Tacoma, Washington, is a vibrant and diverse city located on the edge of Puget Sound. It’s known for its waterfront parks, diverse cuisine, and great shopping opportunities – all complemented by stunning views of Mount Rainier.

With a population of over 208,000 people, Tacoma is the third most populous city in Washington State. It lies on Commencement Bay on Washington’s beautiful Puget Sound, with the Olympic mountains and Mount Rainier providing breathtaking backdrops for this vibrant port city. The city also boasts several renowned seafood restaurants, such as Anthony’s Homeport, where you can find some of the best mussels and oysters the Pacific Northwest has to offer!

Fun Facts

• Tacoma is home to one of the largest ports in North America. It handles millions of tons of goods each year, including forest products, agricultural goods, cars and steel – making it an important trading hub between countries throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
• Tacoma is home to one of the longest suspension bridges in the world – The Narrows Bridge.  
• The University of Washington Tacoma was founded in 1890 as one of Seattle’s first higher education institutions.  
• Every August, Tacoma hosts an international glass art festival called the “Museum of Glass.”    
• The downtown area is home to some incredible street art murals illustrating both local culture and ideals.
  

Exploring Buildings and Their History in Tacoma

Tacoma boasts some of the most stunning historical buildings in the Pacific Northwest. Here’s a look at some of the key buildings you should check out when visiting this vibrant city:

Museum Of Glass

Founded in 2002, this museum showcases works from renowned glassmakers such as Dale Chihuly and installations from emerging local artists. It also serves as a center for hot glass demonstrations and educational programs on glass art.

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium

Located in Point Defiance Park, this popular zoo features majestic marine mammals such as seals and sea lions alongside exotic creatures like red pandas. The aquarium also houses a variety of fish, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates from around the world!

Union Station

Built in 1911, Union Station is one of Tacoma’s oldest train stations still in operation today. It serves Amtrak Cascades routes that run up through Oregon and down into California – making it an important stop for travelers along the west coast!

Broadway Center For Performing Arts

The Broadway Center For Performing Arts is home to several theaters that host various performing acts, from comedy shows to classic theater plays. It’s also home to the Tacoma Little Theatre, which has been running since 1924 and produces popular musicals every season.

Wright Park

Wright Park is located above downtown Tacoma and is known for its lush greenery, picturesque walking trails, and panoramic views of Mt Rainier. It’s a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of downtown or simply relax with a picnic!