United States
Washington (WA)
Tacoma
Things to Do in Tacoma
Point Defiance Park

Point Defiance Park, Tacoma: Hours, Address, Point Defiance Park Reviews: 4.5/5

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Point Defiance Park

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Point Defiance Park
4.5
1,240
#1 of 66 things to do in Tacoma
State Parks • Zoos • Aquariums
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6:30 AM - 6:30 PM
Monday
6:30 AM - 6:30 PM
Tuesday
6:30 AM - 6:30 PM
Wednesday
6:30 AM - 6:30 PM
Thursday
6:30 AM - 6:30 PM
Friday
6:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
6:30 AM - 6:30 PM
Sunday
6:30 AM - 6:30 PM
About
Scenic park offering more than 700 acres of woodland trails, gardens and waterfront views, along with a zoo and aquarium.
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Tours & experiences
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The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
121 within 3 miles
Anthony's At Point Defiance
388
0.8 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Seafood • Soups
Antique Sandwich Co
57
1.1 mi$ • Quick Bites • American • Cafe
Macaluso's Italian Restaurant
24
1.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Vegetarian Friendly
Coles Bar and Grill
11
1.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Bar • Grill • Pub
Point Defiance Tap & Grill
23
1.2 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Pub
Don Ruston Market and Deli
14
1.2 mi$ • Dessert • Deli
WildFin American Grill
301
1.5 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Seafood
Tatanka Take-Out
19
1.3 mi$ • Quick Bites • Fast Food • Vegetarian Friendly
Copper & Salt Northwest Kitchen
2
1.3 miAmerican • Contemporary
Ice Cream Social Ruston
17
1.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Dessert • Fast Food
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Attractions
68 within 6 miles
Owen Beach
84
0.2 miBeaches
5 Mile Drive & Trails
248
1 miHiking Trails
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
996
1 miZoos • Aquariums
Cushman Trail
105
1.8 miBiking Trails
Chihuly Bridge of Glass
622
Points of Interest & Landmarks
I Love Kickboxing
85
Sports Camps & Clinics
Cheney Stadium
183
Arenas & Stadiums
Heritage Distilling Co. HDC Waterfront
83
2.6 miDistilleries
Wilson Way Bridge
1
1 miBridges
Ruston Way Park
51
2.2 miParks
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,240 reviews
Excellent
978
Very good
228
Average
24
Poor
5
Terrible
5
dustythoughts
Manchester, CT1,459 contributions
Large park with plenty of options
May 2022
I wandered through this park after spending all day in meetings, and it was a (literal) breath of fresh air. The park is well-planned and gorgeous, with five miles of trails for hiking, biking, or meandering. They have several beautiful gardens (I especially liked the herb garden and the Japanese garden, although they're all pretty), and the zoo/aquarium is fantastic. The beach appeared to be closed to the public for construction, although it looks like they're planning to reopen it this summer.
Written May 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
arewehere
washington state36 contributions
Natural beauty
Aug 2020
Spent most of our time at Owen Beach
Enjoy either a stroll on the board walk, or the pebble beach while watching the sail boats and kayaks.
Early morning is easy parking. Trails galore. If you plan to visit the zoo reserve your time slot ahead of time as restrictions are in place due to Covid-19.
All that the park has to offer takes much more than one day to see.
Written August 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Ldcvsi
Tacoma, WA21 contributions
If visit Tacoma, this is a MUST SEE location
Jan 2020
I live within a mile of Pt. Defiance Park and it is one of the best urban parks you will find in the United States. Central Park in New York City is amazing for the surrounding museums, but you will never see more beautiful views of the water front, islands, and mountains than you will see from Pt. Defiance Park on a clear day. And did I mention I the world class zoo, the amazing fuchsia gardens, the miles of hiking trails through the forest, beaches to hang out on, sea lions and harbor seals hanging out in the kelp beds? And, if so inclined, you can take a ferry boat ride over to Vashon Island and back, right from the edge of Pt. Defiance Park. And the new addition to the park, the Dunes, is a beautiful walk along the waterfront that is ADA accessible, and has to die for views. There is something for everyone in this park. Drive the five mile drive if you don’t have much time (but please drive slowly as there is lots to see, and there are bikers and pedestrians); but make sure to stop at all the view points for a view of Vashon Island and the Cascade Mountain Range at one view point, the Olympic Mountain Range at another view point, and a great view of the Narrows Bridges at the other.
Written February 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
ChicagoHiker11
Chicago, IL64 contributions
Hidden Gem
Jul 2021
I was very excited when I arrived to see that this park had everything to keep a traveler busy for the day. I had 6 hours to spend before I had to catch a flight and did not want to go too far from the airport. The park was a 45 minute drive and well worth every minute of it. From the duck pond, to the rose garden, the zoo/aquarium and the fantastic view points. It really is the best state park I have ever seen. But the most breathtaking part is the 5 mile drive, with all the trails. The pine trees, ferns and lush green forest is just breath-taking. This is a must see for anyone traveling through Tacoma and highly recommended for elderly people since the rose garden, pagoda, visitor center and zoom is very easy to navigate on flat surfaces.
Written August 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Barbara T
2 contributions
Tacoma's astonishingly unique and beautiful nature park
Feb 2020
Point Defiance Park is a unique and special place without which Tacoma would be a much less desirable city. The park is a peaceful refuge for nature lovers who can wander the many forest paths in relative solitude. We walk our dogs there on leash regularly, admiring the large native Douglas Firs, the chipmunks, racoons and squirrels, as well staring across the water views of Puget Sound to the peninsula beyond. It is always a soul-soothing experience! We return to the hurly burly of the city refreshed.
Those who prefer more established gardens can wander the immaculately laid out dahlia and rose gardens as well as the Japanese garden closer to the main entrance. And of course the assigned picnic areas and Point Defiance Zoo are great attractions, particularly for those with young children. Congratulations to the keepers and gardeners who keep it such a treasure!
Written March 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Skye
Fort Lauderdale, FL262 contributions
The garden is dreamy
Sep 2020
Before heading to dinner, we stopped at the botanical garden in Point Defiance Park. Thankfully for us, the flowers were all in full bloom, the weather was gorgeous, and this wonderful place is free!

There are rows and rows of amazing flowers that circle the gazebo in the center of the garden. Each row had amazing flowers of all colors, shapes, and sizes. There were flowers we got to see that we never knew existed before. The setting was extremely beautiful and relaxing. There were people sitting on blankets and reading or people watching. Also, a lot of photographers taking photos of girls. It seemed to be a buzzing spot. I mean that literally with bees too as they flew around pollinating the flowers.

While we were there, a few deer came out of nowhere and were near the garden. That was a fun surprise. I don't know what the seasonal months for the flowers are, but I hope you get to experience them when you go.
Written October 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Sam
Washington244 contributions
Always a fun time!
Mar 2020
Beautiful grounds, with many activities to do. We have been here many times over the years. We have had picnics on beach, visited the zoo & aquarium, toured the rose garden and 5-mile drive.

Today was a first for us. We hiked a few of the trails today. Wanted to take in some sunshine, and enjoy some peace and quiet. Trails are very well marked, very difficult to get lost. Super safe, well manicured terrain. Some areas are mildly steep, and have slight decent. Overall very easy trails. We took our time and enjoyed the relaxing scenery/environment.

Lots of families on the trails with their pets.
Written June 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
CavemanHHH
Placitas, NM841 contributions
Absolutely a Must Stop
Oct 2021
1st. Dune Peninsula: Wonderful place to take the family, couples walk, walk the dogs, ride your bike, or just individual sitting watching the seals/whales. This place has the longest set of slides I have ever seen. We did see seals, no whales maybe next time. You can just sit watching the boats or have a picnic lunch. Bathrooms were available & clean. No matter what the age you can enjoy. Wheel chair accessible.
2nd Park area: everything is free. Great place to walk around, wonderful trees & flowers. A few of the things we wanted to see were close due to covid.
Written November 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
RRla
los angeles, CA172 contributions
Worth the trip
Aug 2021 • Couples
This review is specifically for the Dunes Peninsula at Point Defiance Park, the latest attraction. This is a another good example of how a wasteland can be turned into a great place. Not only is this educational for future generations, it is so beautiful and serene one can come back again and again and I bet in a few years time the place will look totally different when all the trees and plants mature.
Written August 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Rocket R
San Ramon, CA15 contributions
Point Defiance Park - the Crown Jewel of Tacoma
Feb 2019
Cyclists, hikers, doggie walkers & kayakers...this is where you want to go to take in some of the most amazing views and smells that Tacoma has to offer. Ride your bike around 5-Mile Drive, hike/jog one or all of the amazing trails (no bikes on trails), or launch from Owen Beach for a trip across The Sound to Vashon Island. There are amazing views around each bend...and peer through the trees for more glory. I lived in Ruston for 4 years, Tacoma & Fircrest for 5. I love and miss Tacoma with all my little heart.
Written January 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Point Defiance Park
Point Defiance Park is open:
  • Fri - Fri 6:30 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Sat - Thu 6:30 AM - 6:30 PM
Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
We recommend booking Point Defiance Park tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 Point Defiance Park tours on Tripadvisor