Tacoma, Washington Visitors Guide
Set in the middle of Seattle and Olympia is the city of Tacoma. This lively town offers an assortment of activities and attractions ranging from museums and gardens to theatre and animals. When you visit Tacoma, you are sure to find plenty to keep you entertained.
Tacoma Arts & Entertainment
Emerald Queen Casino- With 180,000 square feet of gaming area, restaurants, a performing stage that has hosted nationally recognized artist, 1,500 slot machines and many other gaming choices, the Emerald Queen has much to offer.
Tacoma Dome/Theatre District - For symphonies, plays, ballets, and musical productions visit the Rialto Theatre and the Modern Theatre one the Square.
Tacoma Museums
University Gallery - Located on Pacific Lutheran University’s campus, this gallery has changing exhibits and Rune stone sculptures.
Seattle Museum of Glass - This is America’s only museum that spotlights on modern glass art. Here you can see artwork by renowned Washington artist, Dale Chiluly, including his Bridge of Glass. When you visit, you can watch the artisans at work.
Tacoma Art Museum - Here you will find permanent and changing exhibits as well as a hands on children’s gallery.
James R. Slater Museum of Natural History - Located on the campus of the University of Puget Sound, here you can see displays of research specimens, birds, egg sets, reptiles, mammals, amphibians, and pressed plants.
Washington State History Museum - When you visit this museum, you can see pioneer, Native American and Alaskan artifacts. There are also interactive and changing exhibits. On site, you can enjoy a meal in the café as well as indoor and outdoor theatres.
White River Valley Museum - For a glimpse into Tacoma’s early beginnings, visit the Les Gove Park’s museum. You can walk around the Japanese-American farmhouse, board a Northern Pacific caboose, and visit the reproduced town of Auburn with its market, drugstore, and milliner’s shop.
Tacoma Parks & Nature
Point Defiance Park - This 700 acre forest has a plethora of attractions and activities. You can rent a boat at the marina, tour the steam engine logging camp, visit Ft. Nisqually, and see the homes and businesses from the 1800’s, wander the paths of the rose, Japanese, annual and rhododendron gardens or you can see the animals at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium.
Wright Park - With over 800 trees and 100 varieties to be seen at the Botanical Conservatory, as well as lawn bowling, horseshoe pits, a playground and pool, this is a great place for the whole family.
Tacoma Architecture & History
Fort Lewis - Here you can see the military buildings and living quarters along with a museum on the northwest military.
Narrows Bridge - At 5,450 feet long, this is the 5th longest suspension bridge in America.
St. Peter’s Church - This is Tacoma’s oldest church. It boast an organ from the 1800’s and a half-ton bell that was shipped around Cape Horn in 1874.
Totem Pole -A 105 foot cedar tree that was carved by the Alaskan Native Americans. It is one of the tallest in the United States.
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