The Grit City is full of out-of-the-box options when it comes to gift giving. Sure, fill your stockings with the usual necessities–socks, underwear, toothbrushes, and scrunchies–but don’t forget to tuck something unique in there that will utterly stun the gift receiver and fill them with excitement.
It’s the most beautiful time of year in the Pacific Northwest. Holiday festivities in Tacoma include a visit from Santa at the mall, a dazzling display of lights at the zoo, mulled cider, and sleigh rides.
Washington state can offer plenty of opportunities for romance. From visiting Tacoma to visiting Seattle, there is always something new and exciting to discover for everyone. You can explore beautiful mountains, enjoy the coolness of a rainforest, take a walk on the coastline, or visit an island. You may also partake in outdoor activities to round off your perfect romantic holiday.
Have you ever dreamed of living on the West Coast but could never pick a good city for it? Don’t worry. We can help you find the best places to live in the Pacific Northwest that most people overlook. Yes, there are small, charming cities and towns that you should look at besides the famous Seattle, Portland, or Vancouver.
You are a travel enthusiast and are looking forward to exploring local places and become intimate with its culture. The United States of America has a plethora of places, cuisines, and cultures to offer, much to the delight of food connoisseurs and wanderlust lovers. In this article, we will have you covered about various places to visit in Tacoma, the delights in store for you in Olympia and possible places to explore in Seattle.
The name Tacoma itself tells a lot of stories. The port covers an impressive stretch of land that extends for over 2400 acres which makes it the 6th biggest port in North America. The skyline of Seattle is a vision to behold. It is a sacred place for all the coffee lovers as Starbucks was born there. The glamour of Seattle attracts ambitious people from all over the world and it has a string of restaurants to cater to different tastes and cultures. Olympia is also known as the cultural hub. It houses the Old State Capitol Building and derived its name from the fact that it provides a majestic view of the Olympic Mountains.
We will be your travel guide and take you to the right place and right eateries so that you can make the most out of your visit in Tacoma, Seattle or Olympia.
We will give you a macroscopic view of Tacoma and also help you with the local events quotes Tacoma. There are some beatific hotels in this splendid place where you can check-in, relax and then go sightseeing. Some of the top-notch Tacoma hotels are Silver Cloud Inn, The Villa Bed and Breakfast, Hotel Murano, to name a few. Here we would like to take over as your professional travel guide Tacoma.
APicnic in Point Defiance Park – The beauty of this 700-acres park, nestled amidst the lap of nature will captivate you to no end. A picnic with your family in the woodlands, away from the chaos, in the presence of lakes and forests can be an enthralling experience. Here you will get a chance to discover nature like never before.
A Day Out In Point Defiance Zoo – Animal lovers are in for a visual treat of penguins, sea horses, polar bears to name a few in Point Defiance Zoo. Right from its opening time at 9:30 a.m. every day, the zoo witnesses a stream of visitors to marvel at the array of various exotic zoo inhabitants present. We assure you that you will have a marvelous time in the zoo surrounded by the view of the Olympic Mountains and Mount Rainer.
Trip To Chihuly Bridge – A trip to the Chihuly Bridge will be like a walk through the marvels of glass. The ocular treat offered by this place together with the splash of colors can enrapture any visitor.
5 Mile Drive and Trails offer amazing hiking experience to the visitors. A nature walk amidst the mountainous views and sight of the waterfront can give a beautiful experience to the visitors. There is a Tacoma Scavenger Hunt which makes for quite an adventure for the participants to find out the hidden treasures of Tacoma. This scavenger hunt might cost around $8-$10. You can also go for local shopping in Tacoma and Pacific Northwest region to experience the variety of lifestyles in that place. Tacoma offers a wide array of products and the shop local pricing Tacoma varies between $5 and $100.
Tacoma also witnesses Annual Puget Sound Green Infrastructure Summit every year which focuses on strategies to improve the environment. The tickets cost anywhere between $85 and $100.
This place is packed with festivities throughout the year. It celebrates ip & Stroll’, Daffodil Festival, Gig Harbour Beer Festival, Car shows, and Oktoberfest Northwest Festival to name a few. The festivities are replete with dance, music, parades, beverages, good food and many more. The entry fee of getting into any of these festivals lies between $12 and $200.
Here we will guide you about some of the best restaurants in Tacoma and also help you with the best local restaurants cost Tacoma.
Olive Branch Cafe- The ambiance, the amazing food, and the hospitality are the talk of the town and would cost approximately $30 for 2 people.
Over The Moon Cafe- This is another popular cafe under the ambit of Tacoma which offers mouth-watering food at an average cost of $50 for 2 people.
Dirty Oscar’s Annex – One of the best breakfast eateries of Tacoma is DOA which flaunts of offering stuffed waffles, pancakes, toasts with melted cheese. Serving for 2 people would cost approximately around $30. Other breakfast eateries in Tacoma include Viva, Shakabrah Java, to name a few.
Cliff House Restaurant- This amazing restaurant in the Pacific Northwest region is a delight for steak lovers. This Pacific Northwest price Tacoma ranges from $31 to $50. It costs approximately $100 for 2 people when drinks are included.
There are other restaurants in Tacoma like Marzano’s, Pacific Grill, Harvest Buffet, to name a few and these best local restaurants cost Tacoma ranges from $30 to $100.
Experience Boeing – Seattle can give you the experience to witness the factory of the airplane giant which flies millions of passengers all over the world. It is a thrilling experience in itself to observe the making of Boeing as well as get a glimpse of what the future of the aviation industry has in store for us.
A Stroll through the Pike Place Market – This area is the ultimate place for coffee lovers. If you want to see the local culture of Seattle up, close and personal, a trip to the Pike Place Market will suffice. This is the place where Starbucks was born and the world got a taste of heavenly coffee. You can get a glimpse of the public market which attracts 20,000 to 30,000 visitors every day
Local Life – You can go pay a visit to the Capitol Hill and experience the vibrant entertainment and night clubs that can make you fall for Seattle. It also has a lot of stories in store for music lovers. You can visit the house of the iconic musician, Kurt Cobain and also get a glimpse of the school attended by music giants Jimi Hendrix and Quincy Jones.
1. Dacha Diner- This restaurant in Capitol Hill is an ultimate bliss for the food lovers who can get hooked to the aroma of Georgian pizza and pork dumplings. The variety and vibe make it one of the best in Seattle.
2. L’Oursin- This restaurant is a delight for all the wine lovers with its amazing collection together with mouth-watering food.
Now that you have mentally experienced Tacoma and Seattle, some of the quick things to do in Olympia would be to visit Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, Washington State Capitol, Hands On Children’s Museum and the Farmers Market.
We have got you covered on the activities you can treat yourself to in Tacoma, Seattle and Olympia together with the best eateries where you can indulge your taste buds. We have also got you covered on the best local restaurants cost Tacoma. We hope you have the time of your life when you visit these places and we would be very happy to have guided you in this endeavor.
Finding the best fall colors can make the shorter days colder whether more bearable. While there is some hardship with Autumn, almost a third of Americans say fall is their favorite season! Surprisingly, it also takes the crown as the most preferred season to tie-the-knot.
There are so many things to love about about fall. For starters, there’s the stunning foliage carpeting the grounds with yellows, oranges, and reds. Fun fact: much like the colors of a sunset, call colors are shown to slow a person’s time perception.
Then, there are the beautiful fall flowers.
You read that right. Spring and summer aren’t the only blooming seasons. Fall’s blossoms are as awe-inspiring as those you see during the warmer seasons.
All these and more, you can enjoy when in the Pacific Northwest.
The question is, where exactly can you find and marvel at the best fall colors?
Read this guide, and you’ll soon be on your way to one of them!
Hills and valleys spanning 20 acres, the Kubota Garden in Seattle is a prime spot for Washington fall foliage. The beauty of this place stems from the combination of Japanese garden themes with flora of the Northwest.
Mind your jaw as you look at the beautiful water formations, including waterfalls, streams, and ponds. The huge collection of plant species here includes fall bloomers, such as Japanese maples.
Golds, oranges, and reds aren’t the only fall colors in Washington. Want some whites with your autumn foliage? Then head to the University of Washington Botanic Gardens.
Here, you’ll find the Franklin Tree’s flowers painting a stark white contrast against its gold and red leaves. The arboretum’s Dawn Redwoods also add pink to the foliage. Maples, flowering cherries, and dogwoods also line the 230-acre garden.
The Seattle Japanese Garden attracts more than 100,000 visitors every year.
So… What makes it so special you should include it in your list of Washington fall foliage viewing spots?
For starters, it’s amongst North America’s most highly-regarded gardens. Because of its Japanese influences, the garden gives you a sneak peek to the Land of the Rising Sun. There are waterfalls, forests, mountains, and rivers to curb your craving to be one with nature.
It’s also thanks to its Japanese roots, you’ll see astonishing fall foliage and flowers here. Plus, the varied ecosystem here means you’ll marvel at both flora and fauna.
Boasting not one, not even three, but five showcase gardens, Manito Park affords some of the best scenes of fall in Spokane.
There’s the Nishinomiya Tsutakawa Japanese Garden, for starters. The garden, filled with maple trees and koi ponds, form a picture-perfect scene.
Before you leave to stock up on the local farms’ fresh produce, go for a stroll along the golden-leaf-covered Manito Boulevard.
Spokane’s Riverfront Park isn’t only a great place to catch the incredible Washington fall colors. It also affords you incredible views of the magnificent Spokane Falls.
Considered one of the “most unforgettable urban falls” in the U.S., the Spokane Falls actually consist of two waterfalls. There’s the Upper Falls and the Lower Falls. Together, they make up the largest urban waterfall in the country.
A great plus to the Riverfront Park is its location. Situated downtown, you’ll have no problems finding other activities to satisfy your outdoorsy side. The SkyRide Over the Falls, Tour Train, and 1909 Looff Carrousel are to name a few.
Pro Tip: Make sure you don a good pair of shoes before heading to the park. That way, you can take on the challenge that the Centennial trail and various walking paths offer.
What do you get when you mix a massive collection of plant material with 65 acres of hills?
The John A. Finch Arboretum, that’s what! Of course, there’s also the astonishing fall foliage to see.
The Finch Arboretum’s flora collection lines the Garden Springs Creek shores, the various species of which grow all year long. Chosen for their compatibility with the city’s climate, the different plant materials bloom and flourish whatever season it is. That gives you more reason to visit not only during the fall season.
Let’s face it. The best way to take in breathtaking views and landscapes is when they’re all natural.
Much thanks to Washington’s Mt. Rainier National Park, that’s exactly what you’ll get.
Almost untouched by human hands, the area surrounding the active volcano boasts ancient forests and houses various wildlife. With it being rich in flora, you can expect stunning leafage throughout the year, and not only during autumn.
During the fall season, make sure you make your way to Paradise and Reflection Lakes. These are some of the mountain’s best areas to see awesome golds, reds, oranges, and even greens. The Grove of the Patriarchs is also a must-visit.
As for wildflowers, Mt. Rainier’s collection is a sight to behold. But since they only bloom for a limited time, make sure you catch them before late fall.
The fact that it has its own Autumn Leaf Festival should already tell you that Leavenworth Town is one of the best places to see stunning fall leaves in action. That and the town’s name itself, which is spelled almost like heaven.
Plus, it’s situated in none other than the Cascade Mountains. As such, know there’s plenty other things for you to do. Try trekking The Enchantments, conquering the Tumwater Canyon, or following the Apple Capital Loop Trail.
If you want something less laborious, find a good spot for fall foliage viewing at the Waterfront Park.
Fun Fact: Waterfront parks in general are amazing locations to observe the best fall colors. The expanse of foliage, combined with the visual break, and opportunity for reflected can provide for stunning views. Don’t forget to pick your jaw up before going home!
Many of the Pacific Northwest’s fall flowers provide an amazing contrast to the golden and scarlet foliage of autumn. From the Agastache Blue Fortune to the Purple Dome blossoms and the Aster x frikartii Monch to the Great Blue Lobelia, you’re in for a superb treat if you visit during the fall.
Last tip before we go: When searching for the best fall colors in the Northwest, Make sure to dress in layers. Fall, in particular, is a season when the temperature and precipitation can change from moment to moment. Oh, and don’t forget to check out our other travel posts!
Of the 20,000 Thai restaurants overseas, 50% of them are in the US and Canada.
There is a rising love for Thai food in North America. Thai food is light, healthy, delicately fragrant and full of vegetables. It’s not necessarily fiery hot.
Now it’s common to see a Thai restaurant or two in every city and even smaller towns. Years ago, most Thai food in the US was far from authentic. Chefs feared that Westerners would send the food back if it was cooked traditionally.
So they began to cater to the palette of Americans. In other words, they made everything sweet. Some chefs from Thailand even admit to not eating the food on their American menu.
Thai food in America has followed the trend of Chinese food. The American version is far removed from the food eaten by Chinese people in China and even in America.
But it is possible to find authentic Thai restaurants near Tacoma. Read on for the ways you can tell if a restaurant cares about the end product or is just catering to the masses.
One of the signature qualities of Thai food is that it is made from fresh ingredients. If you walk into a Thai restaurant in Tacoma WA, scan the menu. If you see more than 20 items on the menu, go elsewhere.
It’s not possible to keep fresh ingredients for that many different dishes. That means that the products are frozen, canned or past their freshness date.
Coconut milk in curries such as green curry is delicious. Yet they are a regional dish from Southern Thailand. If a menu has coconut milk in every dish, something is not right.
Some Thai food is very spicy. However, some dishes are not.
A telltale sign of the best Thai food in Tacoma is if the restaurant lists how spicy each dish is, without the option of choosing how spicy you want it.
When restaurants let you choose the heat level, you are less likely to have an authentic dish. However, if the heat level is set, the food is more likely to be true to how it was intended.
If you can’t handle the heat, choose something else on the menu.
Not every Thai dish is meant to be spicy. Some are sweet and some are sour. Kuai-tiao nam is made with a clear pork-based broth. Kao mun gai is a fragrant non-spicy chicken and rice.
Traditional Thai food is about a fusion of various flavors. However, if you really want to feel the heat, ask for your food “phet mak” (extra spicy.
In Thailand, every dish doesn’t come smothered in peanut sauce. In fact, it is most often served in a little bowl for dipping various satays.
If a restaurant menu has peanut sauce on each dish, it’s probably not a restaurant you want to eat at to enjoy true Thai cuisine.
One of the easiest ways to find the best Thai food in Tacoma is to search for restaurants that only serve Thai food.
Many restaurants serve Asian cuisine from various countries. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing. But it does mean that the cooks don’t specialize in Thai food exclusively.
If you want authentic Thai cuisine, your best bet is to choose a restaurant that focuses just on Thai food. After you eat, head over to the Narrows Bridge for an evening stroll.
You might be surprised to learn that in Thailand, people eat with forks, not chopsticks.
The reasons Thai restaurants in Tacoma WA and elsewhere started providing chopsticks was because American customers kept asking for them!
Traditionally, Thai people ate with their hands. King Rama III wanted his people to be more civilized in the 1800s. He implemented several Western customs such as sitting on chairs and using cutlery.
Thai people hold a spoon in the right hand and a fork in the left. Then, they scoop the food into the spoon with the fork. Try it next time you are having Thai in Tacoma.
It’s a lot easier than trying to get rice to your mouth with a chopstick.
Crab rangoon is a small little wonton appetizer. It is a wonton paper stuffed with a mixture of crab meat, mayonnaise, cream cheese, and spices. Then it is baked or deep fried.
While yummy, this is not a Thai dish. Nowhere in Thailand serves this morsel. Natives likely haven’t ever heard of crab rangoon.
It is common in American Thai restaurants because restaurant-owners quickly found out that Americans like deep-fried, gooey, cheesy bite-size items.
If you are hunting for the best Thai food in Tacoma, avoid restaurants that have this item on the menu.
You might think that Thai food is a simple choice for vegans and vegetarians. But beware, even dishes that have tofu, aren’t necessarily catered to dietary restrictions.
Fish sauce, shrimp sauce, and oyster sauce are common in many dishes. Even if they have no other meat in them. If you are vegan, you’ll have to confirm with your waiter to make sure there are no animal products in certain dishes.
We hope you found this guide to finding the authentic Thai restaurants near Tacoma insightful.
One final tip for finding delicious Thai food in Tacoma is to talk to your server or the cook. If they are from Thailand, ask what their favorite dish on the menu is. Or what they would serve their family.
You might just discover a new favorite item you might not have ordered otherwise.
Check out our list of the best Tacoma restaurants. Keep this list handy so you can enjoy good food each time you go out to eat.
Has date night gotten stale? Are you continuing to visit the same restaurants you’vebeen going to for years? If it’s time to branch out, this is the post for you. There are plenty of great websites for finding well-known restaurants online, but it can be difficult to find local restaurants, particularly if they’re new, that locals would recommend. That’s whywe’ve compiled a list of the restaurants in Tacoma you need to visit, so keep this list handy next time you have no idea where to eat and are looking for the best Tacoma restaurants.
If you’re looking for a new restaurant or two, we’ve got you covered. Here are some of the best restaurants in Tacoma:
Love meat? You’ll love Asado.
Specializing in Argentine-inspired food, Asado uses quality, local ingredients to create bold, interesting flavors. The delicious Black Angus is infused with Argentinian flavors.
One of the most popular dishes is the flat iron steak with purple mashed potatoes. The braised lamb shank with bacon leak butterbeans and cipollini mole is also a must-try.
Vegetarians will eat surprisingly well at Asado. You can dine on roasted chili and tomato stuffed with dried fruit, quinoa, and cheddar.
Also known a DOA, Dirty Oscar’s Annex is the only moonshine bar in Tacoma. That means you’ll only be dining with the 21-and-over crowd. For this reason, it’s one of the best restaurants in Tacoma for those wanting a more adult experience.
DOA is known for its New American cuisine, along with delicious moonshine drinks. Try the peach lemonade, strawberry lemonade, or muddled lemon.
Don’t feel like you can only visit for dinner- DOA is great for breakfast too. Order the Dead Elvis French Toast, which is served with peanut butter sauce, bourbon banana puree, and vanilla custard.
Previously known as Johnny’s Seafood Co, this restaurant has undergone a massive makeover. It now includes a cafe, along with the popular seafood counter. This is one of the best restaurants in Tacoma if you enjoy dining with a view. Sit on the outdoor patio and enjoy your view of Mt Rainer.
Seafood lovers will enjoy their food at Johnny’s, and the outstanding menu has something for everyone. Choose from favorites like:
Marzarno’s has been serving Tacoma residents and visitors for more than 20 years. You’ll find it near Pacific Lutheran University in a converted house, and it specializes in delicious Italian cuisine.
Head chef an owner Elisa Marzano puts her heart and soul into each dish. And the standard menu is often updated to include specific seasonal offerings.
Try the Limone pizza, which is topped with cherry bomb peppers, preserved lemons (homemade), and pancetta. Or carb load with the delicious lasagna Bolognese. You’ll also find plenty of gluten-free and vegetarian options here, along with a large wine list.
This award-winning restaurant is one of the best-known restaurants in Tacoma. Pacific Grill manages to combine both fun and sophistication.
Pacific Grill is housed in a gorgeous historic building, which features exposed brick and dark wood. You’ll also see some incredible sculptures, however, the food is truly the star here.
Owner and chef Gordon Naccarato has created many classic dishes with a twist and caters to a wide range of tastes. Gluten-free and vegan meals are plentiful. Vegetarians and vegans will love the roasted cauliflower steak.
Love duck? Try the sauteed duck breast here. It’s served with fingerling potatoes, green beans, a basil-blueberry sauce, and almonds.
An unofficial landmark in Tacoma, Indochine is one of the best ethnic restaurants in Tacoma. The interior is stunning, and prices are very reasonable considering the standard of the food.
This restaurant is family-run, and owners Russel and Ly fled Cambodia and mass genocide in 1979. After ending up in Thailand, they were sponsored by a church and settled in Federal Way.
Ly studied fashion in Paris but is passionate about food- something that will be evident as soon as you taste her delicious food.
Start with the toasted sesame chicken wraps and the crab wontons. Follow it up with the Spicy Basil Beef or Panang Chicken Curry.
Room for dessert? The pistachio and salted caramel gelatos are hugely popular. The lemon and coconut cake and nemesis flourless chocolate cake should be taken to go if you can’t fit them in.
Located in the waterfront district, you’ll be hovering over the water when you eat here. This is another great restaurant in Tacoma if you like to dine with a view, and you’ll be able to enjoy Puget Sound and the Cascade and Olympic mountains.
Grab dinner before it gets dark and you can watch parasailers, sailboats, and seals while you enjoy your food. And oh, what food. Guests can choose from:
The pizza at Katie Downs has won “Best Pizza in Western Washington”, and if you like comfort food, Katie’s is the place to go. Be sure to try the New York Style Cheesecake, which comes with fresh berries.
This is one of the best Tacoma restaurants if you feel like a lively night, and tends to draw a younger crowd of 20-somethings. It’s a great place to eat if you’re looking for a fun time, relaxing with friends, down on the Ruston Way waterfront.
Craving French? Savor Creperie is the place to be. Whether you’re looking for sweet or savory crepes, this vibrant restaurant offers a huge selection for vegetarians, meat lovers, and those who are gluten-free.
Opened in 2013, Savor Creperie is a huge favorite, so be sure to grab a few sweet and savory crepes to split with a group so you can taste them all.
What are your favorite Tacoma restaurants? Leave a comment below and let us know if there are any great restaurants we’ve missed for our list!
Tacoma Frame Makers is a hidden gem. Stacia Harvey, Owner and Head Designer has a passion for creating truly unique pieces. She gives memorabilia new life with her amazing touch. This Frame shop is open Tuesday through Saturday 11am to 7pm, walk-ins are of course welcome. Tacoma Frame Makers is absolutely the place to have any custom framing done. What are you going to do with your wedding dress? Kid’s art collection getting out of hand? Seahawks Memorabilia taking over, and not in a good way? Go see Tacoma Frame Makers. They make custom easy.
Stacia has been a professional framer for over 25 years. She took over Tacoma Frame Makers a couple years ago and never looked back. The Local Frame Shop has been in business over 40 years and had been through five owners before Stacia took over. Since then the shop has been busy with new customers and many projects. Tacoma Frame Markers is truly a remarkable framing specialist and can cut frames for any piece, any size, any style.
Previous to her own shop, Stacia was the Manager of a big name Frame Store. She has experience in all parts of the framing industry which is why she has perfected her craft and stepped out on her own. Without a doubt Tacoma Frame Makers always crafts beautiful pieces. Not to mention, they don’t kill your bank account unlike the big name box stores. Stacia keeps the shop family owned, she works alongside her husband and has a couple other local framers she employes. Stacia told me that keeping Tacoma Frame Makers a close knit group ensures quality and allows her to understand and make connections with her customers.
I was stunned with Stacias amazing work. First piece piece Stacia and I collaborated on was the MC Hammer Memorabilia Piece. Tacoma Frame Makers left their mark in the Center with a Gold MC crafted by Stacia. MC Hammer Tweeted in the Spring of 2016, that pieces in his own home weren’t even that amazing. Stacia has also crafted Melissa Etheridge Rock Memorabilia Pieces, Tacoma’s own HOPE 253 Memorabilia, fan memorabilia for the U.S. Open, and many more. She is able to take a hodgepodge collection of photos, our near and dear fan memorabilia, and design elegant, fun, unique art.
As Spring cleaning starts to creep up on us, collect your memorabilia, or the Jersey you always wanted to hang, or your wedding dress that you literally do nothing with and go see Stacia. Tacoma Frame Makers is just down the street. They can take those items that you haven’t been exactly sure what to do with, and make them into something dynamic and special. Go to her website, and definitely stop by the store. Tell her Becca from Clever Neighbor sent you.
Tacoma Frame Makers
3011 6TH AVE
TACOMA, WA 98406
ph: (253) 564-2320
Tuesday – Saturday 11am – 7pm
First Built in 1940, the Narrows Bridge has been a vital route for locals and industry for over half a century. It connects the Olympic Peninsula to Tacoma and the surrounding areas. There are plenty of things to do in Tacoma within site of The Narrows Bridge. The area offers opportunities to enjoy culture, cuisine and the outdoors. Read on to learn a bit about the current attractions, the history and watch videos of Galloping Gertie’s plunge into Puget Sound and some great things to do in Tacoma.
Tacoma has a number of beautiful parks and areas that offer great views of the Narrows Bridge. One of the best spots to enjoy the water and a view of The Narrows Bridge is from the beach at Titlow Park.
Titlow Park offers playfields, ball-courts, forest trails, covered picnic areas and a playground. A short hike allows access to the beach and views of the Bridge.
Local bird watchers are often seen with their long lenses along the shores of Titlow Park’s duck ponds. Titlow Lodge, a former hotel built in the craftsman tradition, sits on the park property. It has been refurbished and is available to the public for events.
Within talking distance of Titlow Park is Boathouse 19, which offers American cuisine, a full bar and its own view of the Narrows Bridge. Just up the road, off 6th Ave is the Tacoma Musical Playhouse, and one of our favorite spots to grab a donut, Pao’s Donuts.
READ: DRIVE THRU DONUTS IN TACOMA BUT BRING CASH
One of the best views o the Bridge can be found nearby at the War Memorial Park, which offers a unique view down the span of the Narrows Bridge
Visitors to Tacoma should always make a little time for Five Mile Drive in Tacoma’s Pt. Defiance Park. The park is the second largest City Park in the United States. It is home to a Marina, Zoo, Gardens, Restaurants, Beach and forest trails. (Click to learn which park is the largest).
READ: TWO WHEELS UP FOR OLD TOWN BICYCLE
Five Mile Drive offers a number of trails and parking areas that offer views of the bridge. Don’t be surprised if you see some deer or raccoons along the side of the road. Just remember not to feed the wildlife! If you do have a hankering to hand feed some critters, head into the Budgie exhibit at the zoo.
Across the bridge from Tacoma is the maritime city of Gig Harbor, which offers its own unique way to experience the waters of Puget Sound. The downtown area offers shopping, dining and views of he harbor an Mt. Rainier. Heart Rock Beach at Gig Harbor’s Narrows Park offers a great view from the western shore of the narrows (Click Here For Some of The Best Restaurants in Gig Harbor).
Bald Eagles and Osprey patrol the waters below the Narrows Bridge, their nests in the nearby tree line. Below the surface are lingcod, salmon and octopi.
If you are lucky you might just see a pod of orcas or a humpback whale swim by. The whale population has been increasing in recent years, and with innovation of the cell phone camera, more and more folks are recording their experiences ( Check out this footage from 2017 ). Porpoises have been missing for many years, but in recent years, porpoise sightings are increasing. Stellar Sea lions and harbor seals are abundant in the area.
Along the shores are mule deer, raccoons and the occasional coyote. There is an an assortment of bird-life in the area including wood ducks, geese, cormorants and seagulls.
Whale sightings are increasing in the waters around The Narrows Bridge.
When looking for things to do in Tacoma, look no further than Sea kayaks and Stand Up Paddle-boards that are available to rent from a number of local beaches and businesses. Owen Beach in Pt. Defiance Park is one spot to find rentals in the Summer.
If you’d like a view below the surface, look into scuba diving! Cold water scuba Divers often take the plunge to inspect the waters and supports below the bridge. It’s advisable to have a boat, but some divers leave from nearby Titlow Beach, where grown men once wrestled octopi (click to learn more about the Giant Octopus of the Narrows Bridge).
Many locals enjoy the bounty of Puget Sound by crabbing or fishing the waters nearby. Make sure to check this map before clamming the beaches. If you are unfamiliar with the local waterways it may be best to charter a boat and hire a guide. This can make for a great experience as everything is taken care of, even the baiting of your hook! (Click here to charter a boat in Tacoma, WA)
If riding a bike is your thing, many folks enjoy a brisk ride along Five Mile Drive. Others will rent a bike or carriage from Wheel Fun Rentals at Point Ruston. Ruston Way offers a number of parking areas to stop and unload your own bike or take a walk to enjoy the waters and restaurants along Commencement bay.
Howard Clifford runs from the buckling concrete of Galloping Gertie.
As you explore the area it’s always nice to know a little bit of the History.
Constructed between 1938 to 1940, the first Narrows Bridge earned the nick-name Galloping Gertie, as it would jump up and down during windstorms. Just 4 months after opening, the bridge fell apart and crumbled into the waters during a windstorm (watch original news reel footage).
Reconstruction was stalled by the war efforts of World War Two. The second bridge was finally completed in 1950. This bridge currently holds the West Bound lanes of Highway 16. The third bridge, which supports the Eastbound lanes of highway 16, opened to traffic in 2007. Going east bound will cost you though — click here for the current toll price of the Narrows Bridge.
All three versions of the bridge are Suspension Bridges. The benefits of a suspension bridge are that it can span great lengths, can be built high above the water and is relatively inexpensive to construct. One major drawback is that the flexibility of a suspension bridge makes it susceptible aeroelastic flutter (that’s a mouthful!), which brought down Galloping Gertie, the original Narrows Bridge, in 1940 (Who’s to blame for the collapse of the Narrows Bridge?).
The first bridge was designed by Leon Moisseiff, famous at the time for designing the Golden Gate bridge and several suspension bridges in New York. The failure of the original Narrows Bridge affected him deeply. Sadly, Moisseiff died just three years after Galloping Gertie’s fateful plunge.
In 1992, Galloping Gertie’s wreckage was placed on the National Register of Historic places, to protect it from looters and salvage. Watch “The Story Of The Tacoma Narrows Bridge 1938 – 1940”
A view of Mt. Rainier and the westbound lanes of The Narrows Bridge.