Tacoma is a vibrant city 30 miles south of Seattle on the banks of Puget Sound in Washington. Within a one-hour driving distance from Mount Rainier National Park and home to museums, historic neighborhoods, and a two-mile-long scenic waterfront, Tacoma draws travelers with its natural beauty and unique city attractions. You don't even have to leave the city to enjoy a great hike. The Point Defiance Trail System in Tacoma offers 15 miles of trails of different lengths and difficulty levels. One of the more popular routes is the 4.6-mile Square Trail, which traces the outer loop of Point Defiance Park. When you’ve worked up an appetite, grab market-fresh seafood by the water or sample beer from one of the local breweries in town.

Tacoma houses numerous museums and galleries dedicated to Pacific Northwest artists, like the Tacoma Museum of Art, and mediums they’ve helped elevate, like the Museum of Glass. In the downtown museum district you’ll also find the Washington State History Museum, a Children's Museum, and a Car Museum.

Vintage collectors may want to explore Tacoma’s Antique Row, a downtown district known for its antique and vintage homewares, sports memorabilia, clothing, and other treasures from decades gone by.

Tacoma is served by the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), which is 25 miles from downtown. There are many options to get from the airport to downtown Tacoma, starting with the free light rail service. You can also take a taxi, ride-hailing service, or rent a car. The trip by car takes about 25 minutes, depending on traffic. (Note that rush hour in particular can impact this trip time).

Once in Tacoma, getting to and around from your vacation rentals can be done by light rail or public bus system, depending on where you’re staying. If you’re planning to explore Mount Rainier National Park, Seattle, or other attractions further afield, a rental car is your best option. If you are planning to visit Seattle, it’s best to plan driving times so you avoid rush hour, if possible.

Tacoma has warm yet short summers, while winters are cold, cloudy, and wet, with a chance of snow in December and January. Spring and fall tend to be rainy with more overcast days occurring in the fall season. However, fall is a popular time for hiking among the changing fall foliage. Spring is the best time to see the rhododendrons in bloom. Stroll Point Defiance Park to see the riot of color at the Rhododendron Garden — peak season usually runs mid-April to mid-May. If you miss the rhododendrons, maybe you'll visit in July or early August in time to see (and smell) the Rose Tunnel at Point Defiance Park in full bloom. The state’s largest Fourth of July event occurs every year in Tacoma with fireworks, live music, and an air show.

Museum of Glass

The 75,000-square-foot Museum of Glass, housed in the birthplace of a renowned glass artist, is dedicated to the medium as an artform. You can explore its collections of production glass, studio glass, and contemporary glass, and also witness glass-blowing demonstrations.

Point Defiance Park

Point Defiance Park sits at the north end of the city with 760 acres of trails, gardens, and views of the Salish Sea. The Japanese Garden is a highlight here, with its pagoda, footbridge, and cherry blossoms. Consider a visit to Fort Nisqually Living History Museum, located in the park. Staff and volunteers at this restored Hudson Bay Company outpost wear period costumes and demonstrate what 19th-century life was like in the area.

Ruston Way Waterfront

The Ruston Way Waterfront coastal walkway runs from downtown to Point Defiance Park, offering up scenic views of South Puget Sound. There's no better spot to admire the city skyline against the backdrop of Mount Rainier in the distance, or the views of the South Puget Sound. Watch for seals basking or playing in the water nearby.