🌲 Day Trip from Seattle: Chasing Mt. Rainier Views in Tacoma

Spent a weekend exploring Tacoma! So jealous of Tacoma residents who get to see gorgeous Mount Rainier every day 😍 This trip was all about hunting for the best photo spots of the mountain. Here’s the itinerary: 📸 Kite Park The most classic viewpoint! The vertical road leading toward the mountain is absolutely iconic. If you only visit one spot, make it this one. There’s a small café on the hill where you can park ☕🅿️. 🌳 Van Lierop Park This park features a swing with a view of Mt. Rainier — so picturesque! 🍃 You can’t see the mountain from the parking lot; it’s about a 10-minute walk into the park. 🏖️ Dune Peninsula at Point Defiance Park The mountain looks smaller from here, but the ocean view and the laid-back vibe of people strolling, dining, and drinking around the pier are so relaxing 🍹🌊. Point Defiance Park is huge! It includes rose gardens, a Japanese garden, an aquarium, a zoo, and even rental bikes for group rides along the water 🚲🌹. My favorite spot was the Stairs and Slide — kids were having the time of their lives climbing up and sliding down! And yes, two almost-30 office workers also slid like silly happy kids 😂🎢. 🚒 Firefighters Park A small memorial park for firefighters. Through the monument frame, you get a classic shot of Mt. Rainier with “Tacoma” inscribed. Super symbolic — just tricky parking! 🚨📸 🌉 Chambers Creek Regional Park No Rainier here, but it’s a perfect sunset spot! There’s a beautiful bridge, a pebble beach, and some ruins that give off post-industrial vibes — great for dramatic photos. You might even catch a train passing by! 🚆🌅 📍 Missed Spots & Future Ideas: Judge Jack Tanner Park – Rainier view Ruston Way Park – Rainier view Stadium High School – Hogwarts-like castle 🏰 Museum of Glass – Heard it’s better than Seattle’s! Chihuly Bridge of Glass – Glass art bridge near the museum Opera Alley – Graffiti wall 🎨 Debbie Dolittle's Petting Zoo – Petting zoo with cute animals 🐑 #Seattle #DayTrip #MtRainier #Tacoma #WashingtonState #TravelGuide #WeekendVibes