Boomer Destinations: Tacoma, Washington

 By Tim Trudell

While Seattle may be the star of Washington, nestled an hour south is Tacoma, brimming with outstanding attractions and unique dining.

I’m a fan of the Emerald City and a day in Seattle always ranks high on my list when I travel to the Pacific Northwest. But, I enjoy the more casual feel of Tacoma. It’s the third-largest city in Washington, with a population of about 230,000.

Tacoma has something for everyone. Whether you’re a vintage car fan, art enthusiast or even a nature lover, Tacoma’s got you covered.

Museum of Glass

Famed blown-glass artist Dale Chihuly, probably the world’s best-known in the medium, hails from Tacoma. The Museum of Glass honors Chihuly with a gallery showcasing his work.

But the museum goes beyond Chihuly. Blown-glass artists from around the world seek an opportunity to improve their craft in Tacoma. You’ll find galleries featuring the works of other outstanding creatives, including children who have endeavored in the art form.

A bonus of visiting the Museum of Glass is watching artists create blown-glass pieces. The workshop is part of a theater experience.

Outside, visitors can soak in the view of a nearby marina with white glass art in a fountain. Then, enjoy a walk across the Chihuly art bridge – complete with Chihuly’s works – connecting you to downtown Tacoma.

Tacoma Art Museum

With more than 5,400 pieces of work in its collection, the Tacoma Art Museum celebrates northwestern artists, as well as other West Coast creatives.

From Native American art to the largest collection of Chihuly pieces in the world, the TAM also features classical European oil paintings and sculptures. It’s home to the first major museum collection of Western American art in the Pacific Northwest.

The art museum has one of the nation’s most-unique Japanese block print collections.

Along with its permanent exhibits, the museum hosts special displays.

Washington State History Museum

Executive Order 9066 changed life for thousands of Japanese Americans. Following the Dec. 7, 1941, attack on the United States at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, President Franklin D. Roosevelt eventually signed the executive order sending Japanese Americans to internment camps – basically prisons – because of a perceived threat that they may be loyal to Japan.

The story of Washington’s internment camps, such as one at Bremerton, is included as part of the Washington State History Museum.

The museum examines and celebrates the Evergreen State’s story, from its geological formations to immigration, including Scandinavians’ influx.

The state history museum also includes special exhibits among its interactive attractions.

LeMay – America’s Car Museum

More than a century of automobile history awaits visitors to the LeMay-America’s Car Museum. The museum features more than 300 cars displayed by era or theme over four levels – from vintage autos to solar-powered vehicles.

Most of the cars are part of a collection of more than 3,000 vehicles that belonged to Harold LeMay, who died in 2000. About 100 cars are on loan from other collections.

Visitors can sense they’re in for a treat as they approach the 13-year-old museum, with its curves and stainless-steel trim, as the entrance resembles a car’s front grill.

Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

I used to consider myself a zoo snob. It’s easy when you live in the city that’s home to Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. But, I’ve learned over the years that each zoo brings something special to the animal kingdom.

Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium is home to the usual list of animals – tigers, bears, elephants. But, it also has unique attractions, including a pool of otters that rule a nice-sized exhibit and an aquarium that explores marine life in Puget Sound and the Pacific Ocean. Did you know that Washington has sharks in Puget Sound? Among the sharks that live in the area – none are considered a threat to humans – is the Pacific Angel Shark, which lives at the bottom of the Sound.

Point Defiance Zoo plays a role in rebuilding the American population of the red wolf. Nearly extinct 50 years ago, a breeding program managed at the zoo reintroduced the animals to the Southeast and later other areas. Today, with about 20 red wolves in North Carolina and about 250 more located in protective environments, Point Defiance is the primary center for rebuilding the species. Almost 65 red wolves are located at the zoo and its offsite facility.

Point Defiance Rose Garden

While it may be only an acre in size, the Point Defiance Rose Garden packs in a lot of beauty. From miniature roses to climbing roses, as well as roses of various colors, a stroll through the flower garden offers plenty of scenery and fragrances.

Owen Beach

Whether you prefer a walk along a scenic, rocky beach or taking a swim, Owen Beach is the city’s most-popular beach.

Grab a kayak or stand-up board and enjoy the water firsthand. However you enjoy it, Owen Beach is an excellent area for waterside fun.

Five Mile Drive

Five Mile Drive contains several attractions. From hiking trails to beautiful flowers, the five-mile loop also includes scenic views of Puget Sound, The Narrows and Gig Harbor.

The Rhododendron Garden is a nice pull-off attraction during spring. Washington is full of the attractive flower and the garden is an exceptional area to view them.

Hiking trails offer outstanding views of the area’s woods. You may even encounter wildlife, such as a curious coyote. The dirt hiking paths can lead from one section of the drive to another.

Fort Nisqually Living History Museum

Experience life in Washington circa 1855. The Hudson Bay Company established Fort Nisqually in 1833 as a fur trading post. But, as times changed, the fort adapted to an agriculture operation, including raising livestock and crops.

Fort Nisqually Living History Museum reimagines life in mid-19th century. With historical reenactors working as blacksmiths, farmers and shop keepers, visitors can learn a piece of Washington’s history that involved British and Indigenous influence.

Dune Peninsula at Point Defiance Park

Dune Peninsula honors local author Frank Herbert, who created the fantasy world portrayed in the book, “Dune.”

Offering magnificent views of Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountains, the 11-acre Dune Peninsula is near the 605-foot-long, 50-foot-tall Wilson Way bridge, which links Point Defiance Park to Ruston Way.

Northwest Trek Wildlife Park

With animals common to the Pacific Northwest and Plains, Northwest Trek Wildlife Park features both a walking path of enclosed animals, as well as free roaming animals.

Spend the day at Northwest Trek, enjoying views of bobcats, wolverines and porcupine, then take a mobile tour – wildlife drive (with your own vehicle), guided tram tour or an adventure tour via jeep. The jeep tour is highly recommended, as you’ll go off-roading to get as close as possible to animals such as bison, moose, elk and caribou. You’ll experience close-up views of mountain goats and longhorn sheep.

Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge

An hour south of town, conveniently located between Tacoma and Olympia, Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge offers great hiking scenery. From paved trails to a boardwalk and then on to a gravel path, the wildlife refuge is home to birds and water fowl.

As you traverse the paths, you’ll find blue herons standing on the water, just a few feet from you. Unlike the herons in our area, the birds in Washington seem more comfortable around humans. You’ll see other winged creatures, such as Peregrine falcons, marlins and American kestrels, as well as bald eagles and cormorants. Coyotes can also be seen during different periods of the year.

Dining options

Teriyaki is popular in Tacoma, and nothing beats locally-owned restaurants such as Happy Teriyaki.

Old Spaghetti Factory in downtown Tacoma features classic Italian dishes. Order a small bowl of spumoni for dessert. You’ll love the decision.

Of course, Tacoma has plenty of other dining choices, including sushi, seafood, burgers and pizza.

While Seattle may be the largest city in Washington, Tacoma offers a variety of attractions and natural areas to enjoy. It’s worth the drive south for a relaxing weekend.