3 Things You Have to Do in Tacoma

It’s amazing how we can live somewhere for years, yet never experience all the great things our cities have to offer. Tourists come to visit places that we take for granted since they’re just part of the everyday scenery. Who knows what could be awaiting you. Your family’s next great bonding experience could be just around the corner. Or maybe it’s something just for you: a moment of peace, excitement, or inspiration.

Whether you’re a visitor or know these streets like the back of your hand, Tacoma, Washington, has more to offer than you may think. Here are three things you have to do while spending time in this city.

Tacoma Art Museum

We all need a bit more culture in our lives, especially when so much of our entertainment lacks the kind of depth you could experience at a place like the Tacoma Art Museum. Located at 1701 Pacific Avenue, the Tacoma Art Museum (TAM, for short) focuses on the art and artists of the Northwest. The museum boasts 4,500 pieces, of which 3,000 were created by artists from the Northwest or who have some relation to the region. However, this museum isn’t limited by geography; it features work of various mediums from all across the world.

Have a budding artist in the family? Enroll them in the TAM Summer Art Camp where they’ll learn from museum exhibits and art all over town. They’ll also create their own masterpieces.

Point Defiance Park

Looking for a day of fresh air and beautiful sights? Point Defiance Park is a 760-acre park that attracts over 3.1 million people a year. Explore the saltwater beaches, or if you feel like taking to the water, rent a kayak and test your paddling skills. Trek through the natural forest on a handful of trails of various difficulties and distances.

Appreciate the beauty of nature by visiting the Japanese Garden or the Native Garden, which displays and maintains nature that’s native to the Northwest. Plus, there’s a zoo and aquarium here. If you’re looking for a day trip, Point Defiance Park is the perfect place for people of all ages.

Museum of Glass

You really can’t pass up the opportunity to visit such a unique and impressive place as the Museum of Glass, located at 1801 Dock Street. Tacoma’s Museum of Glass is the only museum in the west completely devoted to the medium of glass. Come here and see what brilliant glass artists have made through the 20th and 21st centuries, including the work of talented kids. The Museum of Glass also features traveling exhibitions and offers hands-on workshops that let you try your hand at glassmaking. Want to see the pros at work? Witness live glassmaking here.

You don’t have much free time to enjoy, so make the most of it. You may have some unique places right in your backyard. So grab your family and friends, set aside a weekend afternoon, and experience all that Tacoma has to offer.

Image via Pixabay