DOWNTOWN TACOMA

Revitalization

Downtown Tacoma has been marked by downturns and rebirth. Once the most thriving area in the city, downtown Tacoma suffered a blow when many businesses decided to relocate to the Tacoma Mall, after its opening in the late '60s. Since then, downtown has made strides in reestablishing itself as a place to spend time socially again, rather than just a 9-5 destination for bankers, lawyers, and court appointments. This revitalization is partly spurred by the University of Washington Tacoma and the life it brings. Of course, a host of museums is instrumental in downtown life too!

Brewery Scene

The Tacoma Convention Center brings large events and gatherings to the city with Hotel Murano and The Courtyard Marriott nearby to host out-of-towners. And a growing brewery scene brings beer drinkers (and pizza eaters) from all over the city to spots like the historic Heidelberg Brewery, fully renovated and now home to 7 Seas Brewing, to E9 Brewing Co. (Tacoma’s first craft brewery!), to Sig (more pizza!), to friendly Odd Otter Brewing, to Camp Colvos Brewing (imported to the City of Destiny from nearby Vashon Island), and onward to oh so many others. Make a weekend of it.

Dining & Events

Downtown never seems more alive than when the Broadway Farmers Market is running on Thursdays from March-October and people spread outward from the hub of the market with arms full of paper-wrapped bouquets, or when a show is on at The Pantages with Tacoma Arts Live and the crosswalks are pleasantly full. Okay, it’s at least that alive during the Saturday Pride Street Fair each July! Dining is spread out enough across the downtown area that one doesn’t always feel a lot of bustle in general in that regard, but head to a particular section of Pacific Ave between 9th and 7th and people are bound to be seated on the sidewalks outside breweries and restaurants. If all the tables are full at one place, try next door, or head up the Spanish Steps to the renovated Elks Temple, now the McMenamins Elks Temple Hotel.

Though The Swiss—a long-time Tacoma spot for live music— closed in 2020, concerts live on at newer venues like The Spanish Ballroom at the Elks Temple.

Museums & More

Along with the university, art museum, children’s museum, glass museum, history museum, and car museum, downtown is also the spot for antique treasure hunting along Antique Row. And it’s a place to find fitness and community at places like the YMCA.

Keep in mind Downtown Tacoma is hilly! But flat routes can be found along Dock Street by the Thea Foss Waterway, and the light rail helps ease the burden too. Or just take it one block at a time. Pause on each corner and look around. Catch your breath, notice something new, or notice something old newly.

Part of Tacoma Arts Live complex, the Pantages theater hosts concerts, plays, and other events. Other theaters in the complex include: the Rialto and the Theater On the Square. Find out more at: www.tacomartslive.org

Part of Tacoma Arts Live complex, the Pantages theater hosts concerts, plays, and other events. Other theaters in the complex include: the Rialto and the Theater On the Square. Find out more at Tacoma Arts Live.

The installation of the University of Washington, Tacoma has been a major catalyst for growth in downtown Tacoma. With an enrollment of almost 5,000 students, UWT has helped stabilize downtown business and brighten the city's future.

Tacoma celebrates Pride in July with a series of events and ceremonies including a Saturday Pride Festival in the streets downtown.

HOUSING

Housing downtown is a mix of condominiums like the Vintage Y near the Theatre District, waterfront condos along Thea Foss like The Esplanade, townhouses like the Triangle Townhomes by the Merlino Arts Center, apartment buildings—some also down by the waterway, and a few remaining single-family homes from the old days.

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PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Tacoma Public Schools offers open enrollment outside your neighborhood based on availability and transportation. Some local neighborhood schools are:
School of the Arts (SOTA)
University of Washington Tacoma 

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