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Things to Do in Tacoma

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.

Things You Would Want To Do In Tacoma

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.

Local events and Activities That Can Be Done in Tacoma

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.

Best Local Restaurants in Tacoma

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.

Things You Would Want To Do In Seattle

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.

Amazing Eateries – Seattle can flaunt to have some of the best restaurants which can get your taste buds tingling.

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.

Tacoma, known as the city of destiny, is home to world-renowned museums, vibrant artists and beautiful natural landscapes. There are also a ton of fun and free things to do in Tacoma.

Read on for a list of 8 free things to do in Tacoma.

A Connecting Point in The South Sound

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.

Titlow Park and 6^th Avenue

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 6^th 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

Pt. Defiance

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.

Gig Harbor

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).

Local Wildlife

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.

Experience The Waters of 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.

History: A Tale of Three Bridges

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.

Clever Neighbors List of Things To Do Around The Puget Sound

Looking for things to do around the Puget Sound this Holiday Season? Here is a list of events to help your search!

Help A Local Charity

Winter Holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, for many, are a joyous time of year. But, sadly there are many who are in need this time of year.

Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission and the Tacoma Rescue Mission are two local organizations who reach out to the homeless year round. If you are looking for a local way to help those in need, these are two great resources. They are always looking for compassionate people who are willing to donate their time and/or money.

click here to see how you can help this Christmas.

Federal Way based World Vision, is a great international option that has local roots in the Puget Sound. World Vision offers a number of packages that you can purchase as gifts for friends or family. They also offer opportunities to sponsor children across the globe.

Looking for a great gift for the friend or family member that’s passionate about social justice? Check out The Nations Foundation and purchase them a one year subscription. click here for info on a subscription to the Nations Journal

The Nutcracker

The Nutcracker Ballet was first performed in Russia in 1892. It’s most famous for its music and beautiful choreography. Do you know who composed the iconic music?

Local performances can be seen in a number of cities around the Puget Sound. Here are some:

McCaw Hall in Seattle – Pacific Northwest Ballet

Federal Way Performing Arts Center – Tacoma City Ballet

Edmonds Center For The Arts – Olympic Ballet

Olympia’s Washington Center – Ballet Northwest

The Nutcracker has been performed across the world for over 100 years.

The Singing Christmas Tree

For over 50 years, Life Center Tacoma has been home to their own version of The Singing Christmas Tree.

The Singing Christmas tree consists of a large local choir. The choir stretches to the ceiling on a set piece, designed to look like a Christmas Tree.

Each year, a different story is told. The production often features live animals, children, adults and a symphonic orchestra. Click here for more info and tickets.

Closer to Portland? Click here for Portland’s Singing Christmas Tree

Leavenworth

Leavenworth is nestled deep in the Cascade Mountains. It is in close proximity to alpine skiing, wilderness trails and wineries. click here for a list of wineries

The city has steadily developed its Bavarian Roots for over fifty years. This is most evident in the German architecture. event the fast food restaurants are themed to fit in!

There are a number of festivals throughout the year including the Christmas Lighting Festival which occurs throughout December and the Bavarian Icefest which occurs in January.

Other events in the fall and winter include Oktoberfest in October and Christkindlemarkt which takes place in around Thanksgiving each year. These are both promoted by Projekt Bayern, which formed in 1996 to carry on the area’s Bavarian vision.

Leavenworth is a little over 2 ½ hours from Seattle or Tacoma. If you drive, make sure to check in with a reputable tire store like Northwest based Les Schwab Tires. It’s always a good idea to make sure your car and tires are up for the winter journey.

If you’d rather let someone else take care of the accommodation, book a tour on the Leavenworth Snow Train. Another option is to travel aboard deluxe motor coach. Check out Clipper Vacation’s Day Trip to Leavenworth.

The Bavarian Village of Leavenworth is a great destination for the Holidays.

Snowflake Lane – Bellevue Square

Since 2005, Bellevue Square Mall has hosted a holiday themed parade called Snowflake Lane. It occurs every night from late November to December 24^th.

Popular holiday characters are featured along with music, falling snow and holiday lights. Santa makes his presence known each evening during the parade. Families line up early along the route and disperse afterward for hot cocoa, or a bite to eat at any of the local eateries. It might be smart to grab dinner before hand, and dessert after.

If you are looking for a closer interaction with Santa, his workshop is located within the mall on the second floor. Pictures with the big guy can be had with packages starting at around $24. A number of local schools, vocal ensembles and entertainers are scheduled to share their talents every mid-day in late November and early December. Click to check the entertainment schedule.

Reindeer Festival at Swanson’s Nursery

Swanson’s Nursery in Ballard has been providing the area with landscaping tips and products for years. They bring that level of service to the Holiday months with their Reindeer Festival which lasts from early November until Christmas Eve. The festivities include live music, a model train village and real live reindeer. Click here to learn more about meeting the Reindeer.

Along with a selection of Christmas Trees, there is plenty of shopping. And if you’re looking for the obligatory picture with Santa Clause, they offer that as well.

Special Holiday Adventure Tours are available upon request. These are a great opportunity for children to learn about the reindeer, model trains and Christmas Trees.

If you are looking for a one stop shop to prep for Christmas, this may be your spot!

Visit “Little Norway” aka Poulsbo

Poulsbo, founded by Norwegians in the late 1800’s, has maintained its Norwegian Heritage for over 100 years. In fact, two Norwegian monarchs have paid visits to the City.

There are a number of festive and historic events that take place here in the winter months. Which, may be fitting considering the movie Frozen is based on Scandinavian tales.

Here are some events you might consider in and near the City of Vikings:

The Lighted Ship Parade

Christmas In The Country

Port Gamble Country Christmas

Julefest

A view of the shoreline in Poulsbo during the Holiday Season.

Tour The Lights

During the darkest time of the year, people love to light up the night with their own creative spin. There are many opportunities around the Puget Sound experience well crafted lighting displays. Here are a few:

Zoo Lights – Pt Defiance Zoo in Tacoma

Zoo Lights – Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle

Holiday With Lights at Wild Waves – Federal Way

Garden D’Lights – Bellevue Botanical Garden

Ivars Clam Lights – Coulon Memorial Park in Renton

Fantasy Lights – Spanaway Park

The Lights of Christmas – Warm Beach in Stanwood

Click here to check out some great neighborhood light displays

Seattle Winter Fest

The Seattle Winterfest runs from late November until New Years Day.

It features a number of family friendly Winter activities. There’s ice skating, ice sculpting and a turn of the century train display.

Dickens Carolers, Comedians and more. Click here to learn more.

Country Village – Bothel

If you are looking for a down home experience with a twist. Check out Country Village in Bothel. They have a number of activities each Holiday Season including A Pirate Christmas, Snowflake Creation Station, Live reindeer and activities with Mr. and Mrs. Clause. Click here to learn more about the Country Village