Tacoma’s Most Instagrammable Places

Are you looking for the most Instagram worthy or best photo spots in Tacoma?

Growing up in Tacoma/Federal Way, I never really thought of
Tacoma as a photogenic place. In college, I used to drive down to Tacoma to hang
out with my girlfriends who attended UWT. I started exploring Tacoma as I
visited them on the weekends. I realized that Tacoma had great shops, coffee
shops, and restaurants.

I’ve also realized that although I’ve written a ton of
Instagrammable places guides in Seattle, I’ve never spotlighted any cities
south of Seattle. So I was inspired this summer to find and create:

Tacoma’s Most Instagrammable Places:

If you’re looking for places to take senior photos in Tacoma or the best instagram spots in Tacoma, this blog post is for you!

1. Tacoma’s Antique Row | Sanford
& Son Antique’s and Auctions

Address: 743 Broadway Tacoma, WA 98402

If you’re looking to do some vintage or antique shopping, you have to check out Tacoma’s Antique Row. You’ll find a handful of eclectic vintage shops on Broadway between South 7^th and 9^th street. If you’re looking for this incredible room of vintage books, make sure you stop by Sanford & Son Antique’s and Auctions.

This vintage shop is three stories and this vintage book room is located on the very bottom floor. Take your time walking through the small shops and rooms inside the building.

2.  Bostwick Café/
Bostwick Building

Address: 764 Broadway Tacoma, WA 98402

If you’re looking for a coffee stop in Tacoma, you should stop by the Bostwick Café in the Bostwick Building. This building has transformed since it first opened in 1889 as a hotel by Dr. Henry Clay Bostwick.

The hotel was renamed in 1932 to the Brant Hotel. It also was transformed as a bank, Kress’ Malted Milk and Ice Cream shop, a flower shop, and even a shoe store. Even as the building has transformed through the years, it definitely belongs on Tacoma’s Most Instagrammable Places list.

3. McMenamins Elk Temple

Address: 565 Broadway, Tacoma, WA 98402

The Tacoma Elks Lodge opened in 1890. The
lodge actually relocated several times before building the permanent location
between Broadway and Commerce streets. The Tacoma Elks Lodge had a dynamic
history and a quiet period in Tacoma. The lodge was acquired by Ron Zimmerman
in 1989 and the building sat vacant for over 30 years. (You can read the entire
history
of the Elks Temple here).

In 2017, McMenamins started the renovation of the old lodge. And in 2019, McManimins Elks Temple opened its doors.

4. Stadium High School

Address: 111 N E St, Tacoma, WA 98403

Did you know that Stadium High school was originally built
to be a hotel? In 1890, the Northern Pacific Railroad Company and Tacoma Land
Co. set out to build a luxury hotel overlooking the sound. The hotel was
designed with French Renaissance influences from castles and chateaus around
France.

However when the financial crash hit in 1893, efforts to
build the hotel stopped. The city and school district decided to transform the
building into Tacoma High School. The high school originally opened in 1906 and
was renamed to Stadium high school in 1913.

You’ve probably recognized Stadium High School in the movie 10 Things I Hate You. It’s still a beautiful building and it has a great view of the water. This high school definitely deserved a spot in Tacoma’s Most Instagrammable Places round up!

5. Opera Alley

Address: 709 Opera Alley, Tacoma, WA 98402

If you’re looking for colorful walls and fun murals, you should stop by Opera Alley in Tacoma’s Theater District. Opera Alley is located just up the hill from the McMenamins Elk Temples. You’ll find specialty boutiques, a wedding venue (The Press Room), a yoga center, a café, and more in this alley.

6. Chihuly Bridge of Glass Bridge – at the Museum of Glass

Address: Bridge of Glass, Tacoma, WA 98402

The Chihuly Bridge of Glass is a must see
place in Tacoma. The pedestrian bridge connects the Museum of Glass and the
Foss Waterway. You can walk through and experience three different Dave Chihuly
glass installations.

The three installations are: the Seaform Pavilion (the ceiling of glass blown cones, ribbons, and colorful pieces), the Crystal Towers (located at the center of the bridge), and the Venetian Wall (has over 100 Chihuly sculptures).

7. Wright Park
Conservatory

Address: 501 S I St, Tacoma, WA

I first fell in love with Wright Park in
high school. My high school cross country team ran a few races here and the
park is beautiful during fall. One of my favorite features of the park is the
conservatory.

The park was designed and developed in 1890. In 1908, the
Seymore Conservatory opened. The Conservatory was gifted by William W. Seymore
– who later became the Mayor of Tacoma. You can find more than 250 types of
plants and hundreds of blooming plants during seasonal displays.

My sister, Holly, and I stopped by the Conservatory during
the Holiday season to take a few photos. The Conservatory’s holiday set up is
adorable!

8. Rialto
Theater

Address: 310 9^th ST Tacoma WA

Located in the Broadway Center of the city, the Rialto Theater opened in 1918. The theater was a part of a national movie house chain. I absolutely love the entrance of this theater!

9. Point
Defiance Rose Garden

Address:  5400 North Pearl Street Tacoma, WA 98407

The Point Defiance Rose Garden and tunnel definitely deserves a spot on Tacoma’s Most Instagrammable Places list. The roses in spring and summer are beautiful! This location is usually pretty busy with weddings during the summer.

Holly and I stopped by here once and ran into a wedding
party. We made sure they got their photos first before we stepped into the
garden and flower tunnel!

10. Hotel Murano

Address: 1320 Broadway, Tacoma, WA 98402

Located in downtown Tacoma, Hotel Murano is a luxury hotel
just a few steps from the Tacoma Convention Center. One of my favorite things
about the hotel is the bright teal wall!

What other places should I include in Tacoma’s Most Instagrammable Places?

Thank you for reading!

If you enjoyed Most Instagrammable Places in Tacoma and want more Instagram guides, you can also check out:

8 Unique Instagrammable Spots in Seattle

Seattle’s Most Instagrammable Places in Pioneer Square

Most Instagram Worthy Plant Shops to Check Out in Seattle

Love,

Emma