Tacoma Travel Information

Washington Lodging Motel 6 Washington

Mt Rainier rises above Tacoma Dome's bald white architecture. Seattle's neighbor, Tacoma shares an airport with the bigger city and contributes unselfishly to the traffic congestion that famously plagues this stretch of I-5. Located just west of the Puget Sound's bear claw-like protrusion into Washington lands, Tacoma has waterfront views in addition to a fine selection of parks and cultural offerings.

Port Defiance Park, north of Tacoma's center, sprawls out on 700 acres of land jutting into the Puget Sound. While the park's proximity to civilization limits natural wildlife spotting, a zoo and aquarium allows visitors to choose between tigers and sharks in a controlled environment. When you begin to feel like you're the one behind bars, stroll through the numerous gardens -- choose from Japanese, rhododendron, rose, iris, dahlia or northwest gardens, then finish with a visit to Fort Nisqually, the local historic attraction.

Arts flourish in the Seattle-Tacoma area. Stop in at the Museum of Glass, then, when glassy-eyed, head over to the Tacoma Art Museum or Washington State History Museum for a little variety.

Outdoor enthusiasts will be pleased to know that Tacoma is within easy driving distance from both Mt Rainier National Park and Mt St Helens National Volcanic Monument.

Tacoma is just over 30 miles south of Seattle.