Tacoma Washington

Overview

Local opinions about Tacoma range from “An awesome cultural center bursting with opportunities” to “Seattle’s ugly little sister to the south”. Irony runs strong in this town as blue collar neighborhoods like Hilltop overlook more traditional homes in Proctor. Add to that the strong millennial influence on 6th Ave, the corporate presence in downtown and the upscale newer construction along Ruston Way and it’s pretty hard to nail down a decent description of Tacoma that encompasses all of its characteristics. In the end, people seem to see Tacoma in the way that they’ve chosen to experience it. There is a little bit of something for everyone if you know where to look for it. And the views of Ranier are probably the best in the Puget Sound. Definitely worth checking out… you won’t run out of surprising discoveries when you start to explore all that Tacoma has to offer. 

Fun Facts About Tacoma

  • Tacoma sits on a hill that overlooks Commencement Bay. This is quite the busy international port due to it’s convenient location and significant depth.
  • Wondering what that funny smell is? Nope, you didn’t pass a semi hauling cattle. Your neighbor is not unearthing rotten eggs. That’s the infamous “Aroma of Tacoma”. Reasons for this vary, but general consensus is that the paper and pulp mill is the most significant factor. Not always noticeable, but has been the source of endless jokes at Tacoma’s expense.
Posted in
Explore Washington State Logo

Explore Washington State

Explore Washington State is committed to highlighting every corner of Washington State, publishing new content focused on hidden gems, travel tips, outdoor activities and more throughout the week. Remember, there is always more to explore!