9 Amazing Things to Do in Tacoma

Located in an ancient wheat warehouse, the Foss Waterway Seaport museum proffers a fascinating look into Tacoma’s history of ship building.

The highlights of this maritime museum are models of commercial vessels, canoes made by Willits Brothers during 1908-1967, and scuba equipment used in early times. At the Heritage Boat Shop, you can watch volunteers restore and build watercrafts.

In the Wright Park, a vast array of over 250 species of plants is housed at the W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory.

The majestic historical glass conservatory has earned a proud place on the City of Tacoma, Washington State and National Historic Registers.

Peruse through the Washington State History Museum's vast collection of artifacts related to the rich history of the state. Step back in time and look at Native American art, the World Wars, early European settlements and much more through new eyes.

Go crazy over the LeMay – America’s Car Museum's hoard of vintage automobiles, including a 1913 Dalmier, a 1929 Cadillac, a 1928 Ford, and a 1958 Chevrolet. Get a guided tour to sate your avid curiosity on the beautiful vehicles.

Along with magnificent European artworks from artists like Renoir and Pissarro and Japanese woodblock prints, Tacoma Art Museum has amassed a massive collection of over 4500 works dedicated to Northwestern and broader western regions.

Spend an exhilarating time with your family in the company of Sumatran tigers, Asian elephants, Belgua whales and many more four-legged and aquatic friends at the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium.

Built in the form of a massive conical structure, the Museum of Glass showcases a wide variety of contemporary glassworks, particularly those of Dale Chihuly. You can watch a live demonstration of glass blowing at the museum's amphitheater.

Linking the Museum of Glass to the Tacoma downtown is the 500 foot Chihuly Bridge of Glass, decorated with Dale Chihuly's gorgeous artworks. Visit this bridge to be mesmerized by the stunning ways in which sunlight plays with the glass work.

Bob’s Java Jive is an eccentric tavern built in the shape of a coffee pot. With live music, karaoke, and a surplus of food and drinks, this place is a favored haunt among both tourists and locals. Built in 1927, the whimsical diner is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.