Under $100: Tacoma, Wash.

Tacoma is often overlooked as a destination by its larger neighbor to the north, Seattle. But this port city on Puget Sound has some great things going for it, in its own right.

Start your day with a greasy spoon breakfast at Alfred’s Café, a former brothel turned greasy spoon diner. Dishes run between $10–12.

After you’ve had your fill, head to Tacoma’s best attraction, the Museum of Glass. Your entry will cost $15, but it’s well worth the cash. You’ll have access to the permanent collection and any visiting exhibits, as well as the working hot shop, with glass artists at work almost continuously. It’s a fascinating place to spend a couple of hours.

Chihuly Bridge of Glass © Nilanjan Bhattacharya | Dreamstime

For a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, walk over the Bridge of Glass (with its impressive, vibrant Chihuly glass work) to the Anthem, a cozy spot with excellent coffee — possibly the best in the area — and flatbread pizzas. You’ll get out of here with a drink and a pizza for under $15.

Spend the rest of your afternoon outdoors — Tacoma has some great options, including Wright Park, W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory and Fort Steilacoom Park, all of which are free. You can also walk the two-mile Ruston Way Promenade along the city’s waterfront.

You might opt for happy hour drinks at Tacoma Cabana, a tiki-themed bar with craft cocktails that will set you back $15. For dinner, head to the nearby city of Lakewood for some of the best ethnic restaurants in the area; you’ll get a meal on the cheap with options to dine at Korean, Vietnamese, Mexican and Japanese restaurants.

W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory © Judi Kubes | Dreamstime