Things to do in Tacoma

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Tacoma showing a city, a bay or harbor and a marina
Gig Harbor featuring a marina, a bay or harbor and forest scenes
Gig Harbor showing a bay or harbor and a marina
Gig Harbor which includes a bay or harbor
Tacoma showing a marina, a bay or harbor and a city

Tacoma Attractions

Are you a fan of fine cuisine or shopping? Or perhaps you just like to make your way around a new city like a local. When staying in Tacoma, it doesn't matter what your preferences are — this happening metropolis offers all the sights and experiences you could ever wish for.

Discover the sights of Tacoma with some unique tours & day trips, or get through our list of {26 fun activities in Tacoma fun activities in Tacoma}. We have free cancellation and no added fees, so you can relax and concentrate on planning your perfect vacation.

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Most popular activities in Tacoma

Tours & day trips

See all 20 activities
Vancouver Canada One Day Bus Tour from Seattle

Vancouver Canada One Day Bus Tour from Seattle

Activity duration is 12 hours and 55 minutes
9.4 out of 10 with 10 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $189 per adult
Vancouver Canada One Day Bus Tour from SeattleOpens in new tab

History & culture

See all 5 activities
Vancouver Canada One Day Bus Tour from Seattle

Vancouver Canada One Day Bus Tour from Seattle

Activity duration is 12 hours and 55 minutes
9.4 out of 10 with 10 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $189 per adult
Vancouver Canada One Day Bus Tour from SeattleOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 3 activities
Tacoma Puzzling Adventure

Tacoma Puzzling Adventure

Activity duration is 3 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is $35 per traveler*
Tacoma Puzzling AdventureOpens in new tab

What to do in Tacoma

Free Things to Do in Tacoma

Heading to Tacoma on a budget? The following can be experienced for zip.

Karpeles Manuscript Museum - Filled with intriguing objects and exhibits, this gallery is heaven for hungry minds.

Point Defiance Park - Make this place your first port of call if you're looking for fun during your escape.

University of Washington Tacoma - Pay a visit to this landmark and be wowed by its unique design.

Tacoma Narrows Bridge - Educate yourself about some of the unique history of the region through this attraction.

Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center - If you'd like to explore a few of the more important or interesting places in the community, start here.

W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory - If you like spending time in the garden, this place will excite your inner green thumb.

Things to Do in Tacoma with Kids

There are lots of unforgettable experiences in Tacoma that the entire gang will enjoy. These are some of the top family friendly experiences around.

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Tacoma? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Tacoma

“Everybody remembers their first car, family driving vacations, a sports car they fell in love with as a teenager,” says Lemay's American Car Museum CEO David Madeira. “Personal experiences with cars are at the heart of the American experience, and we’re going to showcase more than a century of automotive lifestyle and history as well as the future of transportation.” ... June 2nd is the opening and I'll see all y'all there!!! It'll be the largest collection of vintage and classic cars in the world. Lemay has an awesome story...literally from trash to riches. He would buy vintage and classic cars while on his garbage truck route...eventually leading to this ACM AWESOMENESS!!!

Tacoma Dome

4/5(1,072 reviews)

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

Tacoma Dome
Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium showing marine life

Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

4.5/5(332 reviews)

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

Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium
The ferris wheel at The Puyallup Fair!

Puyallup Fairgrounds

4.5/5(163 reviews)

Enjoy a stop at Puyallup Fairgrounds, an entertaining place to visit in Puyallup. Experience the area's acclaimed theater scene and great live music.

Puyallup Fairgrounds
Museum of Glass featuring night scenes and modern architecture

Museum of Glass

4.5/5(1,459 reviews)

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

Museum of Glass
Giant rubber duckie for boat days

Port of Tacoma

4/5(27 reviews)

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

Port of Tacoma
Point Defiance Park showing a park

Point Defiance Park

4.5/5(26 reviews)

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.

Point Defiance Park
This place is way more cool than I expected. First of all, the structure is an architectural marvel; such a great space that spans 165,000 sq feet. Packed with vintage autos

LeMay Car Museum

4/5(11 reviews)

You can spend time browsing the exhibits at LeMay Car Museum during your trip to Tacoma. Amble around this family-friendly area's waterfront or experience its great live music.

LeMay Car Museum
Retains the vintage architecture...

Pacific Lutheran University

4.5/5(10 reviews)

Explore the campus of Pacific Lutheran University during your stay in Tacoma. Experience the great live music and acclaimed theater scene in this family-friendly area.

Pacific Lutheran University
The Pacific Northwest is home to a plethora of fantastic microbreweries. You can taste great local beers at the annual Tacoma Craft Beer Festival, which happens in Tacoma, WA every September.

Cheney Stadium

3/5(2 reviews)

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

Cheney Stadium

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Tacoma

Tacoma which includes a city

Downtown Tacoma

In the central business district, this thriving museum and university area boasts attractions like the Museum of Glass, Tacoma Art Museum, and Washington State History Museum. Explore historic sites such as Old City Hall Building and Union Station, while enjoying the revived retail and dining scene.

Downtown Tacoma
Spring is in the air.

Ruston

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

Ruston
A blast from the past and fixture in Tacoma.

North End

5/5(25 area reviews)

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

North End
#Trovember #Food

South Tacoma

3.5/5(161 area reviews)

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.

South Tacoma
Tacoma which includes a city

New Tacoma

3.5/5(587 area reviews)

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

New Tacoma
Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium which includes marine life

West End

4.5/5(9 area reviews)

While visiting West End, you might make a stop by sights like Tacoma Narrows Bridge and Point Defiance Park.

West End
See our Where To Stay guide

 

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.

 

 

Popular day trips from Tacoma

Photo by Free Love Hippie

Auburn

Photo by Tim Piland

Des Moines

Photo by Rich Barton

Fife

Federal Way

Federal Way

Kent

Kent

Puyallup

Puyallup

Gig Harbor featuring forests, a coastal town and a marina

Gig Harbor

Lakewood

Lakewood

Frequently asked questions

Is Tacoma worth visiting?
Known for its nature and culture, finding awesome things to do in Tacoma is a breeze. Be sure to add Dash Point State Park to your trip itinerary while here.
How do I spend a day in Tacoma?
Sunrise Beach and Washington State History Museum are two awesome places to begin your adventures. Be sure to explore the dining and shopping options in Tacoma while you're there too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Tacoma?
You can't go home without checking out Dash Point State Park, ranked the top tourist attraction in Tacoma.
Is three days enough to stay in Tacoma?
You can easily tick off leading attractions like Dash Point State Park, Washington State History Museum and Owen Beach with a three-day getaway in Tacoma. On average, many travelers book two days here. There's plenty to do and see nearby too, so stay a while 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 visit several of the city's neighborhoods on foot. Just 0.4 miles from central Tacoma is New Tacoma and Downtown Tacoma is 0.3 miles away.
What are some activities to do in Tacoma with kids?
If you are after sights and tours for all ages, we've got some great ideas for what to do in Tacoma with kids.

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 lots of activities available, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Tacoma?
One of the simplest ways to discover free things to do in Tacoma is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on interesting neighborhoods, parks and other hotspots you can enjoy without reaching for your wallet. Owen Beach is one place that doesn't charge an admission fee.