More than just a place to picnic or toss a ball around, Point Defiance Park is a botanical garden, museum, beach and zoo rolled into one. With over 700 acres to explore, this massive park draws people residing around Seattle/Puget Sound area and is a destination for tourists as well. Point Defiance Park is located in Tacoma and sits on South Puget Sound. The park is a peninsula and offers expansive views of Mount Rainier, the Sound, nearby Gig Harbor and much more.
How to get to Point Defiance Park
From Seattle, take I-5 S, take the exit for I-705 N/WA-7 S toward City Center, continue on I-705 then take the Schuster Pkwy exit, at the first traffic circle, take the first exit, at the second traffic circle, continue straight onto N 51st St. Turn right onto N Pearl St. There are public transit bus routes that drop off at the entrance to the park also.
Best and worst time to go to Point Defiance Park
On weekends the five mile loop around the park is closed to vehicle traffic during the morning. Plan accordingly on weekends by exploring that area of the park on foot or visit the front portion of the park such as the botanical gardens and zoo until the loop road opens to vehicle traffic.
Admission to Point Defiance Park
The beach, trails and botanical gardens are completely free. Admissions to the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium and Fort Nisqually Living History Museum range from $4-15 per person, depending on patron age.
Must see/do at Point Defiance Park
There are numerous hiking trails found throughout the park, varying in length and degree of difficulty, for specific trail details, pick up a park map at the information stand near the Pearl St. entrance or at the Point Defiance Lodge Visitor Center. Thanks to the area's temperate climate, there's always something in bloom no matter the time of year and the park boasts several botanical gardens including rose, rhododendron, and Japanese. On clear days, Owen Beach offers a view of the Sound and Mount Rainier and in warmer months kayak rentals are available. Visit the Fort Nisqually Living History Museum or the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium to learn more about local history and wildlife.
Other places to visit near Point Defiance Park
Point Defiance Park is a short drive to the heart of downtown Tacoma, a pedestrian-friendly area home to museums, historic architecture and distinctive shops. Museum buffs should visit the Tacoma Art Museum, LeMay-America's Car Museum or the Museum of Glass. In Tacoma's Theater District visitors will want to stop by Broadway Center which boasts three historic theaters that have been restored to their former glory and host a variety of live performances.
Insider tip for visitors to Point Defiance Park
The weather along the Sound can change in an instant. It's a good idea to bring along a light jacket with a hood in case of a sudden rain shower or for windy conditions when exploring the park's many bluffs overlooking the water.
Author's bio: Amanda Bretz is an author and freelance journalist living in the Pacific Northwest. She loves writing, cooking and exploring the great outdoors.