Guidebook for Tacoma
Parks & Nature
Ask me for recommendations on day trips, snow shoeing, climbing, camping, multi-day hikes. We love Mount Rainier.
151 yerel halk öneriyor
Rainier Dağı
Ask me for recommendations on day trips, snow shoeing, climbing, camping, multi-day hikes. We love Mount Rainier.
This is the 2nd largest municipal park in the nation, only behind Central Park in New York City.
Even if you can't spend the day enjoying the rose garden, beach or zoo, take the scenic 5 Mile Drive. It is even amazing in the rain. You will see the Tacoma Narrows Bridge from afar (perfect picture) as well as old growth forest in the city! It is epic and a must do in Tacoma.
If you want to spend an afternoon on the beach or kayaking Owens Beach inside the park is your place!
20 yerel halk öneriyor
Point Defiance Rose Garden
5400 N Pearl StThis is the 2nd largest municipal park in the nation, only behind Central Park in New York City.
Even if you can't spend the day enjoying the rose garden, beach or zoo, take the scenic 5 Mile Drive. It is even amazing in the rain. You will see the Tacoma Narrows Bridge from afar (perfect picture) as well as old growth forest in the city! It is epic and a must do in Tacoma.
If you want to spend an afternoon on the beach or kayaking Owens Beach inside the park is your place!
This park is AMAZING. The Chinese pagoda built on the water is simply breathtaking. The ridge over a little gully built of sandstone and beach pebbles looks like a place where someone should propose. There is a Starbucks in old town right up the street. Grab a cup of coffee and enjoy this park for a morning. Or take in a sunset on the hill facing West. Enjoy dinner at one of Tacoma's waterfront restaurants after, which are within walking distance or a drive down the road.
Fuzhou Ting at Chinese Reconciliation Park
1741 N Schuster PkwyThis park is AMAZING. The Chinese pagoda built on the water is simply breathtaking. The ridge over a little gully built of sandstone and beach pebbles looks like a place where someone should propose. There is a Starbucks in old town right up the street. Grab a cup of coffee and enjoy this park for a morning. Or take in a sunset on the hill facing West. Enjoy dinner at one of Tacoma's waterfront restaurants after, which are within walking distance or a drive down the road.
Everything Else
Tacoma's best kept, most interesting secret. The Karpeles Museum is one of several branches nationwide that feature extremely rare and important historical documents and it is fascinating......The Karpeles Family uses the museum to write off their hobby of collecting documents like the only existing passenger ticket for the Titanic, and Mozart's hand written compositions, a signed declaration of independence, Helen Keller's handwritten 'The Little Prince' and unbelievable documents of global significance likeThe Treaty of Versailles. The items rotate around Karpeles various museums. Since the museum is really just a tax shelter for the collection, the hours are WEIRD and I mean weird. Call before you go. But the admission is FREE! And the museum curator/guide is knowledgable about every document. If you are a history buff and in Tacoma for a week or more, find the odd hours that week and go!!
7 yerel halk öneriyor
Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum
407 S G StTacoma's best kept, most interesting secret. The Karpeles Museum is one of several branches nationwide that feature extremely rare and important historical documents and it is fascinating......The Karpeles Family uses the museum to write off their hobby of collecting documents like the only existing passenger ticket for the Titanic, and Mozart's hand written compositions, a signed declaration of independence, Helen Keller's handwritten 'The Little Prince' and unbelievable documents of global significance likeThe Treaty of Versailles. The items rotate around Karpeles various museums. Since the museum is really just a tax shelter for the collection, the hours are WEIRD and I mean weird. Call before you go. But the admission is FREE! And the museum curator/guide is knowledgable about every document. If you are a history buff and in Tacoma for a week or more, find the odd hours that week and go!!
This ice rink is like the old days of roller skating. Skate rental sizes range from 6 (Toddler) to 14 (Adult).Helmets are available to use upon request at no additional cost. Recommended clothing: Gloves, Dress in Layers, Warm and Stretchy.
Toddler (Age 3 & Under) ..... Free
Youth (Age 4-12) ................. $7.99
General ............................. $9.13
Skate Rental is an extra ..................... $3.20
Kent Valley Ice Centre
6015 S 240th StThis ice rink is like the old days of roller skating. Skate rental sizes range from 6 (Toddler) to 14 (Adult).Helmets are available to use upon request at no additional cost. Recommended clothing: Gloves, Dress in Layers, Warm and Stretchy.
Toddler (Age 3 & Under) ..... Free
Youth (Age 4-12) ................. $7.99
General ............................. $9.13
Skate Rental is an extra ..................... $3.20
Essentials
This is the Safeway store nearest the house. The store also has a gas station and pharmacy.
Safeway Fuel Station
755 S 56th StThis is the Safeway store nearest the house. The store also has a gas station and pharmacy.
This pharmacy is the place to go if you need something to make you feel better: Tylenol, ace bandage, cold ease, sunscreen, hemorrhoid pads..you get the picture.
47 yerel halk öneriyor
Walgreens
3737 Pacific AveThis pharmacy is the place to go if you need something to make you feel better: Tylenol, ace bandage, cold ease, sunscreen, hemorrhoid pads..you get the picture.
This is the place to shop if you want organic! Great smoothies and wheatgrass shots.
14 yerel halk öneriyor
Marlene's Market & Deli
2951 S 38th StThis is the place to shop if you want organic! Great smoothies and wheatgrass shots.
Shopping here is fun because it is an inside-outside store. It's very PNW-esque. Lots of fresh fruit.
18 yerel halk öneriyor
Tacoma Boys
5602 6th AveShopping here is fun because it is an inside-outside store. It's very PNW-esque. Lots of fresh fruit.
This is the up-scale market for foodies. While you are there, get the best, THE BEST, chocolate chip cookie you will ever eat in your life. They make them all day, and keep them warm. Yes, they serve them warm.
96 yerel halk öneriyor
Metropolitan Market Tacoma
2420 N Proctor StThis is the up-scale market for foodies. While you are there, get the best, THE BEST, chocolate chip cookie you will ever eat in your life. They make them all day, and keep them warm. Yes, they serve them warm.
Drinks & Nightlife
It's a fun tiki atmosphere where the cocktails are not kitsch. They are craft cocktails made with house infused rum. Food is also delicious. The owners Jason and Robyn are community oriented and as a result they offered to house "The Hilltop Kitchen" until it finds a new home. The Hilltop Kitchen is located upstairs and has THE BEST cocktails in Tacoma. Everything, all mixers, are made from scratch. My husband's favorite drink is the Harkonnen. This is truly a secret spot in Tacoma, because the greater population thinks The HK is closed.
Tacoma Cabana
Pacific AvenueIt's a fun tiki atmosphere where the cocktails are not kitsch. They are craft cocktails made with house infused rum. Food is also delicious. The owners Jason and Robyn are community oriented and as a result they offered to house "The Hilltop Kitchen" until it finds a new home. The Hilltop Kitchen is located upstairs and has THE BEST cocktails in Tacoma. Everything, all mixers, are made from scratch. My husband's favorite drink is the Harkonnen. This is truly a secret spot in Tacoma, because the greater population thinks The HK is closed.
Who would guess that one of the most stylish bars is in a Hotel? Well... It is the International Glass Hotel. The hotel itself is an art exhibit. The lobby bar has a wall of fire and some of the most phenomenal glass art you will see anywhere in the world.
Hotel Murano
1320 BroadwayWho would guess that one of the most stylish bars is in a Hotel? Well... It is the International Glass Hotel. The hotel itself is an art exhibit. The lobby bar has a wall of fire and some of the most phenomenal glass art you will see anywhere in the world.
Food Scene
I put this recommendation on the Drinks and Nightlife list because the restaurant is 21+. The menu is fantastic high-end Mexican. Wall of tequila, candelabras, a bustling long-bar and circular bar seating with a fire in the center. Alas, amazing margaritas.
116 yerel halk öneriyor
The Matador
721 Pacific AveI put this recommendation on the Drinks and Nightlife list because the restaurant is 21+. The menu is fantastic high-end Mexican. Wall of tequila, candelabras, a bustling long-bar and circular bar seating with a fire in the center. Alas, amazing margaritas.
This is only open on Thursdays May-October. It is Tacoma’s original and longest-standing farmers market.
This downtown, giant marketplace brings the highest quality local growers, specialty food producers, artisans and musicians together in downtown Tacoma. Great place for lunch on Thursdays and to grab ingredients for dinner that night. Typically five to eight great jewelry, textile, hand crafted soap, art and gemstone vendors. Usually a ballon artist for the kids too.
12 yerel halk öneriyor
The Broadway Farmers Market
BroadwayThis is only open on Thursdays May-October. It is Tacoma’s original and longest-standing farmers market.
This downtown, giant marketplace brings the highest quality local growers, specialty food producers, artisans and musicians together in downtown Tacoma. Great place for lunch on Thursdays and to grab ingredients for dinner that night. Typically five to eight great jewelry, textile, hand crafted soap, art and gemstone vendors. Usually a ballon artist for the kids too.
One of the best restaurants in Tacoma. Chef Gordon's Aspen restaurant was funded by Gwyneth Paltrow's Father. Chef cooked for Elizabeth Taylor and many more.... The dinning room is upscale and up-price, the bar seating is the best seating at the front of the restaurant.. and the best price. It's happy hour every day, all day. Chef is smart knowing that keeping a high end restaurant bustling in Tacoma, means having food at prices that locals can eat on more than just special occasions. In the bar, try the meat candy!!
28 yerel halk öneriyor
Pacific Grill
1502 Pacific AveOne of the best restaurants in Tacoma. Chef Gordon's Aspen restaurant was funded by Gwyneth Paltrow's Father. Chef cooked for Elizabeth Taylor and many more.... The dinning room is upscale and up-price, the bar seating is the best seating at the front of the restaurant.. and the best price. It's happy hour every day, all day. Chef is smart knowing that keeping a high end restaurant bustling in Tacoma, means having food at prices that locals can eat on more than just special occasions. In the bar, try the meat candy!!
Arts & Culture
The iconic Chihuly is from Tacoma, but this museum is not just an homage to him. It is named the "International Museum of Glass." The best experience is free, because it is outside. Walk over the Bridge of Glass to enter the museum from Pacific Avenue. The entrance is beside Union Station. Another tip, you can watch live glass blowing demonstrations, as part of the museum experience. They host celebrated artists in residence for the demonstrations. If you are planning to view a demo, dress in layers. It gets 100+ in the hot shop.
268 yerel halk öneriyor
Cam Müzesi
1801 Dock StThe iconic Chihuly is from Tacoma, but this museum is not just an homage to him. It is named the "International Museum of Glass." The best experience is free, because it is outside. Walk over the Bridge of Glass to enter the museum from Pacific Avenue. The entrance is beside Union Station. Another tip, you can watch live glass blowing demonstrations, as part of the museum experience. They host celebrated artists in residence for the demonstrations. If you are planning to view a demo, dress in layers. It gets 100+ in the hot shop.
If you love cars, you'll love America's Car Museum. It houses the nation's largest private collection of cars. It is the unusually modern shaped building beside the Tacoma Dome. Locals Tip: Enter the museum for free to eat lunch upstairs overlooking the grand exhibit space. You can choose to pay for admission to see the rest of the cars up close, or make it just a lunch stop to see the cars from the overlook while you eat. BTW, lunch is great.
157 yerel halk öneriyor
LeMay - Amerika'nın Araba Müzesi
2702 E D StIf you love cars, you'll love America's Car Museum. It houses the nation's largest private collection of cars. It is the unusually modern shaped building beside the Tacoma Dome. Locals Tip: Enter the museum for free to eat lunch upstairs overlooking the grand exhibit space. You can choose to pay for admission to see the rest of the cars up close, or make it just a lunch stop to see the cars from the overlook while you eat. BTW, lunch is great.
My son volunteered at this fantastic museum for years. Toddlers love it. If you have young children take them to this museum and then cross the street to Tinkertopia. You will have a five-star day!
54 yerel halk öneriyor
Tacoma Çocuk Müzesi
1501 Pacific AveMy son volunteered at this fantastic museum for years. Toddlers love it. If you have young children take them to this museum and then cross the street to Tinkertopia. You will have a five-star day!
Shopping
This is a weird and wonderful place. The entrance to the antique shop leads to what's called "the middle merchants." They are local boutiques similar to but not as extensive as Pike Place Market (and no fish throwing.) The stores are much funkier. The gem is in the antique store too. The owner is so interesting. He's in the Guinness Book for two records. Ask him about them. One involves the PBS Antiques Roadshow. And the gigantic stain glass windows in the entrance to the store are from the 1909 world's fair, the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition. There is also a french staircase, library in "underground" Tacoma. If you go here make friendly when you walk in and ask about "underground tacoma" as well as the Guinness Book records. The owners, Alan and Cheryl, love to share good stories and make friends.
9 yerel halk öneriyor
Sanford & Son Auctions
743 BroadwayThis is a weird and wonderful place. The entrance to the antique shop leads to what's called "the middle merchants." They are local boutiques similar to but not as extensive as Pike Place Market (and no fish throwing.) The stores are much funkier. The gem is in the antique store too. The owner is so interesting. He's in the Guinness Book for two records. Ask him about them. One involves the PBS Antiques Roadshow. And the gigantic stain glass windows in the entrance to the store are from the 1909 world's fair, the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition. There is also a french staircase, library in "underground" Tacoma. If you go here make friendly when you walk in and ask about "underground tacoma" as well as the Guinness Book records. The owners, Alan and Cheryl, love to share good stories and make friends.
Nordstrom is "THE" Pacific Northwest Department store, and I mean THE. I don't even enter the regular mall. Anything you purchase at Nordstrom can be returned with no questions asked even a year or two later. Their brand is Nordstrom Service. I highly recommend lunch upstairs at the high-end Nordstrom Cafe. You order when you enter the restaurant, however it is fine dining service. Be sure to add the tip on when you place your order. (It is strange that they don't make it natural to tip when you pay and then at the end of the meal having no cash for a tip is a bad feeling. If this happens, just have the server run your card for a tip after the meal. Odd, I know..)
Nordstrom Tacoma Mall
4502 S Steele StNordstrom is "THE" Pacific Northwest Department store, and I mean THE. I don't even enter the regular mall. Anything you purchase at Nordstrom can be returned with no questions asked even a year or two later. Their brand is Nordstrom Service. I highly recommend lunch upstairs at the high-end Nordstrom Cafe. You order when you enter the restaurant, however it is fine dining service. Be sure to add the tip on when you place your order. (It is strange that they don't make it natural to tip when you pay and then at the end of the meal having no cash for a tip is a bad feeling. If this happens, just have the server run your card for a tip after the meal. Odd, I know..)