THE SOUTH END


South Tacoma vs South End, Neighborhood Distinctions

It’s interesting to note that in Tacoma we have the “South End” and “South Tacoma.” On this page we’re going to stay in the South End bounded by I-5 in the west, Pacific Ave to the east (extends further east to McKinley at S. 72nd), South Tacoma Way to the north, and S. 96th St in the south.

Key Historic Business Districts

We’ll introduce you to the Lincoln District and Fern Hill District, both in Tacoma’s South End. While we’ll point out places to eat and drink, parks to explore, shops to notice, we encourage you to wander further. Take side streets, keep your eye out for Little Free Libraries, or pretty garden gates, or count the brick houses as you go. Everything is more interesting when we pay more attention. 

Fern Hill District Breakfast/Brunch & Wander

Start the day with breakfast at Little Jerry’s, Tacoma’s Seinfeld-themed diner (yes, this is a real thing) with menu items like “The Scofflaw” and “The Doorman.” Or, plan ahead and reserve a table at TibbittsFernHill where the food comes in monumental stacks of waffle, whip, berry, and bacon. You’re full now. We guarantee it. Take a bit of time to explore the block. There's a library, a barber, an iconic mural, an elementary and a middle school, a park off of S. 88th St, a clock and watch repair shop. It’s a tiny district, but that’s part of the charm. 

Loop the Lake - Wapato Park

When we lived in the South End this was a favorite destination and the Wapato off-leash park was our second back yard while our dog was a crazy puppy. Wapato is a beautiful old park where flower beds are packed with color in the spring and summer months. The lake loop is a nice path any time of year. If you take the main loop (all paved and flat) it’s 9/10 of a mile. Go twice if you’re really full after breakfast, or head north beyond the paved path to reach the pipeline trail. This skinny trail takes you over the Wapato wetlands and connects you back to the main loop trail. You might spot an owl out there! 

Lincoln District Lunch & Wander

Out of the car and out in the open air is the best way to visit the Lincoln International Business District in Tacoma’s South End. The district stretches from S. Thompson Ave. to S. Tacoma Ave. on S. 38th St. with so many restaurants, groceries, and shops on the main drag and down the side streets you absolutely need to go at a foot-pace to take it all in. The Jubilee (serving the famous Smitty Burger!) and the Lincoln Pharmacy—housed in a quaint brick building with a shake roof—welcome you into the district from the west end. Enter from Tacoma Ave on the east end, and you’re greeted by the glittering Cloud Gate created by Horatio Law and the vintage neon sign at Flying Boots Cafe. 

You could stop for a bowl of pho at different establishments all day without straying outside this neighborhood. Look left or right; you’re going to see restaurants. Try Vien Dong one day (they’re a tried and true favorite for us; we love their pho, and the fried eggplant dish), come back for Viet Kitchen (share the big squid appetizer and try the lettuce wraps) or Dragon’s Crawfish another time. 

After lunch stop by the beautiful Leaping Salmon mural, then visit some of the gift shops like Petal full of locally made jewelry, original art, and pretty housewares. Get a sweet treat at Bambu or Jubilee, pick up groceries at the Hong Kong Supermarket and the East Asian Market for dinner later. But before you leave Lincoln, head north to Lincoln Park, established in 1889 the park offers a paved path, a wide variety of mature trees, green lawn, a playground, and a shady picnic shelter. The park adjoins one of the city’s most beautiful schools (also, Tacoma’s second oldest high school), Lincoln High. Designed by the same architect as Stadium High, construction of Lincoln High began in 1913 with a complete renovation in 2007. 

Happy Hour

You might be too full for it, we understand. Come back another day or bide your time, play solitaire in the park, read a book you checked-out at the Fern Hill Library this morning until the faintest glimmer of appetite flares. Then head to Stanley & Seaforts (happy hour from 3-5 pm) with its iconic sign and famous view of downtown and the port. Share some shrimp cocktail, fried cauliflower, and crispy calamari. Your South End journey is complete. 

Vien Dong is a longtime favorite spot for us, family-owned, friendly, and serving up steamy broth, crispy rolls, and stir fried veggies.

Wapato Park is a beautiful place to spend time with the family by the lake or at the dog park.

Viet Kitchen is one of several tasty restaurants in the Lincoln District. Known for their squid appetizer, duck soup, and crispy crab roll platter, the menu is wide and easily suits vegetarian eaters as well.

You know you’re in the right place when you see the Greetings from Fern Hill mural created by Kelda Martensen and team for the Tacoma Murals Project.

HOUSING

Housing in the South End is mostly built in the 20th century, with a few remaining Victorians and farmhouses from before the turn-of-the-century. Single-family homes range from shingled Craftsmans to classic brick Tudors, and modest traditional homes to duplexes, larger multi-family dwellings, and apartment comlexes. Housing tends to be lower in cost than in North, Central, & West Tacoma.

Hi, I'm Michael Duggan, a licensed broker with Windermere Abode. I would love to help you through the home buying or selling process. Please contact me to set up a meeting and get things started.