Ruston Way Waterfront
A scenic waterfront promenade in Tacoma, WA, offering stunning views, diverse dining, parks, and recreational activities.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Ruston Way Waterfront
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A scenic waterfront promenade in Tacoma, WA, offering stunning views, diverse dining, parks, and recreational activities.
"Ruston Way Waterfront is a scenic gem perfect for walks, runs, and enjoying breathtaking views of the water and mountains."
🚶♀️ Perfect for a Run
Ruston Way offers a fantastic, scenic route from Old Town to Point Defiance for your runs. :athletic_shoe:
🍽️ Waterfront Dining Gems
Explore diverse restaurants like Duke's for seafood or Woven for Pacific Northwest-Asian fusion. :knifeforkplate:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ruston Way Promenade
The entire waterfront stretch
A scenic path perfect for walking, jogging, or biking with stunning views of Commencement Bay and the Olympic Mountains.
Point Ruston
Northern end of Ruston Way
A vibrant hub with shops, restaurants, and entertainment, built on the site of a former smelting plant.
Waterfront Dining
Various restaurants along Ruston Way
Savor fresh seafood and diverse cuisines with breathtaking views of the water.
Parks and Playgrounds
Scattered along Ruston Way
Family-friendly spots offering green spaces, playgrounds, and picnic areas for a relaxing day out.
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Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Perfect for a Run
Ruston Way offers a fantastic, scenic route from Old Town to Point Defiance for your runs. :athletic_shoe:
🍽️ Waterfront Dining Gems
Explore diverse restaurants like Duke's for seafood or Woven for Pacific Northwest-Asian fusion. :knifeforkplate:
☀️ Sunny Day Getaway
Ideal for walking, jogging, biking, and enjoying water and mountain views. :camerawithflash:
👨👩👧 Kid-Friendly Fun
Several parks and playgrounds make it a great spot for families. :child:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Perfect for a Run
Ruston Way offers a fantastic, scenic route from Old Town to Point Defiance for your runs. :athletic_shoe:
🍽️ Waterfront Dining Gems
Explore diverse restaurants like Duke's for seafood or Woven for Pacific Northwest-Asian fusion. :knifeforkplate:
☀️ Sunny Day Getaway
Ideal for walking, jogging, biking, and enjoying water and mountain views. :camerawithflash:
👨👩👧 Kid-Friendly Fun
Several parks and playgrounds make it a great spot for families. :child:
☕ Coffee with a View
Anthem Coffee at Point Ruston offers great coffee and bakery treats with waterfront vistas. :coffee:
🚁 Drone Views
Capture stunning aerial footage of this beautiful Tacoma spot. :drone:
💨 Water Activities
Enjoy jet skiing and other water sports on Commencement Bay. :ocean:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Ruston Way Waterfront's stunning natural beauty, diverse dining options, and recreational opportunities. It's praised as a perfect spot for walks, runs, family outings, and enjoying scenic views of Commencement Bay and the Olympic Mountains. Some find parking challenging during peak times.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ruston Way Waterfront is easily accessible by car, with parking available along the promenade and at Point Ruston. Public transportation options are also available via Pierce Transit buses. Many visitors enjoy driving the scenic route along Ruston Way, taking in the views from University Place to Point Defiance.
Yes, there are multiple parking areas along Ruston Way, including dedicated lots at Point Ruston and various street parking spots. Parking can fill up quickly on busy days, so arriving early is recommended.
Absolutely! Ruston Way is a popular destination for cyclists, with dedicated paths and scenic routes. It's a great way to explore the waterfront and connect to other biking trails in Tacoma.
Walking, jogging, and biking are the most popular ways to explore the Ruston Way Waterfront. You can also rent scooters or bikes in the area for a fun way to cover more ground.
The promenade is generally flat and paved, making it accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. Many of the parks and restaurants also offer accessible features.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Ruston Way Waterfront is a public park and promenade, so there is no entrance fee. You can enjoy the scenic views and outdoor activities for free.
The waterfront is open to the public from dawn until dusk. Individual businesses and restaurants at Point Ruston will have their own operating hours.
For most restaurants along Ruston Way, reservations are recommended, especially on weekends or for popular spots like Duke's or Woven. The 'What a Catch' walk-up window operates on a first-come, first-served basis. 
The waterfront often hosts community events, concerts, and festivals, particularly during the summer. It's best to check the Metropark Tacoma website or local event listings for current happenings.
Drone usage may be restricted in certain areas, especially near parks and private establishments. It's advisable to check local regulations and be mindful of other visitors.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Popular choices include Duke's for seafood with bay views,
Yes, many restaurants offer kid-friendly menus. The parks and open spaces also make it easy to enjoy a picnic with family.
Absolutely! Ruston Way is known for its excellent seafood options, with Duke's being a prime example. You can also find fresh fish and chips from walk-up windows.
Point Ruston offers a variety of cuisines, including Pacific Northwest, Hawaiian, Asian fusion, and classic American fare.
Yes, options like the 'What a Catch' walk-up window and Anthem Coffee provide quick and delicious choices for snacks and light meals.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire promenade offers stunning views of Commencement Bay, the Olympic Mountains, and Mount Rainier on clear days. Sunrises and sunsets are particularly beautiful here.
Drone photography is possible, but be mindful of local regulations and privacy. Capturing aerial views can provide a unique perspective of the waterfront.
Landscape photography, sunset/sunrise shots, and capturing the vibrant atmosphere of Point Ruston are very popular. People also enjoy photographing the boats and marine life.
Yes, the parks, playgrounds, and scenic backdrops provide excellent opportunities for family portraits and candid shots.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Many restaurants, like those at Point Ruston, offer kid-friendly menus, and the open spaces are perfect for picnics. Consider bringing a frisbee or ball for some outdoor fun, or simply enjoy a leisurely stroll along the paved paths, which are easily navigable with strollers. The views of the water and occasional boats can also captivate younger visitors.
🏃♀️ Fitness Enthusiasts
Some visitors even use the area for more intense training, like jet skiing.
The relatively flat terrain makes it accessible for various fitness levels, and the beautiful surroundings provide excellent motivation. 💑 Couples and Date Nights
+1 Many of the waterfront restaurants, such as Duke's or Woven, provide an intimate dining experience with stunning evening vistas, making them perfect for a date night. +1Watching the sunset over Commencement Bay from one of the many scenic spots is a truly magical experience.
Consider grabbing a coffee from Anthem Coffee and enjoying it with a view at Point Ruston. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Stroll Through History: From Smelting Plant to Waterfront Gem
Today, the Point Ruston area, built on the former industrial grounds, is a bustling hub of activity. It showcases how urban renewal can create vibrant destinations that blend modern amenities with historical awareness. Visitors can appreciate the scenic beauty while also learning about the area's industrial past.
The Ruston Way Promenade itself stretches for miles, offering a continuous path for exploration. This extensive waterfront access is a significant asset to Tacoma, providing residents and visitors alike with ample opportunities to connect with the Puget Sound.
+1Culinary Delights on the Water
+1Seafood is a star attraction, with establishments like Duke's on Ruston Way serving up fresh catches with panoramic views of Commencement Bay.
For those seeking unique flavors, Woven at Point Ruston offers a fusion of Pacific Northwest, Hawaiian, and Asian influences, a collaboration born from a partnership with the Puyallup Tribe and Chef Roy Yamaguchi. Beyond the main dining spots, Anthem Coffee at Point Ruston provides a cozy atmosphere for enjoying coffee and baked goods, perfect for a morning treat or an afternoon pick-me-up.
The 'What a Catch' walk-up window is ideal for a quick and delicious meal of fish and chips or calamari, especially on a sunny day. Recreation and Relaxation for Everyone
For families, numerous parks and playgrounds are dotted along the waterfront, providing safe and fun spaces for children to play. These areas are also perfect for picnics and enjoying the outdoors.
Water sports enthusiasts can also find opportunities for activities like jet skiing on Commencement Bay. Whether you're looking for an invigorating workout, a family outing, or a tranquil spot to enjoy the scenery, the Ruston Way Waterfront offers a versatile experience for all visitors. The combination of natural beauty and recreational facilities makes it a cherished destination.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit