Tacoma on a Budget: Art, Beer, and Burgers

Experience the charm of Tacoma without breaking the bank!

21 June 2023

Tacoma offers a range of budget-friendly activities, from exploring the city's art museums and galleries to hiking in scenic parks. Visitors can also enjoy the city's trendy food and drink scene, sampling local craft beer and food truck fare. Budget-friendly accommodation options including hostels and budget hotels are available.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploration and Burgers

  • Check into the budget-friendly Hotel Murano, located in the heart of downtown Tacoma.
  • Start the day off by exploring the charming neighborhood of Proctor District.
  • Visit Point Defiance Park and Zoo where you can see a stunning view of Puget Sound and play with sea animals.
  • For dinner, head to the iconic Red Wagon Burger for a classic burger and fries.
Day 2

Art and Beer

  • Explore the Tacoma Art Museum and enjoy inspiring art collections.
  • Have a late lunch at Rhein Haus Tacoma, with their 30 beer taps and delicious German food.
  • Explore the boutiques and art galleries in the trendy 6th Avenue District.
  • End the night with a few drinks at Parkway Tavern that has a vast selection of beers.
Day 3

Nature and Pizza

  • Take a ferry to Anderson Island for a day trip of hiking or kayaking.
  • Have dinner at Elemental Pizza, where they make an out-of-this-world pizza using local ingredients.
  • Catch a sunset over the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, followed by a walk along Ruston Way waterfront.
Day 4

Museums and Tacos

  • Visit the Museum of Glass where you can watch world-renowned glass artists create breathtaking pieces.
  • Head to Taco Street for a fantastic Mexican meal with a delicious margarita.
  • Visit the Washington State History Museum and learn about the state's history.
  • Bar hop around Downtown Tacoma, from Dystopian State Brewing Company to The Mix.
Day 5

Culture and Coffee

  • Check out the iconic Tacoma Dome, which has been hosting concerts and events since 1983.
  • Have a meaningful conversation and great coffee at Manifesto Coffee.
  • Finish the day by visiting the LeMay – America's Car Museum to see classic automobile collections from all over the world.
  • Enjoy your 5-day stay in Tacoma!

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

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Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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