacoma, ” says local blogger Lisa Dawn Drogin of Story of My Dress. “Composed of 2,400 pieces of Dale Chihuly glass art worked into three separate installations, the Bridge of Glass alone is worth a visit to Tacoma. The Bridge of Glass leads directly to the Museum of Glass, an architecturally gorgeous museum with an incredible glass art collection. There’s even a functioning hot shop with an auditorium, where you can watch glass artists at work.”
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