We're so excited to have you join us! Visiting from out of town? Have some time to spare? Looking for something to eat?

Located about a 40 minute drive to Seattle, two hours to Portland, and three hours to the Canadian border, there's no shortage of things to do and see.

But there's also plenty to do nearby. Here are some of the local things in the Tacoma area we like and recommend.

1. Point Defiance Park - Scenic park offering more than 700 acres of woodland trails, gardens and waterfront views, along with a zoo and aquarium.

2. Museum of Glass - a premier contemporary art museum dedicated to glass and glassmaking in the West Coast’s largest and most active museum glass studio. The Museum has established a reputation for hosting impactful and engaging artist residencies, organizing and exhibiting nationally traveling exhibitions, and creating unique programs for visitors, all while building a growing permanent collection chronicling the development of modern and contemporary glass.

3. Point Ruston and Ruston Way - a waterfront resort-inspired village with panoramic views of the South Puget Sound, the Olympic Mountains and Mount Rainier, will be a place to experience the best in Pacific NW living, dining, shopping, recreation, and entertainment.

4. Chambers Bay - Simply enjoy the beauty of Puget Sound, the majestic Olympic Mountains, and the sweeping golf course views—or take a scenic walk along the beach.

5. Chambers Bay Distillery - Production Facility - can visit the production facility to purchase 1/2 spirit samples, bottles, and unique merchandise. For craft cocktails, food, and bottle sales, the Town Center Tasting Room at 3610 Bridgeport Way W, University Place, WA 98466, is a must-see.

A Little Spendy

Jak's Grill ($50-100) - West Seattle

Casual steakhouse that's a local destination for filet, chops, seafood, burgers & brunch.

Cactus ($20–30) - West Seattle

Vibrant outpost offering a Southwestern-Mexican menu & a long list of tequila drinks.

Din Tai Fun ($10-20) - Tukwila

Din Tai Fung is a Chinese restaurant specializing in Xiao Long Bao, or soup dumplings.

Melting pot ($50–100) - Tacoma

Fondue restaurant chain offering heated pots of cheese, chocolate or broth for dipping & cooking.

Stanley and Seaforts ($50-100) - Tacoma

Prime rib, oysters Rockefeller & other American classics, plus valet parking & harbor & city views.

El Gaucho ($100+) - Tacoma

Elegant steakhouse offering a menu of high-end classics like Angus beef & seafood.

Anthony's ($20-35) - Tacoma

Down-to-earth Pacific Northwest-based seafood chain serving a menu of hearty local catches.

Casual Dining

McMenamins Elks Temple ($20-30) - Tacoma

Savor Northwest-inspired fare with a view, offering breakfast classics and seasonal dinner options from burgers to pizzas, served all day.

The Lemongrass ($10-20) - Renton

Local Vietnamese chain serving traditional dishes & vegetarian options in a casual, stylish space.

Ho Soon Yi ($10-20) - Lakewood

Homey kitchen dispensing hearty Korean classics, including tofu soup, grilled meat & seafood.