Things to do in Pierce County

No. 7 of Fall Viewing Attractions in United States

Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier National Park is located in the Cascade Range and has a long history. The park's main peak, Mount Rainier, has an elevation of approx. 4,400 m and is an active, snow-capped volcano surrounded by glaciers, attracting many climbers every year who attempt to reach the summit. From the towering, ancient coniferous forests in the low-altitude valleys to the open subalpine meadows halfway up the mountain, and the waterfalls in the canyons, the landscape is distinct and layered, with wildlife such as black bears, deer, and marmots often seen roaming the area. Paradise on the south slope is the park's signature area: in summer, wildflowers bloom across the mountainside, usually reaching their peak from late July to early August, and the classic Skyline Trail starts here. In winter, it transforms into a snow-covered wonderland, having recorded over 28 m of snowfall in a single year; playing in the snow and snowshoeing are classic activities here year-round. Built in the early 20th century, Paradise Inn is known for its log beams and large cobblestone fireplace, and you can see the snow-capped mountain and meadows from the window. On the drive to Paradise, you will also pass Narada Falls, which is worth parking to see. Sunrise on the northeast side presents a different kind of expansive scenery: it is the highest point in the park accessible by road, offering a close-up view of the massive Emmons Glacier, and on clear days, you can see neighboring peaks such as Mount Baker and Glacier Peak.

No. 7 of Ski Resorts in United States

Crystal Mountain Resort

Crystal Mountainis located in Pierce County, Washington, within the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, and reaches an elevation of over 7,000 feet. Crystal Mountain is a world-renowned ski resort. In winter, the snow-covered peaks, flowing springs, velvety snow, serene environment, and stunning scenery transform it into a pure, fairytale-like world. Come spring and summer, the lush green mountains, blooming wildflowers, chirping birds, and babbling brooks offer a natural sanctuary for people to escape the hustle and bustle of the real world and find solace. Crystal Mountain Resort is committed to establishing land management that strictly complies with environmental systems, dedicated to eliminating carbon emissions, while promoting the reduction of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere, aligning with policy and social changes, and treating the mountain environment as a vital asset for the recreation area.

No. 2 of Ski Resorts in Pierce County

Mount Rainier

Mount Rainier is a tall active volcano and the highest peak in the Cascade Range. It features lush mountains, fragrant meadows, and year-round snow, with beautiful natural scenery.

No. 1 of Family-friendly Attractions in Pierce County

Point Defiance Park

Point Defiance Park is a large urban park located in Tacoma, Washington. The park features a zoo and aquarium, rose garden, rhododendron garden, beaches, trails, a boardwalk, a ferry terminal, an off-leash dog park, and, most notably, an old-growth forest.

No. 2 of Family-friendly Attractions in Pierce County

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is a combined zoo and aquarium in Tacoma, Washington, United States, nestled within the picturesque Point Defiance Park. Since its opening in 1905, it has attracted visitors from around the world and become a key Tacoma landmark. The park is divided into several exhibition areas showcasing a rich variety of flora and fauna. Visitors can get up close and personal with animals from around the world, including polar bears, snow leopards, orangutans, and a variety of marine life. The aquarium also features a spectacular marine life exhibit, where visitors can admire colorful tropical fish and marine mammals such as dolphins and sea lions, creating an underwater experience. The park also emphasizes environmental protection and education, featuring a variety of interactive exhibits and educational programs designed to raise public awareness of ecological conservation and biodiversity.

Washington State Fair Event Center

The Washington State Fair Event Center is one of the Northwest's largest annual events, boasting a century-long history. Every September, the Pierce County Fairgrounds attracts countless visitors and has become a symbol of local culture, entertainment, and community spirit. Located in downtown Puyallup, nestled at the foot of Mount Rainier, the Fairgrounds boasts extensive grounds and comprehensive facilities, hosting a variety of events year-round. During the Fair, visitors can enjoy a variety of exhibits and activities, including agricultural and gardening demonstrations, face painting, historical experiences, fine art exhibitions, flower shows, giant pumpkin displays, hobby shows, and family art exhibitions. In addition, four free entertainment stages offer live music, comedy, magic, and other performances, catering to a variety of audiences. The Fair's attractions are also popular, including an antique carousel, a classic roller coaster, an extreme scream tower, a ghost pirate, a haunted house, and many other thrilling and family-friendly attractions. These attractions have been a staple of the Fair since the early 20th century and are a favorite among visitors.

Tacoma Dome

Tacoma Dome is located in Tacoma, Pierce County, Washington, United States. It is a representative multi-purpose indoor venue and an important public event space for the local community. The venue was completed and opened in 1983 and is managed and operated by the city of Tacoma. Tacoma Dome is renowned for its unique wooden dome structure and is one of the largest wood-domed buildings in the world. Its innovative architectural design makes it an iconic landmark in the Tacoma cityscape. Tacoma Dome features a flexible space design that allows the layout and seating capacity to be adjusted based on the needs of different events. The venue is equipped with a retractable seating system and adjustable partition facilities, enabling it to host a wide range of events from small gatherings to large-scale productions, with a capacity of approx. 21,000 spectators. It regularly hosts concerts, sports events, exhibitions, graduation ceremonies, and various public events, providing a professional venue for diverse cultural and entertainment programs.

LeMay - America’s Car Museum

When talking about Prague's city sightseeing, although LeMay - America's Car Museum is not located in this city, mentioning it can still add a different kind of fun and expectation to tourists' travel. Prague's hop-on hop-off bus is an ideal way to explore this city. LeMay - America's Car Museum, located in Tacoma, Washington, is an automobile museum that mainly displays classic cars. It has a huge collection of cars, including family cars, classic sports cars, etc. Each car carries a piece of history and tells the development of the automobile industry. For tourists who love car culture, this is undoubtedly a must-see attraction. Prague's hop-on hop-off bus provides tourists with an ideal choice for touring the city with its convenience and flexibility. The bus route covers Prague's main attractions, such as the Old Town Square, Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, etc. Tourists can get on and off at will and arrange their itinerary freely. Although LeMay - America's Car Museum is not in Prague, tourists can consider both when planning their trip. Take Prague's hop-on hop-off bus first, enjoy the beautiful scenery of the city and feel its unique cultural atmosphere. When you have the opportunity to go to the United States, you can make a special trip to the LeMay American Car Museum to experience a feast of car culture. In short, whether it is Prague city sightseeing or the car culture tour of LeMay - America's Car Museum, it can bring tourists unforgettable experience and good memories.

Northwest Trek Wildlife Park

Museum of Glass

Seattle's glass craftsmanship is one of the best in the world, and glass craftsman Dale Chihuly was born in Tacoma, near Seattle. This glass museum in Tacoma is a modern museum well worth a visit. The museum consists of four concepts of fire, water, earth and sky. Entrance is from old Union Station and the museum is reached via a sky bridge overhanging the highway and railroad tracks. This sky bridge is decorated with glass artwork, which is very delicate and beautiful, and the top floor of the museum is connected to the sky bridge, forming a square. The square is built with the concept of water. Surrounded by a glass sculpture pool, it can show a neon night scene at night. In 2003, the Glass Museum was selected by Traveler magazine as one of the Seven Wonders of the World for Modern Architecture.