Sober Adventures in Tacoma – a Must Stop When Visiting the Pacific Northwest

January 29, 2023

Sober days in the Pacific Northwest are nothing short of beautiful. From Tacoma, you can look in all four directional points and see something completely different. You may want to bring a rain jacket or hat and don’t forget your sunglasses.

Photo from Tacoma Art Museum Facebook page

Let’s start in downtown Tacoma. The Tacoma Art Museum (the TAM) always has wonderful exhibits. They provide discounts for students, military, UW Alumni, and EBT card holders. Because of its location – right across from the University of Washington, Tacoma campus- there are many places to park and multiple ways to get there. Also nearby is the Train station, a historical spot to visit, Lemay Car Museum, and the Museum of Glass.

Photo from McMenamins Elks Temple Facebook page

After browsing the area for a bit, you may find yourself getting a bit hungry. If you don’t mind a short walk to the west, McMenamins Elks Temple has waterfront views and plenty of food options, including vegan & vegetarian options. Stay awhile and play some pool or visit the gorgeous Spanish Ballroom on the main floor.

Once you’re done there, you may want to drive 10 minutes farther west to Point Defiance. This park is famous because it includes the Native American historical monument, Fort Nisqually (also has discounted tickets available) a zoo, aquarium, and a five-mile loop around the water that you can walk or drive. Point Defiance boasts 760 acres of trails, picnic spots, fenced dog areas, ponds, and even a native plant area.

Photo from Wildfin Tacoma Facebook page

If you still have energy after all this, stay by the water and grab a mocktail at Wildfin at Point Ruston (my fave is the mango sparkler) or hit up Duke’s seafood for a bowl of chowder. Ask for a virgin mojito or get a fresh local lemonade while you watch the sun set on the water. The PNW never fails to keep you active & remind us how lucky we are to now fully see this life through sober eyes.

About @SOBERINTACOMA Instagram

My name is Mariana & I’ve been sober for over three years. I’ve lived in Washington my whole life. I went without AA for the first 2.5 years. I was content not drinking, but I didn’t have that community of friends to lean on and support in return. When a considerable part of my life turned upside down, I found myself in the rooms. But it isn’t for everyone & I completely understand why. 

The biggest challenge I’ve faced is learning that not everyone was out to get me. I put myself in situations that I could easily blame on others if they were wrong so that I didn’t have to hold myself accountable. I wasn’t growing to my full potential – and potential is just wasted energy. No one is going to hold your hand, and no one is going to save you. You have to want it. 

Follow me on IG: @soberintacoma (personal: @tigerlilylovee)

Sober in Tacoma is part of the @sobercitymovement 

Music of Tacoma

Fun fact, Kurt Cobain played his first significant show in Tacoma, WA. He grew up in a small logging town called Aberdeen, about 2.5 hours southwest of us. His childhood home is still there, and the park next to the water where he used to sit and write songs is now a memorial site. Sober Curator Pro Tip: If you visit Aberdeen make sure to come as you are to the new Nirvana Coffee Co. Shop

My favorite Nirvana song is: Come as You Are

Tacoma Resources:

SOBRIETY IN THE CITY: Attention Sober in the City Instagram Account Managers and anyone that wants to share with us how to have the perfect sober day in YOUR city!

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