Must-see museums, the Chihuly Bridge of Glass and a rejuvenated theater district have planted Washington's second-largest city firmly on the Northwest's cultural map. The outdoors have always headlined the experience around Tacoma, but lately the indoors are receiving their due, too.
Things to do in Tacoma
Fort Nisqually Living History Museum
Travel back in time with us and experience life in Washington Territory during the fur trade era. A Hudson's Bay Company outpost built in 1833; Fort Nisqually was the first European settlement on Puget Sound. With a diverse work force of American, English, French Canadian, Hawaiian, Irish, Native American, and Scottish laborers, Fort Nisqually was a bustling center of trade that expanded into a large scale agricultural enterprise. Call (253) 591-5339 for more information.
5400 N Pearl St #11, Tacoma, WA
Museum of Glass: International Center For Contemporary Art
Feel the heat as artists create works of art from molten glass in the Hot Shop Amphitheater and experience outstanding exhibitions and installations by internationally known artists who illuminate trends in contemporary art, highlighting glass within a full range of media. Call (253) 284-4750 for more information.
1801 Dock Street, Tacoma, WA
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
This Zoo is large enough to offer an awesome array of animals yet small enough to let you get really close to them. It's fun and affordable AND offers breathtaking views of Puget Sound, Mount Rainier and the Olympic Mountains! Come explore the only combined zoo & aquarium in the Northwest. You'll see seahorses and sharks, peacocks and penquins, wolves and walrus, all in one place. Call (253) 591-5337 for more information.
5400 N Pearl St., Tacoma, WA
Tacoma Art Museum
Tacoma Art Museum is dedicated to connecting people through art, and showcasing and collecting Northwest art. The museum features framed views of Mt. Rainier and a series of elegant galleries that wrap around an open-air interior stone garden. The galleries showcase traveling national and international exhibitions, as well as selections from the museum's collection of American, European, and Asian art. Call (253) 272-4258 for more information.
1701 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, WA
Tacoma Nature Center
Lace up your shoes and take a "quietly wild" trek in the heart of the city. You'll hear the honking of Canada geese and the peculiar twitter of the wood duck as you explore this 54-acre wetland habitat. Tread carefully and you might catch sight of a red fox, raccoon, blue heron or other wildlife. Pick up a self-guiding booklet in the Visitor Center to help you identify the many native plants you'll spot along the two-mile path. Discover science secrets in the Center's exhibit area and laboratory. Join in exciting nature programs or explore the beauty of our state on naturalist-led trips around Washington. Call (253) 591-6439 for more information.
1919 S Tyler, Tacoma, WA
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