Browns Point Lighthouse Park

For a view of the action at the Port of Tacoma [1], head to the observation tower just off East 11th Street, where signs describe the port’s history. Continue north on Marine View Drive toward Browns Point Lighthouse Park (201 Tulalip St. NE, 253/927-1042, www.tacomaparks.com [2]), a sunny spot for picnicking, ship-watching, or launching your own boat.

Here you've got a great view of downtown Tacoma [1] and Point Defiance, Vashon and Maury Islands, the Olympics, and of course, the Sound. The lighthouse is open on weekends and contains an exhibit on the building of a Coast Guard boat.