Tacoma Attractions

Just half an hour south of Seattle, the port city of Tacoma offers a burgeoning cultural scene and other attractions. Here are just a few of the city’s best bets. For others, call or visit the Visitor and Convention Bureau’s information center at the State History Museum, (see below), or call 253-627-2836 or 800-272-2662. You can also visit www.traveltacoma.com for more information.

State History Museum
The very high-tech Washington State History Museum in downtown Tacoma presents the soul and spirit of Washington in its permanent exhibits. There’s an excellent Native American collection, but the museum also focuses on geology, technology, agriculture and transportation with movies and interactive exhibits.

1911 Pacific Ave., Tacoma
253-272-3500 or 888-238-4373
www.wshs.org

Tacoma Art Museum
The striking new Tacoma Art Museum is dedicated to connecting people through art, and emphasizes art and artifacts of the Northwest. It also features a noted permanent collection of American, European and Asian art.

1701 Pacific Ave.
Tacoma, 253-272-4258
www.tacomaartmuseum.org

Museum of Glass
The Museum of Glass features contemporary glass art installations both inside and outside its modern building on Tacoma’s waterfront, and a rotating program supplements permanent exhibits. “Creativity: The Flowering Tornado,” an all-glass show will be on display during NAHC’s annual meeting in October 2005.

1801 E. Dock St., Tacoma
253-284-4750
www.museumofglass.org

Historic Districts
Tacoma is the site of several historic districts that display the history and architecture of several periods in local history. One, the Stadium District, includes more than 100 Victorian houses. For maps and information on both, visit the information center at the Museum of History,

253-627-2836 or 800-272-2622.

Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium
Tacoma’s Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium has earned a national reputation for its progressive designs and natural habitats. Its collection includes Sumatran tigers, elephants, polar bears and sharks- all housed in their natural habitats.

5400 N. Pearl St., Tacoma
253-591-5337
www.pdza.org

Pacific Rim Bonsai Collection
The outdoor Weyerhaeuser Pacific Rim Bonsai Collection near Tacoma features more than 50 bonsai trees and represents the work of renowned bonsai artists. Set on a one-acre site with a tropical observatory, the garden was created by the Weyerhaeuser lumber company, which is headquartered here. In October, the collection is closed on Thursdays and Fridays, but open the rest of the week. Call first for hours and information our tours.

33663 Weyerhaeuser Way S.,
Federal Way (a town, not a street)
253-924-5206
www.weyerhaeuser.com/bonsai

A Note About Tickets for Cultural and Sports Events
In addition to the numbers listed below for tickets to cultural and sports events, the Citywide Concierge Center inside the Washington Convention and Trade Center often has tickets to events, sometimes when other ticket outlets are sold out. (The Concierge Center is on the ground floor adjacent to the elevators.) In addition, the Concierge Center is home to downtown’s only walk-up Ticketmaster location, which sells tickets to many performances and events.

7th Ave. and Pike St. downtown
206-461-5888.