Tacoma, WA is a mid-sized urban port and county seat of Pierce County, WA, which is located on the Puget Sound 32 miles southwest of Seattle; 31 miles northeast of Olympia; and 58 miles northwest of Mount Rainer National Park. It is the second largest city on the Puget Sound and the third largest city in the state of Washington. Having historical roots from Native American tribes, the name Tacoma means” City of Destiny.” Mount Rainer’s previous name was Mount Tacoma. The “city of destiny” was a very applicable name for Tacoma because the area was chosen to be the western terminus of the Northern Pacific Railroad in the late 1800’s.
In recent years, Tacoma has undergone a renaissance or revitalization with the establishment of the University of Washington, the Tacoma Link- the first modern light rail service in the state, the development of various art and history museums, and a restored inlet, the Thea Foss Waterway. In recent years, Tacoma and Pierce County have been named one of the most livable areas in the country. Tacoma was also recently listed as the 19th most walkable city in the U.S.
Tacoma’s downtown Cultural District has several museums of interest such as the Washington State History Museum; Tacoma Art Museum; America’s Car Museum; and the Museum of Glass. There is also a thriving Theatre District, anchored by the 89-year-old Pantages Theatre. The Broadway Center for the Performing Arts manages the Pantages, the Rialto Theater, and the Theatre on the Square. Other theatrical attractions include the Grand Cinema and the Temple Theatre.
When you have had enough of museums and theatre, then take to the outdoors to one of the largest parks in the U.S.- Point Defiance Park. Point Defiance Park is located right in Tacoma. Five Mile Drive allows access to the parks many attractions such as Owen Beach, Camp Sox Fort Nisqually, and the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium. If Point Defiance Park is too large for your taste, try Wapato Park. This park has a lake with walking trails circling the lake. An afternoon of relaxation and exercise is sure to be enticing. Titlow Beach offer a little more adventure for the outdoorsman with scuba diving!
As you see, Tacoma, WA is an awesome destination for your next travel nurse assignment! So pack those bags and begin a new adventure in Washington State!
