Puyallup is known for its antiques stores, many of which are located next to each other on the main north-south street of Meridian. Puyallup is one of many cities and towns in Washington that contains an "old-fashioned" downtown shopping area. There are also lots of shopping opportunities on Puyallup's South Hill. The city boasts cinemas, restaurants, a two-year community college, parks and recreation, good K-12 schools, nice residential districts, and a lot more.
In its early years, Puyallup was an agricultural community. Farmers grew hops, berries, and flowers and the city continues to pay homage to its agricultural roots. Citizens are able to grow lush vegetable gardens in soil which has been nourished by eons of volcanic and glacial geologic activity.
The valley in which Puyallup was originally settled is the heart of the town. Its fertile soil is optimal for the acres of daffodils that are grown for distribution world-wide and are featured in the town's annual spring parade.
The spring is celebrated with the annual four-part Daffodil Festival Parade, which takes place every year in Tacoma, Puyallup, Sumner, and Orting. The parade includes many groups and many floats, most of which are covered in daffodils, or are themed in the daffodil season. Most of the local junior high and high school marching bands also participate. Car clubs, veteran groups, and businesses are a part of the parade.
Puyallup is home to the Puyallup Fair, the largest annual state fair in Washington attracting over 1 million people each fall. The Puyallup Fair is also one of the ten largest fairs in the country. The city itself is built around the Puyallup Fairgrounds and the fairgrounds can be seen prominently from neighboring South Hill. The fair traditionally runs for two weeks in September and one weekend in April (i.e., the "Spring Fair"). The fair serves as an anchor for unique local businesses and restaurants. Visitors from around the world come to "Do The Puyallup," as the slogan goes.
The Meeker Mansion, a 17-room Italianate Victorian mansion located in the heart of historic downtown Puyallup.
Arts Downtown Outdoor Gallery provides a free, year-round gallery of works created by students, professionals and emerging artists. Free walking tours are available.