Tacoma

A travel destination unto itself, Tacoma is surrounded by natural beauty at each turn, with water views behind those of the Olympic Mountains to the west, and the Cascade Range and snow-capped Mount Rainer to the southeast. Positioned on Puget Sound’s Commencement Bay, Tacoma is located about 30 miles south of Seattle. While this city is perhaps best known for its world-class museums, it also boasts more than 50 parks and is home to one of the largest urban parks in the country, Point Defiance Park. Tacoma is composed of distinct districts (its cityscape a mix of historic architecture and modern urban design), and its culture is united by the arts and its heritage as a port city. With an ever-growing list of local coffee roasters, breweries and independent restaurants, Tacoma’s progressive attitude reflects its three universities and youthful spirit — all grounded in history.