Tacoma Waterfront Scenic Drive | Historic, Scenic, and Beautiful
Few drives pack as many postcard vistas as the Tacoma waterfront scenic drive. Join us on our Postcard Tacoma Waterfront Scenic Drive | Historic, Scenic, and Beautiful – Stadium District mansions, Ruston Way promenade, Point Ruston village, Point Defiance. Starting beneath the turreted façade of Stadium High School, we weave past century‑old mansions, roll onto Ruston Way’s shoreline promenade, glide through the resort‑inspired Point Ruston village and finish among old‑growth cedars inside Point Defiance Park—all while Commencement Bay flashes blue and snow‑capped Mount Rainier crowns the horizon. FAQ Tacoma Things To Do and Info Vehicle Access Parking Facilities Best Time to Visit Vehicle Access Is Five Mile Drive open to vehicles? The outer (scenic) loop of Five Mile Drive is permanently closed to cars while a new multi-use trail is built; pedestrians and cyclists are still welcome. Parking Where can I park near Stadium High School? Visitor parking is on North 2nd Street; the campus garage opens to the public after 3 p.m. on school days. Is parking along Ruston Way free? Yes—street stalls are free from a half-hour before sunrise until a half-hour after sunset. They fill fast on sunny weekends. Do I have to pay to park at Point Ruston? Point Ruston garages charge about $4 per hour after a brief grace period; some shops validate up to 90 minutes. Facilities Are restrooms available along the route? Public restrooms are open at Les Davis Pier on Ruston Way and at the newly-renovated Owen Beach inside Point Defiance Park. Best Time to Visit Best time to see Mount Rainier? Clear spring and summer mornings (April – September) give the sharpest views; afternoon haze can obscure the peak. Still need help? Contact us. Pro Tip: lock in the cheapest wheels, rooms & tours with our partner deals (paid links). Tacoma waterfront scenic drive 1 Hour! Stadium District – Mansions & “Hogwarts High” Ruston Way Waterfront – Seals, Ships & Sound Views A two‑mile boardwalk joins parks, piers and patios. Watch harbor seals at Dukes while having amazing fresh seafood (recommend the Parmesan Crusted Halibut), or fuel up at one of the many local restaurants. Point Ruston – Tacoma’s New Waterfront Village Once a smelter site, Point Ruston is now boutiques, a public market and salts‑pray views. 90‑min garage parking is free. 🏨 ➜ Stay on the Sound: Check Hotel rates in Tacoma Point Defiance Park & Owen Beach – Rain Forest Meets Ocean Point Definace Park is a large urban but heavily forested park. The 760-acre park features Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, the Rose Garden, Rhododendron Garden, gorgeous beaches, hiking trails, and so much more Return Leg – Ruston Way Sunset & Schuster Parkway Dash Grab final photo ops as golden light paints Commencement Bay pink, then merge onto Schuster Parkway for quick access to I‑5. Tacoma Travel Deals Here ➜ Craving more drives? Watch our full 4K Road Trip playlist What do you think of Tacoma? Such a beautiful city, it has truly come a long way. Comment your thoughts below and follow us for more Pacific Northwest travel Videos!
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