Why go to Tacoma when Seattle is the big-name city in Washington State? Well, Tacoma has a lot to offer, and in recent years has undergone a massive revitalization, which is still ongoing.

Washington’s second-largest city, with about 200,000 residents, is located on Commencement Bay on lower Puget Sound, 36 miles (58 km) south of Seattle. It was named the Northern Pacific Railroad’s transcontinental western terminus in 1873, putting the city on the map. After the railroad came, prosperity followed and the residents started calling their home the “City of Destiny.”

Getting to Tacoma is easy from the Sea-Tac Airport, as it’s just an 18-mile (29 km) drive. You may want to rent a car to visit outlying areas, but if you plan on staying in the city center, a shuttle or taxi ride might be the way to go.

By 2005, the waterfront area was revitalized and the city was chosen to host the Tall Ships 2005 festival. This festival, which travels to different coasts and different cities each year, is a boon to any port it visits, as thousands of tourists and residents come to view the gorgeous vessels. This was the first time Tacoma hosted, and the festival was a hit.

Probably the most dramatic change in the last few years is the creation of the Museum District, where you’ll find the Museum of Glass, the Chihuly Bridge of Glass, the Tacoma Art Museum, the Washington State History Museum and Union Station. All of these institutions are within one to five blocks of each other, and near the waterfront.

Lady Washington sails into Commencement Bay in Tacoma for the 2005 Tall Ships Festival.

Around the Museum District are increasing numbers of hip boutiques, the ubiquitous coffee shops found everywhere in Washington, and trendy restaurants. The free Tacoma Link Light Rail, which runs a circuit of 1.6 miles (2.5 km), conveniently connects this area with the also re-burgeoning theater district. However, if you have on your walking shoes, it’s just as easy to get around on foot.

Friday

A good base for exploring the downtown area is the Tacoma Courtyard by Marriott (1515 Commerce Street , 253-591-9100; www.marriott.com), which is located a couple of blocks from the Museum District, and is right on the Light Rail line. The new hotel has a small indoor pool, hot tub, gym, bar and lounge. It’s an excellent, comfortable spot for weekend travelers.

For lunch, visit Grassi’s Garden Café (1702 Pacific Avenue, 253-627-7196; www.grassisflorist.com). The quirky café is located above a flower shop (look carefully for it; it’s easy to miss!). This delightful spot (just a quick walk from the Marriott) has salads, sandwiches and pasta dishes. They also have a box lunch, should you want something to go.

Take the Light Rail and visit the Theater District, also undergoing revitalization. The Broadway Center for the Performing Arts (901 Broadway, 253-591-5890; www.broadwaycenter.org) encompasses three theatres ― the Pantages, Rialto and the Theatre on the Square. A visit to the website before you come to town might reveal something appealing from one of the theaters. An amusing thing to look out for: public benches that look like theater seats! Antique Row, adjacent to the Theatre District, is composed of two blocks of shops, which makes for fun exploring or window-shopping.

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For dinner, head down to the waterfront restaurant Blue Olive (1715 Dock Street, 253-383-7275; www.blueolive.net). This swanky eatery has awesome views, outdoor seating, an Asian-inspired menu and funky cocktails.