So, you’ve just touched down at Seattle Airport, grabbed a rental car from the airport, and now you’re sitting there wondering, “What next?”
If you’re more of the Type B, fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants kind of traveler, then this guide’s for you. Because, while you might thrive on spontaneity, we love an itinerary (Type A ways, what can we say?), and we’ve done all the planning for you. All you need to do is follow along and enjoy the ride:
TIP: If you’re not quite at the airport yet and still scrambling to pack for your Tacoma trip, check out our helpful guide on necessary carry-on items to make sure you’re fully prepped!
Day 1: Downtown Tacoma
Your first day in Tacoma is all about exploring into the “art and soul” of this awesome city.
Breakfast @ Anthem Coffee & Tea
There’s a lot of sightseeing on the agenda today, so before you even step foot into a museum, you’re going to need to fuel up. Anthem Coffee & Tea, located at 1911 Pacific Avenue, is one of out top breakfast and brunch picks.
If you’re craving something hearty, go for the breakfast burrito packed with egg, hash browns, sausage, and cheese. Or, for the health kings and queens, start your day with a smoothie bowl packed with acai sorbet, fresh fruit and granola. And of course, you’ve got to try their fan-favorite marbled coffee brew.
Morning
Once you’ve had your morning caffeine fix, it’s time to get your art on.
Your first stop is the infamous Museum of Glass. With stunning sculptures, interactive exhibits, and live glassblowing demos at the museum’s Hot Shop, it’s an experience that’ll leave you in awe.
Next, make your way to the Tacoma Art Museum, just a short stroll away. From regional to contemporary art, this museum showcases over 5,400 works emphasizes the art and artists of the Northwest and the broader western region.
Lunch @ Indo Asian Street Eatery
We hope you’ve worked up an appetite wandering around those museums because it’s time to dig into some seriously delicious bites at Indo Asian Street Eatery.
Chef Yu, born and raised in Bangkok, Thailand, brings his 10 years of expertise from Indochine Downtown to this street-food-inspired spot. Think bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and dishes that transport you straight to the bustling streets of Southeast Asia.
Some of our top choices on the menu that you shouldn’t pass on are their Shumai Pork & Shrimp Dumplings and their Smashing Green Papaya Salad.
Afternoon
After lunch, head over to LeMay, America’s Car Museum, where you can journey through automotive history. Don’t forget to check out the hands-on exhibits where you can virtually take some of these classic beauties for a spin.
Next, wind down with a stroll through Wright Park and the W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory, where you can relax and get lost among the towering trees.
Dinner @ Over the Moon Café
As the evening rolls in, head to Over the Moon Café, a cozy gem tucked away in the charming Opera Alley. Here, you’ll be treated to mouthwatering dishes in an enchanting atmosphere.
Try the Lasagna Over the Moon Style, a pasta-less delight with roasted butternut squash, spicy Italian sausage, and creamy burrata béchamel, or go for the Jumbo Shrimp Pasta, featuring succulent shrimp in a white wine cream sauce over fresh linguine.
Evening
Finally, wrap up your day with a Pretty Gritty Tours adventure, where you’ll uncover Tacoma’s hidden gems and dive into its rich history and culture. It’s the perfect way to discover parts of the city you might otherwise overlook. Or, for a spine-chilling twist, book a ghost tour and get a mix of eerie tales and entertaining anecdotes about the spirits that haunt the city.
Day 2: Surrounding Area and Shopping
We hope you enjoyed day one! To mix it up a bit, today is all about blending adventure with a little retail therapy:
Breakfast @ Waffle Stop
You cannot miss this family-owned waffle house in Tacoma. It’s so cute inside, and totally one-of-a-kind. Parking that rental car of yours might be a bit tricky though (you’ll likely need to park a block or two away), but it’s worth the small walk.
Now, you’ve got three waffle options at this place. The Pearl Sugar Waffle, the Buttermilk Waffle, and the Southern Waffle. However, you can customize it to fit your taste. We suggest adding fresh blueberries (thanks to the organic blueberry farms nearby) to the Buttermilk Waffle for a breakfast you’ll remember!
Morning
Kick off your day at Point Defiance Park, Tacoma’s 760-acre natural wonder. This park is a paradise of botanical gardens, old-growth forests, hiking trails, and a scenic beach along the shoreline. Don’t miss the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, which recently received a $7 million revamp, including a stunning new tropical reef aquarium that opened last June.
Afternoon
For a more laid-back afternoon and a true taste of local life, take a leisurely stroll around Proctor District. This charming neighborhood in the north of the city has plenty of local boutiques to do some shopping, health and beauty salons for pampering, and restaurants and cafe’s to grab some lunch.
You’ll also find Washington State’s longest-operating bowling alley and a classic movie theater to check out, plus the vibrant Saturday farmer’s market. With over 70 businesses to explore, it’s easy to see why this part of town feels like the heart of the community.
Dinner @ Dirty Oscar’s Annex
After a quick power nap back at your hotel, head over to Dirty Oscar’s Annex on the lively 6th Ave strip. This joint is famous for its creative, funky spin on classic comfort food. It’s the kind of place where brunch dishes make it onto the dinner menu (hello, chicken and waffles). You’ve got to try the signature parmesan tater tots – they’re crispy, loaded, and basically a local obsession. Pair them with one of their inventive craft cocktails (the Moonshine mimosa is a fan favorite).
Evening:
Finish your night with a trip to the Tacoma Comedy Club, conveniently located right on the 6th Ave strip. This spot is a local favorite for a reason, the stand-up acts will have you belly-laughing and tearing up from start to end. The vibe is lively and laidback, making it the perfect way to end your day on a high note. Grab a drink, settle in, and get ready for some hillarious entertainment before heading back to the hotel to pack.
