Tacoma: The City of Destiny

With 46 miles of shoreline, a down-to-earth vibe, and economically diverse community, Tacoma is a gritty city that represents the heart and soul of the Pacific Northwest. We’re connected to the Pacific Ocean through the Puget Sound, surrounded by the majestic evergreen forests, and bordered by the mountains, the highest of which is Mount Rainier. We take pride in forging our own trails, and we find beauty and inspiration in places where others find none. We recognize that we are on the traditional land of the Puyallup People. We resist the urge to hibernate when the sky isn’t clear and the sun isn’t shining. We reject the status quo and umbrellas. As people are fond of saying around here, we live like the mountain is out.

A city of 200,000 with a rich history androots in international shipping, we’re hometo one of the largest ports in North America.We’re also the birthplace of sweet treatsincluding the Almond Roca candy andthe Milky War bar. A proudly progressiveand inclusive commuity, Tacoma has beenregularly ranked on The Advocate’s annuallist of most gay-friendly cities in the country.The DIY entrepreneurial spirit of Tacomashows in the multitude of locally ownedbusinesses, including galleries, restaurants,food trucks, and pop-up shops.

In fact, the influx of makers and artisanstaking over warehouses and storefrontsscored the city the designation of EtsyMaker City in 2016, and it was no surpriseto Tacomans when, in 2018, Sunset magazinenamed Tacoma the Best Place to Live in theNorthwest. Each of the city’s 15 districts hasits own character, but what unites themall is their sense of pride in the communitythey call home. Read about some of ourfavorite parts of the city and why we areSouth Sound Proud. Better yet, experiencethem for yourself.

Proctor District

Here, in Puget Sound’s North End neighborhood, you will find plenty of green space, quaint Victorian and Craftsman style houses, and great restaurants and shops on 6th Avenue. Plus, the Proctor District farmer’s market is Tacoma’s only all-season outdoor market and features local produce, live music, and artisanal goods.

Theater District

Opened in 1918, the Pantages and Rialto theaters host a wide variety of shows and concerts, from performances of the City Ballet, Tacoma Opera, and SymphonyTacoma to contemporary concert series and live theater and comedy shows. The nonprofit Grand Cinema shows the latest independent films from around the world and every October, hosts the Tacoma Film Festival.

Lincoln District

Also known as the International District, this charming and revitalized neighborhood is home to the first Asian market in the region and is known for its diverse cultural offerings. Students flock to the area to indulge in Mexican torta sandwiches, comforting Vietnamese pho, and other delicious eats.

Downtown and the Museum District

Downtown is home to a thriving museum district, including the Museum of Glass which features a hot shop, where visitors can watch glass artists at work, and includes installations by internationally renowned glass artist and Puget Sound alumnus Dale Chihuly. Right next door is the Tacoma Art Museum, a striking modern structure that houses the premier collection of Northwest art, a strong collection of Japanese woodblock prints, and encyclopedic collections of American and European art. Admission to the Tacoma Art Museum is free for Puget Sound students, who also have the opportunity to get involved in the museum’s exhibits and events. A few steps away, you’ll find the Washington State History Museum, America’s Car Museum, and the Foss Way Seaport.

Point Defiance Park

At 760 acres, Point Defiance is one of the country’s largest urban parks, with miles of forest trails, beaches, and incredible views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. Visitors can wander through several gardens in the park, or see wildlife up close at the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium. On weekends, Five Mile Drive is closed to cars, and cyclists and runners take over.