One of the things we love about Wild Olive is how easy it is to explore Tacoma and the surrounding area.
From waterfront parks and museums to family activities and wildlife experiences, there’s plenty to do without turning every outing into a full-day road trip. These are some of the places we recommend to our guests.
Point Defiance Park & Zoo
Point Defiance is one of Tacoma's best places to spend a few hours—or most of the day.
The 700-acre park is home to Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, along with gardens, trails, beaches and beautiful views of Puget Sound. The zoo itself combines both zoo and aquarium experiences, with more than 430 animal species represented.
While you're there, make time for Owen Beach. It's a great place to walk along the water, enjoy the views, or simply spend some time outside.
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium →
Point Ruston
Point Ruston is one of our favorite places to combine a waterfront walk with lunch or dinner.
Located along the water, the area has restaurants, shops and recreation with views across Puget Sound.
It's an easy outing when you don't necessarily want a packed itinerary—walk along the waterfront, find somewhere to eat, and enjoy the view.
Tacoma Museum District
Downtown Tacoma has an unusually good collection of museums within a relatively compact area. The Museum District includes six museums within walking distance—or accessible using Tacoma's Link light rail.
Highlights include the Museum of Glass, Tacoma Art Museum, Washington State History Museum, Children's Museum of Tacoma, and Foss Waterway Seaport. The Chihuly Bridge of Glass also connects downtown with the Museum of Glass.
LeMay – America's Car Museum
Even if you're not a serious car enthusiast, LeMay – America's Car Museum is worth considering.
Located next to the Tacoma Dome, the museum has four floors and more than 250 vehicles on display, along with rotating exhibitions and activities such as racing simulators.
The museum grew from Harold and Nancy LeMay's enormous vehicle collection and now explores automotive history, design and America's relationship with the automobile.
LeMay – America's Car Museum →
Catapult Adventure Park – Federal Way
When the kids need somewhere to burn off some energy—or the weather isn't cooperating—Catapult Adventure Park is an easy option.
The park offers indoor activities including jumping areas, giant slides, obstacle courses, dodgeball and other active attractions.
Northwest Trek Wildlife Park
For something a little farther from Tacoma, Northwest Trek Wildlife Park is a great way to experience animals native to the Pacific Northwest.
The park is home to more than 40 species of native Northwest wildlife, including bears, wolves, river otters and other animals. Its Free-Roaming Area covers 435 acres, where tours can encounter animals such as Roosevelt elk, moose, bighorn sheep and caribou.
Northwest Trek itself estimates the trip from Tacoma at about 35 miles / one hour, so I see this as the bridge between our Local Activities and true Day Trips.
Northwest Trek Wildlife Park →
Downtown Sumner
For something quieter, take a trip into downtown Sumner.
Sumner has the kind of small-town Main Street feel that's becoming harder to find, with a walkable historic downtown and local businesses and shops. The city itself describes its downtown as a classic, walkable Main Street.
It's a nice change of pace if you want to wander through some shops and spend a relaxed couple of hours rather than visiting a major attraction.
Drive times are approximate and may vary depending on traffic and road conditions.