State Parks • Zoos
Open now
Things to Do in Tacoma, WA - Tacoma Attractions
Things to Do in Tacoma
Book these experiences for a closer look at the region.
Speciality Museums • Art Museums
Points of Interest & Landmarks
What travelers are saying
- GordonHouston, TX95 contributionsStopped by after visiting the Zoo, and just started walking on a couple of trails and on the beach. Sort of a dark day with a bit of rain a couple times. Northwest weather. We only touched on the available trails and could have spent all day and still not covered all of the trails. Well maintained trails, with good surfaces, so easy walking shoes are good. Bring water even on a cool day as the water stations at the beach an the one parking were not on.Written October 25, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- ceebee3Port Townsend, WA85 contributionsThe HotShop was fascinating for all of us. The 9 year old was enthralled with the forming process and the shapes made by the artists. We all want to go back. The food was good at the convenient cafe in the museum when we needed a snack.Written November 23, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- ceebee3Port Townsend, WA85 contributionsSmall enough so that a day's visit did not wear everyone out. Tigers and walruses were a high point. The different types of jellyfish were interesting and you are able to see them fairly closely.Written November 23, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Iowa_is_my_homeDes Moines, IA276 contributionsNicely displayed, beautiful cars and interesting accompanying displays including simulator racing. Decent cafe on site, too. There was a nice display of Porsches immediately after passing through registration to celebrate the brand's anniversary.Written August 19, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- StephwallGermantown, TN87 contributionsThis is a beautiful installation of glass works, making the walk across the bridge, beautiful and enjoyable.Written July 26, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- OoricRedmond, WA47 contributionsThis museum only needed an hour of parking, but it was nice to have a shaded lot. This museum had showcased glass and Native American art and more. We very much enjoyed the exhibits and would recommend this place.Written July 24, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- cohomanSammamish, WA2,022 contributionsI rode the 5-Mile Drive with my wife on our bikes and had a great time. This drive is closed to cars, so it was a safe and stress free ride. There are a few hilly spots, but they were easily overcome by our e-Bikes! I'll definitely ride this trail again when in the area.Written July 13, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Tim WPeru, IN386 contributionsI was in Tacoma visiting family and decided to go catch a Rainiers baseball game. It was a great night at Cheney Stadium. From the moment we entered the stadium, the ushers were great helping me get my elderly mom to our seats. The game was exciting and the fans were fully engaged the whole night. The food was also great with a wider variety than most venues. I highly recommend coming out for a game!Written October 29, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Fletch WSeattle, WA374 contributionsThe Washington State Historical Society sounds stodgy, but its museum is anything but. Self-guided tour leads from days of fire and ice through indigenous cultures, to 19thC arrival of settlers by wagon and then Intercontinental RRs, to lumbering heritage to travails of 20thC and various immigrant cultures and their contributions. Special interest exhibitions upstairs and a gigantic model railroad of the region -- over 2,000 feet of track and over 100 locomotives -- guaranteed to enchant the 10yr old in all of us.
Good for a few two-hour visits, for there is too much to absorb in one. But if that is all you have to invest, don't fail to take advantage and learn about the rich history of this state.Written July 10, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - scott rSilver Spring, MD697 contributionsReally a hidden gem, and in some ways better than the foundation museum with the right package. I did the school tour + car collection. School tour is very personal - just myself and Janet (?) the guide, who is engaging, full of information and quite willing to spend time on a very thorough walk through. Some of this is a WIP and some of it a bit of grandma's attic (Harold's attic, really), but in a most enjoyable way. Take some moments and watch the video to get a sense of the man and his accomplishments. Wish I could have met him - seems like a totally down to earth guy who made good, and then freely enjoyed his hobbies but took care to allow others to enjoy them with him. Family still involved, still uses the place (cool), keeps the memory alive through dedicated employees. It's a warm & fuzzy. Yes, they could use a professional archivist / curator, display person, but the whole effect is charming in the best sense and you should spend time here. On to the cars. There is a collection as part (I believe) of the main school tour and then a secondary large warehouse with many additional displayed and signed. Since I bought two tours I saw everything & not sure where the division was. Occasionally in the main buildings and annex some were put on racks and thus not really accessible but a lot of these were fairly anonymous models (unless you are a big 20's fan and then you'd gnash teeth a little), but most at least reasonably displayed if not full walkaround. You can certainly get closer to a Tucker here than just about anywhere. One sad exception was a Dual-Ghia tucked into a roped off corner - but I'm told that may have been because of an event; usually center display. It's a significant car, deserves more prominence of place. Still, all of this is sort of an appetizer for the main vehicle display warehouse where cars are properly displayed with enough room for multiple angle shots and good signage. Collection bogs down a bit as we get toward present year, but no one it seems is really curating anything past the 60's in terms of everyday vehicles (it's probably time to start - at some point I'd be able to afford assembling that collection but no funds to display it, sigh). Thoroughly enjoyed this piece, you can spend a long time there. The whole complex is worth a good 4 hours if you like both aspects and only hunger or another scheduled event will take you away. LeMay supports the local car community, makes provisions for the former nuns - it's just a boon to the community. One note: do NOT get a docent for the car portion. Guy making the rounds when I was there certainly considered himself quite senior and a font of knowledge (he was 'educating' a group or two while I was there since my visit was rather extended). The amount of misinformation both automotive and historical ()! was staggering. All of it spoken authoritatively. I had to move faster, slower or just away in order to keep from making corrections. My goodness. Stick with the signs or take a car buff.Written August 1, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- EHBTexasHouston, TX167 contributionsScenic spot with benches, playground, kayak rentals, restroom, ample parking in Port Defiance. We tried to swim on a hot day - water shoes a must to cope with the small stones. Tides may bring in seaweed . There is a food concession, but pricey. Easy access to trails in Port Defiance.Written August 26, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Cali4niahikerArlington, WA2,341 contributionsI was aware of this bridge mostly from YouTube clips of its twisting-in-the-wind and subsequent spectacular failure. The bridge ripped apart and fell into Puget Sound at the age of 4 months in 1940. A new bridge was built in 1950, and a new parallel span was added in 2007. Engineers, mathematicians, physicists and other scientists have since studied the dynamics that brought down the bridge.
I walked half way across the bridge starting out at War Memorial Park. Only the newer span has a walk/bicycle path. The view of Puget Sound to the South are pretty. You can appreciate the force of the water below just by watching the currents. Mt Rainier is to the North East of the bridge. You can see is only through the cables of the bridge. Love the color of the bridge. Unfortunately though the near-by passing cars make it a stinky walk.
There’s a bridge overview near War Memorial Park. Don’t waste your time going up there. The views are totally blocked by foliage.
Maybe I missed it… but I don’t see where any tribute was paid to the original 1940’s bridge. It’s an important part of history that made the bridge world famous. Even though it’s perhaps not something to be proud of, important lessons have been learned from the bridge failure. The event should be commemorated as such!Written August 3, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - jacaranda3 contributionsSmall, but elegant with a burst of textures and color around every corner. Lovingly tended exuding a reverence for nature where eager painters on stools with brush and palate gather to capture a moment of introspection.Written August 2, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- KSilverSpringSilver Spring, MD47 contributionsStopped in not realizing it is now a Federal Court Building. It is a beautiful space with very nice Chihuly pieces. You need and ID and face mask.Written September 5, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- erincpnwWashington40 contributionsI have a 2 year old and a 9 month old, both of which had a blast at this museum. It has a free admission but they accept donations. We had 3 adults, 2 children and donated $20 to enter which is a lot cheaper than it would be to go to a zoo or another kid zone.
In general the museum as a whole is not very big, however the layout that they have makes it so even if there are 50 kids it doesn't feel super cramped.
They have lockers you can store items in, a stroller parking spot and a little cafe.
The only negatives I would have is that parking can be hard to find depending on the day/time you go and there isn't a designated nursing area for mothers if needed. I personally didn't mind finding a spot to nurse but I do know some mothers are more comfortable when they have privacy.Written March 8, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tacoma
- The top attractions to visit in Tacoma are:
- Point Defiance Park
- Chihuly Bridge of Glass
- LeMay - America's Car Museum
- Museum of Glass
- 5 Mile Drive & Trails
- The best outdoor activities in Tacoma according to Tripadvisor travelers are: See all outdoor activities in Tacoma on Tripadvisor
- The most popular things to do in Tacoma with kids according to Tripadvisor travelers are:
- Point Defiance Park
- 5 Mile Drive & Trails
- LeMay - America's Car Museum
- Chihuly Bridge of Glass
- Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
Tacoma Attractions Information
Attractions | 195 |
|---|---|
Attraction Reviews | 9,698 |
Attraction Photos | 5,075 |
Local Time | Friday 7:21 AM |