3 Best Places To See in Tacoma, WA

“Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium offers a distinctive blend of zoo and aquarium experiences. Established in 1905, this 29-acre zoological park attracts around 700,000 visitors yearly. Situated within the expansive 700-acre Point Defiance Park, it provides stunning vistas of Mount Rainier and Puget Sound. There is a wide range of animals, including over 520 species, a vintage carousel, and the captivating Zoolights event, making it a delightful experience for every visitor. To fully enjoy all that Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium offers, individuals can opt for an individual Zoo membership priced at $90 or a Combo membership for $160, granting access to both the zoo and aquarium. Beyond regular visits, the zoo and aquarium are excellent venues for birthdays, corporate events, family reunions, and picnics. Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium offers complimentary Admission for Zoo Members.”

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“Museum of Glass provides an enthralling encounter with its vast array of indoor and outdoor glass art displays, complemented by a distinctive cone-shaped studio where artists work. Spanning an impressive 75,000 square feet, this art museum is dedicated to showcasing the beauty and versatility of glass as a medium. Now in its 16th year, the museum has earned a distinguished reputation for hosting impactful artist residencies, curating nationally touring exhibitions in its galleries, and developing unique programs for its visitors. With over 100,000 visitors annually, the Museum of Glass attracts a diverse range of individuals eager to explore its numerous offerings. At the museum's core is the Hot Shop Amphitheater, housed within a striking 90-foot tall steel cone, where visitors can observe the captivating process of glassmaking firsthand. The museum was conceived as a center that nurtures artists, celebrates the groundbreaking Studio Glass movement, and encourages creativity. The Museum of Glass welcomes trained service animals in all public areas.”

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“LeMay America's Car Museum is a dedicated custodian of automotive history, celebrating the vast wealth of global automotive heritage. The museum presents the industry's journey through an extensive collection of automotive artifacts and an impressive selection of 250 cars spanning over a century. Of these, approximately 100 vehicles are generously lent from private collections, enhancing the diversity and depth of the exhibits. Encompassing an expansive 165,000 square feet across four levels, LeMay America's Car Museum offers a rich experience for visitors. Its walls house 12 captivating rotating exhibits, five annual signature events, and an educational center tailored to students of all ages. The spacious facility accommodates up to 350 trucks, cars, and motorcycles from corporate and private collections, providing a comprehensive portrayal of automotive history. An outstanding achievement came in the mid-'90s when the LeMay collection earned a prestigious Guinness World Record for its remarkable assortment of over 3,500 vehicles.”

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