The best museums in Tacoma in September 2025

These are the top 10 best museums in Tacoma, United States, ranked by their rating and popularity in 2025. Click a museum for more information about the museum, including visitor information, exhibitions and reviews.

For a complete overview of museums in Tacoma, their exhibitions and discount cards & passes, see our overview page with all museums in Tacoma.

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Looking for the best museums in Tacoma? These are the best ones:

  1. Museum of Glass1

    Museum of Glass

     Tacoma, WA
    The Museum of Glass, located in Tacoma, Washington, is a contemporary art museum that spans 75,000 square feet. The museum is dedicated to the medium of glass, showcasing a variety of glass artworks and installations. Since its inception, the museum has been a hub for artists, educators, and enthusiasts of the studio glass movement.
  2. Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium2

    Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium

     Tacoma, WA
    The Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium (PDZA) is a combined zoo and aquarium located in Tacoma, Washington, USA. It is owned and managed by Metro Parks Tacoma, a government agency dedicated to providing quality park services and facilities. The zoo and aquarium offer a unique experience for visitors, with a wide variety of animal species and aquatic life.
  3. Fort Nisqually Living History Museum3

    Fort Nisqually Living History Museum

     Tacoma, WA
    Fort Nisqually was a strategic fort used by the Hudson's Bay Company for fur trade. It was established in 1833 and was the first European fur trading post in the Puget Sound area. The fort was primarily involved in the collection and resale of beaver furs. It was also active in the production of seeds for local consumption and export.
  4. Point Defiance Park4

    Point Defiance Park

     Tacoma, WA
    Point Defiance Park, located in Tacoma, Washington, is a vast urban park spanning 760 acres. The park is home to a variety of attractions including the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, the Rose Garden, Rhododendron Garden, several beaches, trails, a boardwalk, and a boathouse. It also features a ferry dock operated by Washington State Ferries, providing a route to Vashon Island. Fort Nisqually and an off-leash dog park are also part of the park's offerings. A significant portion of the park, about 400 acres, is dedicated to old-growth forest.
  5. Washington State History Museum5

    Washington State History Museum

     Tacoma, WA
    The Washington State History Museum is a significant historical institution located in the heart of downtown Tacoma, Washington. It is managed and operated by the Washington State Historical Society, an organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich history of the state. The museum is easily accessible and offers a wealth of information and exhibits for visitors interested in learning about the history of Washington State.
  6. Washington National Guard Museum6

    Washington National Guard Museum

     Tacoma, WA
    The Washington National Guard Museum, also referred to as The Arsenal Museum, is a military museum dedicated to the Washington National Guard. It provides a comprehensive overview of the history and contributions of the Washington National Guard, making it a significant destination for those interested in military history.
  7. Lemay - America's Car Museum7

    Lemay - America's Car Museum

     Tacoma, WA
  8. Wright Park (Tacoma, Washington)8

    Wright Park (Tacoma, Washington)

     Tacoma, WA
    Wright Park, located in Tacoma, Washington, is a 27-acre arboretum and public park. It is managed by Metro Parks Tacoma, ensuring its upkeep and preservation. The park offers a vast space for visitors to explore and enjoy the outdoors.
  9. Tacoma Art Museum9

    Tacoma Art Museum

     Tacoma, WA
    The Tacoma Art Museum, also known as TAM, is located in Tacoma, Washington, United States. The museum's primary focus is on the art and artists from the Pacific Northwest and the broader western region of the U.S. This makes it a unique destination for those interested in exploring the rich artistic heritage of these regions.
  10. Working Waterfront Maritime Museum10

    Working Waterfront Maritime Museum

     Tacoma, WA
    The Working Waterfront Maritime Museum is a maritime museum situated in Tacoma, Washington, USA. It is located on the Thea Foss Waterway, providing a unique waterfront experience for visitors. The museum is part of the Foss Waterway Seaport, a non-profit organization dedicated to celebrating Tacoma's rich maritime heritage.

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