30 Things People From Tacoma Can’t Live Without

1. Everyone In Tacoma Is A Die-Hard Rainiers Fans

This team might be minor league, but the Tacoma Rainiers are more than a Seattle Mariners affiliate to their fans. Super fans know that the Rainiers have been known by many names over the years, including the Tacoma Tigers, the Tacoma Yankees and the Tacoma Tugs.

2. Tacomans Know Summer Days Mean A Trip To Titlow Park

It has a beach, a sprayground (for the uninitiated: that’s a playground with water) and amazing sunset views. Sometimes you’ll even see a seal or a sea lion, but don’t get too close – the law says you need to give them space!

3. Only The Clam-iest Chowder From Duke’s Chowder House Will Do For Tacomans

Duke’s Chowder House has a prime location on Ruston Way for waterfront dining. Washing down that chowder with a signature Duketail is a must.

4. Everyone In Tacoma Can Be Found At Charlotte’s Blueberry Park From July Through September

U-Pick blueberries don’t get any better than the ones at Charlotte’s Blueberry Park. Add in the fact that they’re completely free and this becomes a must-do tradition every year.

5. Tacomans Are Always Craving Hot Dogs From The Red Hot

The Tacoma, the Destiny City Slawdog and the Red Hot are hot dog varieties all Tacoma citizens have heard of, and probably tried once or twice. Everyone knows it might take a while to get some food, but when you do, it’ll be worth the wait.

6. No One In Tacoma Needs Seattle

Seattle might be less than an hour away, but Tacoma is a city all its own. Sure, there’s no Space Needle rising high downtown, but residents know this city doesn’t need it. They’re pretty proud to be from Tacoma and don’t know why anyone would rather live in Seattle.

7. Any True Tacoman Knows Where To Get The Best Coffee

Tacoma dwellers are spoiled for choice when it comes to coffee. Whether it’s the Viking Blend at Valhalla Coffee Co., the espressos at Bluebeard Coffee Roasters or Metronome Coffee’s seasonal favorites like the Candied Apple Latte or the Butterscotch Latte, this city does coffee right.

8. People In Tacoma Would Never Risk Missing Puget Sound Sunsets

Tacoma’s natural beauty takes center stage nightly as the sun dips into the Puget Sound. The city’s numerous parks are prime viewing spots for some of the best sunsets in the country.

9. Tacomans End The Day With A Cold Brew At Magoo’s Annex

Magoo’s Annex is there for its widely college crowd every single day of the year (yes, even Christmas!). Local and regional brews are a favorite, as are the pool tables and steel-tipped darts.

10. People In Tacoma Prefer Their Beer In An Old Fire Station

It’s been a long time since Engine House No. 9 actually housed firefighters, but it’s hard to tell from looking at the brick structure. The best giveaway might be the large patio where patrons enjoy burgers and beer.

11. Everyone In Tacoma Knows Their Dome Is Better Than Your Dome

The Tacoma Dome is huge – it’s the world’s largest arena with a wooden dome, in fact – and it holds every type of event, from bridal fairs and rock shows to holiday events and basketball games. Its diameter is 530 feet, so it’s a pretty hard landmark to miss.

12. Tacomans Have A City With Character

Downtown is full of old, interesting buildings that make you want to explore and find out all about the city’s history. That city to the north might have tall buildings and one funny looking observation tower, but that doesn’t make it interesting!

13. People In Tacoma Have The Best July 4th Fireworks Around

The annual fireworks show is one no red-blooded Tacoma resident will miss. It closes the Freedom Fair, which usually consists of a car show, music and sometimes, an airshow. The waterfront location makes the fair and the fireworks even better.

14. The Happiest Hours For Tacomans Are At Top Of Tacoma Bar

Actually, this joint has two happy hours – one from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and then again from 10 p.m. to close. Rainier drafts for $1.50 and $2 tall boys are hard to beat anywhere in the city.

15. People In Tacoma Never Get Burned Out On The Freshest Produce

Tacoma residents know that summer equals farmer market season, and the city’s three markets run from May or June through September or October. These markets are the best place to get Washington-grown vegetables, fruits, honey and flowers.

16. Tacomans Know They Have The Most Colorful Bridge In The World

The Chihuly Bridge of Glass is something that locals and tourists alike must check out at least once. The 500-foot-long bridge between the Museum of Glass and downtown is indicative of artist Dale Chihuly’s love of glass shapes and bright colors.

17. Everyone In Tacoma Basically Has To Be A Car Buff

LeMay – America’s Car Museum really is all it claims to be. Ford, Chevrolet, Toyota, this museum has them all. Tacoma car lovers descend each time a new exhibit opens.

18. Tacomans Channel Their Inner Scot At The Highland Games

This June festival is focused on Scottish culture – bagpipes, Celtic music and kilts included. Those of Scottish heritage can’t miss the yearly clan gathering, or resist the lure of authentic foods like meat pies.

19. No One In Tacoma Can Resist Stopping To Smell The Roses

The W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory in Wright Park is the best place in Tacoma to view fauna, no matter the season. Those who are really into flowers can even get married here.

20. Tacomans Will Search All Day For Treasures On Antique Row

Everyone knows Broadway Plaza is the place to go when you’re looking for vintage wares. Stores like Sanford & Son Antiques and Shepard House Antiques carry throwback goods like dishware, books, home décor and clothes. The fact that there are so many shops so close together is any shopper’s dream; if you can’t find what you’re looking for at one shop, simply head to the next!

21. Everyone In Tacoma Loves To See The Magic Happen At The Museum Of Glass Hot Shop

Tacoma’s no stranger to artists, but when those artists are working with the hottest glass, it’s a different story. The Hot Shop showcases real artists making glass-blown artwork in real time, and asking questions is allowed and even encouraged.

22. Tacomans Know They Get The Freshest Fish Anywhere

It might technically be in Gig Harbor, but getting to Tides Tavern couldn’t be easier on a boat. In fact, those in the know know that you don’t even have to get out of your boat on summer weekends, thanks to dock service that’ll bring the freshest fish of the day right to your boat.

23. Every Tacoman Is Welcome At Ethnic Fest

This July festival makes it a point to be all-inclusive. Tacoma residents of all ethnicities take in performances and culture-specific food at Wright Park. In any given year performances might consist of Indonesian, Cambodian or Hawaiian dance and Korean drummers.

24. People In Tacoma Are Crazy Proud Of Being The 12th Man

Sure, the Seahawks technically belong to Seattle, but Tacoma cheers just as loudly for these Superbowl champs. The screams and chants from CentryLink Field might shatter your eardrums, but that’s the point. Other teams simply don’t stand a chance.

25. Everyone In Tacoma Knows The Secret Of Opera Alley

Opera Alley might be tiny (as alleys are), but that doesn’t stop city dwellers from supporting the local shops and restaurants hidden away. August’s annual block party is the place to find interactive art, art demonstrations and crafts for kids.

26. Folks In Tacoma Take Their Ice Cream Old School

When the ice cream is made from local berries, you know it has to be good. Such is the case at Ice Cream Social. The communal seating gives neighbors old and new a place to chat as they devour dairy delicacies Valhalla Coffee ice cream.

27. You’ll Find Every Tacoman Enjoying Art On The Ave In July

This 6th avenue festival features art, art and – surprise! – more art. Residents know that it’s the go-to festival for finding the best of the best local artists and their wares. Musicians can get in on the action, too, with action taking place on multiple stages during most of the festival.

28. Everyone In Tacoma Has Union Station Bragging Rights

This copper-domed Tacoma landmark has an awe-inspiring rotunda. Now popular for weddings, it was originally built in 1911 and renovated in the 1990s, which is when the copper was added. Residents and tourists alike crowd the rotunda to check out the skylights and Dale Chihuly art.

29. There’s No Bad Way For Tacomans To Enjoy Ruston Way

The views from Ruston Way’s waterfront never get old. Whether they’re just walking the path or checking out Harbor Lights or the ruins, Tacoma residents make this area a go-to spot any time of day.

30. People In Tacoma Have A Jaw-Dropping Mountain View

Mt. Rainier stands tall behind the dome, the Tacoma Narrows Bridge and so many other city landmarks. Locals know when to catch it in the best light and from what vantage point. Think your city has a pretty great mountain? Sorry, it’s probably not as great as Mt. Rainier. What’s something in Tacoma you can’t live without? Tell us in the comments below!