Downtown Tacoma, Washington

Downtown Tacoma, Washington glitters with vibrant color and a unique ambience. Located on the shoreline of lovely Puget Sound with the view of Mount Rainier's icy dome in the distance, Downtown Tacoma rests easy on the eyes and lightly on the heart. Much less crowded than nearby Seattle, Tacoma provides urban living with a high quality of life.

Downtown Tacoma is a cultural hub in the Greater Puget Sound Region. In the heart of Downtown lies Tacoma’s Museum District, home to the Washington State History Museum, the Museum of Glass with its trademark cone and towers of glass, and the Tacoma Art Museum. The latter two connect with the amazing Chihuly Bridge of Glass, a pedestrian bridge filled with public art displays.

Found throughout the Downtown region are the works of renowned glass blower Dale Chihuly, a Tacoma native son. Within the Museum district, one can stroll along the eighty-foot long Venetian Wall of Art, or along the Thea Foss Waterfront, where the Foss Development Authority works to develop the area into a premier downtown residential community, with parks and a public esplanade. Stunning salmon sculptures appear along numerous Downtown walkways.

Downtown Tacoma holds the well-supported Theater District, home to the historic Pantages and Rialto Theatres, as well as the modern Theater on the Square, hosted by Tacoma’s Broadway Center for the Performing Arts. Next to this district is Antique Row, a must-see for serious collectors. Music fills the downtown streets during the four days of Wintergrass, featuring as many as thirty top Bluegrass bands. Lumino City Festival brings art, music and dance together for a romping Downtown street event.

Patrons of Downtown Tacoma find several ways to explore the area. The state of the art Link Light Rail provides free electric streetcar service from the Theater District to the Tacoma Convention Center, the magnificent Union Station historic rotunda, and ending at the Tacoma Dome Station, where one can commute to Seattle by bus. Health-minded visitors enjoy the Art and Historic Walking Tour, while boats have access to many Downtown destinations.

Downtown Tacoma, Washington delights all the senses. With an eclectic population dedicated to their own cultural traditions, the Downtown offers a fine array of restaurants, shops, art, music and entertainment.