Point Defiance Park Tacoma Washington
A sprawling urban park featuring a zoo, aquarium, old-growth forests, gardens, beaches, and scenic drives.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better wildlife spotting
Point Defiance Park Tacoma Washington
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better wildlife spotting
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sprawling urban park featuring a zoo, aquarium, old-growth forests, gardens, beaches, and scenic drives.
"Feels more like a state or national park, rather than a local park. Unbelievable value."
Download Offline Maps 🗺️
Cell service is unreliable. Download maps beforehand to avoid getting lost.
Wear Comfortable Shoes :athletic_shoe:
You'll be doing a lot of walking on varied terrain.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
North Pearl Street, Tacoma, WA
A unique combination of zoo and aquarium, home to diverse animals including walruses.
Dahlia Trial Garden
Point Defiance Park
One of the largest official trial gardens in North America, showcasing vibrant dahlias.
Five Mile Drive
Looping through the park
A scenic 5-mile loop offering forest immersion and stunning Puget Sound views.
Dune Peninsula
Waterfront area
Transformed industrial site with panoramic views of Mt. Rainier and the working port.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Point Defiance Park
Wildlife Sightings & Safety
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Download Offline Maps 🗺️
Cell service is unreliable. Download maps beforehand to avoid getting lost.
Wear Comfortable Shoes :athletic_shoe:
You'll be doing a lot of walking on varied terrain.
Check Park Alerts :bell:
Trail closures can happen. Check the park website or visitor center for updates.
Look for Orcas! :whale:
Keep an eye on the water, especially near Owen Beach, for potential whale sightings.
Tips
from all over the internet
Download Offline Maps 🗺️
Cell service is unreliable. Download maps beforehand to avoid getting lost.
Wear Comfortable Shoes :athletic_shoe:
You'll be doing a lot of walking on varied terrain.
Check Park Alerts :bell:
Trail closures can happen. Check the park website or visitor center for updates.
Look for Orcas! :whale:
Keep an eye on the water, especially near Owen Beach, for potential whale sightings.
Pack a Picnic :sandwich:
Plenty of scenic spots to enjoy a meal with a view.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Point Defiance Park as a vast, beautiful urban oasis offering diverse natural attractions. Highlights include well-maintained hiking trails through old-growth forests, stunning gardens, and scenic waterfront views. While generally well-regarded, some visitors have experienced frustration with unclear navigation and trail closures.
"Point Defiance Park is one of the best outdoor spots I’ve visited in the Tacoma area. The hiking trails are well-maintained, quiet, and surrounded by gorgeous forest. I even spotted a deer during my walk — such a cool and unexpected moment!
The views of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge and the Gig Harbor were amazing, and the fresh air and natural setting make it a perfect place to relax or get some exercise. Highly recommend for anyone who enjoys nature and easy-to-moderate hikes.
There are plenty of signs to help you navigate, and the air feels fresh and clean — a perfect break from city noise.
Whether you’re into hiking, photography, or just want to stroll through nature, Point Defiance is a must-visit in the Tacoma area. I’ll definitely be coming back!"
Jose Cruz
"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 treasured spots."
Les Herrera
"Can't recommend this place enough. Feels more like a state or national park, rather than a local park. The woods here are an excellent hiking spot. You really feel like you're escaping the city. Great views of the water, islands, and bridge. Owen Beach is beautiful and very clean. Free entry! Unbelievable value. 👍"
The Eclectic Life
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Point Defiance Park is located at 5400 N. Pearl St, Tacoma, WA 98407. It's accessible by car, with ample free parking available throughout the park. Public transportation options may also be available; check local transit schedules for routes serving the park.
Yes, parking is free and available at various points within the park, including near the zoo, gardens, and beaches.
While it's a significant distance, it's possible to walk or bike to Point Defiance Park from downtown Tacoma, though it would be a long journey. Driving is the most common and convenient method.
No, Point Defiance Park itself is free to enter. However, there may be admission fees for specific attractions within the park, such as the zoo and aquarium.
The park is quite large. Driving between different areas is recommended, or you can utilize the Five Mile Drive loop for scenic views. Many areas are also best explored on foot via the hiking trails.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Point Defiance Park is free to enter. However, if you plan to visit the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, separate admission tickets are required.
The park is generally open from half an hour before sunrise until half an hour after sunset, making it ideal for early morning or late evening visits.
Yes, it's highly recommended to purchase tickets for the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium online in advance, especially during peak seasons, to save time and ensure entry.
The park often hosts events, and the zoo & aquarium may offer behind-the-scenes tours. Check the official Point Defiance Park and Zoo & Aquarium websites for current schedules and booking information.
Many areas of the park, including some trails and the zoo, are designed to be accessible. The Dune Peninsula features accessible trails and slides.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Don't miss the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, the beautiful Dahlia Trial Garden
Absolutely! Point Defiance Park boasts miles of well-maintained hiking trails winding through old-growth forests, offering a true escape from the city.
Yes, it's common to spot deer. You might even be lucky enough to see orcas in the Puget Sound, especially from areas like Owen Beach.
The Dune Peninsula is a former industrial site transformed into a peaceful waterfront park with panoramic views, accessible trails, and unique slides and stairs connecting to the marina.
Yes, Point Defiance Park is dog-friendly, allowing you to bring your furry companions along for the adventure.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there isn't a wide array of dining options directly within the park, Anthony's at Point Defiance offers waterfront dining with scenic views.
Yes, Point Defiance Park has numerous picnic areas and scenic spots perfect for a picnic lunch.
The Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium typically has food concessions available for visitors. Check their website for current offerings.
The Ruston Way waterfront, adjacent to the park, offers a variety of restaurants and cafes with diverse cuisines and beautiful views of the Puget Sound.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages to enjoy within the park.
📸 📸 Photography
The Dune Peninsula offers stunning panoramic views,
Early mornings and late afternoons offer beautiful soft light, ideal for landscape and wildlife photography. Golden hour is particularly magical.
Yes, with patience, you can photograph wildlife like deer and birds. If you're lucky, you might even capture orcas from the shoreline.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or videography may require permits. Always be respectful of other visitors and wildlife.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is great for landscapes and general shots. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife, and a wide-angle lens is perfect for capturing the expansive views.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 The park also has numerous picnic areas, making it easy to enjoy a family meal amidst nature. Remember to download offline maps as cell service can be unreliable for navigation. 🚶♀️ Hikers & Nature Lovers
+1 Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including deer and various bird species. The chance of spotting orcas in the Puget Sound adds an extra layer of excitement for those who enjoy wildlife observation. +1📸 Photographers
The gardens are a riot of color and texture, ideal for macro and floral photography. +1 The Five Mile Drive offers opportunities to capture the beauty of the dense forest and coastal scenery. For wildlife photographers, Owen Beach and the surrounding waters are prime spots for potential sightings of orcas and other marine life. +1 Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for capturing the park's natural beauty.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Gardens of Point Defiance
Adjacent to the dahlia garden is the beloved Rose Garden, which bursts into bloom with a spectacular display of colors and fragrances.
+1 Beyond these, the park features other themed gardens, including Japanese and rhododendron gardens, offering diverse botanical experiences. These meticulously maintained spaces provide tranquil settings for leisurely strolls and offer fantastic opportunities for photography, especially during peak blooming seasons. Wildlife Encounters at Point Defiance
The most exciting wildlife encounters, however, occur in the surrounding Puget Sound. Point Defiance is a known location for spotting orcas, particularly the Southern Resident Killer Whales (J Pod). Visitors have reported seeing them swim near the park's shores, especially around Owen Beach.
+2 While sightings are never guaranteed, keeping a watchful eye on the water can be incredibly rewarding. Remember to maintain a safe and respectful distance from all wildlife. The Revitalized Dune Peninsula
Designed for recreation and relaxation, the peninsula features accessible trails that wind through the landscape. A unique attraction is the series of slides and stairs that connect the upper park level to the marina below, adding an element of fun for all ages.
+1 The Dune Peninsula provides a peaceful escape and a beautiful vantage point to appreciate the natural and industrial beauty of the Tacoma waterfront.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit