Sunnyside Beach Park — Attraction in Steilacoom

Sunnyside Beach Park in Steilacoom, Washington—it’s a charming little waterfront gem right on the Puget Sound, located at Chambers Creek Road. This spot offers easy access to a sandy beach (best at low tide for exploring seaweed beds and shells), with stunning views of the water, nearby islands like McNeil (famous for its prison history), distant Olympic Mountains, and even the Tacoma Narrows Bridge on clear days. It’s family-friendly, with grassy play areas, picnic shelters, BBQ grills, a volleyball court, benches for relaxing, and a small playground, perfect for a sunny afternoon picnic, a leisurely walk, or even some beginner scuba diving if you’re into that. Parking is available but costs $5 for non-residents (residents get a free sticker, must go to Steilacoom Public Works office to get it), and you’ll cross some railroad tracks to reach the beach, though it’s all paved and accessible, including for wheelchairs. Water quality is tested regularly, so it’s safe for swimming in summer. If you’re in the area near Pioneer Park, it’s just a short drive east, definitely worth a visit for that peaceful,...

Sunnyside is a delightful little beach sitting next to a train track down below Lakewood. To enter the little park you will want to park in its designated parking lot on the opposite side of the train tracks, parking is $5 but it contributes towards maintenance and upkeep. In the park you'll find a nice area for volleyball, outdoor showers, picnic tables, a cabana and a playground. Along with a nice large grassy field. The one downside I have with this park is the bathroom, granted I have only been in the men's, but it is not pretty. Two stalls and one urinal, one sink with no soap or paper towels. After taking one step in there I knew I wouldn't be making a second trip in the foreseeable future. Besides the two stalls being overflowed with you-know-what, didn't seem like the floors or walls have been cleaned in a while..... maybe i just happened to visit the day before their scheduled cleaning, but...

We like the area for the views and availability of the covered picnic areas. There's a train passing by every so often, and who doesn't like the roar of a train? They are sometimes as close together as one or two an hour. There are sand volleyball courts. Cooking hibachis are in good condition and we supported several families using just one. The beach has plenty of great throwing rocks that kept the kiddos entertained for several spurts during the afternoon. There are the usual kids climbing activities and swings that were all in good condition. The nearby ferry terminal provides a near constant stream of incoming and outgoing ferry traffic to the nearby islands. It does have a parking lot, however it is a pay lot. The hours vary depending on the season and seem to mostly list something like, park open during...