1. Tacoma Obviously Has Way Better Views Than Seattle
The views from the Tacoma waterfront of the Olympic Mountains across Puget Sound and looming Mount Rainier are even more impressive here than they are in Seattle, especially from Northwest Baptist Seminary.
Go to the public grass area next to the seminary and you’ll understand too–from here you can see the Olympics, Vashon Island, the Sound, the Cascade Mountains, downtown Tacoma, Puyallup Valley and Mount Rainier.
2. You Get Your Java Fix At Metro Coffee
There are countless local coffee houses across the city, but Metro Coffee, hidden away on the UW Tacoma campus, serves some of the most fantastic java and to die-for-pastries, and, unlike those big chains, the customer service hasn’t been left behind.
You might even get a chance to meet Boo Bear. Like the rest of the staff she’s super friendly and seems to enjoy meeting everyone that walks through the door.
3. You’re Acquainted With The Tacoma Aroma
Tacoma residents know that the distinctive, acrid odor produced by the paper mills or the scent of crude oil from the Port is actually the smell of money…dump trucks and dump trucks full of cold hard cash, so they don’t complain. But visitors might.
4. The Beach Tavern Is The Place To Be On Taco Thursday
The Beach Tavern is hidden away on Tacoma’s “other waterfront” across from Titlow Beach Park. This is really the place to go on Thursdays for taco night, but you’ve got to get here early so you don’t miss out.
With great views, good beer that isn’t overpriced and a low-key atmosphere, it’s where the locals hang out. It’s too nice to be a dive bar, but it fits the definition of a great “local water hole” perfectly.
5. You Know Going To Cheney Stadium For A Rainiers’ Game Is The Best Thing Ever
The Seattle Mariners may be the Pacific Northwest’s only major league baseball team, but Tacomans know that going to Cheney Stadium to watch the Triple-A affiliate Tacoma Rainiers is a lot cheaper, a lot more convenient and a lot more fun. Great seats anywhere in the stadium, cheap tickets, cheap beer and cheap hot dogs!
6. You Never Have A Pair Of Sunglasses When You Need Them
The running joke here is that Tacoma is so tough, even the sun is afraid to come. It’s true that there are a lot of dark, cloudy days here, which means when the sun finally makes its appearance nearly everyone is frantically searching for their sunglasses.
7. People In Tacoma Know They Can Get Any Beer Imaginable At Tacoma World Beer
Craving that amazing beer you had while on vacation in Ireland, Germany or just about anywhere else? Locals know they can get their fix by going to Tacoma World Beer where you’ll find that one you’ve looked for everywhere and were just about to give up. If anyone has it, they do.
8. You Don't Judge A Book(store) By Its Cover
From the outside, Tacoma Book Center doesn’t look like much, but Tacomans know that the saying “don’t judge a book by its cover” has never been truer when it comes to this place. Open the door and you’ll walk into a world of used-book heaven, with a labyrinth of shelves stacked floor-to-ceiling with more literary treasures than you can possibly imagine.
9. Silly Seattle, “10 Things I Hate About You” Was Filmed In Tacoma
The 1999 film was mostly shot in Tacoma, not Seattle. Ask a local and they might tell you to check out Stadium High School which was used as the high school in the movie. The over 100-year-old institution has a castle-like exterior and spectacular Sound views which is worth taking a look even if you aren’t a fan of the film. After school hours you can wander the grounds and even get a glimpse of the unique stadium bowl.
10. Point Defiance Park Is Tacoma’s Greatest Treasure
Tacomans know how lucky they are to live near Point Defiance Park--it might just be the very best thing about the city. This amazing urban gem is filled with all sorts of wildlife, offers incredible views, plus you can run through the forest, take a stroll on the beach, visit the state’s largest rose garden or go to the zoo. 
