Things to do in Tacoma

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

A marina with boats, a distinctive modern building, and a city skyline in the background.
A marina with several boats docked, surrounded by dense forest and houses in the background.
A wooden dock extending into calm water with boats docked nearby and a forested hill in the background.
A calm body of water with wooden posts covered in moss.
A marina with boats docked, a modern building with a unique shape, and a cityscape with various buildings in the background.

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.

Things to do

Seattle Post-Cruise Tour Package

Seattle Post-Cruise Tour Package

$175
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Seattle Post-Cruise Tour Package
1-Day Mount Rainier National Park Tou

Mount Rainier National Park 1-Day Tour from Seattle

$155
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Mount Rainier National Park 1-Day Tour from Seattle
[Silver] Vancouver 1-Day Bus Tour from Seattle

Vancouver Canada One Day Bus Tour from Seattle

$196
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Vancouver Canada One Day Bus Tour from Seattle
Private Tacoma Waterfront E-Bike Tour

Private Tacoma Waterfront E-Bike Tour

$99
per adult
Private Tacoma Waterfront E-Bike Tour
Authentic Italian Cooking Class in Seattle

Authentic Italian Cooking Class in Seattle (5-Course Meal)

$129
per adult
Authentic Italian Cooking Class in Seattle (5-Course Meal)
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Most popular activities in Tacoma

Tours & day trips

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Mt. Rainier Full-Day Tour

Mt. Rainier Full-Day Tour

Activity duration is 12 hours
9.4 out of 10 with 274 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $165 per adult
Mt. Rainier Full-Day TourOpens in new tab

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 3 activities
Woodinville Wine & Snoqualmie Falls Tour

Woodinville Wine & Snoqualmie Falls Tour

Activity duration is 6 hours
9.2 out of 10 with 163 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $140 per adult
Woodinville Wine & Snoqualmie Falls TourOpens in new tab

Air, helicopter & balloon tours

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Seattle: Mt. Rainier Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride

Seattle: Mt. Rainier Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride

Activity duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is $355 per adult
Seattle: Mt. Rainier Sunrise Hot Air Balloon RideOpens 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!

 

 

Stay near popular Tacoma attractions

A large geodesic dome structure with an American flag, set against a backdrop of a snow-capped mountain and a forested area.

Tacoma Dome

8.2/10 (2,157 reviews)
This iconic wood-domed arena stands as one of the largest of its kind worldwide. Attend concerts, sports tournaments, or exhibitions with excellent sightlines and acoustics throughout the versatile venue.
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Where to stay in Tacoma

Find the best Tacoma areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Tacoma
Learn more about Tacoma
A glass sculpture fountain with a clear blue sky in the background.
Photo by Clinton Gage
Open Photo by Clinton Gage

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.

A snow-covered mountain with a distinct peak and a cloud formation above it.
Photo by Rick Christenson
Open Photo by Rick Christenson

Hilltop

If you're spending some time in Hilltop, 6th Ave and Wright Park are top sights worth seeing.

A silhouette of a person standing by a body of water during sunset.
Photo by Veronika Patrashko
Open Photo by Veronika Patrashko

Northeast Tacoma

While Northeast Tacoma might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Dash Point State Park and Port of Tacoma.

A modern building with reflective glass windows and a plaza with colorful glass sculptures.

New Tacoma

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 the city at Theater District Station or Commerce Street Station.

A large brick building with multiple chimneys and arched windows, located near a body of water.
Photo by Tony Hjaltalin
Open Photo by Tony Hjaltalin

Stadium District

While Stadium District isn't home to many top sights, Pantages Theater and Wright Park are some notable places to visit nearby.

 

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

A cityscape with a prominent historic building with a green roof, surrounded by lush green trees and a wide street.

Auburn

A marina with various boats docked, calm water, and a wooden pier.

Des Moines

A suspension bridge with cables and towers, a red truss bridge, and a calm body of water.

Fife

A lake surrounded by dense forest and residential areas.

Federal Way

A historic castle complex with surrounding fortifications, a coastal backdrop, and a distant bridge.

Kent

A brightly lit tower with a circular light trail against a night sky.

Puyallup

A harbor with several boats docked, a pier, and a backdrop of houses and trees.

Gig Harbor

A serene lakeside garden with a bench, a large tree, and a view of a dock extending into the water.

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.

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