OLD TOWN
History & People
Green space, history, and open water views all meet in this neighborhood between the train tracks and the hillside. It’s a place the Puyallup People of the Coast Salish people knew long before Job Carr, the first white settler made it home in the 1860s. That’s true of all the Tacoma places we’ve described in these pages, but it seems especially important to point out here that Tacoma history is not the beginning of the story. Old Town was a real place, with real purpose and value long before it was given the names we use for it now. Old Town is a place steeped in settler history, much of which can still be learned through resources and programs at the Job Carr Cabin Museum. There’s also the Slovenian Hall and St. Peter's Church, (the oldest-standing building in Tacoma)—both on the National Historic Registry.
While those stand as visual reminders of history, it’s important to keep in mind the people who knew these beaches and the gradual sloping land upon which so many historic homes now stand. Learn more about Old Town History at the Job Carr Museum, and take a little time to start learning about the Puyallup People in this 14 minute film: We are Puyallup: A brief overview of Puyallup tribal history. Interested in the Puyallup’s Lushootseed language? Follow twulshootseed, the Puyallup Tribal Language Program’s Instagram account.
Old Town Dock
If you haven't been to this part of our city for a while, take half an hour, come over and soak it in. Even if you don't have time to walk Ruston Way or eat at the cafes, just go out on the Old Town Dock and look around for a few minutes. You never know what you'll find. One January we came across a big group of shirtless guys cheering, hopping up and down to get warm, and actually jumping into Commencement Bay (I mentioned it was January right?). More likely, you'll hear some gulls, see a sailboat or container ship going by, catch a glimpse of the ferry going to and from Vashon Island to Point Defiance, lock eyes with a harbor seal, and find some peace and quiet.
This is a good place for people who never get tired of being near the beach. There's a sweet curve of sandy shore tucked between the Old Town Dock and Jack Hyde Park. It's different everyday depending on what's washed up and who's sailing by. Those who live or work in Old Town are never far from the water’s edge, the dock for night squid fishing, and the scenic paths and bridges of Chinese Reconciliation Park, another vital visit for anyone who seeks to know Tacoma history, good and bad.
Small & Local
Old Town has its own community of small businesses from Northern Fish Co (hanging out over the water right at the foot of the Old Town Dock, talk about a view!) to Old Town Bicycle to Throwing Mud Gallery, and Cupboard & Clay. And you can’t talk about Old Town without mentioning The Spar, Tacoma's oldest saloon. Head in, play a round of pool, or get a table in back where you can look across the train tracks to the water and order half a chicken and Joes, or their famous Spar Chips (fried-to-order potato chips with the Spar’s signature dip, in case you’re wondering).
Coffee Date/Wine date
Old Town is a good spot for a coffee date followed by some fresh air. We’ll start with coffee. Some lament the closing of the cozy Old Town Starbucks, but no one needed to lament for long. Across the street from where the Starbucks once stood, in the front cafe area of The Spar building some locals went ahead and filled the gap by starting their very own Curran Coffee, established in 2021. It’s a sweet, big-windowed, small business with a host of special drinks, classic espresso, and flaky, crispy pastries they’ll offer to toast right up for you. Might as well say yes. Maybe you have a London Fog tea latte here at Curran, head to the waterfront, and come back up for an Americano at Anthem. It’s only right to support both cafes, right? If you’re warming up at Anthem, then you're looking right out at Old Town Park (complete with a little playground, so bring the kids over here to play) and the Job Carr Cabin Museum.
We’ve had a chat about coffee, but we should mention that wine is also really getting to a theme down here. Visit Tacoma Wine Merchants, Old Town Wine Skins, and Gingko Forest Winery all in this one little neighborhood. Pace yourself!
Follow the shore
If you come here really looking for a good stretch and some fresh air, cross the tracks and take Ruston Way. Open the windows of your automobile, or park it and get out, following the community waterfront path lined with parks, chowder houses, and happy hour spots. Take a detour into the Puget Park Natural Area where a fern-flanked gravel path guides you through the woods beside a salmon spawning stream. Or, stay the course, continue north, keep to the water, and find yourself all the way up at Point Ruston. But don’t stop there. Beyond the condos and movie theater and restaurants and ice cream parlor and shops Dune Peninsula is waiting. At this point, after exploring the peninsula, it’s up to you whether you’d like to continue on all the way to Owen Beach, or turn back toward Old Town. Follow your heart, or the scent of French fries, whatever calls your name.
Community Events
Along with parks and beaches, water views, history, and historic sites, Old Town is also home to some notable annual events like the summer concert series with live outdoor music at Old Town Park, waterfront fireworks on Independence Day, and the annual lighted boat parade at Christmastime. Whether you live in this neighborhood or not, you might start feeling at home.
Old Town is also where you'll find me, right there on N. 30th at Windermere Abode. Come visit, or wave at me through the window next time you're in the area for Spar Chips or a dose of the waterfront.
Established in 1913, The Spar serves Tacomans beer and pub fare like it’s been doing for over a century.
The Old Town Dock reopened in 2013. It's a great place to take a walk with family, watch the weather, and get out over the water (or fish for squid at night!).
Keep your eye out for this public art piece as you walk to the waterfront. Baskets woven by Anna Squally and untold women were used for gathering and food preparation, some were woven tightly enough to hold water.
Stop at Northern Fish Co for fresh crab, fish fillets, shrimp, or smoked salmon. Order fish and chips to go and take it outside to the dock for a picnic on the pier.
We’re glad Windermere Abode is our home office. It’s a brokerage led by and full of generous, fun people with a focus on social justice. We’d love to see you!
PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Tacoma Public Schools offers open enrollment outside your neighborhood based on availability and transportation. Some public schools near Old Town are:
HOUSING
The Old Town neighborhood is—as one might expect—populated by historic homes. Many are updated, others are new, and a few condominiums and apartments join the single-family dwellings arranged on this airy, open slope overlooking Ruston Way.
