Tacoma

Tacoma, also known as the City of Destiny, is a beautiful and lively city located in western Washington. With its picturesque waterfront, stunning gardens, and revitalized downtown area, Tacoma is a top destination for visitors looking to explore the Pacific Northwest.Things to Do:1. Point Defiance Park: A 700-acre park located on Tacoma's waterfront, which features a zoo, aquarium, and several picturesque gardens.2. Museum of Glass: Home to a collection of stunning glass artwork, the Museum of Glass also features live glassblowing demos and a hot shop where visitors can create their glass pieces.3. Tacoma Art Museum: Exhibiting various contemporary and Northwest regional artworks, the museum also participates in educational programs for visitors and locals.4. Fort Nisqually Living History Museum: Explore life in the mid-nineteenth-century from the tour guides and a variety of exhibits.5. LeMay - America's Car Museum: One of the largest automobile museums in the world, featuring over 300 vehicles from the late nineteenth century to the present, including rare and priceless cars.6. University of Washington Tacoma: A beautiful and thriving campus, the UWT hosts events, lectures, and performances throughout the year, making the campus worth a visit.Food and Drink:Tacoma is home to a diverse range of delicious food and drink options, including:1. Pacific Grill: An upscale restaurant that features Northwest-inspired cuisine and a great drink menu.2. Indochine: A Vietnamese restaurant with vegan and gluten-free options in addition to authentic Vietnamese dishes.3. The Table: A farm-to-table restaurant that serves seasonally sourced dishes and craft cocktails.4. Doyle's Public House: A classic Irish pub that offers a great atmosphere, numerous drinks, and tasty pub fare.5. Anthem Coffee & Tea: Drink-mavens, along with the coffee roasters, serve artisanal espresso beverages, loose-leaf teas, and fresh baked goods.6. Engine House No. 9: Inside an 1890s fire station, the brewery and pub, the perfect watering hole, and food stop.Where to Stay:1. Hotel Murano: A unique hotel that features contemporary designs inspired by glass art, situated in the heart of downtown Tacoma.2. Silver Cloud Inn: A comfortable and convenient hotel located near Point Defiance Park and the waterfront.3. McMenamins Elks Temple: A beautiful, restored historic building in downtown Tacoma that now functions as a hotel, event space, and entertainment venue.4. Courtyard by Marriott: A reliable chain hotel with modern amenities and a fantastic location in the heart of downtown.5. Holiday Inn Express & Suites: A comfortable option located near the Tacoma Mall and other shopping destinations.Getting Around:Tacoma has an excellent public transit system, with buses and light rail trains that can take you throughout the city and to nearby destinations like Seattle. If you prefer to rent a car, several rental services are available at the Tacoma International Airport. Otherwise, Tacoma is a pretty small city so a bike or walking around the downtown area would be refreshing. Overall, Tacoma is the perfect destination for visitors looking for a mix of art, history, nature, and great food and drink experiences. If you're planning a trip to the Pacific Northwest, make sure to include Tacoma in your itinerary!