Tacoma and Seattle are two of Washington's major port cities. The cities are connected along the coast of Puget Sound through several smaller cities and share one major international airport. Residents of the Puget Sound area have a reputation for an intellectual and relaxed lifestyle. There are lots of opportunities for outdoor recreation, and a culture of art and music flourishes there.
6th Avenue District in Tacoma
Known to the locals as "The Ave," the 6th Avenue District is an eclectic mix of vintage shops, restaurants, coffeeshops, tattoo parlors, record stores and music venues. The farmer's market on 6th Avenue is open Tuesdays June through September. Nightlife on The Ave offers musical entertainment, much from the local scene. The dining choices along The Ave are vast, boasting some of the finest dining in Tacoma, from Thai food and gourmet Mexican fare to an Argentinian steakhouse and distinctive breakfast places.
Downtown Tacoma
Tacoma's branch of the University of Washington is located downtown, so there is a university feel to the atmosphere. Museum Row includes the waterfront Glass Museum, with opportunities to see glass-blowers in action. The Glass Bridge spans the 705, connecting the Glass Museum to the Washington History Museum. Nearby is the Tacoma Art Museum. In the Theatre District of Downtown, catch an opera, a performance from the Tacoma City Ballet or a show at one of the many theaters in Theatre Square. Antique Row and Opera Alley are also in the Theatre District and have distinctive antique shops, used bookstores, coffeeshops and bistros.
Point Defiance
At the northwestern peninsula of Tacoma is Point Defiance, once a military reservation and now a 702-acre park that houses a zoo and aquarium, flower gardens, walking and hiking trails, a marina, Owens Beach, Five Mile Drive and Fort Nisqually. The fort is a living history museum, where staff and volunteers dress in period clothing and act out the daily life of the fort in 19th century. You can rent kayaks at Owens Beach, and parasailing is a popular sport over Commencement Bay. From Point Defiance, you can take a ferry over to secluded Vashon Island.
North End Tacoma
See some of Tacoma's finest houses and architecture in the North End Historic Neighborhood, which is lovingly preserved by its occupants. This area is close to the Stadium District and the famous Stadium High School that looks like a castle on top of the cliffs overlooking Commencement Bay. Down near the water is Old Town and Ruston Way, a great place to walk, run, skate and cycle along the bay.
Seattle's Waterfront
The waterfront area of Seattle includes the pier with its restaurants, shops and aquarium. Just up from the water is Pioneer Square, Seattle's original downtown. Pioneer Square is cobbled and quaint with a mix of antique shops, eateries and art galleries. Near Pioneer Square and rising above the waterfront is the Pike Place Market. Opened in 1907, it is Seattle's oldest public market.
Professional Sports
Seattle is home to Mariners baseball, Seahawks football and Sounders soccer teams. The Mariners play in Safeco Field, which has a retractable roof to keep out the rain or let in the sun. The Seahawks and the Sounders play in Qwest Field. Both stadiums are easily accessible from Interstate 5. The Sounders are the only Major League Soccer team with a marching band, a 53-piece band called the Sound Wave. For a different sports experience, check out Tacoma's roller derby team, the Dockyard Derby Dames.
Parks and Gardens
There is no shortage of parks and gardens in Tacoma and Seattle. The Pacific Northwest climate and long growing season produce lush vegetation. Seymour Conservatory in Tacoma's Wright Park is listed on various historic registers and was voted "best place to relax in Tacoma" in 2008. The Arboretum in Seattle is a botanical garden run by the University of Washington. Nestled in its acres is Seattle's peaceful Japanese Garden.
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