Surrounded by water and snow-capped mountains, the distinct cities of Seattle and Tacoma are part of Washington’s vibrant landscape in the Pacific Northwest. Puget Sound flows west and north of Washington’s two largest cities, while ferries move across the bay, and the great firs are responsible for the area's green hue. The Cascades extend into the sky to the west and the Olympic Mountains rise up to the east. At 14,411 feet high, Mount Rainier can also be seen from each city’s downtown and waterfront parks on clear days.
Seattle
Sitting on a strip of land between Puget Sound and Lake Washington, Seattle is a vibrant metropolitan city with a busy downtown, captivating arts and culture scene, and a distinguished skyline topped with the Space Needle. The city’s energy is captured in “the Seattle spirit”, which reflects an air of optimism and enterprise. Home to numerous professional teams, most notably the Seattle Seahawks, Mariners, and Storm, it’s also easy to catch a game at one of the city’s top sports venues.
Tacoma
Located just about 30 miles south of Seattle, Tacoma sits in the geographic and cultural heart of the South Sound Corridor on the southern shores of Puget Sound. Here the pace is more relaxed, even though the city’s industrial roots and railroad past once lent it the name as “Grit City.” Today, Tacoma is a global center for glass art. Here, visitors can explore Tacoma’s Museum of Glass and the breathtaking Chihuly Bridge of Glass. With access to big city amenities nearby, Tacoma invites visitors to leisure through its walkable downtown, renowned museums, and working waterfront.
Nature, History, and Charm
With incredible access to nature and outdoor activities from either destination, adventurers can easily head to Olympic and Mount Rainier National Parks, or visit Port Defiance in Tacoma - one of the largest urban parks in the country. Taking ferries and having easy access to some of the best hiking in the country give you an escape beyond the city boundaries, so there is something to suit everybody.
While both Seattle and Tacoma are premier destinations themselves, one reason the greater region is such a popular destination is the variety of things to do and incredible cuisine. In Seattle, foodies flock to Pike Place Market and the seafood counters to savor the area's rich bounty - not to mention the intense coffee culture. In Tacoma, visitors soak up the restaurant scene along the waterfront and stroll through local shops in the walkable Proctor District.
If you enjoy history, this region will intrigue and inspire. Seattle itself was named after a Duwamish Chief on these traditional lands of the Coast Salish. Transformed into a timber, fishing, and shipping hub, Seattle was officially incorporated in 1869 - twenty years before Washington became a state. Fast forward to today, and it has become a hub for aviation and technology. Tacoma’s industrial past as the first western terminus for the transcontinental railway can be seen in the ornate architecture of Union Station, now serving as a federal courthouse.
With so much to see, taste, experience, and discover, it's no wonder travelers make a beeline for this corner of Washington. Plan your Seattle-Tacoma getaway today!
