SeaTac(United States) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Tacoma, WA, the top family-friendly hotel is Hilton Garden Inn Seattle-Tacoma, located just minutes from Sea-Tac Airport with complimentary shuttle service. The hotel features a kids’ play area, indoor pool, and spacious family rooms with bunk beds. Nearby attractions include Point Defiance Park, Tacoma Zoo, and Children’s Museum of Tacoma, making it ideal for parents seeking convenience and entertainment. For a more upscale option, consider The Ritz-Carlton, Tacoma, offering family suites with kitchenettes and access to private riverfront trails. Both properties provide stroller rentals and early check-in options for stress-free travel.

The best hotel neighborhoods in Tacoma are Downtown Tacoma and The Riverwalk District. Downtown offers walkability to Tacoma Art Museum, Washington State Capitol, and Tacoma Dome, with easy access to public transit. Stay at Wyndham Tacoma Downtown, featuring modern rooms and a rooftop terrace overlooking the city skyline. The Riverwalk District provides quieter, scenic views along the Puyallup River, perfect for nature lovers. Ashland Lake Resort here offers lakeside cabins with direct access to hiking trails. Avoid areas near the airport if noise is a concern—opt instead for the Old Town Historic District, known for boutique hotels and vibrant street festivals.

Tourists must visit the Tacoma Arts Festival held annually in City Park, showcasing over 200 local artists, live music, and interactive installations. Explore the Tacoma Historical Museum to learn about the city’s roots as a logging and rail hub, especially its historic trolley exhibit. Stroll through the Victorian District, where well-preserved homes feature intricate woodwork and gas lamps. Don’t miss the Tacoma Bake Shop’s artisanal pie workshop, where you can make your own apple pie using regional ingredients—a delicious way to connect with local traditions and community spirit.

Near Sea-Tac Airport, the best options are Marriott Tacoma Airport and Holiday Inn Tacoma Airport. Both offer free airport shuttles within 5 minutes of the terminal. Marriott features a 24-hour fitness center, business lounge, and on-site restaurant serving local cuisine. Holiday Inn provides soundproofed rooms and complimentary parking, ideal for travelers with late arrivals or early departures. Both hotels have accessible Wi-Fi and luggage storage, ensuring smooth transitions. Book early during peak seasons like summer or conventions to secure the best rates and availability.

For couples, The Ritz-Carlton, Tacoma delivers unmatched romance with river-view suites featuring private balconies and deep soaking tubs overlooking the Puyallup River and distant Mount Rainier. Enjoy a private candlelit dinner on the rooftop terrace or a guided sunset cruise on Puget Sound. Alternatively, stay at Riverwalk Inn Tacoma, which offers themed rooms like “Stargazer Suite” and “Music Room,” complete with ambient lighting and curated playlists. Evening activities include dinner at The Crab House at Tacoma Waterfront or a moonlight walk along the waterfront promenade, creating unforgettable moments amid serene city lights.

Tacoma’s culinary highlight is its fresh seafood, especially king crab legs and Pacific salmon, best enjoyed at The Crab House at Tacoma Waterfront. Try local honey mead from Mount Rainier Honey Mead Company, a sweet, barrel-aged craft beverage unique to the region. Visit the Tacoma Farmers Market for hands-on workshops like sourdough bread baking and wild game stew cooking. Don’t miss Tacoma Baking Co. for artisanal pastries—especially their blueberry walnut loaf and chocolate truffles. These experiences blend farm-to-table values with Pacific Northwest heritage, offering authentic taste of the area.

Backpackers should consider Hostel Tacoma, located in downtown with shared dormitory rooms, fully equipped kitchen, and 24/7 front desk. It hosts regular city walking tours and cultural exchange nights, helping travelers meet locals. Another affordable choice is 7Days Inn Tacoma Downtown, offering clean, compact rooms with free Wi-Fi and free parking. Both hotels are near public transit and Point Defiance Park. Early HopeGoo is recommended, especially during Tacoma Arts Festival or major events. Some rooms even feature views of Mount Rainier, adding value to the experience.

Stay near Mount Rainier National Park access points at Ashland Lake Resort, offering lakefront cabins with private docks and fishing gear. The resort includes forest trail access and evening bonfire pits—perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. For urban greenery, choose City Garden Hotel Tacoma, adjacent to Point Defiance Park and Tacoma Botanical Gardens. Rooms feature indoor green walls, and guests enjoy free bike rentals and guided nature walks. Both hotels provide trail maps and wildlife spotting tips, making them ideal bases for exploring the Puget Sound ecosystem and surrounding forests.

Yes, Tacoma is excellent for families. Visit the Children’s Museum of Tacoma, featuring interactive science and art exhibits designed for kids. Tacoma Zoo houses over 300 animals, including snow leopards and giraffes, with dedicated family tour guides. Point Defiance Park offers playgrounds, a railroad museum, and a nature center. Hotels like Hilton Garden Inn Seattle-Tacoma provide stroller rentals, crib services, and kids’ meal options. Plan a full day: morning at the museum, afternoon at the zoo, and evening at the waterfront for a family picnic under the stars—safe, engaging, and enriching for all ages.

Experience the Tacoma Light Festival in City Park, where thousands of illuminated sculptures and projections transform the landscape into an art gallery after dark. Attend Jazz at the Tacoma Jazz Club, a cozy venue featuring local and international jazz acts. For stargazers, join a nighttime astronomy tour at Highland Park Observatory, using high-powered telescopes to view constellations and planets. Alternatively, take a sunset harbor cruise on Puget Sound—complete with hot cocoa and warm blankets—offering panoramic views of the city’s glowing skyline. These experiences highlight Tacoma’s creative and tranquil night life.