Hello backpackers (yes, that’s what we’ll call our lovely readers from now onwards), We hope you all are having a wonderful week. We’ve been a bit lazy lately and haven’t shared many articles. But here we are with a detailed guide about our recent visit to Tacoma.
Also, if you like our content and find it valuable, buy us a coffee to help and support us run this blog.
Tacoma is a city located to the south of the Puget Sound that gives major old-world vibes, unlike its more modern neighbour Seattle. Moreover, this city is the birthplace of two world-renowned artists, Dale Chihuly, known for his extraordinary glass art and Jerry Cantrell, an American Guitarist who was part of the famous rock band Alice in Chains. One fine weekend we decided to explore a place that was once called the “City of Destiny”. Here’s how our day went and what you can do on your trip to Tacoma.
If words bore you, here’s a visual guide of our day in the city of Tacoma.
But first, Coffee!
We started our trip with a hot cappuccino and chicken taquitos at the Anthem Cafe. The cafe has a rustic laid back vibe, with high vaulted ceilings and tasteful antique wall clocks on their walls.
Washington through the sands of time
Right next to the cafe, is the entrance to the beautiful building of the Washington State History Museum. Meenakshi is a big fan of natural history while I am more of a human history enthusiast, and the museum had just the right balance to keep both of us engaged. We began by exploring major events in Washington’s geological and topographical history. It was amazing to learn that the largest waterfall to have existed on earth, was right here in our state, the Grand Coulee Falls.
We spent the rest of the day learning about Native American tribes that once lived here, the journeys of the first pioneers, and the subsequent boom of lumbering, fishing, canning and rapid industrialization. This museum has one of the largest collections of Native American artefacts on the West Coast.
The highlight, however, was on Level 5, the largest permanent model railroad of the state. It was an absolute treat to watch miniature train models chugging along on a very accurate but tiny representation of the state topography.
Glass bridge and Museum of Glass
If you exit the State History Museum on Level 3, you can simply walk out and make your way across the Chihuly Bridge of Glass. This holds three amazing glass installations by none other than the legendary Dale Chihuly. The Venetian Wall was particularly impressive, with 109 pieces adorning an 80 feet wall. The bridge connects to the Thea Foss Waterway and ends in a spectacular pool, with several clear glass installations, that resemble coral reefs.
Yacht Spotting
The Thea Foss Waterway was a welcome change of pace, as we watched magnificent yachts sail by and spotted several Annas’ hummingbirds from up close.
A Tacoma Landmark
Right next to the Museum, is the imposing structure of the Tacoma Union Station. Opened in 1911, with its distinctive copper dome, it now serves as a courthouse, and is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Breathtaking Sunset at Point Defiance
After exploring most of the Museum District, we made our way along the picturesque Five Mile Drive to Point Defiance. It was almost sunset when we reached Point Defiance Park. We decided to take a long walk by the Puget Sound while ogling at the flaming orange sky. We also saw a wild Seal floating by the shores that Meenakshi managed to scare off with her paparazzi tactics.
Dine at Anthony’s
We ended our trip with a lip-smacking plate of Halibut fish and chips at Anthony’s, a popular restaurant known for its food and ambience.
How to reach Tacoma from Seattle
Hop on Sound Transit Route 594 from Downtown Seattle, which takes you straight to Downtown Tacoma/Museum District. Alternatively, if you fancy a train ride, take the Amtrak Cascades or the Coast Starlight from King Street Station, Seattle to the Tacoma Amtrak Station.
12 Comments
I have heard rgeat things about the Museum of Glass- this post has inspired me to put it on the short list
Great to hear this, do let me know how it went 🙂
I love Chihuly’s work and think it would be so cool to walk across that bridge!
Yes, the walk is very cool, you’ll love it and also visit the museum if you can. Chihuly’s work is absolutely stunning 😀
Tacoma looks like such a fun day trip from Seattle. Saving this for next time I’m in the area.
Tacoma is an interesting place, do plan a visit when in Seattle 🙂
This was a great post! I’m heading to Washington for the first time in a few months and will be roadtripping around. I’ll keep Tacoma in mind!
Yes absolutely! Tacoma is worth a visit 🙂
Beautiful guide! I would love to visit the museum of glass, it sounds very cool! Thanks for sharing!
I’m glad you liked it 🙂
Well I sincerely enjoyed studying it. This information procured by you is very effective for good planning.
Pingback: Seattle Summer Guide 2023: Parks, Picnics & Other things to do