If you have only one day to explore Tacoma and want to make the most of it, you're in the right place. Whether you're here for vacation, considering renting an apartment in Tacoma, renting a house, or even thinking about buying a home in Tacoma, ApartmentGuide is here to help you create the perfect day.
Here’s how it works: This article features a selection of recommendations curated by Tacoma locals. You'll find suggestions for restaurants, activities, and parks. Simply choose one option from each category to create the perfect one-day itinerary in Tacoma. If you’d like to pick more than just one, feel free to do so — think of this as a “Choose Your Own Adventure” for experiencing the city and deciding if Tacoma is a good place to live for you.
Tacoma has an assortment of unique experiences; it'd be hard to pick just one. From glass-blowing classes to the Waterfront Market, you can’t go wrong. Pick one or more options from below to explore during your time here.
Area 253 Glassblowing: “If you're curious about Tacoma’s vibrant art scene, Area 253 Glassblowing is the perfect place to dive in. They offer classes where you can craft your very own piece of blown glass! The instructors are great at making you feel comfortable, and it’s a hands-on experience that truly gives you a new appreciation for the city’s glassblowing history.” – Laura Nyhuis of Nyhuis Creative, a Tacoma-based video production and media services agency.
Pretty Gritty Tours: “Pretty Gritty Tours is a must for anyone wanting to uncover Tacoma’s secrets. From spooky ghost tours to deep dives into the city’s history and culture, the guides are engaging and full of fun facts (some are legit historians). It’s the perfect way to explore the city in a new light — even if you think you already know it!” – Laura Nyhuis of Nyhuis Creative, a Tacoma-based video production and media services agency.
The Glass Museum and the Chihuly Bridge of Glass: “This is a beautiful place for artists and creatives to observe the making of glass objects and explore color and shape theory. Anytime I want to decompress, I watch the mode and form glass in the fire. They even offer glass-blowing classes in the surrounding studios, which are offered to children and adults.” – A Kouture of Fully Charged Allergy-Friendly Snacks, a snack manufacturing company based out of East Tacoma.
North Pearl Wine Walk: “This Saturday, October 19th, 2 pm-5 pm, a $30 ticket gains you entry to wine country's best with seventeen locations hosted at local businesses on North Pearl Street and Point Ruston. This event is participating in Tacoma's art month with artists sprinkled throughout the event and fantastic raffle prizes at each location. For tickets see our ticketing portal.” – Juel Lugo of LILT, a full-service marketing and graphic design studio.
EAsT Kitchen Cooking Classes: “We’re the only all-Asian cooking class in Washington state. East Kitchen provides private Southeast and East Asian cooking classes and knife skills for adults and youth in Washington state with pop-ups in Pierce and King County.” – Julia Bang of EAsT Kitchen.
The Waterfront Market at Point Ruston: “I love the Point Ruston Farmers Market, but it is only open from June through September. Outside of the special outdoor market, there is a cool and eclectic indoor market that features local foods, arts, crafts, flowers, coffee, and even sometimes music. It's a great place to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon and support local artisans.” – A Kouture of Fully Charged Allergy-Friendly Snacks, a snack manufacturing company based out of East Tacoma.
Point Defiance Park: “Point Defiance Park is a beautiful gem nestled within the city of Tacoma, Washington. It is home to the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, a Rose Garden, Rhododendron Garden, Owens Beach, trails, a boardwalk, as well as a ferry landing. Point Defiance Park is a perfect destination for the whole family as it features a little bit of everything to entertain for hours. From littles to adults this location is well rounded for the entire family.” – Kimberly Curiel of Lovely Photography by KC, a portrait and family photographer based out of Tacoma.
Catapult Adventure Park: “Catapult Adventure Park located in the Lakewood Town Center is an experience for the whole family of all ages. It is an inflatable indoor park experience, with challenging and fun inflatables and a rope course as well as a fun zone for the family to enjoy. Parents are welcomed with convenient accommodations and amenities to make their watchful stay comfortable. This location even includes membership options and birthday bash parties celebrations packages.” – Kimberly Curiel of Lovely Photography by KC, a portrait and family photographer based out of Tacoma.
Tacoma Nature Center: “When I want to decompress after a long day of work, or if I want to start my day fresh, I will go to the Tacoma Nature Center and walk the trails. It's quiet, dewy in the morning and a great place to relax and reflect at the start or end of a day.” – A Kouture of Fully Charged Allergy-Friendly Snacks, a snack manufacturing company based out of East Tacoma.
Sky Zone Trampoline Park: “Sky Zone features an indoor trampoline park with one-of-a-kind attractions for all skill levels and enjoyments. From the smallest to the oldest, this is a location for the whole family. For families on the go who enjoy one-stop shop amenities, this location is just right for them. There is plenty of room for parents to sit and relax as well as a wonderful snack bar full of children's favorites.” – Kimberly Curiel of Lovely Photography by KC, a portrait and family photographer based out of Tacoma.
Tacoma's food and bar scene has grown into a mix of eclectic dining options and lively bars. From craft breweries and upscale cocktail bars offering locally sourced drinks to tucked-away gems, the city has something for everyone. Check below for restaurants and bars locals rave about.
Reed’s Sweet Wine: “Come visit us at Reed's Sweet Wine in Tacoma. We are a woman-owned farm and winery that has guest rooms and RV stays. We also employ Veterans to work here.” – Jessica Reed of Reed’s Sweet Wine.
En Rama: “En Rama feels like Tacoma’s best-kept secret tucked away in Court House Square. The house-made pasta and craft cocktails are always on point, and the cozy, intimate vibe makes it the perfect spot for a laid-back evening with friends or a romantic date night. It’s one of those places where you feel at home the moment you walk in.” – Laura Nyhuis of Nyhuis Creative, a Tacoma-based video production and media services agency.
VK Viet Kitchen: “For some amazing Vietnamese food, VK Kitchen in Lincoln district is a favorite. For those who love unique flavors, I recommend the durian smoothie!” – Alyssa Dang of Lilith Pole and Aerial Dance, a pole dance and art studio in Tacoma.
Medzo Gelato: “Medzo Gelato is a must for dessert. The gelato is all made in-house by the owners and they always have delicious new flavors. My favorite is the affogato (espresso over ice cream) with the pistachio gelato.” – Alyssa Dang of Lilith Pole and Aerial Dance, a pole dance and art studio in Tacoma.
The Crafty Beaver Bar: “I definitely recommend visiting us at The Crafty Beaver Bar for artisan-style pizzas and local WA beer and wines. Medzo Gelato is right next door for dessert with handmade ingredients.” – Jeremy McDonald of The Crafty Beaver Bar.
Copper and Salt Northwest Kitchen: “Looking for great cocktails or a fabulous brunch spot with a view? Look no further than Copper and Salt Northwest Kitchen! This hidden gem is located within Silver Cloud Hotel Tacoma at Point Ruston and boasts locally sourced produce and fresh ingredients; our culinary team presents artisan dishes that capture the spirit of our region. Outdoor seating is available seasonally, overlooking Commencement Bay and the Olympic and Cascade Mountains.” – Juel Lugo of LILT, a full-service marketing and graphic design studio.
McMenamins Elks Temple: “We love to take visitors to McMenamins Elk Temple in downtown area. It’s a maze of interesting art, history and a variety of bars and restaurants of different themes. We like to create scavenger hunts for our friends to do as they explore the building.” – Alyssa Dang of Lilith Pole and Aerial Dance, a pole dance and art studio in Tacoma.
Antique Sandwich Company: “Looking for authentic Tacoma? The Antique Sandwich Company building was built in 1916 and since 1973 has been run as a cafe by sisters Tamie and Shirley Herridge. Based on healthy foods before that was cool, they feature all the best home cooking in a relaxed setting. They also offer fair trade gifts and homegoods.” – Juel Lugo of LILT, a marketing and graphic design studio.
Additional recommendations: “I’d recommend Matador for late-night happy hour. For date night, check out Wooden City, Cuerno Bravo or El Gaucho.” – Julia Bang of EAsT Kitchen.
The Pacific Northwest’s outdoor landscape is stunning, and Tacoma has some incredibly unique places to snap a few photos. If you’re looking for a place to get the perfect Instagram shot, Jason Goldfarb of Jason Goldfarb Photography knows all the good places. Check below for his three recommended destinations for your next photoshoot.
The Realm: “As a wedding photographer who has been to so many venues that feel the same, The Realm is a special place that truly feels unique. Just 15 minutes from downtown Tacoma, The Realm offers a one-of-a-kind rustic, industrial, and whimsical atmosphere that make it the perfect venue for a wedding in the city.”
Railroad Tracks: “Because of Tacoma’s industrial heritage, you’ll find a variety of railroad tracks running through the city. While you should never stand on railroad tracks to take pictures, they are fun to capture in the backgrounds or adjacent to your photos. Tracks can be found all over the city.”
Garfield Park & 11th St DIY: “Part of Tacoma’s charm is the grungy, graffiti artwork and murals found throughout the city. You can find these in skateparks (these photos were taken at the 11th St DIY community skatepark, and Garfield Park in Tacoma). Nearby, the Tacoma Chinese Reconciliation park is a great stop for photos too. Not only is the park beautiful and powerful, but the views across the water are stunning too.”
Scattered throughout this city are an assortment of beautiful green spaces to enjoy, and they’re often an underappreciated aspect of Tacoma. Here to take you through a full tour of all this city has to offer is Chase D. Anderson, editor of NWTheatre, a local publication that covers performing arts in Seattle and the South Sound.
“If you know me, you know I'll happily talk up Tacoma's thriving arts scene. The theatre communities and mega-cluster of museums are both top-notch.
But beginning in the early days of the pandemic, I also began to appreciate another facet of Tacoma: its excellent parks. Start at Chinese Reconciliation Park, with its pathway that winds gently through historical markers and unique visual reminders of a darker time for the city. The park's setting along the waterfront, an arching bridge, and an impressive pagoda create a beautiful scene as you take in the history. From there, keep strolling along the Ruston Way Waterfront, whether on the flat and paved sidewalks or down on the pockets of rocky beach. The gentle lapping of waves in Commencement Bay is relaxing, and you might even spot a barking sea lion or other sea life. Bring lunch and a book, and you can happily lose a few (well-spent) hours there.
Back toward downtown and up the hill you'll find the lush Wright Park, home to an impressive array of greenery in its conservatory and the arboretum all around; or take a stroll on the short circuitous path around the pond. In the summertime, the park bustles with events and the occasional touring Shakespeare performance; but most days, it's a quiet sanctuary in the middle of the city.
After all that relaxing outside, you're probably up for a night out … indoors. Tacoma has plenty of well-known places for great local music – count McMenamins Spanish Ballroom, Jazzbones, and Bob's Java Jive among them. But the last place I saw a really rockin' show was down South Tacoma Way at the newly redone Airport Tavern, where punk rock superstars The Drowns and MxPx put on a blistering three-hour show for a sold-out crowd at the intimate, friendly venue.”
If picking your itinerary isn’t what you want to do, that’s okay! Don and Peg Doman, professional writers, authors, and entrepreneurs based out of Tacoma, have put together their ideal day spent in their hometown.
“A great Sunday treat for my wife and me is a little stroll around Wright Park in downtown Tacoma followed by a two o'clock live production at Tacoma Little Theatre, the oldest live theater west of the Mississippi. Excellent food usually calls for us after sitting and enjoying live entertainment. Indo Asian Street Eatery is a great way to finish an afternoon with wonderful Indo Asian Street Eatery food and excellent service. The park, the theater, and the great food are only three or four blocks away.”