Tacoma - Washington State Tours

Updated:04/24/26

Must See In Tacoma Washington State

Tacoma is named after Mount Rainier which dominates the eastern skyline. Mount Rainier was originally called Mount Takhoma or Mount Tahoma. Located in Pierce County just south of Seattle, Tacoma is known as the “City of Destiny” due to it’s deep-water harbor at Commencement Bay and because it was picked to be the western terminus for the Northern Pacific Railroad at the end of the 19th century. The Port of Tacoma is Washington State’s largest port.

There are many must see attractions in Tacoma Washington. Not only the ever present Mount Rainier but also many museums and the Point Defiance Zoo.

Tacoma Washington Attractions

Tacoma Museum of Glass “Hot Shop” by Ingrid Taylar – Flickr: Hot Shop.

Museum of Glass – 1801 Dock Street Tacoma, WA 98402-3217. Phone: 253-284-4750

The Museum of Glass is linked to the downtown shoreline of Tacoma by a pedestrian footbridge called the Bridge of Glass. It is a 500-foot bridge that is covered and decorated with artwork from Dale Chihuly. It crosses Interstate 705. You can see an image here.
Fort Nisqually Living History Museum – Historic Site
Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium – 5400 North Pearl Street, Tacoma, WA 98407 – Phone: 253-591-5337. The Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is a combined zoo and aquarium
Steilacoom Historical Museum -1801 Rainier St, Steilacoom, WA 98388 – Phone: 253-584-4133
Tacoma Art Museum – 1701 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98402. Phone: 253-272-4258
Washington State History Museum – 1911 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, WA 98402. Phone: 253-272-3500
Emerald Queen Casino

Tacoma Tourism

Tacoma Regional Convention & Visitor Bureau

Transportation

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport – Sea-Tac Airport website.
Airport Parking Savings – Save up to 66% off as compared to parking at the airport!
Pierce County Transit
Tacoma Light Link Rail – The first light rail in Washington State
In downtown you can find taxis at the following taxi stands:
- Greyhound Bus Station, 511 Puyallup Ave.
- On S. 10th St. and Pacific Avenue
- Hotel Murano, 1320 Broadway Plaza
- Swiss Tavern, 904 Jefferson St.
Or request a taxi directly from King Cab Taxi. Phone: 888-904-7770.