A Light-Rail Getaway
Itinerary Suggested Season: WINTER-SPRING-SUMMER-FALL
The Tacoma Link Light Rail runs right through the middle of downtown Tacoma, putting hotels, parks, the waterfront, breweries, cafes, shopping and entertainment just one short ride away. And it's just one line, so getting lost is nearly impossible. Whether you’d like to enjoy some adult beverages worry-free, are living that car-free lifestyle, hate the hassle of parking, or simply prefer not to drive, this itinerary is a great way to see the best parts of Tacoma with transportation simplified.
But First: How Do I Ride?
Option 1: ORCA Card
You can purchase an ORCA card at multiple stops, including the Tacoma Dome station. You’ll be able to choose the amount of money loaded to it, and by downloading the app, you can reload it and check your balance. Then you’ll simply tap the card at the stop when you board and deboard.
Option 2: Buy a single-use ticket
Every single Link Light Rail stop has a machine from which you can either purchase a one-way ticket or a day pass. They accept cash or credit cards.
Option 3: Pierce County Transit App
Get real-time bus and Link Light Rail ETAs, buy tickets, and plan your trip, all within the Pierce County Transit App.
Ready? Let’s go!
Day 1
🔵 Tacoma Dome Station
This is your launch point and your parking solution all in one—drop your car at the Dome Park & Ride, then let the adventure begin. Before boarding the light rail, stroll across the street to LeMay – America’s Car Museum, where hundreds of gleaming classic cars, hot rods, and elegant vintage models tell the story of America’s love affair with the open road. The sweeping architecture alone is worth a peek, even if you’re not a gearhead.
🍳 Breakfast at Freighthouse Square
Just a short walk from the station, Freighthouse Square is a quirky, old rail terminal packed with charm, as well as 50+ restaurants and shops. Grab a breakfast sammy or wrap from RJ's Burger Joint, or choose from the Vietnamese, Indian, or other classic options. It’s the kind of place where time slows down, and every corner holds a surprise.
🟡 Union Station / South 19th Street Station
You’ve reached the heart of Tacoma’s Museum District, where three world-class museums are clustered together for easy exploring.
- At the Museum of Glass, marvel at intricate glass art and watch live glassblowing demos in the glowing Hot Shop amphitheater.
- At the Washington State History Museum, wander through immersive exhibits, Northwest artifacts, and a massive working model railroad.
- The Tacoma Art Museum adds a modern touch with works by regional and Western American artists, housed in a sleek, airy space.
Don't forget to walk the Chihuly Bridge of Glass, a stunning pedestrian overpass adorned with fantastical glass sculptures by Dale Chihuly—a perfect photo op and an unforgettable experience.
🥗 Lunch at Thanks Brother
Thanks Brother is Vietnamese done right. Enjoy a steamy bowl of savory, brothy goodness in a bowl of pho, or dig into the crunchy-but-still-somehow-soft bread of a banh mi Vietnamese sandwich (the barbecue pork is excellent here).
🟢 Convention Center Station
Take a few quiet moments at Tollefson Plaza, where the city’s energy slows down in an open-air space filled with public art and fountains. You'll also be less than a block from the door of Visit Tacoma-Pierce County's Visitor Information Center, where you can get some expertly curated tips on how to best enjoy the rest of your trip.
⚪ Theater District Station
Step off into the cultural heart of downtown Tacoma. Just a few blocks away, you’ll find the city’s historic performing arts venues—Pantages Theater, Rialto Theater, and Theater on the Square—each offering a unique flavor of live entertainment, from Broadway tours to indie theater and symphony performances. Be sure to check performance calendars in advance; you might catch a concert, comedy night, or a musical under twinkling lights and ornate ceilings. You'll also be walking distance from laughs galore at Tacoma Comedy Club; Live music at McMenamins Elks Temple or Keys on Main; a retro arcade at Dorky's; or one of the best tiki bars in the United States at Devil's Reef.
Beyond the stage, this stop also connects you to Antique Row, a treasure-filled stretch of vintage shops and quirky finds. Spend time browsing Sanford & Son Antiques, a three-story maze of curiosities, or explore small boutiques and local galleries tucked along Broadway. Corina Bakery, just around the corner, is a perfect detour for buttery pastries, cinnamon rolls, or a slice of cake with your afternoon coffee. This station brings together the best of Tacoma’s old soul and creative spark—all within a few easy steps.
🛏 Overnight Lodging
- Hotel Murano (Convention Center Station) – Tacoma's boutique, glass-art themed hotel with a curated collection of glass art from world-famous artists, and a signature piece on every floor.
- Marriott Tacoma Downtown (Convention Center Station) - Sleek comfort meets walkable access to museums, theaters, light rail, and the city’s vibrant culinary scene
- Courtyard Marriott Downtown (Convention Center Station) – Convenient and modern, just steps from the Link Light Rail line.
- McMenamins Elks Temple (Theater District Station) – Stay where you played: this whimsical, mural-covered lodge is a destination in itself.
Day 2
🟤 Stadium District Station
The Stadium District Station puts you in close proximity to some of Tacoma's most magnificent history, parks, and restaurants. Start the day with some breakfast! Take the light rail to the Stadium District Station and head to The Hob Nob, where the hashbrowns are crispy, portions are large, and coffee refills are endless.
🍂 Then emerge from your food coma with a walk around Wright Park just across the street from the restaurant, and don't leave without including a visit to the historic W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory.
🟡 Hilltop Station
Now that you’ve scaled floors and floors of wonderment, let’s shift the search to what’s for lunch. Tacoma has a great selection of cuisines—just take the light rail to the Hilltop Station for your choice of excellent Vietnamese soup at Pho King, make it Chinese at Tacoma’s No. 1 Fried Rice, or try one of Tacoma's most talked-about "bakery-meets-coffee-shop-meets-brunch-spot," Three Hearts. For dessert, the station itself is within sight of Ice Cream Social, Tacoma's home-grown craft creamery, so you can watch for your train while you nosh on some almond poppyseed or roasted banana-flavored delights, or go with the classic mint chocolate chip.
🟠 St. Joseph Station
Get a feel for Tacoma’s art scene. Take the light rail to its final stop at St. Joseph to visit local art haven, Fulcrum Art Gallery. This gallery doubles as an event space, and founder Oliver Doriss—an artist himself—is an excellent guide, should you have any questions or seek suggestions for further art exploration.
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🟤 Stadium District Station
All that art can make a traveler thirsty. Take the light rail back to Stadium Station and get ready to fall in love with Parkway Tavern. Nestled among historic houses, the Parkway is a beer lover’s dream. The ceiling is crowded with old tap handles, and the handwritten tap list is extremely long. They also serve local craft ciders for those who prefer it. If you keep your phone in your pocket, you’re sure to strike up a conversation with locals or the friendly yet no-nonsense bartenders.
🔵 Old City Hall Station
Now that you’re properly loosened up, take the light rail back to the heart of downtown Tacoma to the Old City Hall station. While everyone else circles for ages looking for parking, walk your chevrolegs right into Wooden City and park it at a table, or the bartop if you’re going solo. Though their wood-fired pizzas are excellent, we also love the Peel ‘n’ Eat Shrimp and Pork Chop. If you’re a cocktail (or mocktail!) fan, take advantage of their excellently-stocked bar.
🟢 Convention Center Station
Before you say goodbye to Tacoma, don't miss the epic views of Mount Rainier through the Murray Morgan Bridge from Fireman's Park, less than a block away from the Convention Center station. See you next time!
