Spend some time in North Tacoma

Parks, water and restaurants make for the perfect day

By Claire Nunn on July 16, 2021

With an abundance of parks, waterfront space and restaurants, there is no reason not to spend an abundance of time in North Tacoma. 

When it comes to parks in Tacoma some of the best can be found in the North End. Starting with Point Defiance Park. Stretching 760 acres and home to the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, multiple gardens, beaches, trails, boardwalk and boathouse, it really is an urban escape amidst Tacoma. Another urban escape is Tacoma Chinese Reconciliation Park. This park allows visitors to walk the tranquil paths and through the sculptured landscape, all while soaking in the views of Commencement Bay. The String of Pearls Bridge, the Grotto of The Tides, Stone Tableaux and the open pavilion are just some of the features that can be found around the park. Puget Gardens Park, Jack Hyde Park, Commencement Park and many other parks can be found in the North End as well. 

Another perk to the North End of Tacoma is the abundance of water access. Titlow Beach located along the Puget Sound is a great place to bring the kids and spend some time at. An extensive beach front allows visitors to roam for seashells, dip their toes in the water and even launch a kayak. Off the shores at the same location is a large park and field for kids to play, but we guarantee their favorite spot will be the Titlow Sprayground.

Next up is Ruston Way Waterfront which offers a two-mile long walking path along the water. 

After you've spent time at the parks and on the waterfront it will be time to eat, and you're in for a treat. A large assortment of restaurants in the area will mean a tough decision, but you can't go wrong with most of them.

If you're wanting an upscale choice with views of the water, the Lobster Shop (Ruston Way water front) has an extraordinary lunch and dinner menu, full of seafood, steak and  other delectable items. If slurping down a bowl of ramen noodles is more your style, head to Moshi Moshi (Stadium District).A large assortment of ramen and 15 ramen toppings to choose from await you. Dirty Oscar's Annex (Sixth Avenue District) is a must for a Saturday or Sunday morning breakfast  before soaking up the waterfront for the day. Benedicts, hashes, French toast and bacon candy (yes, you read that right) are just some of the menu items whipped up here. And when you need to wet your whistle, Peaks and Pints in the Proctor District offers a huge bottled beer selection and great sandwiches you can order to go.

Whether it's to spend some time on the shores of the water, or to take advantage of the extensive park systems and delicious food, or all in one day, we highly recommend getting out to North Tacoma to explore.