Things to Do in University Place Near Tacoma
University Place is a bedroom community bordered by Tacoma to its northwest and the Puget Sound to its west. A quiet city surrounded by nature, Univerity Place is well known for its world-renowned golf course, Chambers Bay, host to the 2015 U.S. Open. If you spend only one day in this Pierce County city, these are the seven places you must visit.
1. Start with a Morning Walk
First stop: the Grandview Trail. Located along the top of a 200-foot bluff, Grandview Trail, among the most scenic of Pierce County hikes, offers sweeping views of the Chambers Bay golf course, Puget Sound and the surrounding islands with many things to do along the way. The trail system continues adjacent to 64th Street and the trails at the Pierce County Environmental Services Building.
Access Points: 62nd Street Court West, Cirque Plaza, 56th Street Plaza, Environmental Services Building area
Difficulty Level: Easy
Length and Duration: 1.25 miles
Accessibility: Pedestrian, bicycle, wheelchair
2. Play a Round of Golf at Chambers Bay
One of the most engaging things to do in University Place is visiting the sprawling golf course. Ranked as the 24th best golf course in the United States by Golf Digest with it’s tawny fescue grasses, towering sand dunes, massive fairways, and breathtaking views of the Puget Sound and snow-capped Olympic Mountains, Chambers Bay of University Place brings the traditions of Scottish links land to the Pacific Northwest. Some of golf’s great championships, including the 2015 U.S. Open, have been decided on these fairways and greens. This 18-hole, walking-only golf course provides an authentic links experience for players of every ability.
3. Watch Art Being Made at Pierce County’s Famous Museum of Glass
A short drive from University place in Pierce County, the Museum of Glass is a premier contemporary art museum dedicated to glass and glassmaking in the West Coast’s largest and most active museum glass studio. Each year over 100,000 visitors cross the Chihuly Bridge of Glass to explore the glass museum and watch live glass blowing in Tacoma. It’s rare to find a venue where you can watch live glassmaking, experience glass art from emerging artists as well as masters, and have the chance to try your hand at it. Museum of Glass prides itself on delivering all of these experiences, and it’s getting noticed. In 2017, USA Today listed the Museum of Glass as a top 10 tourist destination in Washington state.
4. Looking for a Great Burger? The Beach Tavern at Titlow Will Satisfy Every Time.
Burger places in Tacoma might think they have the Pierce County market cornered, but University Place boasts some worthy burgers of its own. Located next to Titlow Beach, the aptly named Beach Tavern at Titlow is famous for its friendly locals, great drinks, and great burgers. If you stick around the storied University Place restaurant and bar long enough, you’ll see the trains that travel up and down the West Coast along the rails just outside.
5. Hungry for a taste of the Mediterranean? The Mediterranean Gyro Grill in University Place is top Ranked on Yelp for Authentic Flavors and Ambiance.
Mediterranean Gyro Grill prides itself on bringing the authentic flavors of Greek food to University Place. With an authentic atmosphere and excellent service, this University Place restaurant strives to take you to the Greek Isles with their wide variety of menu items, bold and fabulous flavors, and traditional Mediterranean ambiance. Delicious recipes that have been perfected over the years are made in-house daily.
6. Love Ice Cream? Bliss Small Batch Creamery will be your new guilty pleasure.
One essential thing to do in University Place is to try the local ice cream. Located in the University Village at Chambers Bay, Bliss Small Batch Creamery has a near cult following. Because they are making their own ice cream locally in small batches, the flavor creation possibilities are endless. As moms of kids with food allergies and chemical reactions, they are committed to only using the very best natural ingredients that are free from any artificial dyes, flavors and preservatives. They also offer a variety of options that are dairy-free, egg-free, gluten-free and nut-free.
7. End your day at the Premier Relaxation and Recovery Center, Urban Float University Place
To feel completely refreshed from your day around town, visit a float tank in University Place to relax in a private float tank rich in epsom salt or try an infrared sauna to relax.
There are more things to do in University Place and Pierce County than can possibly be enjoyed in one day. Enjoy a float every day of your visit with a float package. First-time floaters can enjoy 3 floats for $179!