Exit133

July 2, 2008 · Derek

Vacation in Tacoma

Feeling a little stir-crazy? Gas prices are keeping a lot of people from traveling this year, but the Tacoma Regional Convention and Visitor Bureau is giving plenty of reasons why people should come to – or stay in – Tacoma for this summer’s vacation.

There are plenty of free activities (visit the Museum of Glass, Washington State History Museum (on third Thursdays), or Point Defiance Park), but there are also fun things to do in Tacoma that cost a lot less – in dollars and hassle – than traveling to far away destinations.

We look at the list and most of it seems obvious … except we haven’t done many of the them ourselves. Most? Yes. All? Not even close.

Here are some highlights from Travel Tacoma’s 100 Things to Do in Your Own Backyard:

  • Explore the lush tropical displays at the W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory at Wright Park.
  • Visit your favorite Farmers’ Market – Tacoma Farmers Market, Broadway, Proctor Farmers Market, and Sixth Ave Farmers Market starting July 15
  • Try lawn bowling (or bocce ball!) in Wright Park
  • Climb the Port of Tacoma’s Observation Deck and watch cargo ships being loaded
  • Kayak along Commencement Bay
  • Visit the 1887 Brown’s Point Lighthouse – you can even be the lighthouse keeper for a week!
  • Ride a vintage train at Camp 6 Logging Exhibit in Point Defiance Park
  • Rent a boat at the Point Defiance Boathouse
  • Camp overnight at one of the nearby national park campgrounds
  • Enjoy baseball when the Tacoma Rainiers play at Cheney Stadium

And this week you can check out the many events surrounding the arrival of Tall Ships and the 4th of July Tacoma Freedom Fair.

Link to Travel Tacoma

5 comments

  • JollyGreen1 July 2, 2008

    They need to update this list because Spanaway Speedway was turned into a housing development a couple of years ago.

  • ak July 3, 2008

    How about nice urban bike paths connecting many of these destinations to each other. This type of infrastructure would make coming to Tacoma (or choosing to stay in Tacoma) an authentic vacation experience. Driving to Cheney Stadium, driving to Point Defiance, driving to Wright Park, and then driving to Brown’s Point are not very appealing to me in terms of vacation. I’d rather drive away someplace further and stay there a few days!

  • Ann July 3, 2008

    We love our mini-staycations. A few days off to make a long weekend, and then we pick an area of town to explore. Last month we sampled the happy hours offered downtown. This month is centered around biking and tall ships. Haven’t decided on next month. Any tips?

  • Julie Gangler July 3, 2008

    We appreciated the comment about the Spanaway Speedway item — and we’re removing it ASAP! And we’ve now added this item (#85):

    Visit Chase Gardens in Orting, a classic Pacific Northwest-style garden recognized by the Garden Conservancy.

  • Les July 7, 2008

    Love the list Julie! Keep it up – A ‘seasonal’ selection would be great -i.e. Old Town Blues Festival, Blues & Brews, etc.