Traveling in the Pacific Northwest

PLU is located in the greater Tacoma area, but the surrounding neighborhood is called Parkland. Parkland does not offer much in the way of shopping and attractions, but there are plentiful opportunities with only a short bus trip from campus.

Here you can find more information about the most popular places to visit in the area. It is by no means a comprehensive list of possibilities, but rather a place from which to start if you are interested in learning more about the area and what the Pacific Northwest has to offer.

Enjoy!

Tacoma

student group gathered on the steps in Tacoma
Tacoma is the city closest to PLU. It is located just a short car ride north of PLU, and offers many cultural experiences. With a multitude of museums downtown, a walkable waterfront and beautiful nature in the surrounding area, Tacoma is worth exploring.

Seattle

student group on a Seattle trip Spring 2014
Seattle is the largest city in Washington state, and the population of the Seattle metropolitan area is 3.6 million. Famous for the Space Needle and home of corporations like Microsoft and Starbucks, Seattle is a popular destination for many around the United States.

Portland, OR

voodoo doughnut shop sign
Portland is the largest city in the state of Oregon, and is less than a 3 hour drive from Tacoma. Known for being environmentally conscious, Portland offers visitors a variety of outdoor activities as well as a growing restaurant and arts scene to enjoy.

Other Places

student taking a photo of a carousel
There are many other places in the area worth visiting! Whether you go south to Olympia, east to Mt. Rainier, west to the Olympic National Park or north to Victoria, B.C., you have so many options to explore!