Seattle gets all the credit in Washington state, but you’re missing out if that’s the only place you visit. Just half an hour south is Tacoma, a city that’s full of activities to do. Treat yourself to a weekend here so you have time to do everything.
Image via Pixabay
America’s Car Museum
While in Tacoma, don’t miss out on this massive car museum. Antique cars dating back to 1903 line the walls, and everything from muscle cars to hot rods can be found here. You’ll also find old motorcycles and even the “Flintmobile,” a car straight out of “The Flintstones.”
Point Defiance Zoo
The city’s so large that it even managed to fit a zoo in it! See polar bars in the Arctic Tundra and watch sea lions play in the Rocky Shores. Camel rides are even available for kids depending on the weather outdoors.
Cheney Stadium
You don’t have to deal with the traffic of Seattle to see the Mariners play – Tacoma has their own Tacoma Rainiers! This minor league baseball team plays from April to September, and is the perfect way to spend a night out. Buy some popcorn and peanuts, and grab your seat to cheer on the local team.
Local Garth Gasman knows there’s no better way to spend a summer evening than in Tacoma:
“There are a number of things to do and a number of good places to eat in Tacoma. A summer time favorite of mine has been enjoying a beautiful evening at Cheney Stadium watching the Tacoma Rainiers. You also can’t go wrong watching the sun set while having dinner on Ruston Way, whether its Harbor Lights, Katie Downs, The Lobster Shop, The Ram, Wild Fin or any of the others restaurants that are right on the water!”
Museum of Glass
Prepare to be amazed as you gawk at all the beautiful handmade glass work. Almost anything can be found here, from glass bowls to the ceilings you’ll walk underneath. You can even watch the experts carefully perform their work in the Hot Shop during your visit. Make sure to buy a souvenir in the gift shop before you leave to take home your own glass blown item.
Washington State History Museum
Learn where Washington’s roots started at this informative museum in Tacoma. There’s so much to absorb here that at least a full day is recommended. Walk through artifacts from the Native American culture and civilization, and continue through important periods such as industrialization and women’s suffrage. An interactive history lab learning center allows visitors to see how our ancestors used maps and periodicals to navigate through the state as they were exploring it. You can even climb aboard a model railroad to pretend you’re back in time.
Marissa Pedersen
Marissa is a freelance writer, travel blogger, and social media marketing manager from Seattle. She runs the travel blog Postcards to Seattle, which captures all her journeys from around the world. She likes to stay active wherever she goes, from kayaking in Italy to snowboarding in the Alps.
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