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Point Defiance Park: A Tacoma Treasure

Explore Tacoma's urban oasis: gardens, forests, beaches, and history converge at Point Defiance Park for an unforgettable experience.

Point Defiance Park, a sprawling 760-acre urban oasis in Tacoma, Washington, offers a diverse blend of natural beauty and recreational activities. From its historic gardens and old-growth forests to its captivating views of Puget Sound and the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, the park provides a memorable experience for every visitor [3, 4].

A brief summary to Point Defiance Park

  • Tacoma, West End, Washington, 98407, US

Local tips

  • Arrive early, especially on weekends, as parking lots can fill up quickly [17].
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking and hiking the park's many trails [2, 5].
  • Bring a picnic to enjoy at Owen Beach or one of the park's scenic picnic areas [2, 4, 8].
  • Check the Metro Parks Tacoma website for event schedules and possible traffic detours [2, 6, 9].
  • Visit during different seasons to experience the park's changing beauty, from blooming gardens to winter wildlife [2, 3, 4, 5].
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Tacoma Dome Station, catch the Pierce Transit Route 11 bus towards Pt Defiance Ferry Terminal [5, 13, 18, 21]. The bus runs hourly, and the ride takes approximately 34 minutes to the terminal [18]. From there, it's a short walk into the park. The bus fare is $2 [18].

  • Walking

    If you are near the Ruston Way waterfront, you can walk to Point Defiance Park via the Wilson Way Bridge [4]. The bridge connects Ruston Way to the Dune Peninsula within the park, providing easy access to the waterfront, gardens, and other attractions [4]. From the bridge, follow the signs to your desired destination within the park.

  • Driving

    From I-5, take Exit 132 (SR 16) to 6th Avenue. Turn left on 6th Avenue and right on Pearl Street (SR 163) to Point Defiance Park [11]. Follow Pearl Street northbound and turn left onto North 51st Street, driving to Mildred Street. Turn right into the park and follow signs to your desired destination [20]. Parking is free within Point Defiance Park [2, 10, 11]. Note that a section of Five Mile Drive is currently closed for construction, so follow posted detours [12, 20].

Unlock the Best of Point Defiance Park

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Discover more about Point Defiance Park

Point Defiance Park, a crown jewel of Tacoma, Washington, has been captivating visitors for over a century [2, 3, 15]. Originally designated as a military reservation in the 1840s, the land was authorized as a public park in 1888 by President Grover Cleveland, responding to the desires of Tacoma residents [2, 3, 16, 19]. Today, this 760-acre urban park welcomes over three million visitors annually, offering a rich tapestry of attractions and activities [2, 3]. The park boasts approximately 400 acres of old-growth forest, providing a natural habitat for diverse wildlife, including bald eagles, mule deer, and harbor seals [3, 5]. Visitors can explore miles of trails that wind through the forest and along the bluffs, offering stunning views of Vashon Island, Gig Harbor, and the Tacoma Narrows Bridge [2, 3, 5]. Point Defiance Park is also home to several themed gardens, including a Japanese Garden with a historic Pagoda, a Rose Garden with over 1,500 bushes, and various other gardens showcasing native plants, herbs, irises, and fuchsias [3, 4]. These gardens provide a tranquil escape and a feast for the senses [4]. Other key attractions within the park include the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, the Fort Nisqually Living History Museum, Owen Beach, and the Point Defiance Marina [2, 3, 4]. The zoo and aquarium offer a chance to encounter animals from around the world, while Fort Nisqually provides a glimpse into 19th-century life in the Pacific Northwest [2, 8]. Owen Beach is a popular spot for picnicking and water activities, and the marina offers boat rentals and fishing opportunities [2, 4]. With its blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and recreational opportunities, Point Defiance Park offers something for everyone [3, 4, 5, 8]. Whether you're seeking a peaceful stroll through the woods, a chance to learn about local history, or a fun-filled day with the family, Point Defiance Park is a destination that should not be missed [2, 4].

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