Reading that title might send your brain into utter confusion and don’t worry, it did that to us too. Travel + Leisure has released a list of the most romantic places in the US and Washington made the list but for a truly random spot. Here’s why Tacoma just ranked among the most romantic places in the US.

Travel + Leisure’s list of 51 of the most romantic places in the US includes Washington state. The list is in no particular order, instead, the inclusions are meant to represent the state as a whole.

When it comes to scenic and romantic places in Washington State you’re probably thinking of Deception Pass, Mount Rainier, and Olympic National Park to name a few. But no, according to the list, it’s Tacoma.

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Where in Tacoma? The Ruston Way Waterfront, a strip of grass located along Tacoma’s Ruston Way. It made the list for its views of Puget Sound, and Mount Rainer which most cities around the Sound have. Now there’s nothing wrong with Tacoma but Ruston Way Waterfront is a bit of a cop-out for being the most romantic place in the entire state of Washington.

So with that in mind, let us give you a few ideas of places to visit in Tacoma beyond the Ruston Way Waterfront.

There’s always Point Defiance, a 760-acre park that has beaches, green spaces, and even a zoo. As it’s on the water, it also has views of Puget Sound and Mount Rainier.

For a little architectural interest, you can always check out Browns Point Lighthouse, a 1930’s lighthouse that has been automated since 1963.

If you visit Wright Park you can check out the W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory, a Victorian-style conservatory full of stunning indoor plant varieties housed in a beautiful glass building.

What’s even more amazing about Tacoma is its close proximity to some of the best of what Washington has to offer. You’re just an hour from Mount Rainier, you can hop on the ferry to Vashon Island or cross the historic Tacoma Narrows Bridge and visit Gig Harbor and the surrounding areas.

So get out there, have some fun!