Charlotte's Blueberry Park
A 20-acre park in Tacoma where you can pick thousands of free blueberries during the season. A true community gem!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak berry season
Charlotte's Blueberry Park
Best Time
Peak berry season
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 20-acre park in Tacoma where you can pick thousands of free blueberries during the season. A true community gem!
"Thousands of blueberry bushes can be picked in season at this farm turned 20-acre public park."
Hands-Free Picking Hack
Loop a t-shirt bag around your neck with a string for hands-free berry collecting! :shopping_bags:
Bring Your Own Containers
While bags are provided, bringing your own bowls or containers is recommended for larger hauls. :bowlwithspoon:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Endless Blueberry Bushes
Main picking areas
Thousands of blueberry bushes offer a bountiful, free harvest during peak season. Pick by the handful or fill your containers!
Community Spirit
Throughout the park
This park thrives on community care, offering free food and a peaceful escape. It's a testament to local preservation efforts.
Playground Fun
Near the main entrance
A great addition for families, offering a place for kids to play before or after their berry-picking adventure.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Berry Picking Season
Park Awareness
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Hands-Free Picking Hack
Loop a t-shirt bag around your neck with a string for hands-free berry collecting! :shopping_bags:
Bring Your Own Containers
While bags are provided, bringing your own bowls or containers is recommended for larger hauls. :bowlwithspoon:
Check Ripeness Before You Go
Berries ripen at different times. Check recent posts or ask locals about ripeness before making the trip. :calendar:
Stay Aware of Surroundings
Stick to the main park areas and playground. Avoid unpaved southern trails due to potential safety concerns. :eyes:
Tips
from all over the internet
Hands-Free Picking Hack
Loop a t-shirt bag around your neck with a string for hands-free berry collecting! :shopping_bags:
Bring Your Own Containers
While bags are provided, bringing your own bowls or containers is recommended for larger hauls. :bowlwithspoon:
Check Ripeness Before You Go
Berries ripen at different times. Check recent posts or ask locals about ripeness before making the trip. :calendar:
Stay Aware of Surroundings
Stick to the main park areas and playground. Avoid unpaved southern trails due to potential safety concerns. :eyes:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking through berry patches and potentially uneven terrain. :athletic_shoe:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Charlotte's Blueberry Park for its incredible offering of free, pick-your-own blueberries, making it a unique and beloved community spot. While the park is praised for its bounty and family-friendly atmosphere, some guests mention concerns about the surrounding area and less-maintained sections, advising awareness for a fully enjoyable visit.
"Cute little Park unfortunately it's not in the greatest of areas a lot of homeless people in their cars are parked up and down the street right there by the park. But it is a cute little area not a lot of shade in some parts of the trail."
Cheryl Baker
"The blueberries aren't ripe yet, but it was still a pleasant experience to walk through the patches and the surrounding park. It's a peaceful place with lots of songbirds and wildflowers. I suggest avoiding the unpaved trail that heads south from the patch. Although the forest itself is pretty above the ground, the floor is littered with garbage, and the area seems pretty sketchy. There weren't many people in the park, but of the few that were some were not sober. I didn't feel particularly unsafe, but not knowing the area, I imagine it would be better to be in a group than solo."
Dan's Inferno
"Great park. Bring a bowl and bring the family. Just stay away from the back part of the park if you dont want to encounter homeless. But they didnt bother us. Great little park for blueberries and blackberries!!"
Treva Bergem
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Charlotte's Blueberry Park is located at 7402 E D St, Tacoma, WA 98404. It's accessible by car, with parking available along the street. Public transportation options may be limited, so driving is generally recommended.
Parking is available along the streets surrounding the park. Be aware that during peak times, street parking can fill up.
Yes, the park is generally easy to find using GPS. The address is 7402 E D St, Tacoma, WA 98404.
The best routes will depend on your starting point in Tacoma or surrounding areas. Using a GPS app is highly recommended for real-time traffic updates and the most efficient route.
Biking to the park is possible, but be sure to check for safe cycling routes in Tacoma. There are no dedicated bike racks mentioned, so plan accordingly if you arrive by bike. :bike:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Charlotte's Blueberry Park is completely free! You can pick blueberries and enjoy the park without any admission fees. :moneywithwings:
The best part is that picking blueberries at Charlotte's Blueberry Park is free! You can harvest as many as you like to take home. :gift:
The park is generally open during daylight hours. Specific operating hours are not usually posted, but it's a public park, so assume standard park access times. :clock10:
The prime blueberry picking season typically runs from July through September. It's best to check local conditions for ripeness as it can vary. :calendar:
While the berries are free, it's good practice to pick responsibly and not over-harvest. Focus on ripe berries and leave some for others. :seedling:
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Besides blueberry picking, the park features a playground for children and walking paths through the surrounding natural areas. It's also a peaceful spot for birdwatching. :bird:
Yes, it's a fantastic spot for families! Kids love the free berry picking and the playground. Just be mindful of the park's surroundings. :family_ww:
Some parts of the park offer shade, but certain trails and berry patches can be quite exposed. Bringing sun protection is advisable. :sunwithface:
Bring containers for your berries, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection (hat, sunscreen), and perhaps a small bag for personal items. A string for the t-shirt bag hack is also a great idea! :handbag:
The park is generally kept in good shape by volunteers and the community, especially the main blueberry patches and playground. Some unpaved areas may be less maintained. :sparkles:
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, there are no food vendors or restaurants within Charlotte's Blueberry Park. It's a natural park focused on berry picking and recreation. :forkandknife:
Yes, picnicking is a great idea! You can bring your own food and enjoy it in designated areas of the park. Remember to pack out all your trash. :picnic_table:
There are various dining options in Tacoma, a short drive from the park. You can find everything from casual eateries to sit-down restaurants. :map:
The possibilities are endless! Fresh blueberries are perfect for pancakes, muffins, pies, smoothies, or simply enjoyed by the handful. :pancakes:
Information about water fountains is not readily available. It's best to bring your own water bottles, especially during warmer months. :water_wave:
📸 📸 Photography
The blueberry patches themselves, especially when laden with ripe berries, make for vibrant photos. The surrounding natural areas and the playground also offer picturesque opportunities. :camerawithflash:
Absolutely! The park offers opportunities to photograph the blueberry bushes, wildflowers, and local birdlife. The natural setting is quite charming. :camera:
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with Metro Parks Tacoma or local authorities regarding drone operation policies before flying. :drone:
The 'golden hours' – early morning and late afternoon – often provide the best light for photography, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. :sunrise:
Capturing the act of picking berries, close-ups of the ripe blueberries, and wide shots of the expansive bushes are highly recommended. :camerawithflash:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a great way to teach children about where food comes from and enjoy a healthy snack. Beyond the berries, the park also features a playground, providing additional entertainment for younger visitors.
💰 Budget Travelers
+1 This allows you to enjoy a rewarding outdoor experience without spending a dime on admission or produce. To keep costs even lower, pack your own picnic lunch and snacks. [^picnictable] Bring reusable containers for your berry haul to avoid purchasing disposable ones.
While parking is street-based and free, consider carpooling if traveling with others to save on gas. 🚶♀️ Nature Enthusiasts & Photographers
+1 The park also provides opportunities for birdwatching and observing local flora. For photographers, the 'golden hours' of early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for capturing the vibrant colors of the berries and the serene park atmosphere. [^sunrise] Close-ups of the berries and wider shots of the bushes are highly recommended.
While the main areas are pleasant, be mindful of the park's surroundings and stick to the more maintained paths for the best photographic and nature-viewing experience. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Charlotte's Blueberry Park
+1In 1997, Metro Parks Tacoma took over the land, recognizing its value as a community resource. They officially preserved the park, transforming the former farm into a public space for all to enjoy. This transition ensured that the legacy of the blueberry farm would continue for generations, offering free access to nature's bounty.
+1Today, the park stands as a testament to community effort and preservation. It continues to be a cherished destination for free berry picking and a peaceful retreat, embodying the spirit of its agricultural past while serving modern recreational needs.
Berry Picking Tips from the Community
When it comes to containers, while some visitors use bags provided by the park, bringing your own bowls or larger containers is often recommended for efficiency, especially if you're bringing the family.
Remember to check the ripeness of the berries before you go, as this can vary. Recent visitor reports or local park updates can provide the most accurate information on when the berries will be at their peak. Beyond the practicalities, the community emphasizes enjoying the experience. It's a chance to connect with nature, enjoy free, healthy food, and create memories, particularly for families.
Just remember to be aware of your surroundings and stick to the main, well-maintained areas of the park for the most pleasant visit. Navigating Park Safety and Surroundings
It's generally advised to be aware of your surroundings and to stick to the main blueberry patches and the playground area. The unpaved trail heading south from the main berry patches has been described as less appealing due to litter and a sketchier atmosphere.
Despite these observations, many reviewers still praise the park for its community spirit and the joy of free berry picking.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit