TRAVELING TO TACOMA AND PLU

The GAL Convention is being held at our longtime venue, Pacific Lutheran University (PLU), located in the suburb of Parkland just south of Tacoma. PLU is just a mile east of Interstate 5 via Hwy 512 and Hwy 7 (Pacific Ave.). The address is:

Pacific Lutheran University
12180 Park Avenue S
Tacoma, WA 98447

Driving to PLU
From I-5 (northbound or southbound), take Hwy 512 East (towards Puyallup). Take the Hwy 7 exit (Pacific Ave.) off Hwy 512, and turn right (going south). Turn right at Garfield Street (one block south of 121st) and go 2 blocks to Park Ave. and you have arrived at the PLU campus.

Getting to PLU from SEATAC International Airport
SEATAC is about a 45 minute drive (in good traffic) from the PLU Campus. You can reach PLU from the airport via rental car, shuttle service, bus or rideshare.
Shuttle service directly from SEATAC to PLU is provided on a reservation basis by Premier Airport Shuttle by Capital Aeroporter,
800-962-3579.

Getting to Tacoma by train or bus
Amtrak and Greyhound bus are located near the Tacoma Dome in downtown Tacoma, and connect with PLU by local bus (Pierce Transit - Tacoma Dome Station) or rideshare.

Pierce Transit is the local bus service which connects to Sound Transit (to get to and from SEATAC airport). Check the Pierce Transit and Sound Transit websites for schedules. The Parkland Transit Center on 121st and Pacific Ave. is just a few blocks from PLU.

Where to go on the PLU Campus
Registration is in the Anderson University Center (UC) on Park Ave. at 122nd St. It’s just south of the big old brick building (Harstad Hall, aka “Old Main”). There is a clock tower in front of the main entrance to the UC. You can park for free in any of the PLU lots across Park Ave. No parking pass is required, but do not park in any designated or restricted spots unless authorized.

TACOMA AND WASHINGTON TOURISM

Tacoma is the third-largest city in Washington State. There’s plenty to do in the Tacoma area with museums, shopping, parks, and more. Tacoma is the gateway to Mt. Rainier National Park (formerly known at Mt. Tahoma), and is within a day’s drive of the Olympic National Park, Mt. St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, Pacific Ocean beaches, and more. Tacoma is less than an hour’s drive from Seattle, and about two hours from Portland, Oregon and three hours from Vancouver, BC Canada.

Links to help you plan your trip:

Tacoma/Pierce County Tourism

Washington State Tourism

Washington State Parks

Mt Rainier National Park

Mt St Helens National Volcanic Monument

Olympic National Park

Seattle Tourism

A few fun places to visit in Tacoma
Point Defiance Park, Zoo and Aquarium, and Ft. Nisqually
Ruston Way waterfront, Point Ruston, and Dune Park (waterfront parks and dining)
Museum District in Downtown Tacoma:
Museum of Glass (and Chihuly Bridge of Glass)
Tacoma Art Museum
Washington State History Museum
America’s Car Museum (short trolley ride from the above)