Come early and explore! Tacoma is more than just the Greater Tacoma Convention Center and Marriott Tacoma Downtown where this year’s Bridge Conference will be held. Tacoma is a vibrant city filled with art, walking history and spectacular scenery.
Why Tacoma? Tacoma is the second most populous area in Washington state and a unique area within Pierce County. The Bridge Planning team chose Tacoma as our conference location for the next two years because we’ve renewed our work in the area and are also excited to highlight the diversity of youth programs offered by local organizations .
Our advice? Take a walk along Ruston Way while enjoying a breeze from the Puget Sound and admire Mount Rainier in the distance. Extend your journey on the waterfront with a stop to eat at one of several charming seafood restaurants like Katie Downs Waterfront Tavern. If you don’t feel like a long walk then simply step outside the hotel to dozens of restaurants, unique shops, and museums.
Must-see attractions in Tacoma include the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Children’s Museum of Tacoma, Stadium High School (a historic landmark), Tacoma Art Museum and the Museum of Glass.
Here are even more recommendations from our very own Pierce County Program Quality Manager and Bridge Planning Team member, Sergio Beltran.
- His favorite coffee companies are Classic Coffee 253 and Valhalla Coffee Company
- eTc Tacoma, a dope local clothing brand
- The Red Hot, an awesome restaurant and bar
- And shout out to Stargazer Comics for the nerd fix
If you’re coming to the Conference from out of town, or just want to have a night away by yourself, be sure to reserve your room at the Marriott Tacoma Downtown as soon as Conference registration opens on July 1 with our Bridge Conference group rate. We look forward to seeing you in Tacoma!
