What to do in Tacoma, WA

Activities, attractions and tours
Tacoma showing a city, a bay or harbor and a marina

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 {109 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 fun & popular experiences in Tacoma

History & culture

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Attractions

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Cruises & boat tours

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Adventure & outdoor

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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!

 

 

Read travel guides and advice on visiting Tacoma

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Frequently asked questions

What to do in Tacoma on a sunny day?
If you want fun under the sun, you’ll enjoy these outdoor experiences:


What to do in Tacoma on a rainy day?
There’s no need to splish, splash and splosh your way through a wet day when there are plenty of great indoor activities on offer:


What is Tacoma famous for?
Museum of Glass lives up to its reputation as a local icon you just can’t miss.
What should I not miss in Tacoma?
If you’d like to experience the best of this destination, slot these attractions into your itinerary:

  • Tacoma Dome
  • Puyallup Fairgrounds
  • Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium
  • Emerald Downs

Are there cheap things to do in Tacoma?
Keep more of your hard-earned pennies in your pocket with these fun and frugal activities:


What can you do in Tacoma for free?
You could store your money in the hotel safe for the day, because these top attractions won’t cost you a dime:

  • Emerald Queen Casino
  • Crystal Mountain
  • Muckleshoot Casino
  • Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center

Popular places to visit

Image for Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

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.

Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium
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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.

Museum of Glass
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Joint Base Lewis-McChord

Joint Base Lewis-McChord is just one of the places to see in Joint Base Lewis-McChord, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Check out the top-notch restaurants or charming coffeehouses in this walkable area.

Joint Base Lewis-McChord
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Tacoma Dome

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
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Tacoma Mall

You can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Tacoma Mall during your trip to Tacoma. Discover the top-notch restaurants and acclaimed theater scene in this family-friendly area.

Tacoma Mall
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Puyallup Fairgrounds

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
Image for Emerald Queen Casino

Emerald Queen Casino

Why not roll the dice with a visit to Emerald Queen Casino during your travels in Tacoma? Experience the lively festivals and great live music in this family-friendly area.

Emerald Queen Casino
Image for Wild Waves Water Park and Enchanted Village

Wild Waves Water Park and Enchanted Village

Bring your family to Wild Waves Water Park and Enchanted Village and enjoy some excitement at this theme park in Federal Way. Stroll along the area's seaside, or simply savor its top-notch restaurants.

Wild Waves Water Park and Enchanted Village
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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.

Port of Tacoma

Explore areas of Tacoma

Tacoma which includes a city

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.

Downtown Tacoma
Tacoma which includes a city

New Tacoma

3.5/5Good!(587 area reviews)

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

New Tacoma
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South Tacoma

3.5/5Good!(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
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Ruston

Ruston is well-liked for its museums. If you'd like to do some sightseeing in the greater Tacoma area, you might plan a trip to Point Defiance Park or Tacoma Narrows Bridge.

Ruston
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North End

5/5Exceptional!(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
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South End

2.5/5(264 area reviews)

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in South End and surrounding area, you can visit Tacoma Mall and Tacoma Dome.

South End
See our Where To Stay guide

Day trip destinations 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

Gig Harbor

Lakewood

Lakewood