Those interested in making their way south from British Columbia to explore the cultural offerings of Washington State will definitely want to make time for Tacoma’s museum scene along the revitalized waterfront area. Supported by a free light link rail system and a variety of shops and eateries, this cultural district can be accessed by those choosing the hotel option as well as by travelers visiting by boat via the downtown marina. Be sure to check out the following highlights during your visit.
Museums: While the Tacoma Art Museum has been a fixture in the area for some time, their nearly-complete expansion will add significant display space in the form of a new gallery featuring prominent Western art and a free creative space stocked with materials for spur-of-the-moment project ideas. America’s Car Museum is a unique venue featuring multiple floors of vintage vehicles and rotating theme exhibits to keep automotive enthusiasts coming back for more.
The most dominating structure in the entire museum district is arguably the Museum of Glass. With a giant cone-shaped hot shop and the Bridge of Glass extension offering walking access across the highway, visitors will be prepared to be impressed when they reach the waterfront entrance with multiple outdoor displays, nearby eateries and of course the impressive exhibits inside. Also of note are the Washington State History Museum and the combination zoo and aquarium at Point Defiance Park.
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Munchies: If grabbing a coffee and checking email with free Wi-Fi is your idea of a great break in between museum visits, be sure to check out Anthem. Located next to the history museum at the drop off point by Union Station, it has great atmosphere, a variety of baked goods and easy access to the glass museum as well. For something more substantial, head to the Harmon Brewery further down the street. Their beer tasting flights are served on the tip of a ski, and they make a mean homemade chickpea burger and roasted red pepper bisque.
If Mediterranean is your cuisine of choice, Ammar’s near the Tacoma Dome is worth a visit. The staff is friendly and the falafel platter makes a great meatless meal that will stick to your ribs and satisfy for the long term. Gyros and stuffed grape leaves are also available.
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Activities: The paved waterfront jogging trail is several miles long, and takes you past a variety of scenic spots and is suitable for dog walking, rollerblading and bike riding as well. It goes all the way down to the public beach, with public restrooms, sculptures and snack options along the way. The downtown museum district is a fun place to do a little shopping as well, with local clothing and jewelry shops offer plenty of temptation. And of course, there’s the Tacoma Dome which hosts big-name acts on a regular basis across multiple musical genres. For those who enjoy Mother Nature, Mount Rainier National Park is also an easy day drive from the city.
Photo Credits: Myscha Theriault
Theriault is a best-selling author and avid traveler who is currently touring the United States in a Jeep with her husband and 80 pound Labrador retriever. You can keep up with her adventures on Twitter by following @MyschaTheriault.
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