Lining the water's edge slightly offset from the heart of downtown is Dock Street. This area is the epitome of a hidden gem. There's not an excess of the usual traffic congestion you anticipate downtown, and there are a variety of culinary eats and lovely sights to see. It's a walkable district that is an urban mini mecca. There are majestic waterfront views just a stone's throw from the hub of Tacoma's creative culture in the Museum of Glass - just one of several museum destinations in the area. Though a fair amount of street and garage parking is available, many opt to travel here using the scenic route across the Bridge of Glass from Pacific Avenue.

Here are a few highlights for my fellow urban spelunkers:

[Through the Looking Glass]

Before you even enter its doors and pay admission, the Museum of Glass offers a colorful and whimsical journey through the art of glass blowing. Commuters whizzing down I-705 will lay eyes upon the Chihuly Bridge of Glass, which connects Pacific Avenue - home to the Tacoma Art Museum, the History Museum and the Children's Museum - to Dock Street attractions. Once one has traveled to the Dock Street side of things, you can stand in awe of outdoor art attractions like the Water Forest and Fluent Steps and then see more sites WITHIN the museum itself. Make a day of your arty excursion and have lunch at Choripan by Asado and shop at the museum's gift shop. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday; noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, 1801 Dock St., Tacoma, 866.468.7386

[Pizza Pies and Pals]

If you're looking for uptown-style pizza paired with cocktail concoctions, Paesan Kitchen and Bar is the destination for you. Specializing in Neapolitan-style pies with compelling toppings like pear, salmon belly and pancetta, Paesan's menu features a great selection of sammies, salads and appetizers as well. It's an intimate dining space big on flavor with espresso drinks in the morning. 1701 Dock St., Tacoma, 253.301.2396

[Social Sippers]

The Social Bar and Grill boasts a hip ambiance with candlelit and art-adorned walls inside and perhaps the best patio in town. Enjoy waterfront and mountaintop views and evening awe-inspiring peeks of the Museum of Glass's Fluent Steps while eating fireside at one of the Social's nifty fire tables. The menu is Americano with coastal, Spanish and Mediterranean influences paired with compelling craft cocktails, microbrews and vino. 1715 Dock St., Tacoma, 253.301.3835

[Outdoor Break]

The 21st Street Park is a lovely pocket park where you can ante up to the water and enjoy views of majestic Mount Rainier and the Tacoma Dome or take a seat in the grass, park bench or big boulder and enjoy lunch or simply soak up some sun and take in a breath of fresh air. 2101 Dock St., Tacoma

[Brews n Booze]

Rock the Dock Pub and Grill is a classic neighborhood bar, like Cheers but with a view! Yummy pub fare, friendly service and brewskis wait inside or outside with fabulous waterside patio seating. Rock the Dock is a great go-to for the big game or live music Thursday through Saturday without the cover charge. 535 Dock St., Tacoma, 253.272.5004

Sea Adoration: Thea's Park, Foss Waterway Seaport, Dock Street Marina
Seafood To Go: Johnny's Seafood Co