Leanne's Guidebook
Low Cost Activities
Pt. Defiance offers many outdoor activities, low cost activities and beautiful scenery.
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
5400 N Pearl StNice trail for those that like to walk near the water.
18 locals recommend
Chambers Bay Loop Trail Head
Chambers Bay WalkNice trail for those that like to walk near the water.
Tacoma Art Museum
1701 Pacific AveDale Chihuly glass is featured throughout the museum.
Outdoor gardeners paradise. Koi pond and tropical plants.
18 locals recommend
W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory
316 S G StOutdoor gardeners paradise. Koi pond and tropical plants.
This is a nice place to have lunch near the water or enjoy the sunset. There is also a park nearby.
Titlow Beach Lunch & Grocery
8612 6th AveThis is a nice place to have lunch near the water or enjoy the sunset. There is also a park nearby.
Adult arcade with food and drinks. Open until 12 AM, after 9 PM it's 21+ only.
49 locals recommend
Dorky's Arcade
754 Pacific AveAdult arcade with food and drinks. Open until 12 AM, after 9 PM it's 21+ only.
Right now the berries are plentiful and ripe. Enjoy free picking as many berries as you like!
Charlotte's Blueberry Park
7402 E D StRight now the berries are plentiful and ripe. Enjoy free picking as many berries as you like!
LeMay - America’s Car Museum
2702 E D StFood scene
Historical Landmark recently converted into a hotel, concert venue, dancing and bars.
60 locals recommend
McMenamins Elks Temple
565 BroadwayHistorical Landmark recently converted into a hotel, concert venue, dancing and bars.
Half Pint Pizza Pub
3717 6th AveGreat pizza for economical cost.
Asado Restaurant
2810 6th AveTrapper’s Sushi Tacoma
3120 6th AveGreat sushi. My favorite roll is “The Trapper”.
Memo's Mexican Restaurant
1703 6th AveOpen 24 hours
MSM Deli
2220 6th AveA local favorite. Best sandwiches in town and beats Subway any day.
If you enjoy Thai fusion foods you will not be disappointed. The food is fresh and there are lots of vegan/vegetarian options.
32 locals recommend
Indo Asian Street Eatery
110 N Tacoma AveIf you enjoy Thai fusion foods you will not be disappointed. The food is fresh and there are lots of vegan/vegetarian options.
Locally crafted handmade ice cream with a rotating menu of flavors. The link to goes to the original location which closed, the new location is 5107 Main St, Ruston, WA 98407.
59 locals recommend
Ice Cream Social
2914 6th AveLocally crafted handmade ice cream with a rotating menu of flavors. The link to goes to the original location which closed, the new location is 5107 Main St, Ruston, WA 98407.
Bar Rosa
1202 South 11th StreetBest Pizza in Washington State IMO
Get the “corn dog” it’s amazing! Check out their IG before going, it’s hard to decide what to order.
T-Town Cafe
Get the “corn dog” it’s amazing! Check out their IG before going, it’s hard to decide what to order.
Neighborhoods
Lots of cool shops and restaurants. Take a drive through the neighborhood to look at some of the beautiful historic homes.
45 locals recommend
Proctor District
Lots of cool shops and restaurants. Take a drive through the neighborhood to look at some of the beautiful historic homes.
Unique small shops as well a large Asian market and a variety of restaurants.
Lincoln International District
Unique small shops as well a large Asian market and a variety of restaurants.
6th Ave, Tacoma, WA, USA
Parks and Hiking
For those looking to get outdoors and enjoy hiking, this is a moderately challenging hike. It's about a 45 minute drive depending on time of travel.
56 locals recommend
Rattlesnake Ledge Trailhead
Snoqualmie Valley TrailFor those looking to get outdoors and enjoy hiking, this is a moderately challenging hike. It's about a 45 minute drive depending on time of travel.
Great hike for families with little ones but still want to do some outdoor activities or hiking. It's about a 45 minute drive depending on traffic.
26 locals recommend
Franklin Falls Trailhead
Denny Creek TrailGreat hike for families with little ones but still want to do some outdoor activities or hiking. It's about a 45 minute drive depending on traffic.
There is an easy walking trail with really nice landscaping and scenery. There are also picnic tables and a spray pad for the kids in warmer weather. **Caution** Please do not visit this park after dusk. As with most cities in the US there have been some unfortunate events at night, but it is perfectly safe during daylight hours.
84 locals recommend
Wright Park
501 S I StThere is an easy walking trail with really nice landscaping and scenery. There are also picnic tables and a spray pad for the kids in warmer weather. **Caution** Please do not visit this park after dusk. As with most cities in the US there have been some unfortunate events at night, but it is perfectly safe during daylight hours.
Nice lake, gardens, trees and playground. For those that enjoy fishing the lake is stocked with fish each year.
18 locals recommend
Wapato Park
6500 S Sheridan AveNice lake, gardens, trees and playground. For those that enjoy fishing the lake is stocked with fish each year.
Sightseeing
Historical building originally constructed to be a hotel. Filming site for Ten Things I Hate About You with Heath Ledger and Julia Stiles.
28 locals recommend
Stadium High School
111 N E StHistorical building originally constructed to be a hotel. Filming site for Ten Things I Hate About You with Heath Ledger and Julia Stiles.
Traveler advice
Getting around
Transportation
Utilize our newly completed light rail in central and downtown Tacoma or one of the many bus routes offered.
Getting around
South Tacoma Transportation
The bus is always an option but if you are traveling to Seattle for an event, check the Sounder schedule for possible special added days for special events.
Customs and culture
Be Smart
Tacoma is a diverse community with a variety of cultures and financial means. Some areas of Tacoma have old homes that have been beautifully restored and others that have been neglected. Don’t let that deter you from enjoying the many activities, restaurants, parks and views - you won’t regret it.