Here's some links to help you plan your trip:
Washington Tourism (Tacoma is in the region called "Volcano Country"): http://www.experiencewashington.com/
Mt Rainier National Park is a must-see. The entrance is about and hour and a half drive from Tacoma. Be sure to go all the way to Paradise: http://www.nps.gov/mora/home.htm
Northwest Trek is a natural wildlife park on the way to Mt Rainier: http://www.nwtrek.org/
Mt St Helens National Volcanic site is a few hours south and east of Tacoma:
http://www.fs.fed.us/gpnf/mshnvm/
Tacoma:
Tacoma visitors: http://www.traveltacoma.com/
The Museum of Glass, Washington State History Museum, and Tacoma Art Museum
are all right next to each other in downtown Tacoma. They connect to the Theater
District and Dome District via the free Tacoma Link Light Rail.
Museum of Glass. To see Dale Chihuly glass visit the bridge of glass and Union
Station nearby: http://www.museumofglass.org/s99_home.jsp
Washington State History Museum: http://www.wshs.org/
Tacoma Art Museum: http://www.tacomaartmuseum.org/
Freighthouse Square (near the Tacoma Dome): http://www.freighthousesquare.com/
Pt Defiance Park (zoo, beach, trails, gardens, historic fort, logging exhibit):
http://www.metroparkstacoma.org/page.php?id=24
Seattle Sites:
Seattle visitors: http://www.seeseattle.org/
Of special interest to luthiers, the Experience Music Project at the Seattle
Center: http://www.emplive.com/