How To Spend a Winter Weekend in Tacoma, WA

Winter can be a magical season, with family traditions, frozen landscapes, nostalgia, and toasty fires. But as the novelty wears off, the inevitable midwinter slump comes to bite. The days get shorter, and daylight starts to dwindle little by little.

Sometimes, a weekend getaway somewhere beautiful, like Tacoma, Washington, is just what you need to lift your spirits and help break up the monotony of the cold winter days.

Tacoma, Washington, is a thriving, creative community and one of the best places to live in the Pacific Northwest. Nestled south of Seattle and on the banks of Puget Sound, this city is brimming with activities and places to explore during the wintertime. If you’re looking for a breath of fresh air or a weekend adventure to curb those winter blues, Tacoma is the place to go.

In this guide, provided by Daffodil Storage, you’ll learn all the fun things to do in Tacoma, Washington, during the winter, whether you’re a snow lover or just want to cozy up indoors. Step into this mountainous region of beautiful wintry trails, warm shops, and delicious food.

Discover the Cafes and Restaurants of Tacoma, WA

Tacoma is bustling with foodies and coffee lovers. This is evident through the drive-through coffee stands sprinkled throughout the city, including Wolfe Club Coffee, Espresso 4 U, and Espresso Yourself. Whether you’re a seasoned food enthusiast or a curious newcomer, Tacoma’s food scene will blow you away. Here’s a list of a few favorite local restaurants in Tacoma, Washington.

  1. Red Hot. With a mellow atmosphere and friendly customer service, this restaurant is one of the best places to grab a bite in Tacoma. It puts a creative spin on the classic hot dog.
  2. Zen Ramen & Sushi Burrito. This downtown hot spot boasts a fun, woodsy atmosphere, reasonable prices, and delicious ramen.
  3. E9 Firehouse and Gastropub. Grab a burger and some house-brewed beer and ale at this historic former firehouse.
  4. Curran Coffee. Curran Coffee is the perfect destination if you’re looking for a peaceful spot to curl up, sip some coffee, grab some bagels or pastries, and stay warm. It has a calming, earthy atmosphere with plants, accommodating baristas, and specialty drinks.
  5. Antique Sandwich Co. This hidden gem of Tacoma is an excellent spot if you’re looking for a unique atmosphere, breakfast, sandwiches and salads, and live music. People describe this eatery as a cozy living room with great food.

Learn How To Gear Up for Your Winter Adventures

A person packing a suitcase with warm winter clothes.

There’s no shortage of snow lovers and outdoor activities here in Tacoma, and if you want to join the crew, you’ll have to come prepared. But first, you’ll need to pack right and gear up. Here are some tips on how to prepare and what to pack for a weekend of winter adventures:

  • Check the weather forecast ahead of time.
  • Bring layered clothing, including thermal and insulating layers.
  • Pack a waterproof coat, pants, and boots.
  • Make sure to include gloves, hats, goggles, scarves, and warm socks.
  • It’s essential to have an emergency kit when planning outdoor winter activities. This includes a first-aid kit, flashlight, extra batteries, a multi-tool, a water bottle, and a portable charger.
  • For your snowy activities, you’ll need to bring gear such as skis, a snowboard, or snowshoes. If you don’t have these at home, you can rent them from outfitters near your destination.

Explore Tacoma’s Many Outdoor Winter Activities

Snowshoe walker trekking through powdery snow in the mountains.

Now that you’re fully prepared for the cold, it’s time to learn about some recommended outdoor winter activities in Tacoma to map out your trip. Mount Rainier is a mere hour and a half away, offering plenty of opportunities for winter hiking and camping, snowshoeing, downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling due to its abundant snowfall. Below, we’ve listed additional destinations near Tacoma that offer opportunities to glide down powdery slopes and feel the crunch of snow beneath your boots.

  • Enjoy a trail walk tour at Point Defiance with your family or furry friends. This park has a zoo, aquarium, beaches, and an old-growth forest.
  • Wright Park is a serene green space with picnic areas, trails with trees from around the world, and playgrounds for the kids.
  • Dash Point State Park is 400 acres of fun nestled on the Puget Sound inlet. You can camp, hike, bike, and explore only 20 minutes from Tacoma.
  • Snoqualmie Pass & Ski Resort is a picturesque oasis, located one hour from Tacoma, offering scenic views, tranquil walking trails, and a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
  • Crystal Mountain Ski Resort is renowned for its extensive ski terrain, breathtaking mountain views, and top-notch facilities, making it a premier destination for winter sports enthusiasts.
  • Stevens Pass, only a two-hour drive from Tacoma, features 37 runs and a 1,125-acre sports area. Many locals rave about the night skiing.

Find Cozy Indoor Activities in Tacoma, Washington

If bundling up and braving the frigid air isn’t your thing, there’s plenty of indoor stuff to do in Tacoma, Washington. Don’t be afraid to stay indoors and cozy up with a fire, a good book, board games, local takeout, or a movie marathon. Just because you’re traveling doesn’t mean you have to be outdoors. There are plenty of indoor opportunities to explore in Tacoma, including:

Make the Move to the City of Destiny

With Tacoma’s natural beauty, local cuisine, and community spirit, it’s easy to see why this city is a great place to live and visit. If you want to make the jump and relocate to the City of Destiny, then you may need a place to store your belongings during your move. We recommend finding a reputable self storage facility such as Daffodil Storage. With self storage, you can conveniently store anything you need while you search for a home or get settled into your new place.

Find Your Perfect Storage Unit With Daffodil Storage

If you’re ready to make the move to Tacoma or you’re a resident needing additional space in your life, turn to Daffodil Storage. We offer units in many sizes with convenient amenities, such as heated storage units and month-to-month leases. Whether you need temporary storage for furniture or long-term storage for collectibles or appliances, we have the solution for you. To start your Tacoma storage journey, find a Daffodil location nearest to you and rent or reserve your unit online today!

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