As a local who literally wrote the book on this region, 100 Things to Do in Tacoma Before You Die, I’ll let you in on a secret: Tacoma and the South Sound are the ultimate FIFA World Cup 2026 “pro move.” Skip the crowds and the stadium gridlock when you base yourself in Tacoma.
Here is exactly how I would plan your trip.
- My go-to “Mountain, City, Sea” game plan: How I pair World Cup matches with Mount Rainier, the Salish Sea and Tacoma’s best local spots
- The Tribal Advantage: The Puyallup Tribe Fan Zone in Tacoma is an official watch location and the most authentic cultural ticket in the PNW.
- Where I’d actually stay (and why): From waterfront suites to lively historic hotels I’ve personally stayed in or explored
- The transit strategy I use every time: Skip I-5 traffic and take the scenic Sounder Commuter Train straight to the stadium
The Perfect “Mountain, City, Sea” Itinerary for Non-Match Days
We have a saying here in Tacoma: “Live Like the Mountain is Out.” The minute the sun comes out, revealing Mount Rainier’s peak, we are outside enjoying all the beautiful outdoor destinations that make this area so special.
Tacoma’s motto is “Mountain, city, sea.” Visitors can get up in the morning and hike in Mount Rainier National Park. In the afternoon enjoy an urban kayak from Foss Waterway Seaport. And in the evening, enjoy a Broadway show in the theater district.
So add a day (or three!) to your soccer trip to explore my hometown and see the real Pacific Northwest.
Best Things to Do in Tacoma During FIFA World Cup 2026: Museum District Highlights
Get some culture in the Tacoma Museum District , home to six world-class museums:
- Tacoma Art Museum: Pacific Northwest Art and a Dale Chihuly Collection donated by the artist
- Washington State History Museum : I love the interactive exhibits, it makes learning Washington’s history fun.
- Museum of Glass: The sight of molten hot glass mesmerizes visitors to the hot shop, where visitors can observe glass artists at work.
- Lemay-America’s Car Museum : Even if you don’t love cars, you’ll be blown away by this collection.
- Foss Waterway Seaport : Learn about Tacoma’s maritime history.
- Children’s Museum of Tacoma : A variety of activities and programs for children
SheBuysTravelTip: Union Station is in the heart of the Tacoma Museum District. Show an ID card at the entrance to access the building lobby. Inside, enjoy five large-scale installations, including the stunning End or Day chandelier, and it’s free.
Chihuly Bridge of Glass
Fans of Dale Chihuly will love exploring his work in his hometown. Several museums are connected by the Chihuly Bridge of Glass . This iconic bridge features three distinct public art installations.
Walk through the arches by the Washington State History Museum to the Seaform Pavilion. It features 2,000 glass pieces in the ceiling, giving the feeling of a coral reef.
Next, the blue translucent Crystal Towers resemble the blue glacier ice of Mt. Rainier.
Lastly, the stunning Venetian Wall, featuring 109 blown-glass sculptures, many of which are among the largest examples of blown glass.
Visiting Mount Rainier During FIFA World Cup 2026: Easy Day Trip from Tacoma
If it is your first time in the Pacific Northwest, you should really make time for Mount Rainier National Park. It’s about a 2-hour drive from Tacoma. Elbe and Ashford, two charming small towns near the entrance, warrant a visit to shop and purchase snacks for your trip through the park.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Extremely busy in the summer, plan to arrive early or visit on a weekday to avoid the crowds.
Don’t miss my favorite stops, which are perfect for a day trip and offer a chance to experience park highlights.
- Twin Firs Trailhead – Exactly 4 miles from the Nisqually Entrance. Watch for it on the left side of the road. No parking lot, just a few spaces to pull over. Majestic old-growth trees line a short 0.4-mile trail.
- Naruda and Christine Falls – Easily accessible on the road to Paradise.
- Longmire – Visitor center, lodge, restaurant, museum and easy trails.
- Paradise – Large visitor center with museum, waterfalls, trails (Long and short options)
SheBuysTravel Tip: Most visitors turn back at Paradise, but if you go a little farther, you can visit Reflection Lakes. On a still day, gorgeous views of Mount Rainier reflect in the lake. Leave Tacoma at 3 a.m. if you want to watch the sunrise from this location. Well worth the early morning.
Point Defiance Park: Tacoma’s Best Outdoor Escape During FIFA World Cup 2026
Tacoma has protected this section of old-growth forest for more than 100 years, and Point Defiance Park has long been a recreation destination for locals. Located overlooking the Salish Sea, the park has miles of trails for both hiking and biking.
Don’t miss:
- Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium – Both a zoo and two aquariums for one price
- Fort Nisqually Living History Museum – Learn about how the pioneers lived
- The Gardens – Point Defiance has nine gardens with something blooming all summer
The Waterfront
When I want water views, these are the spots I keep coming back to.
- Ruston Way combines several parks, a waterfront trail and multiple restaurants with some of the best views in the city.
- Owen Beach and the Point Defiance Marina offer opportunities to explore the Salish Sea. Drive across the Tacoma Narrows Bridge to explore Gig Harbor, a historic waterfront village.
Ruston Way
Ruston Way is a hub of activity every day. Early morning walkers and runners enjoy waterfront views while getting their miles in. Workers take a lunch break at one of the many picnic tables with views of Mount Rainier. In the evening, diners head to their favorite restaurants with a view.
- Tacoma Chinese Reconciliation Park – Shares the story of the Chinese expulsion from Tacoma
- Two Mile Paved Trail – Connects several parks on Ruston Way, overlooks the Salish Sea, popular with runners, walkers and bikers
- Restaurants – Katie Downs, Dukes Seafood Tacoma, Harbor Lights and the Lobster Shop, iconic long-time waterfront restaurants. Woven is the new kid on the block and very popular.
Owen Beach and the Point Defiance Marina
The beautiful Owen Beach offers stunning views of Mount Rainier, and orcas are often seen feeding off the beach. Take a beachfront stroll or rent a kayak to explore the shoreline. At the Point Defiance Marina, rent a motorboat, kayak or fishing equipment. The Marina store sells fishing licenses, bait, tackle and a variety of snacks and souvenirs.
Gig Harbor
The waterfront area surrounding Gig Harbor is known as downtown Gig Harbor.
Dine at one of the many waterfront restaurants or spend some time shopping in the boutiques and shops.
The Harbor History Museum has an interesting exhibit on “Galloping Gertie,” the nickname given to the Tacoma Narrows Bridge when it collapsed on November 7, 1940. An old film showing the bridge buckling and swaying before it fell into the water made it famous worldwide.
Puyallup Tribe Fan Zone
The Puyallup Tribe of Indians is a major regional sponsor of the FIFA World Cup 2026 and welcomes the world to their traditional lands.
The Official Puyallup Tribe Fan Zone, in partnership with the City of Tacoma and Pierce County, will kick off on June 12, with a parade, a traditional welcoming ceremony and fireworks.
From June 15 to July 6, look for family-friendly watch events, cultural experiences, and so much more as the Puyallup Tribe of Indians shares their culture and heritage with the world.
Where To Stay in Tacoma During the FIFA World Cup 2026
The city has a variety of local chain hotels, but for an authentic Tacoma experience, stay at one of these three hotels. Each has unique features that make it a perfect FIFA World Cup 2026 base camp.
The Silvercloud Tacoma at Point Ruston Waterfront
Savvy locals book staycations at the Silvercloud Tacoma at Point Ruston Waterfront for a luxury staycation. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer panoramic views of the Salish Sea. I love this hotel for one reason: the rooftop pool overlooking the water. It’s open year-round.
The hotel offers valet parking, a full-service restaurant and bar, and the well-stocked gift shop carries my book.
What makes it a perfect base camp: Park once and walk everywhere. Access Point Defiance Park and explore Point Ruston, a mixed-use property with retail, restaurants and a movie theater.
Hotel Murano
The Hotel Murano should be added to the Tacoma Museum District for its incredible collection of art glass, including works by Dale Chihuly from around the world. Art glass fills the lobby, displays on each hotel floor, and even the restaurant’s restrooms feature unusual glass sinks and decorative tile. Bite offers tasty dishes.
The downtown location is within easy walking distance of public transportation.
McMenamins Elks Temple Tacoma
Tacoma’s Elks Temple sat abandoned for years until McMenamins purchased it and brought it back to life as an entertainment complex with hotel, restaurants, brewery and a gift shop. The Spanish Ballroom offers live music and entertainment four or five nights a week.
Make McMenamins Elks Temple your FIFA World Cup base camp for a younger, livelier crowd. Don’t miss the Spanish Steps to the right side of the building. Modeled after the ones in Rome, it is an iconic Tacoma spot. At the halfway point enjoy coffee at the outdoor seating area.
If you want more things to do in Tacoma check out my book, 100 Things To Do In Tacoma Before You Die,available at many local shops
FAQ
Yes. For the best experience, stay at the Silvercloud Tacoma at Point Ruston Waterfront, the Hotel Murano, or McMenamins Elks Temple. Use the T-Line light rail (it’s free and frequent) to hop between downtown hotels, breweries, and the Tacoma Dome transit hub. It’s well-lit and very popular with locals.
Skip the Uber. Take the Sounder Game Day Train. It’s a scenic 60-minute ride that drops you right at the stadium. It’s a total party atmosphere with other fans, and you won’t have to deal with $100+ event parking.
The Puyallup Tribe Fan Zone is the “official” move, but for a more curated vibe, head to Point Ruston. I usually grab a table at Katie Downs, order a craft beer, and watch the game with the Salish Sea right behind me.
Don’t sweat the 10-mile trails. Drive to the Paradise Visitor Center. You can walk the paved trails for about 15 minutes and get world-class views of the wildflowers and the summit. It’s “Mountain Lite” with all the glory and none of the gear.
Stay at McMenamins Elks Temple for the vibe. It has “secret” bars, a brewery, and a gorgeous ballroom. If you want a spa day and a heated rooftop pool to recover after a match, Silvercloud Tacoma at Point Ruston Waterfront is your spot.
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