In Tacoma, find fun activities, great eats, beautiful parks, and so much more. Here are 26 things to do in 2026 across Pierce County.
1. Explore a South Sound gem on Tacoma’s waterfront at Point Ruston. With natural beauty, family-friendly fun, and food, enjoy a scenic walk, a sweet treat, or some local shopping.
2. Immerse yourself in history at Auburn’s White River Valley Museum. You won’t just learn about the past at this hidden treasure but touch, hear, and walk right through it.
3. Learn how Tacoma’s Mickey Mouse Club Cheered Kids During the Great Depression. This fun club offered children a few hours of activities and friendship every week for a low cost during difficult times.
4. Find nostalgia, creativity and everything in between at Beyond ThunderDome Café in Tacoma. Find a space that feels like hanging out in a friend’s basement in the best possible way. With food, clothing, music and more, this lively and creative place is packed with self-expression and a laid-back, welcoming sensibility.
5. Discover Black Bird Apothecary in Pierce County. This gathering place for healing, ancestral wisdom and authentic connection offers everything from crystals and herbal remedies to psychic readings and community gatherings.
6. Want to eat delicious Mexican food in Tacoma? Try La Isabella downtown. Authentic flavors, high-quality ingredients, and recipes that honor Mexican culinary traditions, while incorporating cherished family recipes into every dish, aim to provide a genuine and comforting dining experience.
7. Get hooked on Squid Fishing in Tacoma. Requiring minimal gear, this accessible, affordable activity offers prime spots to cast your line and chase squid in Puget Sound.
8. Take a walk on the weird side with “What Is That Tacoma?” With a life of its own, the more you learn about this fun art project, the more questions you will have. With such fantastic, twisting tales unfolding, it’s well worth keeping an eye on where things will go next.
9. Travel the world with your taste buds at Eateries Serving Authentic International Cuisine. Hungry for new adventures? From spicy curries to sizzling fajitas, Tacoma’s vibrant food scene is a melting pot of international flavors and authentic delights.
10. Take an out-of-this-world outing to the Pierce College Science Dome. With a unique mix of digital effects, award-winning films, and remarkably in-depth storytelling, the venue brings all the excitement of a science museum to a smaller community setting.
11. Uncover where hope runs in herds at Enumclaw’s Puget Sound Goat Rescue. This ten-acre farm hosts an online fundraising auction in November and accepts donations and sponsorships for individual goats. In the past 24 years, this organization has provided a fresh start to over 3,000 animals and usually hosts events from spring to fall.
12. Investigate the unusual world of Flaming Geyser State Park in Auburn. No matter when you visit, this park is well worth your time and is a reminder of the many wonders that we can find in our backyard.
13. Reminisce when Tacoma Schools were on television with Kindergarten at Cholla’s Corner. In the 60s, a cute dog named Cholla and a teacher, Doris Hubner, used creativity and imagination to teach basic math, spelling, safety, hygiene, citizenship, and more through songs, stories, riddles, and activities.
14. Celebrate the revitalization of Tacoma Urban League. With a mission to empower African Americans and fellow community members in the region by ensuring economic independence, social justice, and civil rights protection, the Tacoma Urban League’s programs focus on the foundations of a thriving community.
15. Read about the storied tale of Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. Spanning 760 acres, it offers scenic trails and the Northwest’s only combined zoo and aquarium. With over three million visitors annually, Point Defiance Park bridges the past and present, offering a diverse array of recreational and educational experiences.
16. Experience Insta-Gold with Tacoma’s Most Instagrammable Hotspots. From waterfront views to colorful street art and charming coffee shop aesthetics, there’s a scene for every Instagram vibe. Grab your phone for City of Destiny Insta-gold!
17. Explore a seaside paradise at Fox Island and its meticulously preserved relics, dynamic local attractions, and serene hideaways that create the perfect escape for this island getaway!
18. Encounter the bounty of the seasons at South Sound’s U-Pick Farms & Orchards. Enjoy what is local and in season at one of the many farms in Pierce County. From spring to autumn, families can savor the seasons, taste what’s fresh, and share in the pleasure of the harvest.
19. Go see a show at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts. The 25/26 Season. Whether you’re sharing laughter with friends, making memories with family, or feeding your creative spirit, there’s something here for everyone.
20. Treat your loved one to a Romantic Escape Around Tacoma. From adventurous outings to intimate gatherings, here is a handpicked selection of date ideas.
21. Learn about the fiery end for Tacoma’s Top of the Ocean Restaurant. In 1977, one of the city’s finest restaurants was destroyed and burned down by the mob.
22. Eat well at Tacoma’s Hob Nob Restaurant. Built in 1929, and on the National Register of Historic Places, find a cozy and friendly atmosphere and scratch-made meals, including breakfast served all day
23. Set sail for nautical adventures at Tacoma’s Many Maritime Marinas. Whether you want to cast off, cast a line, or cast your worries to the wind, these marinas are full of seaside delights. Dive in to discover the treasures along Tacoma’s salty shores!
24. Remember Bill Herdman, Stadium High School’s English Gardener. English immigrant Bill Herdman was a beloved head gardener for the Tacoma School District for decades, turning campuses into riots of color with flowers.
25. Take a day trip from Tacoma with nearby destinations for fun. Or plan for an overnight trip to one of the region’s many beautiful locations.
26. Find more things to do in the area with SouthSoundTalk’s Events Calendar. Find fun events happening throughout Pierce County, including Tacoma, Puyallup, Lakewood and beyond.