Tacoma is known as the “City of Destiny” because of its history as the western terminus of the Northern Pacific Railroad in the late nineteenth century, and today, is far more than just the little sister of Seattle. In the past three decades, a thriving arts community has flourished out of Tacoma’s blue-collar roots as Washington’s largest port. The historic museums and theaters anchoring the downtown arts culture have witnessed the cultivation of new galleries, delicious restaurants and cafes, relaxed pubs loaded with Northwest microbrews, endearing boutiques, and with them, the revival of Tacoma.
The Destiny City Film Festival has traditionally been hosted by one of Tacoma’s oldest movie theaters and, at nearly 100 years old, is one of the oldest continuously operating movie theaters in the country—the historic Blue Mouse Theater in the Proctor District.
Tacoma’s location – in the shadow of Mount Rainier and on the rim of Puget Sound – provides breathtaking views and a wide range of outdoor activities that are particularly extraordinary in the summer months. Especially at Tacoma’s Point Defiance Park, whose 700 acres make it one of the nation’s largest urban parks. Although Seattle is only a drive away, we guarantee that you’ll want to stick around to explore all that the City of Destiny has to offer!
