📖 About Tacoma

Tacoma is Washington state's third-largest city, located on Commencement Bay of Puget Sound, 32 miles south of Seattle. With approximately 220,000 residents, this port city has reinvented itself from industrial past to arts and culture destination. Mount Rainier provides a spectacular backdrop visible throughout the city.

The city is home to the Museum of Glass, known for its spectacular Chihuly Bridge of Glass. The University of Washington Tacoma anchors downtown revitalization. Tacoma represents Pacific Northwest reinvention—working-class heritage, artistic renaissance, and affordable alternative to Seattle.

🏛️ Top Attractions

💼 Economy & Culture

The Port of Tacoma drives trade—container shipping serves Asian markets. Healthcare employs thousands through MultiCare system. Defense includes Joint Base Lewis-McChord nearby. Education grows with the university campus. Manufacturing maintains presence with diverse industries.

Pacific Northwest culture with working-class roots—diverse and increasingly artistic. The glass art movement transformed the city's identity. Music scene thrives with DIY venues. Food features Pacific Northwest cuisine with seafood focus. The culture values authenticity, affordability, and creative renaissance.

📜 History

Puyallup people inhabited the area originally. The Northern Pacific Railroad terminus selection (1873) earned Tacoma its "City of Destiny" nickname. Lumber mills and shipping built the economy. Competition with Seattle was intense.

Mid-20th century industrial decline created "Tacoma aroma" from pulp mills. Late 20th century cleanup and revitalization transformed downtown. The Museum District anchored renaissance. Today Tacoma thrives—artistic identity, port economy, and an affordable city embracing its renewed destiny.