Nicknamed the “City of Destiny”, Tacoma flourished in the late-19th century as the western terminus of the Northern Pacific Railroad. Today, it is one of the most liveable cities in the United States, with picturesque gardens and a vibrant artistic culture on the doorstep of Puget Sound.

Things to do

One of the most striking architectural landmarks in Tacoma is the Museum of Glass, with its cone-shaped “Hot Shop” and famous Bridge of Glass. The museum houses an outstanding collection of studio glass work from the 20th and 21st centuries, as well as guest exhibitions by notable glass artists.

Car enthusiasts should visit the LeMay Car Museum, which celebrates America’s love affair with automobiles. There are hundreds of classic cars on display, including a 1948 Tucker and the “Flintmobile” from the 1994 film “The Flintstones”, as well as workshops where you can watch restorations being done.

Escape to the north of Tacoma where you'll find walking trails and landscaped gardens at Point Defiance, one of the largest city parks in the United States. It’s home to small tracts of old growth forests and the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, as well as the Fort Nisqually Living History Museum, designed like a mid-19th-century British outpost.

Tacoma is connected to the Kitsap Peninsula by the landmark Tacoma Narrows Bridge that spans the waters of Puget Sound. The peninsula’s hiking and biking trails and magnificent coastline for kayaking make it a popular destination for outdoor adventurers.

Getting around

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is around 30 minutes’ drive north of Tacoma, with both buses and trains connecting with Seattle to the north. Buses and light rail services travel throughout Tacoma, while ferries serve nearby Vashon Island.