36 Hours in Tacoma

1701 Pacific Ave | 253.272.4258

Tacoma’s Art Museum, located in the heart of downtown features over 5,300 works of art and emphasizes the works of artists from the northwest region. Check out the largest retrospective of glass art by Dale Chihuly or a collection of Japanese Woodblock prints. The museum has gained a national reputation and is known for “presenting art in a thought-provoking yet accessible manner”. 

1801 Dock St | 253.284.4750

This stunning museum, located on Tacoma’s waterfront has dedicated itself to the medium of glass. Visitors can explore endless exhibitions both inside and outside this architecturally unique museum or watch glass-blowing art in real-time. The Hot Shop hosts visiting artists who demonstrate their processes and works for audiences. 

1911 Pacific Ave | 253.272.3500

Historians can appreciate this museums’ dedication to presenting, collecting, and preserving Washington’s rich and storied history. Interactive exhibits, high-tech displays, storytelling and a variety of artifacts make this museum enjoyable for the whole family. 

2702 E D St | 253.779.8490

Lemay is one of the world’s largest auto museums. The massive building, next to the Tacoma Dome, is home to 350 cars, trucks and motorcycles from private owners and the LeMay collection (famous for a Guinness Book world record 3,500 vehicles in the 1990s). Aimed at preserving the history of the world's automotive culture, this museum is quite a trip.

1501 Pacific Ave | 253.627.6031

Originally opened in 1986, the museum moved to a specially designed modern space downtown in 2012. The five main areas include Woods, Water, Voyager, Invention and a studio for art and science activities. A full-service coffee and snack bar sets a relaxed tone for parents too.

The 760-acre park contains more than 14 miles of trails comprising natural forest and saltwater beaches, along with a zoo, aquarium, a living history museum, extensive gardens and a boathouse. 

Main Attractions: 

5912 Waterfront Dr

 

5400 N Pearl St

5400 N Pearl St 

5400 N Pearl St 

Just blocks away from Annie Wright, the Ruston Way Waterfront provides a picture-perfect stroll along the Puget Sound. Walk along and take in stunning views of the mountains or watch parasailers on the water. Ruston way also has small eateries so it is a great place to grab a bite to eat or watch the sunset on the beach! 

A partnership between renowned Tacoma-born artist Dale Chihuly, the Museum of Glass and the city of Tacoma, the bridge is a 500-foot pedestrian overpass installed with a glass ceiling displaying more than 2,000 sea life-inspired glass pieces, two forty-foot crystal towers, and a wall of more than 100 Venetian, Japanese and Renaissance-inspired blown glass sculptures.

933 Market St | 253.282.7203

This lively club hosts a variety of nighttime events including comedy shows, open mike nights, and trivia nights. They also offer a full menu of food and drink. 

2713 6th Ave | 253.503.0982

A great gathering spot, the Triple Knock is a bar and arcade. They have plenty of games to play with friends as well as pinball machines. 

2803 6th Ave | 253.396.9169 

This restaurant and nightclub has a full calendar of events including DJs, comedians, jazz and more. They also serve bar and comfort food. 

3806 N 26th St | 253.752.5200

Chalet Bowl is a Tacoma staple and a family-owned bowling alley. Rent out a lane with your friends or reserve it for a private group event. 

606 Fawcett Ave | 253.593.4744

This theater is a home for independent, international, and local film. Enjoy a flick with your friends in its authentic, intimate atmosphere.