Four Fun-Filled Days in Tacoma on a Budget

Discover the charm of Tacoma without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Tacoma, located in the state of Washington, offers a diverse range of attractions for budget travelers. A visit to Point Defiance Park, which has gardens, hiking trails, and a zoo, is a must. The city also has several museums and art galleries that offer free admission, making it accessible for those on a limited budget.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

History and Art in Tacoma

  • Check into Hotel Olympus, an affordable option with clean rooms and great location
  • Visit the Washington State History Museum, featuring exhibits on the state's history and culture
  • Take a walk through the Chihuly Bridge of Glass, a stunning art installation featuring works by renowned artist Dale Chihuly
  • Explore the Tacoma Art Museum, showcasing modern and contemporary Northwest art
  • Enjoy a meal at Southern Kitchen, a soul food restaurant serving up delicious fried chicken and collard greens
Day 2

Nature and Sweets

  • Take a morning stroll through Point Defiance Park, a 700+ acre park with gardens, wildlife, and beaches
  • Visit the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, home to over 9,000 animals from all over the world
  • Enjoy some unique ice cream flavors at Ice Cream Social, a local ice cream shop with flavors like lavender honey and potato chip
  • Check out the W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory, a beautiful glass conservatory filled with rare and exotic plants
  • Have dinner at Pacific Grill, a trendy restaurant serving up seafood with a Pacific Northwest twist
Day 3

Street Art and Beer

  • Take a self-guided tour of the city's street art scene, featuring murals and installations by local artists
  • Visit the Museum of Glass, showcasing the medium of glass through exhibits, live demonstrations, and glass installations
  • Grab lunch at Odd Otter Brewing Company, a microbrewery with a rotating selection of craft beers
  • Take a stroll along the Ruston Way Waterfront, a scenic walkway along the water with sculptures and dining options
  • Have dinner at The Fish Peddler, a seafood restaurant with fresh catches and an outdoor deck overlooking the water
Day 4

Market and Hiking

  • Start the day at the Proctor Farmers Market, a local market with fresh produce and artisanal products
  • Hike the trails at Mount Rainier National Park, offering stunning views of the mountain and surrounding wilderness
  • Pick up some sandwiches at MSM Deli on your way to Mount Rainier
  • End the day with a happy hour at Top of Tacoma Bar, a casual neighborhood bar with local beer and spirits.

Length of stay

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Type of trip

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How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Tacoma by plane is to fly to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and then take a shuttle or rental car to Tacoma.

Car

The easiest way to get to Tacoma by car is to take I-5 south from Seattle or north from Portland.

Train

There is no direct train to Tacoma, but you can take the Amtrak Cascades to the nearby Tacoma Dome Station.

Boat

There are no direct boat routes to Tacoma, but you can take a ferry from Seattle to Bainbridge Island and then drive to Tacoma.

Bus

You can take a Greyhound or Bolt Bus to Tacoma from various cities in the Pacific Northwest.

Destination

Tacoma

If you love rain and coffee, then Tacoma is the perfect vacation spot for you! Just make sure to pack an umbrella and a tolerance for caffeine overdose.

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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