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All the United States Washington Tacoma

The Atlas Obscura Guide To Tacoma

19 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Tacoma, Washington

Updated October 15, 2024

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Unusual Attractions in Tacoma

Thornewood Castle

Tacoma, Washington

Thornewood Castle

"The House That Love Built" is shying away from "The House That Ghosts Love."
Bob’s Java Jive

Tacoma, Washington

Bob's Java Jive

Tacoma’s 25-foot coffee pot music spot has served up over 80 years of concrete kitsch.
Seaform Pavilion.

Tacoma, Washington

Bridge of Glass

A beautiful footbridge with over 2,000 glass sculptures along the walls and ceiling.
Sanford & Son Antiques

Tacoma, Washington

Sanford & Son Antiques

This three-story antique market and curiosity emporium claims to be "the largest singly owned antique shop in the Pacific Northwest."
Color Picture of the 1940 collapse

Tacoma, Washington

Tacoma Narrows Bridge

This famous bridge twisted itself into oblivion, but not for the reason you might think.
The outlet store.

Tacoma, Washington

Brown & Haley Factory Store

This century-old confectioner's outlet store was plucked right out of the Seattle World's Fair.
A giant smelter, which pays homage to both the novels and the site on which the park is built.

Tacoma, Washington

Dune Peninsula

A massive environmental project transformed this former smelter into a beautiful park.
Inside Museum

Tacoma, Washington

Buffalo Soldiers Museum

Sharing the often-overlooked story of America's Black soldiers.
See All 19 Things To Do in Tacoma

Cool Places to Eat & Drink in Tacoma

Bob’s Java Jive

Tacoma, Washington

Bob's Java Jive

Tacoma’s 25-foot coffee pot music spot has served up over 80 years of concrete kitsch.
The outlet store.

Tacoma, Washington

Brown & Haley Factory Store

This century-old confectioner's outlet store was plucked right out of the Seattle World's Fair.
In partnership with KAYAK

Plan Your Trip

In partnership with GetYourGuide

Unforgettable Experiences Nearby

Explore Tacoma, Washington

A
Architecture 5
Art 3
History & Culture 3
Glass Flowers 2
Architectural Oddities 2
Glass 2
Dale Chihuly 2
Museums 2
Memorials 2

Tacoma Leaderboard

Places Added

  1. ianlefk
    9
  2. arenfro
    1
  3. kjmoore12
    1
  4. onejayson
    1
  5. Shauxgirl
    1
Join the Ranks!
Add an unusual place to Tacoma.

Places Edited

  1. ianlefk
    9
  2. Rachel
    3
  3. ned
    2
  4. Fairy Princess Lolly
    2
  5. Naturally Cherish
    2
Join the Ranks!
Improve the Atlas with edits and photos.

Places Visited

  1. Jeff B
    17
  2. rogue23jack
    17
  3. mjh112777
    16
  4. dyelir
    16
  5. Wanderuss
    15
Join the Ranks!
Visit a place in Tacoma.

Recent Tacoma Activity

  • lottierae21

    wants to go to Bridge of Glass

    2 days ago
  • lottierae21

    wants to go to Sanford & Son Antiques

    2 days ago
  • rkent201331

    has been to Thornewood Castle

    2 days ago
  • qbaby

    wants to go to Thornewood Castle

    2 days ago
  • cfinsouthbay

    wants to go to Point Defiance Slides

    1 day ago

Stories About Tacoma

Today the giant Pacific octopus, or Enteroctopus dofleini, is a beloved cephalopod, but in the early 20th century, some mistook these friendly giants as terrifying man-eaters.

How the World’s Largest Octopus Went From Cryptid to Protected

Turns out some monsters are real—and pretty cute.
by Sam Fletcher
May 1, 2024

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