Point Defiance Park — Attraction in Tacoma

Nestled amidst the vibrant city of Tacoma, Washington, Point Defiance Park emerges as a serene haven, offering a delightful escape from the urban clamor. With its sprawling 760 acres of diverse landscapes, the park caters to a plethora of interests, making it a true gem for nature enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, and families alike.

From the moment you enter Point Defiance Park, you are enveloped by a sense of tranquility, as if you've stepped into a realm untouched by time. The park's expansive grounds are adorned with lush greenery, towering trees, and vibrant flower gardens, creating a picturesque backdrop for your exploration.

For those seeking an adrenaline rush, Point Defiance Park offers a multitude of exhilarating activities. Embark on invigorating hikes or leisurely bike rides along the park's extensive network of trails, winding their way through forests, meadows, and along the scenic waterfront. For those seeking a more leisurely pace, take a stroll around Five Mile Drive, a scenic loop that unveils breathtaking views of Puget Sound and the surrounding cityscape.

Families will delight in the park's abundance of kid-friendly attractions. Let the little ones loose at the expansive playground, where they can climb, swing, and slide to their hearts' content. Visit the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, where fascinating creatures from around the globe await your encounter.

As the sun begins its descent, casting a warm glow over the park, find a quiet spot to soak in the tranquility of your surroundings. Let the gentle breeze whisper through the trees, carrying the soothing sounds of nature. For a moment, escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and simply be present in this serene oasis.

Point Defiance Park is a true gem in Tacoma, a place where nature's beauty intertwines with endless recreational opportunities. Whether you're seeking an invigorating adventure, a family outing, or a moment of peaceful reflection, Point Defiance Park will undoubtedly captivate your senses and leave a...

it’s a true gem nestled in the heart of Tacoma. This expansive urban oasis spans over 760 acres and features everything from old-growth forest and stunning gardens to scenic trails, beaches, and wildlife-rich overlooks

The variety here is incredible. You can wander through beautifully curated gardens—from roses and irises to Japanese and rhododendrons—or head to Owen Beach for a peaceful stroll along the water . Don’t miss Fort Nisqually, a living-history site that immerses you in 19th-century trading-post life . And for animal lovers, the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is fantastic—one of the few places in the Pacific Northwest combining both zoo and aquarium experiences .

Parking is free and the park opens half an hour before sunrise until half an hour after sunset—perfect for early morning or sunset visits  .

Whether you’re hiking through ancient forest or watching harbor seals from a bluff, this place never disappoints. Highly recommend for locals and visitors alike—Point Defiance is one of Tacoma’s most...

This is a beautiful place, but I had a very frustrating experience during my first visit on Labor Day 2025. I entered the park and parked near the rose garden. The info booth was closed, and I couldn’t find any maps. Naturally my cell service was crap and google maps was no help.

I wandered around and kept running into trail and road closures. I was trying to walk to the aquarium but couldn’t figure out how to get there from where I was. It was fenced off and didn’t seem like I could walk there. When I finally spoke to someone I was told I’d had to leave the park and follow a bunch of detour signs and re-enter a mile or so away. I wish I would have known that before getting dropped off.

At first glance I thought it was one big accessible park that I could walk through, but that doesn’t seem to be the case. Wasn’t apparent when I did my planning, so I ended up leaving.

The pond near the rose garden also needs to be aerated. Duckweed has completely ruined it. The small Japanese and rose gardens were really...