Tag Archives: Tacoma

Waterfront: intersection of environment, recreation and jobs

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Photo of Pierce County Executive

Three words define him, says the Pierce County Executive.

Did you know that Pierce County Executive Bruce Dammeier grew up sailing on Puget Sound and even crewed on the Adventuress? Last week, Executive Dammeier talked with the Tacoma Waterfront Association about his personal connection to and vision for the waterfront. Mr. Dammeier says the waterfront is the “intersection of environment, recreation and jobs.” He believes this is a great destination, but not enough people know it.

Executive Dammeier says three words define him: action, collaboration and partnership. He noted that these words may also apply to the waterfront.

Mr. Dammeier said Pierce County has two economic pillars: the Port of Tacoma and Joint Base Lewis-McChord. He believes veterans are a huge asset in our community. At the moment, he says the greatest challenge facing our community is finding ways to work together.

More information

About the Tacoma Waterfront Association

The Tacoma Waterfront Association is a group of businesses, nonprofits and individuals who protect and promote Tacoma’s waterfront. TWA holds monthly meetings on waterfront-related topics. These meetings are good networking opportunities and free for members and guests! TWA supports events along the waterfront, such as the recent Festival of Sail. Interested in becoming a member? Check out the membership levels and benefits here. Follow TWA on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Thank you!

**Disclaimer** Engage Northwest provides communications assistance to the Tacoma Waterfront Association.

Relax on a sunset cruise with Riviera

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Photo of Captain Tom steering the boat“This is a dream come true,” said Captain Tom as he took Riviera out on its first-ever sunset cruise earlier this week. A Korean family gave permission for us to take pictures while they enjoyed the boat ride. I was honored to go with the group and capture some of the moments!

Riviera now offers regular sunset cruises in the summer. It’s an affordable and comfortable way to experience  Puget Sound! See Mt. Rainier, the Narrows Bridge, Henderson Bay into Horsehead Bay and more! Return during twilight as the sun sets on Gig Harbor.

This three-hour cruise takes place from 6 – 9 p.m., departing from Maritime Pier in Gig Harbor. You’re welcome to bring food and drink on board. Tickets cost $60 for adult, $50 for seniors and $40 for kids ages 5 – 12. Kids 4 and under are free. Contact Riviera at  253-225-6306 or rivieracruisesps@gmail.com for information and reservations.

This video shows some of the fun during Riviera’s first sunset cruise:

Riviera also offers a four-hour Puget Sound day tour and private charters. Check out their website to see some of the types of charters, including weddings, memorials and events such as Seafair. Riviera’s sister company, Destiny Harbor Tours, offers two-hour boat tours from Tacoma and Gig Harbor. Thank you! — Liz

**Disclaimer: Engage Northwest helps Riviera with photography and social media.**

Enjoy a guided boat tour of the Tacoma waterfront

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Photo of Captain EthanEnjoy a guided boat tour of the Tacoma waterfront and Commencement Bay with Destiny Harbor Tours! You may see wildlife, the port, the waterfront and the Mountain during this two-hour tour. The Tacoma tour runs from noon to 2 p.m., starting July 1. Prices are $40 for adults, $35 for seniors and $30 for kids ages 5-12. Kids 4 years and younger are free. For reservations, call 253-225-6306.

Destiny Harbor Tours also offers regular tours from Gig Harbor and charters. They hold special events, such as the 4th of July Fireworks watching. See the June 2017 “Business Matters Spotlight” featuring Destiny Harbor Tours:

If you’re interested in a longer tour or a sunset tour, check out the boat tours with Destiny Harbor’s new boat, the Riviera.

For more information

  • Follow Destiny Harbor Tours on Facebook and Instagram. They anticipate holding more special events this summer!
  • Video about the Tacoma boat tour.

** Disclaimer: Engage Northwest helps Destiny Harbor Tours with photography and social media.**

Enjoy the Tacoma waterfront this summer!

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Photo of the captain of Freda BDid the Festival of Sail inspire you to set sail or explore the restaurants, businesses and recreational opportunities along Tacoma’s waterfront? Here are some water-related activities and events so you can get more involved:

Paddling on the Foss Waterway
Surrey ride along Ruston Way
  • Go on a cruise with Destiny Harbor Tours. They offer two-hour boat tours from the waterside at the Museum of Glass as well as tours from Gig Harbor and charters.
  • Learn about the Port of Tacoma on their free boat tours. July 16.
  • Volunteer to clean up beaches and restore habitat with Citizens for a Healthy Bay.
  • Rent and ride a surrey along Ruston Way through Wheel Fun Rentals at Point Ruston.
  • Run with South Sound Running and Tacoma Runners. Many runs go along the waterfront or in Pt. Defiance Park.
  • Join the Tacoma Waterfront Association. Support clean water, recreational opportunities and businesses along Tacoma’s waterfront. Great monthly meetings, network opportunities and events!

Community Events

Photo of the 4th of July air showHere are some fun community events located along Tacoma’s waterfront:

Downtown to Defiance Trolley

Pierce Transit and Metro Parks Tacoma offer bus service from downtown Tacoma to Point Defiance Park along Ruston Way on weekends during the summer. More information about the Downtown to Defiance Trolley here.

Let’s get out and enjoy the fun opportunities to explore and support our waterfront!