By Marguerite Cleveland
Photos by Marguerite Cleveland and SilverCloud
Point Ruston is an all-in-one destination that is the perfect location for a stay in the Tacoma area. Everything you need for a vacation or staycation can be found at Point Ruston. Visitors can enjoy a luxury hotel, upscale movie theater, shops, the gorgeous waterfront of Commencement Bay and views of the majestic Mount Rainier. Point Defiance Park with its old growth forest, beautiful gardens, zoo and aquarium, and a lovely beach are just a bike ride away.
Shop
Visitors to Point Ruston will enjoy a variety of unique shops to explore, including the eclectic Waterfront Market at Ruston. Discover over 40 local small businesses located at the market to shop for fresh produce, flowers, housewares and even pet toys. This is the place to shop for that special Pacific Northwest made gift. Each weekend throughout the year, the Waterfront Market hosts a Weekend Pop-Up market, which brings in even more vendors.
Stay
The stunning Silver Cloud Hotel at Point Ruston Waterfront is a luxurious oasis. From the rooftop pool to the stunning waterfront views of Commencement Bay, this hotel does not disappoint. It is filled with every amenity one expects in an upscale hotel, and the location of the hotel is ideal. Guests can walk to everything in Point Ruston, Point Defiance Park is just across a pedestrian bridge, and downtown Tacoma is a short drive away.
Plan to visit the recently opened Spa Serein located on-site in beautifully appointed facilities. Treatments utilize sustainable and organic ingredients. Enjoy at least one meal at Copper and Salt Northwest Kitchen. Chef Andy Gilly dishes up Italian-influenced creations fused with local Pacific Northwest ingredients. Menus change frequently to reflect what is in season. Insider Tip: Book a Water View Suite. It is so worth the splurge with its panoramic views of Commencement Bay from floor-to-ceiling windows.
Play
Rent an electric bike from Wheel Fun Rentals located steps from the hotel and the Waterwalk trail system. The friendly staff can help with suggested routes. Point Ruston links to Point Defiance Park via the Wilson Way Bridge. Bikers can then ride on 5 Mile Drive, which is only open to bikers and pedestrians. It is a scenic ride through an old-growth forest. Another option is to bike along the waterfront. After working up a sweat and turning in your bike, walk over to Ice Cream Social to enjoy some local handcrafted ice cream. Insider Tip: Try the Almond Poppy Seed ice cream. It was once a seasonal ice cream but was so popular it is now available every day.
Catch a movie at the Cinemark Point Ruston. The movie “Dune: Part 2” will be released March 1, 2024. It is based on Frank Herbert’s book, “Dune.” The Point Ruston area was once one of the most polluted EPA Superfund sites in the United States and it inspired Herbert’s book. After seeing the movie, walk over to Dune Peninsula Park to learn more about how this area was transformed. The park is named after “Dune” and is connected to Point Defiance Park by the Frank Herbert Trail.Sunset over Commencement Bay is a must. Take the Waterwalk trail to the edge of the property for stunning views of the Port of Tacoma and Mount Rainier. A perfect end to the day.