What to do in Tacoma, WA?

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Tacoma is a large city in Washington with military bases and two unique museums: the LeMay America’s Car Museum and the Museum of Glass. It was named the “Most Walkable City” in 2004 and 2006, with many parks and trails. Other attractions include the Daffodil Parade, the William Ross Rust House, Fireboat No. 1, and Bob’s Java Jive coffee shop.

With over 200,000 residents, Tacoma, known to locals as “The City of Destiny,” is one of the largest cities in the state of Washington. Located above Commencement Bay and near Mount Rainier National Park, Tacoma is a major military center, with several bases both inside and outside the city limits.
Tacoma is home to two unique museums: the LeMay America’s Car Museum and the Museum of Glass. The LeMay America’s Car Museum, still under construction, was funded by a private donor to showcase over 2000 cars representing the best in design, speed, equipment, etc. The Museum of Glass is a series of buildings and open-air constructions showcasing the art and technology behind glassmaking. In addition to objects and artifacts, the museum features reflecting pools, a giant glass bridge, and live glassmaking.

Tacoma was named the “Most Walkable City” in 2004 and 2006, thanks in part to the many parks and trails in the area. Point Defiance Park and Wapato Park are clear examples of large green areas that cater to hikers and visitors. Point Defiance Park, in particular, is extremely diverse, with a zoo and aquarium, a beach and boardwalk, a classic rose garden and historic building, and a “living history museum” known as Fort Nisqually.

Other great walking areas in Tacoma include Wright Park and Wright Park Arboretum, which abound with hiking trails and green spaces that draw visitors year-round. Those visiting Tacoma in April can enjoy the Daffodil Parade, which runs through Tacoma as part of its inter-county show. The parade is popular with local high schools, from which a queen is chosen, and local businesses, which benefit from the added visitor traffic.

The William Ross Rust House is a historic landmark located in Tacoma. The 18th-room, 1905 mansion belonged to tycoon William Ross Rust and is now a popular sight in Tacoma. Another popular area attraction is Fireboat No. 1, which served the City of Tacoma until 1983. The 96-foot (29.4 m) boat is a registered historic landmark, a rarity among vessels. Bob’s Java Jive, a local coffee shop built in the format of a giant teapot, is a cultural landmark that has been featured in many films over the past three decades. The cafe, hugely popular with tourists visiting Tacoma, also features live music on the weekends.




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