Point Defiance Park

Big beautiful park with trails, a beach, aquarium and zoo. I still haven’t had a chance to explore it all yet! I took my dog and he loved it! The beach is more rocky than sandy and there were some jellyfish washed ashore. Also beware of the raccoons. There were soooooo many of them when I was driving through the park! I normally keep my dog off leash but you may want to be careful and keep in mind of the raccoons in the area.

Been enjoying this park almost 40 years! It’s still a place I go to calm my spirit and let go of my worries. Owen beach was a favorite when the kids were small, then as they grew up the hiking trails became the best part. Now I am older I like the gardens and the view points. It’s a very special part of our family history! Just out of respect don’t feed those clever little raccoons and carry a small bag to pick up any litter you find. (That’s how it stays clean) Drive slow – it’s full of pedestrians and wildlife :)

This is by far my favorite park south of Seattle. It’s located right in north Tacoma by the water where Pearl street ends. As you enter there’s a large meadow and pond where you can find people hanging out on a blanket, reading in he shade or watching the ducks. The park is beautiful, clean, expansive and has something for everyone. It’s got a zoo as well for those interested. We love taking walks on Owens beach throughout the year or when it’s really hot in the summer hanging out at the picnic tables right bayside. Kids are always playing and splashing in the water — the views of the sound are beautiful. There’s a fabulous 5 mile drive that I have been taking drives on since high schools when I need to clear my head, it’s like being in the woods for a few minutes, very quaint. My family loves coming to the park for bbqs and even birthday celebrations at the picnic areas with shade from old and large trees with the parks little inhabitants like squirrels and deer that come around, at a distance time to time. The parking is free and abundant, covered picnic tables are available as well and there’s also a flower garden and pagoda available for rent/​events. This is definitely my favorite part of Tacoma although there are multiple wonderful gems it has to offer.

Wow… this was such a beautiful experience! A young deer eating grass greeted me at the park entrance and the scenery was beyond comparison. The trails seemingly went on forever and had just enough challenge with the hills to provide an excellent workout. If you have not had the Point Defiance experience definitely check it out!

Fantastic park. Owens Beach is beautiful and a must see. Lots of walking paths and trees for days. It’s worth the 5 star rating.

I love this place. Great place to drive all over 5 Mile Loop especially by motorcycle. Fantastic views! Great trails to walk!

I call this place my «happy place». I just moved here and felt a little alone leaving everything I’ve ever known. If I feel extra down I drive a few miles over here and immediately know that this is why I moved away from California. Every inch of this park is breathtaking from the mossy trees to the driftwood. I love the views of the Gig Harbor bridge and the way my dog jumps for joy when he runs along Owen Beach. The smell of the foggy air in the mornings and the way the sun filters through the thick brush.
Bring some sturdy shoes, a good jacket with a hood, and your lunch and just start walking. Although it feels like you might get loss, sooner or later you’ll run into a road, a beach, or someone else doing the same thing as you. Thankfully entry to the park is free, parking is free, and its all dog friendly. Enjoy and take a ton of pictures!

My first visit to this park on 1/​1, I know I’ll be returning many more times in the future. Pt. Defiance Park is huge, well taken care of, beautiful, with many well-​marked trails, beach, picnic areas, gardens, historical landmarks, and even a zoo.
There’s a five mile loop called 5 Mile Loop (hits forehead) that is a nice drive around through the woods. It has many areas to pullover to venture through the woods, get good views of the water, hike or bike trails, and just relax. Be careful and drive slowly, as people have the tendency to suddenly brake to pullover.
I saw rose gardens and a rhododendron garden. I made a strong mental note to come back in the spring just to see those.
Owen Beach is inside Pt. Defiance. I was there on a freezing temp kind of day so I was trying not to slide around on the ice rink formally known as a parking lot. It’s obvious though that this is a great place to visit. Beautiful views of the water, tons of driftwood for hanging out and areas to picnic.
I saw several places that had signs posted that reservations are accepted for them that look like huge covered picnic areas. One was near the water and one had it’s own playground equipment.
I didn’t visit the zoo since I didn’t have the time but I was there 15 years ago (man time flies). Marked down in my brain again to come back just for that.
Spotted a raccoon out romping around the woods. Signs are posted everywhere to not feed the wildlife. We know but appreciate the fact that you care.
I look forward to returning!

The Best Park in Tacoma !!
I love this place and I am very happy that is it close to me too. Great place to run especially when the road is closed to vehicle traffic. Great views can be found all over 5 Mile drive with a bunch of pull-​offs to enjoy the view without holding up traffic. They also have the zoo which I still have not been in after 10 years here, but I have seen the Zoo-​Lights which are fantastic.
There are many different things for people to do, the Zoo as mentioned earlier, paths through the park, a wide road to run or bike on, Owens Beach, flower gardens, and ton of other things. Once the construction is done at Point Ruston you should be able to walk from Owens beach to Point Ruston. The roads through the park are covered by trees and last year had a family of bald eagles living in one. Just a great place for everyone.
The only two things that annoy me are the random obnoxious kids driving their modified cars racing through the park and the those that cannot read the signs that say don’t feed the animals, such as the extremely annoying raccoons, which now line the street waiting for food and hissing at people walking by in the summer.
Otherwise a fantastic place to visit and even better in the winter.

Great zoo! Love the carousel! They have a goat feeding section! Thank you for the toddler park! Only complaint– try to tell the ticketing agents to be a little nicer. I have forgotten my member Id but had my license Both times– and Both times was informed what a hassle it was and favor it was that they wrote «member» on my ticket to get the carousel discount.

Overall Impression:
If you come to Tacoma, you have to visit here.
Price: FREE!!!
Positives:
–absolutely beautiful
–Tons of activities to do
The hikes are breathtaking. The water is calm, clear, and full of fish. The gardens are stunning and enchanting. What more can I say?
Things to do:
–fishing
–long walks along the pier
–hiking
–enjoying nature
–photography
–smelling flowers at the rose garden
–taking selfies
–the five mile drive
Things that cost money:
–the zoo
–the fort
–fishing (if you don’t have a license)

I’ve lived here for 4 years and this park still amazes me. My mom recently came to visit and she was absolutely taken away by the beauty that this park is able to show of Washington. She loved the view of the mountain, the water, the ferry, the Wildlife, the 5 mile drive, the viewpoints, and the trees that just engulf you as you drive through the park! While on the 5 mile drive we were able to witness breathtaking sunrays through the trees and just couldn’t help but to pull on the side of the road and take some photos! I will never get sick of this park! It’s beautiful during every season at any time of day!!!

I feel like I maybe only scratched the surface on visiting the park, but the marina walk along the Puget Sound with Mount Rainier in the background… an amazing memory of the specialness of the PNW.

This park is gorgeous! My husband and I came here to walk our dog and man what a walk it was. We got a little carried away and got off trail where our dog stuck his nose into a wasps nest. Of course the wasps came out with a vengeance. Other than that though the park was awesome. Free parking! There’s also a playground for kids. A great park for all to enjoy. :)

Best park around!
I love this place! It’s by far one of my favorite places to toss up my hammock and read a book. It’s a great place to have some «you time» after a stressful day at work or bring the whole family for some «us time» This park has almost everything!
–Zoo/​Aquarium
–Beach access w/​kayak rentals
–Scenic overlooks
–Beautiful sunsets
–Running/​hiking tails
–Historic Buildings
–Dog Park
–Family and Recreation areas
–Play Equipment for the kids
–Clean maintained restrooms
–Nature garden

What a spectacular park!
We did the 12K Sound to Narrows race today, and I was just awe-​struck by this park. Literally, around every corner is a postcard-​worthy vista of the sparking waters of Puget Sound, the ferries, the Narrows bridge, the Gig Harbor peninsula, the vibrant colors of the flower gardens, the serenity of the Japanese garden (complete with pagodas), enviable views of snow-​capped Mt. Ranier, the historic Fort Nisqually, the old Neverland grounds, and the windy paved trail that wends through the most phenomenal heavily forested areas.
I loved how there are washrooms here with running water and a heated hand dryer (not your usual Honey Buckets in the park!), and the bathrooms were CLEAN. Bonus! In fact, the whole park is clean. I didn’t see one piece of trash anywhere on the grounds. Not even a cigarette butt. This place is obviously lovingly tended to and cared for.
The park itself is huge, and it is hands down one of the most amazing parks in the state of Washington!

I have been visiting this place since I moved up here to Washington. When the garden’s in full bloom it’s a beautiful sight. There’s a zoo, a five mile scenic drive around the point, a beach and a lot of picnic areas and barbeque grills.
The pt defiance ferry landing is around the corner. A ferry trip to Vashon island is a must. But, for me there’s nothing better than sitting in the park, reading a book and enjoying my Five Guys cajun fries. The roses are almost in full bloom, but my favorites, the dahlia garden is at least 3 – 4 weeks from blooming.

Point Defiance Park is the perfect place to spend a sunny afternoon in Tacoma. Visit the zoo, the aquarium, miles of trails, a boat house, flower gardens, a dog park – all within the confines of this single park. With Well over a hundered reviews, I imagine you don’t need another voice telling you how awesome it is here. Instead I’ll tell you to hit up the beach, my favorite PDP adventure. When the tide is out you can get your hot little hands on just about every sea creature imaginable. Crabs, shrimp, anemones, starfish, limpets, clams, mussels, kelp, dogwinkle, barnacles, chiton, snails, seals, sea lions, and so many fish.
Pro Tip: Seven Seas Brewing is right over the bridge in Gig Harbor. It’s worth the 15 minute drive – they’re putting out tasty brews!

Huge park with plenty of trails to choose from! Everything from botanical gardens, to forests, to beaches. There’s a little something for everyone. The park is well maintained and I thoroughly enjoy coming here when I’m in the area!

We love Point Defiance Park.
The zoo has enough variety of animals to make things interesting, but it isn’t so big that an spontaneous visit becomes overwhelming.
Owens beach is a hidden gem.
The 5-​mile loop is a relaxing drive (or invigorating jog). The hiking trails are well marked and fun for everyone.
Ft. Nisqually is a «living» history museum, which means that volunteers dress in costume and pretend to be still living in the late 1800’s.
In all, Point Defiance Park has a lot to offer. It reminds me a lot of Stanley Park in Vancouver B.C., but significantly smaller.

Beaucoup d’espace. Bien pour faire du jogging. On peut aussi marcher le point sur la plage mais mefiez-​vous, après la plage autour des bbqs on né peut pas remonter en haut pour longtemps.