Tacoma

Tacoma is the third largest city in Washington. It is on a waterway called the Puget Sound and is filled with fun things to do, outdoors and indoors. The main airport in Washington is the Sea-Tac airport. It is called so because it is in between Seattle and Tacoma.

What To Do

Point Defiance Park

Point Defiance is a large park in the city of Tacoma, Washington. We hiked the easy Outer Loop Trail which was 4.4 miles long. It wound inside and outside of the park with dramatic views of the Puget Sound, Gig Harbor, Olympic National Park mountains, and the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. There is ample free parking on the drive around the park and then you can use the All Trails map to hop on the trail from whatever point you start.

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium

Also in the Park is the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium which is great for small children but adults enjoyed it as well. I explored this small zoo too when I first moved here to see what it was all about! There were great views when entering the park, and there was a good variety of animals.

Point Ruston

Point Ruston is a new community on the water in Tacoma, near Point Defiance and downtown Tacoma. It has a lot of great restaurants, shops, and a paved boardwalk along the water offering beautiful scenery of the Olympic mountains in one direction, and Mt. Rainier in the other. Parking is free in the garage if you get it stamped at a restaurant.

Tacoma Narrows Bridge Walk

The previously-known Galloping Gertie’s is now the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. The story of Galloping Gertie’s is very well-known in Washington, and even the world. If you don’t already know, on November 7, 1940, this bridge swayed until it finally collapsed due to high winds. The video is unreal. Since then they have restored it and added a second bridge. You can drive across the bridge to the Kitsap Peninsula, and you can also walk on it! I recommend parking at the War Memorial Park in Tacoma for free, then follow your GPS through the park, cross the street, and walk to the bridge! I went about halfway on the bridge, took pictures, then went back as it was very windy. Don’t forget to check for seals under the bridge! In total I walked about 2 miles.

Where to Eat

Twisted Fork Saloon

In the Point Ruston section of Tacoma are many great restaurants. We were able to get dinner at the Twisted Fork Saloon - the drinks and food were really good. It is very close to the water and you can get water views if you eat outside.

Odd Otter Brewery

I went here once and wanted to buy all of its paraphernalia - its logo is absolutely adorable! Located in downtown Tacoma it has a fantastic location on the main street. I also really liked their beer!