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Point Defiance Park
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
63 reviews for Point Defiance Park
63 reviews in English
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Review from Tom B.
12/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
Easily the best city park in Western Washington; better than most of the state parks (other than the fact that you can't camp here).
This place has been for generations in my family everything a public space should be. There are picnic grounds where I struggled for some time to correctly pronounce the word "hibachi"--love grilling in a park. Even if you're a little kid and the vocabulary gives you trouble at times.
There's a scenic drive through a forest tunnel that goes all the way around the point; you spend most of the circuit underneath a canopy of very mature evergreens, breaking out occasionally into scenic overlooks with views in many different directions out over the sound, islands, and across the water. They used to close Five Mile Drive to cars on Saturday mornings, and my dad and I would ride our ten-speeds around and around it.
There's the zoo and aquarium, of course, and there's Owen Beach down on the east side. Criss-crossing between the park boundaries are tens of miles of hiking trails. You can get to feeling like you're deep in some old forest without ever being more than a mile or two from your car (and not so far from civilization either). There are rhododendrons twice as tall as you are, and cedars and firs twenty times as tall as you are.
When I was little, there was a walking trail, a sort of mini-park aimed at kids, called Never Never Land. Humpty Dumpty welcomed the kids through the arch at the entrance, just off Five Mile Drive. The Old Woman Who Lived in the Shoe was depicted in there, and I can't remember who all else, but there were a dozen little statuettes for kids to climb on and in, each one a character from a fairy tale or other children's story. I think Humpty is still there, but that's it.
Past the old Never Never Land, you come to the original Fort Nisqually, painstakingly moved and reassembled here, and, past that, Camp Six, which is a bunch of old rusty logging trains begging for some donations to restore them. You can spend hours in this place. Friends have gotten married at the pagoda near the entrance, and there are elaborate (if fairly small) gardens you can tour. I love everything about this place. It suits so many moods. -
Review from Katie O.
9/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
I am going to now add my voice to the masses; this place is amazing!
Point Defiance is not just your run-of-the-mill park. This place is huge, and has so much to offer! My friend took me on a recent tour of Tacoma, and showed me the little garden where her sister was married. I can see why she chose the rose garden, as it is beautiful.
There are so many different spots to pull over and look out at the sound. You can feel the ocean breeze on your face, and breathe in the scent of freedom that explorers of old once inhaled.
If Point Defiance were closer, I do believe that I would be here after work pretty much every day. -
Review from S T.
Tacoma, WA
2/4/2012
VERY NICE trails but they are difficult for most children. Great for runners. BEAUTIFUL scenery. Great stopping/resting points. Near zoo so that's nice, can make a day trip and find plenty to explore. No parking fees. Great spot for photographers, walkers, runners, and kayakers.
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Review from Roger I.
Tacoma, WA
1/22/2012
An enormous variety of habitats, from the salt water sound to rain forest ecosystems, Point Defiance even has incredible views of The mountain. Many easy hiking trails weave throughout this 702 acre metropolitan park. For more information: http://www.metroparkst...
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Review from Angelina C.
Tacoma, WA
1/22/2012
What's not to like?!? It's beautiful!
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Review from Toni D.
11/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
Yes, Point Defiance is really nice. I visited for the 1st time on a date. You can see Gig Harbor, Seattle and Vashon Island from the park. It's pet and child friendly. Great for a long walk or even a hike through the trails.
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Review from Bridget M.
Tacoma, WA
7/31/2011
Point Defiance is awesome - I only wish there was a charge to use it to encourage more people to care for the place. It's ridiculous to see garbage cans overflowing - if it doesn't fit, take it with you!!! Also, at Owens Beach, you'll notice erosion causing trees to fall down the cliffs, but people still add to the problem by climbing up to etch their names in the sand....Please stop!
On a positive note, the running trails are nice and the off-leash dog area will hopefully expand soon (at least provide garbage cans). -
Review from tammy w.
Norwalk, CA
3/30/2011
What a gorgeous "park". I say park in quotes because it's huge and doesn't have a true kids playground! You can drive through in your car on the "5 mile drive", which I did. You can stop on the side of the road, take in the sights, sounds and smells, which I did.
You can feed the raccoons since they come right up to you, which I did. A bit intimidating for me because they were larger than some dogs and were not afraid to approach me at all!
There are numerous trails that go into the woods for you hikers and trekkers. You have the "beach" (which is a bay, I think) where you can picnic and relax when the weathers kind. There's a zoo inside the park too (which I didn't go to).
This park is filled with trees and nature's beauty. If you want to go somewhere to be in solace, this is for you. -
Review from Trina H.
Monterey Park, CA
10/9/2011
I have always loved Point Defiance! Now I get to share that love with my children.
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Review from Laura L.
Seattle, WA
1/13/2011 3 photos
Point Defiance park is amazing - I spent a lot of time here as a child.
It is huge, but it's not just a big park. There is so much going on. Countless trails for walking and bike riding and hiking. More than one beach. A zoo. A train. A rose garden, a Japanese pagoda (where my sister got married 10 years ago) and Japanese garden, sculptures and art everywhere, a duck pond, countless amazing trees, a ferry terminal and go carts (right next door), many hills and picnic tables for lounging.
The place is breathtaking, in all seasons, and is well kept by Metro Parks Tacoma. -
Review from Art P.
Snohomish, WA
3/25/2011
Best park in all of WA.
So gorgeous. Nice walk around the beach. -
Review from Ashley S.
10/30/2010
The first time I went to Point Defiance I drove through it with Jurassic Park music playing. As the music played I sat in the car imagining dinosaurs coming out of the flora, it is so fitting. The canopy is very dense with small streams of light penetrating the understory. The fog comes off the sound and mixes in the trees giving an eerie feeling, and then suddenly a dinosaur snatches your car. Ok that last part doesn't really happen, but it feels as if it could.
Today I walked on the beach, seeing several people scuba diving as well as a few crazy souls swimming (only wearing a swim suit) crazy! It is a nice place to get out of the city and feel like you are lost in the woods. -
Review from Jake H.
Gig Harbor, WA
9/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
This park is a true gem for the area. It is no wonder that houses near here are highly sought after. What I love the most about this park are the remarkable trees - they are truly special. The walk on the water way is a delight, and so is the walk through the fenced garden when by yourself. It is nice to sit near the Asian garden or watch the ducks at the large bond at the entrance. I just love this park and am thankful that the community has supported this magical place.
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Review from Chad R.
Tacoma, WA
9/1/2011
This Park is one the best things Tacoma has going. The Five mile drive is one of my favorite bike rides. The fact that they close the road on the weekend to cars is a great thing for runners, walkers, and cyclists. The gardens are a nice addition although i'm not all that into gardens. Boat rentals for cheap and the beach there is a nice walk. Also, the dog park is great.
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Review from Matthew O.
Tacoma, WA
8/22/2011
Best dog park ever!
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Review from Scarlett S.
Tacoma, WA
4/15/2010
Point Defiance Park reminds me a little of Stanley Park in Vancouver BC, except in some ways it's better. Sure, Stanley has a rugby and cricket turf clubhouse, a cool English lodge and an amphitheater, zoo, stables, and other neat attractions. But does it have a fort? A logging train museum? NO.
The zoo at PDP is really interesting and has separate levels and areas for different animals and even a marine life stage with seals!
I live here, but it's worth the drive from anywhere to see it. Don't forget to see the Chinese garden, Japanese Tea House, Botanical and Rose Gardens. -
Review from Danny N.
Campbell, CA
7/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great Scenery! Went here with my friends and I've noticed there were several spots for picture taking. This is perfect for dates or for walking around by yourself. They also have a many flowers in this park, which makes it more Romantic with your girlfriend.
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Review from Jess D.
Missoula, MT
6/14/2011 5 Check-ins Here
What a gem. I can't wait to come back here, over and again. I've been several times now and experienced something new and cool each time. From the wonderful beach (look for sea creatures frolicking!) to the various gardens and waterfront promenade, this place has it all. I am interested in what the little zoo has to offer, and I can't wait to ride my bike on 5 Mile Drive. We are so lucky to live close to this awesome place!
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Review from Dan M.
Tacoma, WA
4/5/2009
One of the very best things about Tacoma is Point Defiance Park.
I headed out there today for the first sunny day of Spring and, as always, totally forgot about the fact that I wouldn't be the only one to have this genius idea--traffic was backed up almost ten blocks from the entrance. Yes, Tacomans love Point Defiance and this is the first place they'll head when the weather's clear and warm. But despite this, we were able to find parking at Owen Beach right away, and didn't feel overwhelmed by crowds. It was busy, but with plenty of room for everyone to stretch out and enjoy the sun. The concession stand was open, people were out on the Sound in their rented kayaks, and we found a nice seat on the driftwood to eat a picnic lunch and people watch. It almost felt like summer.
Of course, the park is multipurpose and it would be pointless to try and summarize everything in one review: 5-mile drive, tide pools, the zoo and aquarium, trails, gardens, etc. Not to mention the various events they have throughout the year. There's probably something for any lover of the outdoors here. -
Review from Sam H.
Redmond, WA
2/26/2007
The ground pollution from the now-defunct Asarco plant seems to have magical hallucinogenic powers because I thought Tacoma was stunningly beautiful from the long beach. The sweeping views in the rest of the park on a partly cloudy day are some of the best I've seen on the sound. You could easily spend a day exploring without getting bored.
I wouldn't know how to get back to them, but there also are some Asian-inspired gardens and a rose garden. There's a cool duck pond too, so you can hunt for dinner. Watch out though, the nearby grass is slippery. -
Review from NANCY H.
Bothell, WA
6/27/2007
Absolutely gorgeous. Makes you want to sing "the hills are alive with the sound of music" theme while spinning around with your arms flailing. The best time is to go during the summer when all the beautiful flowers: peonies, chrysanthemums, roses are in bloom. Then there's the pagoda, a cool place to host an event. You will love the views of the sound and the feeling you get when are in this place.
Good For: hiking, family picnic, rose garden, zoo -
Review from Jen B.
10/2/2008 2 Check-ins Here
This is my therapy place. I go here to run away all of the stress of the week, to feel alive and lucky to be able to run in such a beautiful place. I see deer, squirrels, chipmunks, fox, and racoons on a normal run and the only thing i fear here are people popping out of nowhere into my world.
PS..Please don't feed racoons, they make more babies who never make it to the next year because there isn't enough people feeding them year around. Do them a favor and let there be less quantity but more quality of life.Listed in: Running & the outdoors
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Review from Dennis B.
Tacoma, WA
9/30/2010
The only thing wrong with this park is that it isn't bigger than it already is.
Unlike most people, I've logged so many hours here, I can easily navigate the entire park from beach to trails in total darkness. Which, by the way isn't allowed, mostly because it's fun, and also because dumb people get hopelessly lost and hurt which is a liability. I've even run across a scared, stranded New Yorker once.
Needless to say, I can't recommend this activity at all.
But I can recommend coming here in Late Summer to Early Fall, to walk the trails around the zoo parking lot. There are plentiful amounts of black berries to eat along the natural trails, and a certain path leads to the Rhododendron Garden, and from there Owens beach is a cross of the road away.
If you climb around the hillsides OFF the main trails, its rare, but you can find beer bottles from the 1950s and other relics of age. Even if you don't find any treasure, you get a good workout and a valued experience that takes you away from the harmful stresses of the city.
Anyway.. At anytime of the day, I would avoid the roads. They aren't nature, and teens may run you over racing through the park.
Have fun -
Review from Glenn D.
Tacoma, WA
5/22/2009
Honestly how could anyone give Pt Defiance less than 5 Stars??? It literally has it all. A beach, a view, the forest, wildlife, gardens, kids play areas, a boat launch, a zoo, aquarium, a museum, and probably more than all of that.
Where to begin with Pt Defiance? You can drive around it and just enjoy its beauty and you will fall in love with the place. It's real value is felt when you get out and explore. Walking the trails inside the forest is a wonderful experience and really something unique in such an urban setting. The beach is great, especially if you go early during low tide and walk around the point. The rhododendron garden can be beautiful at times and really provides a perfect spot for photography. The zoo/aquarium deserves its own review but is another great part of this amazing urban park. -
Review from Misty M.
Tacoma, WA
7/21/2009
I may be a little one sided on this, because this qualifies as our neighborhood park, but we're here a few times a week at least. When we can cough up the cash the zoo located inside is also a fun thing to do with the kid. The park itself though is gorgeous, Owen Beach is always nice to walk along and find interesting shells and rocks. Beware though, there are usually a lot of dogs in the park (and why not, it's a great place to walk a dog!) so be prepared if you bring little ones, they might get overwhelmed with the puppies.
I love taking my three year old here, she's got ample space to play in a very shaded playground area that's never lacking in other kids to play with. The rose garden is beautiful, and I love looking at all the different types of landscaping themes in the park. Walking/biking/driving the 5 Mile Drive is also fun. It's a gorgeous throwback to realizing what the Puget Sound must have looked like before settlement happened.
There are also two bus lines that run directly to the park, the 10, which begins at TCC and the 11 which begins at Commerce Transit Center (however, route 41 turns into the 11 for most of the day, so you could even ride the bus all the way from the 72nd street Transit Center.)
All in all, it's a great place to go when you want to relax or let the kids play,. -
Review from David E.
9/1/2009
What an incredible place and such a short way to go to get there. I wish I had heard about it sooner.
The views of the sound and trees are incredible. Owens Beach looks like a great place for a BBQ or picnic. The train ride through the logging camp was very entertaining. The Zoo was okay, could use more animals, but I really like the aquarium especially the main tank that had all of the fish you would see locally.
I plan on coming back over and over.Listed in: There is a lot in the South…
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Review from Kyle K.
Spokane, WA
7/14/2008
I LOVE PDP! The single place where you can find the most entertainment (and cheap, if not free!). My favorites are the 5 mile loop (drive, jog, bike), Owens beach and kayaking on the sound! I actually went kayaking on the 4th of July with a few friends. I was planning on doing a single, but one of my friends can't swim and had a fear of water (I'm so sadistic!) so I decided to do a double with him.
The plan was to kayak over on the other side (vashon?) and back under 1 hour. We would have made it if my friend wasn't so deathly scared everytime a boat induced wave came at us! lol. We were literally less than 200 meters away but had to turn back if we were to make it in time.
I'd advise anyone planning to kayak to wear SWIM WEAR! I brought shorts and a shirt and got totally soaked by the end of the journey (I might as well should have capsized in the water!). Or atleast an extra set of clothes -
Review from Amanda B.
Seattle, WA
5/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
Point D has gorgeous trails for running. It's odd that we see folks running on 5 mile drive, when there's a gorgeous jewel to be experienced in the interior of the park. The trails are beautifully maintained, with a soft, springy pine needle surface, few rocks, and of course, lovely cool forest. Thanks for being here for us, Pt. D, and congratulations to the people who do all the hard work to maintain those trails.
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Review from cathy g.
Seattle, WA
1/9/2009
This is a wonderful place to coem to see beauty, to people watch, to go to a well-laid out zoo. It is tasteful in hidign the parking an dkeeping road noise from the interior.
We took a group of pre-schoolers here last summer on a field trip[. It worked well for us.. all except when we went to hear a lecture on tigers and the speaker began discussing habits of mating and the male tiger..
mmm
Well, they are pre-schoool kids.. they didn't exactly get it.. adn we rushed them along to see the monkeys. -
Review from Allison B.
Pacifica, CA
4/9/2009
Okay! Totally biased. My friend took me here the very first time I visited Washington. It was a week in August before my junior year of college, the weather was warm, the sound was calm and beautiful, we ate a huge lunch on the water and I had just come off of a summer having worked full time in San Francisco.
I needed a getaway, and I swore once I left Washington that I was going to graduate from college and go live there forever. I may still! :) I sat on a picnic table with my friend, with big sunglasses on and couldn't get over how quiet and tranquil the area was. Then, at one point, car of cute boys cat called at us, and I was quickly reminded that I was in a college town-- my friends in attendance at University of Puget Sound at the time.
I remember the air feeling crisp, with plenty of shade and places for dog walkers, bikers and the two of us-- gossiping and walking along, and I went back my senior year of college with the same friend and my then boyfriend in October 2007- and the fall leaves were absolutely incredible. I had never seen anything like it, I thought fall only existed in Vermont, and I don't know-- in movies. Stupid old San Francisco with its ugly cypress trees and grey all year round.
This park is full of color, life, its romantic, calming and absolutely perfect for a few kisses and watching some sail boats. -
Review from Becky M.
Winston-Salem, NC
5/4/2011 4 photos
This park is beautiful beyond description. The only other rose garden that I have visited that even comes close to Point Defiance Park's rose garden is the Sarah Duke Garden at Duke University in Durham, N.C. There is a lushness about Point Defiance Park that involves all of one's senses. We visited in May, and the gardens were alive with color and fragrance.
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Review from Angelina Z.
Los Angeles, CA
2/10/2008
When I first moved here from California, I really wanted to surround myself with beauty , to solidify my choice for moving to Washington.
This place did all of that in one afternoon , what could take maybe months for people. One stroll through this majestic place can make anyone alright with the world again.
Very therapeutic, like those nature scenes in anti-depressant commercials. -
Review from Stephanie K.
Tacoma, WA
4/5/2008
FREE entertainment! Does it get better than that? Moreover, it's BEAUTIFUL there!!! GORGEOUS flowers, trees, and a beach!
A few things to do with kids:
Feeding Ducks: not a good idea :(
Find different rocks on Owens Beach, be sure to walk all the way up too. There are lots of cute sayings on the sidewalk part leading to Anthony's. Can be crazy on the beach when it's really nice out, lots of dogs too.
Play Hide and Seek in the rose gardens!
Drive 5 Mile and find a picnic spot. So pack a meal. :) So many beautiful spots to choose!
Have a show by the statue when you first enter. It's the perfect "stage".
Ok, that's what my kids and I like to do anyway. They're young so it's easy fun for now! There is also a picnic area with toy equipment. Have been to a couple of birthday parties there, what an inexpensive idea! One even had a jumpy toy rented for there, you'd have to set that up yourself of course. :) Reservations are also needed, if I remember correctly! -
Review from Derek A.
Austin, TX
11/10/2008
I lived in Tacoma for a few years and Point Defiance was always a favorite spot to go and unwind. If you enjoy fishing then walk down to Owens Beach and walk a little west to the claybanks for great salmon and rockfish. If nature is your thing then try out the 5 mile drive and be careful not to plow into any deer on your journey. You also get a great view of the Whales when they make their way through Puget Sound.
Be sure to bring lots of film or a high capacity memory card because you'll need it. -
Review from bob c.
Olympia, WA
2/18/2011
"Earths crammed with Heaven, and every common bush afire with God.
But only those who see take off their shoes."
EBB wrote that in the rose garden at PDP.
Well, not really.. but it feels like that in summer in the rose garden with
the fragrance of roses in the air and fallen petals are thick on the ground.
And over in the duck pond water light is shimmering just as it did before the white man came. Dragon flies have hovered here before man was man. Even before Neanderthal strutted his hour or two upon the stage..
Amazing how they can hover right before your eyes and then just disappear into nothing. Look up and see a seagull flying away from
you... it gets smaller and smaller and then..... it is gone. Magic.
There really is magic, you know.... ten to the 21 st power of water molecules in a single drop of water. A one followed by 21 zero's. A number so large that the human mind cannot enclose it. Now watch the light shimmering on the duck pond. Imagine how many molecules there in the duck pond. And then look at the bay spread out before you.... how many water molecules there? Close enough to infinity to make you take your shoes off.
Walk into the woods here. Anywhere. And close your eyes for a moment and imagine......
Point Defiance Park. My heart swells when I remember you. I love you. -
Review from Otto R.
4/9/2008
So much to do and see at Pt Defiance, not only do you have the Aquarium and Zoo in the same area, you have the Japanese garden with the pagoda, You also have Ft Nisqually, which overlooked the nisqually delta near Dupont, You also have a great public beach in Owens beach, where you can wander and explore the beaches. The five mile drive has beautiful vistas and wildlife abound. For even more fun, visit Never Never land and the Logging Camp.
A great day to spend the afternoon, even if you do not go to the zoo. -
Review from Michael K.
Seattle, WA
7/16/2010
I suppose it is time to pay tribute to the place that has provided me and my friends with epic amounts of enjoyment/protection from the police over the last 8 years. Whether we're wandering around the zoo after *content deleted*, enjoying the wide array of animals and trying to avoid stepping on little children or running through the endless woods naked having just eaten *content deleted*, Point Defiance will always be the go to spot when we're bored. I especially love visiting on a day tht's overcast and drizzling, when 90% of Tacoma thinks going outside is unacceptable, and the park is virtually empty. Owen's beach is very nice, although more often then not it is booked up by a Church or Cult of some kind, which has perks too, I suppose. In the end, while renting one of the picnic areas is a real treat for a big group, it's best to just show up early with a bunch of people, claim several of the bbq pits, and just spend the day pretending the outside world doesn't exist.
I neglected to mention what my absolute favorite part of Point Defiance is... I know it's kind of lame of me...But since I first got a out here from Minnesota, I've been utilizing Five Mile Drive at least once or twice a week. Something about driving 15 miles an hour through a little slice of the world that really shouldn't have cars at all helps me to relax and unwind after a crappy day at work. I also enjoy *content deleted* while listening to music and losing myself amongst the trees.
**Quick note - If you see the prick who feeds cheez-its to the raccoons out of his van, call the cops - I don't care if he's the loneliest man on Earth, he's a toolbox who never learned lesson one on interacting with nature. -
Review from Boogernaut B.
Seattle, WA
12/2/2009
Best all around city park in Washington.
A botanical garden.
A zoo.
An aquarium.
A living fort museum.
A logging museum.
A 5 mile drive through the forest with peep views of the sound.
A waterfront walkway/trail.
A fishing pier.
A ferry terminal.
A marina.
Tennis Courts.
Historical buildings.
AND. . .
the newest addition, an off leash dog park!!!!!
and much more!
We like to drive to Tacoma, hit the park, and hop the ferry to Vashon and drive the island home to West Seattle. -
Review from Walt W.
Ashburn, VA
10/16/2010 1 Check-in Here
This is a great break from the city.. in the middle of the city. The views from the lookouts are great!
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Review from Narnia P.
Seattle, WA
11/27/2010
The crown jewel of Tacoma. After living that past four months in Tacoma, I still have not fully explored what this park has to offer. My favorite spot is the walking my dog at the beach.
Listed in: Best of Tacoma
