Near Tacoma are some other things worth visiting, listed roughly north to south:
To the northwest, the waterfront town of Gig Harbor. I-5 to exit 132 WA Hwy 16 (http://gigharborchamber.c...) You can visit the park below and slightly adjacent to the Tacoma Narrows Bridge without paying any toll. Take the first exit 24th St NW and follow the signs several left turns. Don't miss it, or you will be charged after turning around at the second exit. On a very clear day, Mount Rainier will be in the background to the east, beyond the waterway.
Seattle, north of Tacoma, has a lot to do for visitors.
To the northeast, Rhododendron Species Foundation and Garden (http://rhodygarden.org), and the adjacent Pacific Rim Bonsai Collection (http://weyerhaeuser.com/a...) in Federal Way, just off Interstate 5.
Wild Waves (http://wildwaves.com/), a water-themed amusement park, also in Federal Way, just off Interstate 5.
To the south, Lakewold Gardens Estate (http://lakewoldgardens.org/), in Lakewood.
Also to the south, Northwest Trek (http://nwtrek.org/), a 615-acre park that is home to more than 200 North American animals.
To the southeast, Mount Rainier National Park (http://nps.gov/mora/home.htm), and the nearby Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad (http://MRSR.com).
To the southwest is Washington's easygoing capital city, Olympia.
