The Atlas Obscura Guide To Tacoma

19 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Tacoma, Washington

Updated October 15, 2024

Unusual Attractions in Tacoma

Tacoma, Washington

Thornewood Castle

"The House That Love Built" is shying away from "The House That Ghosts Love."

Tacoma, Washington

Bob's Java Jive

Tacoma’s 25-foot coffee pot music spot has served up over 80 years of concrete kitsch.

Tacoma, Washington

Bridge of Glass

A beautiful footbridge with over 2,000 glass sculptures along the walls and ceiling.

Tacoma, Washington

Sanford & Son Antiques

This three-story antique market and curiosity emporium claims to be "the largest singly owned antique shop in the Pacific Northwest."

Tacoma, Washington

Tacoma Narrows Bridge

This famous bridge twisted itself into oblivion, but not for the reason you might think.

Tacoma, Washington

Brown & Haley Factory Store

This century-old confectioner's outlet store was plucked right out of the Seattle World's Fair.

A giant smelter, which pays homage to both the novels and the site on which the park is built.

Tacoma, Washington

Dune Peninsula

A massive environmental project transformed this former smelter into a beautiful park.

Tacoma, Washington

Buffalo Soldiers Museum

Sharing the often-overlooked story of America's Black soldiers.

See All 19 Things To Do in Tacoma

Cool Places to Eat & Drink in Tacoma

Tacoma, Washington

Bob's Java Jive

Tacoma’s 25-foot coffee pot music spot has served up over 80 years of concrete kitsch.

Tacoma, Washington

Brown & Haley Factory Store

This century-old confectioner's outlet store was plucked right out of the Seattle World's Fair.

In partnership with KAYAK

Plan Your Trip

In partnership with GetYourGuide

Unforgettable Experiences Nearby

Explore Tacoma, Washington

Architecture 5

Art 3

History & Culture 3

Glass Flowers 2

Architectural Oddities 2

Glass 2

Dale Chihuly 2

Museums 2

Memorials 2

Tacoma Leaderboard

Places Added

Join the Ranks!

Add an unusual place to Tacoma.

Places Edited

Join the Ranks!

Improve the Atlas with edits and photos.

Places Visited

Join the Ranks!

Visit a place in Tacoma.

Recent Tacoma Activity

dylanawatson

wants to go to Buffalo Soldiers Museum
tessgotcandles

has been to Tacoma Narrows Bridge
tessgotcandles

has been to Bridge of Glass
tessgotcandles

has been to Tacoma Union Station
tessgotcandles

has been to Brown & Haley Factory Store

Stories About Tacoma

Today the giant Pacific octopus, or Enteroctopus dofleini, is a beloved cephalopod, but in the early 20th century, some mistook these friendly giants as terrifying man-eaters.

How the World’s Largest Octopus Went From Cryptid to Protected

Turns out some monsters are real—and pretty cute.

by Sam Fletcher

May 1, 2024

See Fewer Ads

Become an Atlas Obscura member and experience far fewer ads and no pop-ups.

Learn More

Countries

Cities

Popular Destinations

The Atlas Obscura Guide To Tacoma

19 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Tacoma, Washington

Updated October 15, 2024

Unusual Attractions in Tacoma

Tacoma, Washington

Thornewood Castle

Tacoma, Washington

Bob's Java Jive

Tacoma, Washington

Bridge of Glass

Tacoma, Washington

Sanford & Son Antiques

Tacoma, Washington

Tacoma Narrows Bridge

Tacoma, Washington

Brown & Haley Factory Store

Tacoma, Washington

Dune Peninsula

Tacoma, Washington

Buffalo Soldiers Museum

Cool Places to Eat & Drink in Tacoma

Tacoma, Washington

Bob's Java Jive

Tacoma, Washington

Brown & Haley Factory Store

Plan Your Trip

Unforgettable Experiences Nearby

Explore Tacoma, Washington

Tacoma Leaderboard

Places Added

Places Edited

Places Visited

Recent Tacoma Activity

Stories About Tacoma

How the World’s Largest Octopus Went From Cryptid to Protected

See Fewer Ads

Become an Atlas Obscura member and experience far fewer ads and no pop-ups.