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Point Defiance Park is a sprawling 760-acre park located at the northern tip of Tacoma, Washington. A peninsula within the bays that make up Puget Sound. Here there are forests to explore, incredible views, and fun things to do with the kids. If you are planning out your itinerary for the Pacific Northwest, then be sure to read on to make sure that you check out all the beauty this location offers. 

While there are so many fun things to do in Tacoma, Washington too (blog post on that coming soon) , there are also so many fun things to do in Point Defiance Park that shouldn’t be missed either, so read on for all the details. 

Disclaimer: There are some links in this article that are affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through them, we receive a small commission. This is never an extra cost to you. Thanks for your support.

Point Defiance Park 

• Open daily from 30 minutes before sunrise till 30 minutes after sunset 

Located on the northern peninsula of Tacoma, Washington and surrounded by the waters and bays of Puget Sound is Point Defiance Park. This 760-acre piece of land was originally designated as a military base (although with no base ever built). In the 1880’s this parcel of land was given over to the city of Tacoma and designated as a city park. Over the years different facets of the park have been added like the zoo (which was originally started in the 1890’s), the gardens, and even at one point an amusement park. With all of these additions, there has been some of Point Defiance Park that has remained unchanged and that is the trees of this primary forest. The roads and trails wind through this untouched forest area. With Mount Rainier views to one side, Puget Sound views to the other, and the surrounding of an old forest, you will find beauty here whichever way you turn.      

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium 

Within Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, you will find so much to do. You can learn all about the red wolf, polar bear, tiger, elephant, tapir, and sea lion by the zookeepers that care for each of these animals. They have presentations scheduled throughout the day, which is a great opportunity to listen in and learn or ask any burning questions you may have about what caring for these amazing creatures is like. You can also hear about the native aquatic life that makes its home in the Pacific Northwest from the Point Defiance Zoo divers. 

If you like to be more hands-on, then there is an opportunity to do so. Here at Point Defiance Zoo, there is a place to feed and/or pet the goats. You can even handle some aquatic life in their touch zone. Love being able to be hands on with the animals, just like my experience at Featherdale Wildlife Park. At any time during the day make sure you stop to take a ride on the carousel ($2 per ride) or have the kids play on the playground.  

Point Defiance Park has many free public gardens to see (we’ll talk more about that below), but there are some gardens that are only accessed while in the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. So, make sure you visit those as well. They also offer guided tours of the botanical gardens once a month, so be sure to check the calendar to see if that coincides with your visit.  

Point Defiance Zoo Hours 

• January to March: Open from 9am to 3:30pm Thursday to Monday

• April: Open daily from 9am to 3:30pm 

• May to June: Open from 9am to 3:30 pm Monday to Friday and from 9am to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday 

• July to August: Open daily from 9am to 5pm 

• September: Open from 9am to 3:30pm Monday to Friday and from 9am to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday 

• October to mid-December: Open from 9am to 3:30pm Thursday to Monday

• Mid-December to January: Open daily from 9am to 3:30pm 

• Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day 

Every year these dates and times may shift, so be sure to check out the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium website for specifics on closures and hours when purchasing your tickets. 

Point Defiance Zoo Tickets 

• Adults: $18 (Monday to Thursday) & $20 (Friday to Sunday and Holidays) 

• Children (3-12): $14 (Monday to Thursday) & $15 (Friday to Sunday and Holidays) 

• Children 2 and Under: Free 

• 2022 Update: Currently tickets can only be purchased online and require choosing a specific date and time of entry. If you miss that time, tickets cannot be refunded or rescheduled.  

Fort Nisqually Living History Museum 

Fort Nisqually is similar to the museums we visited in Williamsburg, Virginia, Charleston, South Carolina, and New Orleans, Louisiana. Fort Nisqually is considered a Living History Museum, so it’s set up as it would have been during its original standing. Most of your visit to Fort Nisqually will be self-guided by a map. The map will provide which locations to visit throughout the Fort area and give you detailed information about what that house or area was used for in its heyday. There are also guided tours which are an additional cost and would need to be reserved in advance.  

On specific days throughout the month, you may find that a hands-on demonstration is taking place. These demonstrations could be showing you what items may have been made using tools that would have been available at the time. Or it could be a demonstration about a certain way of life at the time. These demonstrations are always so educational and interesting. So, be sure to check the website to find specifics on the dates, times, and type of demonstration being offered. At the end of your visit, stop into the museum store to purchase any souvenirs or artifacts reminiscent of your day here at Fort Nisqually.  

Fort Nisqually Hours 

• January to April: Open Wednesday to Sunday 11am to 4pm 

• May to September: Open Monday to Sunday 11am to 5pm 

• October to December: Open Wednesday to Sunday 11am to 4pm 

Every year these dates and times may change slightly, so be sure to check the website when planning a trip to ensure there are no closures.  

Fort Nisqually Ticket Prices 

• Adult: $11.94 

• Youth (4 to 17): $8.58 

• Military or Senior (65 and older): $10.82 

• Children (3 and under): Free 

• Family Ticket: $35.39 which includes 2 adults and 5 youth tickets 

Point Defiance Ferry 

• Cost: Adults $6.10, Seniors and Youth: $3.05, Children under 6 are Free 

• See Ferry Rates for the cost to take a bike, motorcycle, or car across. 

Point Defiance Ferry is one of the many ferries that operate in all areas of Puget Sound. The ferry at this small terminal takes you across the water to Tahlequah on Vashon Island. The ride is short and lasts only about 15 minutes. Link is above for the ferry costs which will depend on how you are riding the ferry across with or without a vehicle or with a bike or motorcycle, as each cost is different. There is no charge to come back from Tahlequah. It’s only a one-way cost from Point Defiance Park.  

I loved my ride on the Bremerton ferry that took me over to Seattle (blog post coming soon). Although the Point Defiance ferry is a short ride, it’s certainly not short on its views of Mount Rainier and the surrounding waterway.  

Point Defiance Ferry Schedule 

The Point Defiance ferry schedule changes a bit with each season depending on whether its peak or off-peak season. But for the most part you can find that the ferry leaves every 50 minutes starting from 5:55am from the Point Defiance side with an earlier departure time during commuting days of Monday through Fridays. There is also an additional departure time in the mid-afternoon during the busy tourist days of Friday through Sunday as well. The Point Defiance ferry runs up until about 10:30pm each day. 

Early morning departure times are usually the busiest due to commuting, so if you are going across with a vehicle make sure to be there in advance of the departure time by at least 20 to 30 minutes. If you are going across on the ferry without a vehicle, then getting there 10 minutes in advance is preferred.  

Point Defiance Park Marina 

• Rental Cost: $50 (first hour): $25 (for each additional hour): $150 (for the day) 

• Rod and Reel Cost: $15 (Salmon net is an additional $15) 

• Lifejackets for kids 12 and under are free (if you don’t bring your own) 

Here at Point Defiance Marina, you can rent a boat for a day for fishing or just relaxing and taking in panoramic views. Included in the rental cost of the boat is that it starts off with a full tank of gas with room enough inside the boat to hold up to 4 adults. You also are provided all the safety gear you need. Stop in at the Point Defiance Marina Store which is open daily from 7:30am to 7pm. Here you can get all the fishing gear and licensing you need for your day out on the water. After your fishing expedition, be sure to pick up a souvenir as well to take home from your visit to Point Defiance Park.  

Free Things to Do in Point Defiance Park 

5 Mile Drive 

5 Mile Drive is well a bit self-explanatory, it’s a road of 5 miles that takes you all around the peninsula that is Point Defiance Park. It is divided into two sections: inner loop and outer loop. Each has its own rules and covers different sections of the park.  

5 Mile Drive’s Inner Loop is always open to cars and other vehicles since this is how you reach all the many things to do in Point Defiance Park like the Zoo, Aquarium, Fort Nisqually Living History Museum, Point Defiance Marina, Owen Beach, all the many gardens, as well as the dog park. People are often free to walk this loop as well, so use caution.  

5 Mile Drive’s Outer Loop is only open to vehicles on Monday through Friday from 9am to 2pm and excludes 11 major holidays which are New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Day, President's Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Native American Heritage Day, Christmas Day. During that time the road is still shared by pedestrians. But by doing this, 5 Mile Drive can be enjoyed during early morning hours, late afternoon to evening, and on weekends by those folks who want to get out into the nature and wildlife of Point Defiance Park to walk, run, or even bike unencumbered by cars and other vehicles. 

Point Defiance Park Trails 

All Point Defiance Park trails are reserved for foot traffic only and bicycles are not permitted. Bikes are only permitted on 5 Mile Drive Inner and Outer Loops. Also, please be aware that wildlife here is wild, so be aware of the nature surrounding you when you are driving or walking. Do not feed the animals (there is a fine for this) as well as dangerous. Ensure that you are taking precautions to remain safe at all times.  

• Outer Loop Trail: 4.6 miles 

• Inner Loop Trail: 3.3 miles 

• Spine Trail: 2.6 miles 

• Promenade: 0.79 miles 

The promenade is such a scenic walk along the waterway of Puget Sound with a direct view of Mount Rainier towering into the sky taking you from the Point Defiance Marina up towards Owen Beach. Don’t miss this short walk. 

• Secondary Trails: Cover about 4 miles throughout Point Defiance Park 

• Frank Herbert Trail: 1.18 miles or less depending on where you start  

This beautiful trail takes you all along the Dune Peninsula of Point Defiance Park. Recently named, Frank Herbert trail after the famous Dune author who was a Tacoma native, here you will walk along some art installations with Puget Sound and Mount Rainier views. Along the trail, there are plenty of places to sit and take in all the naturally beautiful surroundings.  Don't forget to park your hiking boots. 

Lookout Areas in Point Defiance Park 

• Bridges Viewpoint 

• Narrows Viewpoint 

• Gig Harbor Viewpoint 

• Dalco Passage Viewpoint 

• Vashon Viewpoint  

Whether you are walking or driving 5 Mile Drive, there are strategically located places to pull off to get the best views of Puget Sound. In addition to Puget Sound, another must stop is located between the Vashon Viewpoint and Dalco Passage Viewpoint and it is the Mountaineers Tree. At 450-years old this Douglas fir towers above what is already a tall forest. So, make sure to stop at each viewpoint along with a visit to the Mountaineers tree with your camera ready because these are photo worthy spots.  

Point Defiance Dog Park  

If you are visiting Tacoma with your furry friend, then be sure to visit this designated area for them. While they are allowed on the trails leashed, this is a large 7-acre area that is fenced that they can run free off-leash. There is also a fenced area for smaller dogs too. Located right next door to Fort Nisqually Living History Museum. 

Point Defiance Rose Garden 

Surrounded by the tall trees of the forest that makes up Point Defiance Park is the Point Defiance Rose Garden. With places to sit under the arbors, this is truly a place to stop and smell the roses. Point Defiance Rose Garden was a smaller scale of the International Rose Test Garden found in Portland, Oregon. Blog post coming on that soon. Visiting botanical gardens is such a peaceful way to enjoy the time in a new town.  

Certain botanical gardens are accessible only with entry to the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. In addition to the Point Defiance Rose Garden, there are many gardens that are free to the public such as the:  

• Rhododendron Garden 

• Iris Garden 

• Herb Garden 

• Dahlia Trial Garden 

• Fuchsia Garden 

• Northwest Native Garden 

The Northwest Native Garden comes complete with a map for a self-guided tour of each of the sections to visit. Here you will follow the walking trail to see flora native to the Pacific Northwest.  

• Japanese Garden 

The Japanese Garden has beautiful flora native to Japan. Here you will also find the traditional bridge, waterfall, lanterns, and teahouse aiding in the peace and tranquility of relaxation. Point Defiance Japanese Garden is similar to the Portland Japanese Garden (blog post coming soon) and the Butchart Gardens in British Columbia (blog post coming soon). 

Playground |Slides & Stairs | Wilson Way Bridge 

Within Point Defiance Park there is a playground area just for kids. Always a great stop to let out some energy, but the kids and kids at heart will love the stairs and slides. After taking a scenic picturesque walk over the Wilson Way bridge, which offers birds eye views of Puget Sound, you’ll find the fastest and easiest way down to the main areas is via the slides that run parallel to the stairway down.  

Tennis Courts 

If you like to play tennis, then this free activity can be enjoyed at Point Defiance Park. With no cost at all, you just stop in to pick up the tennis equipment and leave one driver’s license at the desk. After that you can enjoy 2-hours of use “on the house.” 

Owen Beach 

Another fun thing to do in Point Defiance is a visit to Owen Beach. Owen Beach is located right along the waters of Puget Sound with views of Mount Rainier. At Owen Beach you can rent a kayak, go for a swim, fish, or just enjoy the sun and/or a snack on the sand. 

• 2022 update: Owen Beach is undergoing construction and kayak rentals are on hold at this time.  

Point Defiance Visitor Center 

Here at the visitor center, you can rent out the tennis equipment as well as shop for Point Defiance Park souvenirs. Throughout the year, you may find park volunteers available to help you find the information you are looking for, answer questions you may have, or give a little tour. 

Duck Pond 

What better way to relax then a seat at the duck pond? Or a walk across the foot bridge while watching the turtles swimming and sunning and the ducks floating around? Just one of the many places to take in all the beautiful natural surroundings of Point Defiance Park. 

Where to Eat in Point Defiance Park? 

If you want to bring your own food and picnic here, there are plenty of places to do so. There are in fact 8 picnic shelters scattered all over Point Defiance Park. Some of these may be reserved for parties or special occasions, but many are for public use.  

Owen Beach Snackhouse

Located along the water and at the end of Promenade Lane is Owen Beach Snackhouse right on Owen Beach. Here you can purchase drinks and snacks. Given this is a small stand-alone refreshment place, it is unlikely to be very allergy friendly with regards to the food and snacks for sale. So, be aware.  

Anthony’s at Point Defiance 

Located right on the water near the Point Defiance Marina watching the boats and ferries pass by is Anthony’s at Point Defiance. Anthony’s is a seafood restaurant that has other locations scattered throughout the Pacific Northwest area. Anthony’s also owns their own seafood company, so they are getting the freshest catches delivered right to their restaurants. Here at the Point Defiance location, Anthony’s menu available online shows multiple options for gluten free adjustments to be made. So, whether sitting inside or outside, enjoy the fresh catch of the day from these local waters.  

Best Time to Visit Point Defiance Park

I always usually answer this type of question with “it depends on what you want to do.” If you want to enjoy warm weather and spend time on Owen Beach, then that will be a different time of year then if you want to see the leaves change with cooler temperatures. Everyone’s ideal temperatures for travel are different depending on what activities you like to do.  

Here in Florida are summers are long and we really don’t have a true winter, but that’s also because we are in the southeast corner of the United States. The opposite is true for Point Defiance Park since it’s in the Northwest corner of the United States. There you will find the summers are short. In fact, they last only 1 to 3 months. Summer starts usually at the end of June or mid-July and runs through all of August. So, if you are looking for warm weather and clear skies, summer is the best time to come. 

Overall, Point Defiance Park and Tacoma itself doesn’t have terrible temperatures year-round. It rarely gets below 30 degrees Fahrenheit or above 80 degrees Fahrenheit. And although my favorite time of year is the fall. It hits a little differently here in the Pacific Northwest. November starts their rainy season and most of the time even if it’s not rainy it’s likely cloudy. There is limited snowfall here usually about 1 month a year, but that runs typically from mid-December to mid-January. So, be prepared in your packing if you choose to come this time of year. You can check out my full packing list for tips and links and subscribe for the downloadable version. 

Where to Stay in Tacoma?

If you've read any of my other blog posts, you know then that I'm a huge fan of Marriott. I've stayed with them in numerous hotels around the world and some locally too for extended periods of time. They are always so consistent that I've come to rely on them when traveling to a new place. I know I'll always get great customer service, a clean room, and a great location. Well, here in Tacoma is no different. There are two locations for Marriott in Tacoma. They are both located downtown and are across the street from one another. Primely located, similarly priced, with stunning views and exceptional service and accommodations. So, if you are thinking of where to stay in Tacoma, then check out the two Marriotts below:

You can also check out Marriott's newest home private home rental site, Homes & Villas. There are some beautiful places to stay on there as well. Like the City Escape or the Charming North End Craftsman.

Thank you for reading along. The Pacific Northwest is a beautiful place. I’m thankful to have visited so many places in this part of the US. Have you visited this area before? If so, what were your favorite memories? Leave a comment below to let me know. 

Disclaimer: There are some links in this article that are affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through them, we receive a small commission. This is never an extra cost to you. Thanks for your support.