One of the area's most anticipated events is Tall Ships® Tacoma. During the summer of 2005, Tacoma celebrated its maritime heritage as more than 20 magnificent tall ships from around the world gathered along the Thea Foss Waterway and the Tacoma waterfront. During the six days, spectators enjoyed the Parade of Sail and Sunset Salute Ceremony as well as dockside entertainment and crew competitions, educational displays, food and craft concessions, carnival rides, concerts, and a spectacular fireworks display over Commencement Bay.

The Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium is another Tacoma tourist hotspot. With recent upgrades and new features added, the Point Defiance Zoo is becoming a leader of new zoo practices. They will become the first zoo in the country to group species within exhibits and the second to employ activity based exhibits. At the heart of their recent multi-million dollar makeover is the awe inspiring Asian Forest Sanctuary, which is a lush five-acre complex home to Sumatran tigers, siamangs, and a variety of other endangered Asian animals. The zoo and aquarium have ensured still more new features; the construction of a new children's zoo and antique carousel will be completed within the next two years.