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
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.
Pro Tip: lock in the cheapest wheels, rooms & tours with our partner deals (paid links).
Tacoma waterfront scenic drive 1 Hour!
Press ▲ to watch the full 4 K dash‑cam ride, then check out our Downtown Drive!
RELATED: Our waterfront drive pairs perfectly with our Tacoma Downtown Drive— Watch HERE
Stadium District – Mansions & “Hogwarts High”
- Pause on N E Street for a wide shot of the 1891 neo‑Gothic high school.
- Cruise Yakima Ave: Queen‑Anne homes, spruce‑lined sidewalks and murals. Tip → Sunrise drone footage here catches alpenglow on Rainier.
- More info about Stadium High School Here–
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
- 760‑acre urban forest with five‑mile scenic loop (under construction) Closed 🙁
- Newly remodelled Owen Beach offers ADA ramps and kayak rentals.
- All Washington Tours & Excursions tickets Book Here
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
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- 🏨 Here ➜ Stay on the Sound: Check Hotel rates in Tacoma
- 🎟️ Here ➜ All Washington Tours & Excursions tickets
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