About Tacoma Union Station
Built in 1911, Tacoma Union Station is one of the most striking buildings in this Washington city and has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1974. The station was constructed to operate as the western terminus of the transcontinental railroad, and thanks to this, Tacoma's population skyrocketed at the start of the 20th century. Union Station was a symbol of this growth and progress and was regarded almost from the moment it was built as one of the most beautiful train stations in the Pacific Northwest, if not beyond. With Beaux Arts architecture that recalls New York's Grand Central Station, it's still one of the most striking rail stations you're likely to see.
Unfortunately, passenger rail travel never really caught on in most of the United States, and Tacoma Union Station never got the passenger numbers that were expected for it. The train stopped running here in 1984, and the building was instead repurposed as a courthouse. However, thanks to its beautiful architecture, it remains one of the most recognizable buildings in Tacoma.
You may not arrive by train at Tacoma Union Station, but that doesn't mean you won't need to find luggage storage spots to store your bags when you arrive here. Whether you get here via Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, by car, or by train from an alternate Tacoma station, finding a baggage storage to conveniently store luggage for a few hours is a great way to make the most of your trip. Bounce can offer you a secure luggage storage location where you can temporarily store your things with local businesses. Drop off your bags at one of our store locations and take advantage of the best luggage storage Tacoma has to offer.
Top attractions near Tacoma Union Station
Tacoma Union Station is right in the heart of Tacoma, so you can explore some of the main attractions in the city from the doors of the station itself. Easily reached from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Union Station makes a great place to begin your exploration of Tacoma once you drop off your bags at a luggage storage facility for a few hours.
Museum of Glass luggage storage
Right outside the station, across legendary artist Dale Chihuly's iconic Bridge of Glass, you'll find this intriguing museum that will give you a whole new perspective on what you can achieve with glass. With both indoor and outdoor exhibits celebrating the beauty and versatility of glass, the museum also features an on-site studio where you can see artists working on new pieces while you visit. Note that there is no luggage storage at the museum, and the last thing you want to do is damage one of these delicate sculptures, so make sure you leave the bags behind at a baggage storage before you visit.
Washington State History Museum luggage storage
The perfect place to learn more about the history of the region, Washington State History Museum uses high-tech exhibits to explain the various forces that have shaped the history of Tacoma, Seattle, and the entire state, including the coming of the railroad. The museum does offer baggage storage in the form of lockers where you can store luggage while you visit, but these lockers aren't very big and, during busy times such as holidays, can quickly get full. Best to leave your bags behind at a convenient Bounce luggage storage first.
21st Street Park luggage storage
This beautiful waterside park is the ideal place to get some fresh air and stretch your legs. Take a stroll along the river and admire Tacoma's bridges, but don't forget to drop off your bags at a baggage storage first.
Transport options at Tacoma Union Station
Tacoma Union Station luggage storage
Outside the former rail station, you'll find a light rail station which is served by a rail line that runs through the heart of Tacoma's downtown past some of its top attractions, including the Children's Museum. The area is also well-served by local buses, so it's easy to get here from just about anywhere in the city.
Local tips and insider info
- Tacoma's Museum of Glass is free to visit on the third Thursday of every month during the evenings, so it's definitely worth checking out if you're in town at this time.
- Tacoma is only an hour from downtown Seattle, so it's easy to visit both cities and see some of the best attractions in Washington while you're in the region. Tacoma is also very close to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, making it a great place to explore after you find a place to store your bags.
- Tacoma and Seattle have excellent public transportation networks, and traffic can be quite bad, so it's definitely worth considering getting a transit pass and taking advantage of the transportation options here.
Conclusion
Far more people visit Seattle than Tacoma, but that's really not fair. Both cities have their own unique charm and attractions to make them worth exploring. Seattle's Pike Place Market and Space Needle are justifiably famous, but Tacoma can provide a more laid-back atmosphere and easy access to Seattle-Tacoma Airport that makes it well worth visiting. Drop off your bags at a secure Bounce luggage storage, and you'll soon see that the city has lots to offer along with its more famous neighbor. And when you store your bags with Bounce, you'll be free to travel from one city to another and enjoy Tacoma and Seattle, knowing your things are safe in luggage storage until you're ready to pick them up.