Welcome to Tacoma
Tacoma sits about 34 miles from Downtown Seattle, and like many cities in the Seattle metro area, it's growing steadily — ranked #2 in the Seattle metro area for numeric population growth. But what sets Tacoma apart is its waterfront. From sweeping views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains to a vibrant arts and dining scene, Tacoma has become one of the most sought-after destinations in the region for those who want more space, more beauty, and more access to nature without sacrificing city life.
What makes living here so incredible starts with the parks and trail system. On any nice day you'll see people out on the waterfront in force — the access here is truly remarkable, and the combination of waterfront paths, forested hiking nearby, and that classic Pacific Northwest outdoor culture is something you have to experience firsthand.
Must-See Spots
Within 15 minutes of the downtown waterfront, Tacoma packs in some of the most stunning outdoor spaces in the entire region. Here are the highlights:
Point Defiance Park
One of the largest urban parks in the US at 760 acres, Point Defiance is a large forested peninsula at the northwest edge of Tacoma where the city meets Puget Sound. In one visit you can be deep in dense forest, then standing on a bluff watching ferries pass with the Olympic Mountains behind them. The park is home to the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, a Japanese garden, a rose garden, picnic spots, and the historic Fort Nisqually — the first European settlement in the Puget Sound region. Owen Beach here is a popular spot for open water swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and in the colder months, a dedicated cold plunge community (complete with a sauna trailer).
Dune Peninsula
Just south of Point Defiance and arguably the most stunning spot in Tacoma. Quiet, breathtaking, with mountain views that stop you in your tracks — this is the kind of place you'd want to walk through daily. It's part of an 8-mile loop and hosts summer concerts powered by the Showbox, one of Seattle's most beloved live music venues. The outdoor venue backed by those mountain and water views is something truly special.
Point Ruston
A walkable waterfront village east of Point Defiance along Commencement Bay. Coffee, dinner, a movie, or just sitting and taking in the views — Point Ruston has it all. There's also a waterfront market with a farmers market feel, rare in the winter months in the Pacific Northwest.
Downtown Waterfront Living
The downtown Tacoma waterfront is a world of its own. The Thea Foss Public Esplanade runs 1.5 miles along the water and is a destination in itself — with Thea's Park at the far end offering a great launch spot for kayaks and paddleboards. You're steps from the Museum of Glass, the Washington State History Museum, and UW Tacoma. Nearby marinas offer boat moorage for those who want it.
The downtown core is walkable, connected, and growing fast. Restaurants, coffee shops, cultural institutions, and some of the best water views in the Pacific Northwest are all within easy reach — and at a price point that still feels accessible compared to Seattle or the Eastside.
Featured Listing
The Esplanade in the Port of Tacoma is one of the most unique buildings on the waterfront. Built in 2008, it's a 9-story, 162-unit building just one minute from the Museum of Glass and three minutes from UW Tacoma. Units here offer some of the most spectacular views available at this price point — Commencement Bay, the Olympic Mountains, and the city all from your private deck. There is no rental cap, covered parking, and storage included. The building's location on the Thea Foss Esplanade means the entire waterfront is literally your front yard.
Bella represented a unit here — a 2 bed, 2 bath at 1,362 sqft. In fact, the seller of that unit first connected with Bella through her YouTube channel — which speaks to exactly what these neighborhood guides are for.
View the Esplanade Listing →