Things to do in Tacoma, WA

Tacoma is a major port city roughly 30 miles south of Seattle. Because it is a port city it is known for its beautiful marinas and waterfronts. 

Point Defiance Park 

If you do nothing else in Tacoma I'd recommend Point Defiance. It is a really cool park right on the Tacoma waterfront. There is a lot of easy hiking- both paved and non paved trails in this area. It also has a rhododendron garden and a small Japanese garden (if you are looking for a true Japanese garden go to the one in Seattle). It is free to access the park. There is a Zoo within the park that charges admission. Basically its a great park that has nice views of the sound. 

Ruston Way and Public Market 

Adjacent to Point Defiance park is the Point Ruston Public Market. This is a great market to explore during the weekends- it has great food and coffee (duh!) and local products from the area. Ruston way is a great road to dive up and see the beautiful Puget sound. 

Museum of Glass 

Ok so I've yet to actually go to this but many people recommended it to me. We attempted to go but it is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays and that happened to be the day that we went. It is right next to the Washington State History Museum and is a great duo for a rainy day. If you have been to the Chihuly glass museum in Seattle this is created by the same person. 

Cost: $17 for adults but they do have free admission the 3rd Thursday of each month from 5-8pm if you time it correctly.

Website: https://www.museumofglass.org/visit

Washington State History Museum 

This is another great rainy day idea. It was fairly interesting to learn about the history of the state. Max's favorite ting about this was the giant model train station of the Puget sound area (of course). Its a three story building but there are only exhibits on two of the floors and there are temporary exhibits.

Cost: $14 for adult- Also has free admission 3rd Thursday of the month from 5-8 \

Website: https://www.washingtonhistory.org/visit/history-museum-hours-and-admission/

Chambers Bay Golf Course/ Park 

This is a public golf course and a public park that is right on the puget sound. Originally it was used as a gravel mine and it is neat to see all the old infrastructure from that time. The trails are all paved and pet friendly. Its a very beautiful walk with roughly 3 miles of paved trail. There is plenty of parking on site and bathrooms. It is free to access the park. 

Restaurants we've been to in Tacoma 

Rhine Haus Tacoma- Max LOVED this. Great German restaurant with good beer and good food. They also have Bocce ball in the middle of the restaurant which is fun to watch/play. Will for sure come back and would recommend 

Ram brewing company- I did not realized that this is a bit of a chain when we went but we went to the one in Tacoma on the waterfront. Nice views of the water front- basic burgers/ brewery food. 

Royal Thai Bistro- This is a local restaurant in Fircrest. We really enjoyed the authentic Thai food experience. 

Ho Soon Yi- This is a local Korean restaurant. It was very good- highly recommended. 

The Koi- Japanese and sushi restaurant in downtown Chicago- a bit expensive but very good and great atmosphere