World Cup Day Trip from Seattle: A Walkable Guide to Tacoma’s Art, History and Views
Looking for what to do in Tacoma as you explore the Pacific Northwest during your World Cup visit to Seattle? The city’s compact Museum District packs six major museums, a stunning glass pedestrian bridge and a growing roster of restaurants into a walkable stretch perfect for a day trip — or a full weekend of exploring.
Here’s how to make the most of it.
Six Museums Worth Your Time
Museum of Glass is the district’s signature stop. Visitors can watch live glassblowing demonstrations in the Hot Shop amphitheater and learn about the creative process behind the artwork. Exhibits rotate, so check the website before you go. Open Wednesday through Sunday.
Tacoma Art Museum, known locally as TAM, anchors the district’s fine art offerings. Collections include the extensive Haub Family Collection of Western American Art, European works from the 19th and early 20th centuries and Art of the Pacific Northwest and Greater Western Region. TAM’s Studio Art Glass collection ranks among the top public collections of studio glass nationwide. Open Wednesday through Sunday.
Washington State History Museum covers everything from Native American tribes to the industrial boom that shaped the Pacific Northwest. Don’t miss the detailed model railroad recreating Tacoma and the surrounding areas as they existed in the early 20th century. Closed Mondays, with free admission on the third Thursday of each month from 3 to 8 p.m.
LeMay – America’s Car Museum is one of the largest automobile museums in the world. The collection spans 250 automobiles representing more than 100 years of automotive history, plus an additional 100 vehicles on loan from private collections. Open Thursday through Monday.
Foss Waterway Seaport occupies a century-old restored shipping warehouse and celebrates Tacoma’s maritime heritage. Admission is free, and the museum is open Thursday through Sunday. Arriving by boat? Pull up to the public docks and enjoy free moorage for up to four hours. The Boat Shop also offers woodworking and maritime repair classes.
Children’s Museum of Tacoma features interactive hands-on playscapes called Woods, Water and Voyager, plus a Studio stocked with paint, papers, pencils and other art supplies. Admission is pay-as-you-will, making it accessible for all families. Low Sensory Hours run Wednesdays from 2 to 5 p.m. for families with sensory sensitivities such as autism and sensory processing disorder. Weighted vests and noise-canceling headphones are available upon request. Open Wednesday through Sunday.
Beyond the Museums
The Chihuly Bridge of Glass connects several museum stops and is worth lingering on. The 500-foot pedestrian bridge holds three Chihuly glass installations and is free and open to the public 24 hours a day.
Where to Eat and Shop
Most museums have their own cafés or restaurants and gift shops on the property — convenient for a quick refuel between exhibits. But the surrounding blocks reward a longer wander. Local restaurants, cafés and independent shops line the walkable corridor between attractions.
A few popular spots nearby:
- Chez Lafayette Creole Brasserie — New Orleans–inspired flavors in a relaxed setting
- Wooden City Tacoma — Wood-fired pizzas and Pacific Northwest fare
- West 122 — A neighborhood favorite for cocktails and seasonal plates
Planning Your Visit
Most museums operate Wednesday or Thursday through Sunday or Monday, so weekend trips give you the widest access. If you’re choosing just one or two stops, the Museum of Glass and Tacoma Art Museum sit closest to the Chihuly Bridge — an easy combination for first-time visitors. Families with young kids should prioritize the Children’s Museum, while car enthusiasts will want to budget extra time for LeMay.
The whole district is walkable, so park once and explore.
This article was created by content specialists using various tools, including AI.
