Things to do in Tacoma

From the Greater Tacoma Convention Center, you can walk to 40 nearby restaurants or sample Northwest craft brewing at 25 breweries within five miles. Shop in Tacoma’s historic district or take a meditative walk through the parks along the waterfront. Soak up arts and culture in Tacoma’s Museum District. Here are a few highlights:

Historic Pacific Avenue

Along Pacific Avenue 19th and early 20th century buildings house modern shops and restaurants for every taste.

Museum of Glass

The Museum of Glass dominates the skyline with its 90-foot angled silver cone. The museum showcases glass pieces from some of the biggest names in the field and contains a functioning hot shop, where visitors can watch glass artists ply their trade.
museumofglass.org

Chihuly Bridge of Glass

The Chihuly Bridge of Glass, a 500-foot pedestrian walkway, connects the Museum of Glass to the Washington State History and the Thea Foss Waterway. It holds three amazing Chihuly glass installations and is open to the public 24 hours a day.

Tacoma Art Museum

Right across the street from the convention center, the Tacoma Art Museum is housed in a gleaming modern cube that offers five galleries of rotating exhibitions. The museum’s mission is to transform communities by sharing art that inspires broader perspectives and cultivates a compassionate future.
tacomaartmuseum.org

Washington State Historical Society

Headquartered on the traditional lands of the Puyallup People, the Washington State Historical Society includes a permanent exhibit on the history of the Pacific Northwest and a model train exhibit.
washingtonhistory.org

The LeMay Car Museum

See one of the premier collections of antique and one-of-a-kind automobiles.
americascarmuseum.org

Ruston Way Waterfront

Tacoma's Ruston Way Waterfront’s two-mile paved walking trail connects downtown Tacoma to Point Defiance and the bustling Point Ruston village. Point Ruston has a year-round Farmer’s Market, restaurants, art galleries, and stores. Steal views of Mount Rainier, the Olympics, Commencement Bay and, perhaps, seals at play.

Lodging

Lodging is not included.

However, WSNA has negotiated a special room rate of $189 per night for a standard room (one king or two queen beds) at the Marriott Tacoma Downtown located adjacent to the convention center. Book your room on the Marriott website using this special link by April 1, 2025 to take advantage of the special rate.

The Marriott Tacoma Downtown, which is connected to the Convention Center via skybridge, features amenities like an on-site restaurant, outdoor pool and hot tub, hair salon, and spacious fitness center. Light rail trams run from the hotel to attractions such as the Chihuly Bridge of Glass and Washington State History Museum. (Note: Only service animals allowed.)

There are several additional hotels an easy walk or drive from the Convention Center.