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Stadium High SchoolStadium District

The Stadium District is Tacoma's historic gem, getting its name from castle-like Stadium High School. Originally built as a luxury hotel in 1891 and reconstructed as a high school in 1906 following a devastating fire, Stadium High School is a historic Tacoma landmark and also the setting for the 1999 feature film 10 Things I Hate About You.
 
The district is itself on the National Register of Historic Places, and is filled with historic homes, tree-lined streets and old-style shops still sporting their original vintage neon signs.

Things to do in the Stadium District

Stroll through this historic district and you'll run into King's Books, where you'll find an overwhelming selection of new and used titles, as well as an impressive assortment of indie comic books and graphic novels. 
 
Explore the meandering pathways of Wright Park's expansive 27 acres, including a playground for kids, a sprayground for hot days, bocce courts and the massive WW Seymour Botanical Conservatory. The historic glass conservatory, having been designated a city, state and national historic landmark, is home to exotic tropical plants and seasonal floral displays.
 

Places to eat and drink

Enjoy a throwback burger and shake at the retro Shake Shake Shake (among the best shake shops in the county), go Bavarian with brats, beer and bocce at Rhein Haus Tacoma, or celebrate craft beer with a pint to accompany your gourmet burger or expansive breakfast at the Parkway Tavern.
 

Places to stay

The Stadium District is lined with historic Victorian, Tudor and Colonial homes, many of which are on the National Register of Historic Places, and several of which have been converted into inns and bed-and-breakfasts. The best way to experience history is to live it!
 

Itineraries

Sometimes, it's just easier to find a ready-made itinerary and go with the flow. Here are Visit Tacoma-Pierce County's itineraries that include the Stadium District.
 
Wright Park

Wright Park

  • 501 South I Street

Wright Park is ideal for a leisurely stroll or taking your kids to one of Tacoma's finest playgrounds and spraygrounds. Enjoy walking paths around this 27 acre park and arboretum that is home to a rich collection of more than 616 trees, including 30 state champions. There are 138…

W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory

W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory

  • 316 South G St
  • (253) 591-5330

Exotic tropical plants and seasonal floral displays await you at the W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory in Wright Park. This historic glass conservatory, with its distinctive twelve-sided central dome, is listed on the City of Tacoma, Washington State and National historic…

King's Books

King's Books

  • 218 St Helens Ave
  • (253) 272-8801

King's Books is the largest used and new independent bookstore in the Tacoma area. We are a community-oriented bookstore with 5500 square feet and approximately 150,000 books.

The Hub Gig Harbor

The Hub Gig Harbor

  • 1208 26th Ave NW
  • (253) 853-1585

The Hub considered one of Tacoma's premier community pub-style restaurants, with its convenient Stadium District location serving as host for dozens of social events each year and home base for the Harmon Bike Club. Menu selections range from signature, artisan style, thin-crust…

Stadium Thriftway

Stadium Thriftway

  • 618 N 1st St
  • (253) 627-8275

In the Heart of Lovely Old Tacoma Located by scenic Wright Park and just a block and a half from historic Stadium High School. Our store is unique in its size, variety, freshness and exceptional customer service in every area of the store. We take pride in knowing the names of…

Parkway Tavern

Parkway Tavern

  • 313 North I St
  • (253) 383-8748

Tacoma's own craft beer bar! A South Sound favorite for craft beer lovers, also serving hard cider, wine and more.