What to do in Tacoma, WA

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Tacoma

Types of activities

Where to stay

Tacoma travel guide

Tacoma showing a city, a bay or harbour and a marina

Gig Harbor which includes a bay or harbour, a marina and forests

Gig Harbor showing a marina and a bay or harbour

Tacoma Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Tacoma has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Tacoma, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to Tacoma with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in Tacoma

Tacoma is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Tacoma, and make it a breeze to explore Tacoma and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Tacoma to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to Tacoma, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in Tacoma.

Tacoma attractions

Tacoma has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in Tacoma to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Tacoma.

Looking for things to do in Tacoma can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of Tacoma or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Tacoma attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

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What to do in Tacoma

Popular places to visit

Aerial View of Downtown Tacoma Washington and The Port Waterfront

Tacoma Dome

Catch an event at Tacoma Dome during your trip to Tacoma. Amble around this family-friendly area's waterfront or experience its great live music.

Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Visit a red wolf habitat, watch polar bears swim and see elephants in a simulated forest environment at this unique zoo and aquarium.

Washington State Fair Events Center

Enjoy a stop at Washington State Fair Events Center, an entertaining place to visit in Puyallup. Experience the area's lively festivals and acclaimed theatre scene.

Tacoma Mall

You can search for that perfect souvenir at Tacoma Mall during your stay in Tacoma. Discover the top-notch restaurants and acclaimed theatre scene in this family-friendly area.

Point Defiance Park

One of the largest urban parks in the United States is a green space home to lovely gardens as well as a fun-filled zoo and aquarium.

Pacific Lutheran University

Enjoy the student vibe at Pacific Lutheran University during your visit to Tacoma. Experience the acclaimed theatre scene and lively festivals in this family-friendly area.

Museum of Glass

Watch some of the world’s best glassblowers demonstrate their skills and admire 20th- and 21st-century glass artworks at this extraordinary museum.

Port of Tacoma

Explore the waterfront in Tacoma with a trip to Port of Tacoma. Take in the lively festivals in this family-friendly area.

Cheney Stadium

Catch an event at Cheney Stadium during your trip to Tacoma. Stroll along the waterfront or experience the great live music in this family-friendly area.

Explore areas of Tacoma

If you haven't had a chance to look at the Museum of Glass, put it and the hot shop on your list.

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Downtown Tacoma

Known for its abundant dining options and interesting museums, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Tacoma. Top attractions like Pantages Theater and Museum of Glass are major draws, and you can catch the metro at Convention Center Station or Commerce Street Station to see more of the city.

North End

If you're spending some time in North End, 6th Ave and Job Carr Cabin Museum are top sights worth seeing.

Mount Rainier as seen from south Puget Sound with Gig Harbor's Magnolia Heights waterfront houses in the foreground.

South Tacoma

While you're in South Tacoma, take in top sights like Tacoma Mall and jump on the metro at South 25th Street Station to see more of the city.

New Tacoma

5/5(1 area review)

If you're spending time in New Tacoma, check out sights like Pantages Theater or Museum of Glass and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Theater District Station or Commerce Street Station.

Ruston

Travellers like the museums in Ruston, and Point Defiance Park is a top attraction you might want to visit.

West End

If you're spending some time in West End, Tacoma Narrows Bridge and Cinemark Century Point Ruston are top sights worth seeing.

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

Day trip destinations from Tacoma

Gig Harbor

Lewis and Clark National and State Historical Parks

Spanaway

Expansive purple tulip field, spring's vivid tapestry

Sumner

Vashon Island

Seattle

Fun little island to explore & get away from it all.

Anderson Island

Olympia

Chambers Bay Golf Course in University City, Washington, venue of US Open 2015

University Place

Frequently asked questions

Is Tacoma worth visiting?

One of the most common things to do in Tacoma is explore Dash Point State Park. Check this major sight off your to-do list, then experience more of this area's nature and culture.

How do I spend a day in Tacoma?

Once you've checked off major attractions like Sunrise Beach and Washington State History Museum, spend some time exploring Tacoma's retail and dining scene.

What is the top tourist attraction in Tacoma?

Dash Point State Park is one of the top tourist attractions in Tacoma and deserves a place on every sightseeing itinerary of the area.

Is three days enough to stay in Tacoma?

You can easily tour top sights like Dash Point State Park, Washington State History Museum and Owen Beach with a three-day break in Tacoma. On average, most travellers book two days here. There's plenty to see and do nearby too, so stay a bit longer and check out Seattle.

Is Tacoma a walkable city?

Some top attractions in Tacoma, such as Washington State History Museum and Tacoma Dome, are within walking distance. You can also experience several of the city's popular neighbourhoods on foot. Only 0.64 kms (0.40 miles) from central Tacoma is New Tacoma and Downtown Tacoma is 0.48 kms (0.30 miles) away.

What are some activities to do in Tacoma with kids?

Deciding what to do in Tacoma with kids has never been so easy. Whether you're getting away with teenagers or toddlers, there are many family-friendly tours and attractions to keep them entertained here.

What to do in Tacoma for adults?

Tacoma Dome and LeMay Museum at Marymount are just a few of the things to do in Tacoma. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone to experience.

Are there free things to do in Tacoma?

One of the simplest ways to discover free things to do in Tacoma is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider tips on vibrant neighbourhoods, parks and other hotspots you can experience without reaching for your wallet. Owen Beach is one sight that doesn't have an admission fee.