Point Defiance Park Tours

Point Defiance Park showing a park
Point Defiance Park showing mountains and forest scenes
Point Defiance Park showing a park
Point Defiance Park which includes a bay or harbor and general coastal views
Point Defiance Park which includes a park and fall colors

One of the largest urban parks in the United States is a green space home to lovely gardens as well as a fun-filled zoo and aquarium.

Point Defiance Park is among the Puget Sound region’s most popular city parks. Enjoy outdoor activities, such as walking, hiking, cycling, fishing and tennis. Take the kids to the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, stroll through beautifully landscaped gardens and look for sailboats on Owen Beach.

Begin your visit at the Point Defiance Visitors Center to collect a map and plan your day. The park hosts regular special events, particularly during the summer, so find out if anything is taking place during your visit.

Explore the park’s scenic rose garden and peaceful Japanese Garden. The Fuchsia Garden features about 125 different varieties of upright fuchsias. This garden is popular with hummingbirds, especially from June to October when the fuchsias are in full bloom. Other formal gardens include a Dahlia Trial Garden and a Herb Garden.

Follow the picturesque waterfront promenade from the Boathouse Marina to Owen Beach. Enjoy beachcombing or rent a kayak to take out on the water. During the late summer and early fall, seal pups can often be spotted just north of the beach. These majestic creatures rest on the sand for hours each day to regulate body temperature.

The Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium is one of the park’s most popular attractions. This fascinating facility features an Asian forest sanctuary that’s home to small-clawed otters, leopards, tigers and elephants. See polar bears swimming in a saltwater pool and learn how Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium saved red wolves from near extinction with its recovery program.

Go to Fort Nisqually Living History Museum, where costumed interpreters teach visitors about 19th-century life. Check out the museum’s restored historic buildings, which were originally built by early European settlers.

Find this urban park about 7 miles (11 kilometers) from the center of Tacoma, Washington. Free parking is available in the lots next to the park entrance, as well as at the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium.

Point Defiance Park is filled with beautiful natural areas, outdoor activities and opportunities to learn about Tacoma’s rich cultural history.

Plan a trip to see Point Defiance Park

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Sultan, Dutch Cup Motel

Sultan, Dutch Cup Motel

2.5 out of 5
Save 100% on your flight
Price was $434, price is now $292 per person
$292
per person
Nov 12 - Nov 16
found 17 hours ago
Roundtrip flight included
Phoenix (PHX) to Seattle (SEA)
8.6/10 Excellent! (244 reviews)
The room was one of the best motels I have stayed in. The only downside is a train that came by a couple of times in the early morning, which woke me a couple of times when it blasted its horn as it went by.

Reviewed on Aug 17, 2025

1 Hotel Seattle

1 Hotel Seattle

5 out of 5
Downtown Seattle
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Price was $1,227, price is now $763 per person
$763
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Sep 26 - Sep 29
found 23 hours ago
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Denver (DEN) to Seattle (SEA)
9.2/10 Wonderful! (97 reviews)
I celebrated my 30th birthday the staff were amazing & very accommodating, definitely will be booking again soon

Reviewed on Aug 18, 2025

Coast Seattle Downtown Hotel by APA

Coast Seattle Downtown Hotel by APA

4 out of 5
Downtown Seattle
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Price was $567, price is now $387 per person
$387
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Nov 7 - Nov 11
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip flight included
Denver (DEN) to Seattle (SEA)
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,779 reviews)
Loved that is was safe and convenient in the downtown area. Was very clean. Just couldn’t get the room to cool down - love a cool room when I sleep and this was not the case

Reviewed on Aug 23, 2025

Popular places to visit

Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium showing marine life

Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Visit a red wolf habitat, watch polar bears swim and see elephants in a simulated forest environment at this unique zoo and aquarium.

Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium
View of Mt Rainier from the beach

Owen Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Owen Beach during your trip to Tacoma?

Owen Beach
Fort Nisqually Living History Museum

Fort Nisqually Living History Museum

Interact with interpreters in period clothing and explore replica 19th-century buildings at this living history museum.

Fort Nisqually Living History Museum
A lazy balmy afternoon looking at one of Tacoma's marvelous parks. Next time you visit the region come take a stroll here.

Marine Park

Explore the great outdoors at Marine Park, a lovely green space in Tacoma. Stroll along the waterfront or visit the shops in this romantic area.

Marine Park

Cinemark Century Point Ruston

You can take time to visit Cinemark Century Point Ruston during your travels to Tacoma.

Cinemark Century Point Ruston

Cushman Trail

You can take time to visit Cushman Trail during your travels to Gig Harbor. While you're in the area, stroll along the waterfront.

Cushman Trail

Best Lodging Options Near Point Defiance Park

Bodur's Nest Whispering Garden

Bodur's Nest Whispering Garden

3 out of 5
5610 N Seaview St, Tacoma, WA
Bodur's Nest Whispering Garden
Bright & Airy 4 Bedroom Villa in North Tacoma

Bright & Airy 4 Bedroom Villa in North Tacoma

Tacoma
Bright & Airy 4 Bedroom Villa in North Tacoma
Bodur's Nest Whispering Garden

Bodur's Nest Whispering Garden

Tacoma
Bodur's Nest Whispering Garden
Walk to the waterfront The South Sound

Walk to the waterfront The South Sound

3 out of 5
5131 N 47th St, Tacoma, WA
Walk to the waterfront The South Sound
Walk to the waterfront! The South Sound Suite

Walk to the waterfront! The South Sound Suite

Tacoma
Walk to the waterfront! The South Sound Suite
Walk to the waterfront- Charmwood House

Walk to the waterfront- Charmwood House

3 out of 5
5131 N 47th St, Tacoma, WA
Walk to the waterfront- Charmwood House
Newly Renovated Standing Desk and King Bed

Newly Renovated Standing Desk and King Bed

Tacoma
Newly Renovated Standing Desk and King Bed
The INN at Gig Harbor

The INN at Gig Harbor

3 out of 5
3211 56th St. NW, Gig Harbor, WA
The INN at Gig Harbor
Northend Charmer! Private room, private bathroom in Tacoma’s beautiful NE.

Northend Charmer! Private room, private bathroom in Tacoma’s beautiful NE.

Tacoma
Northend Charmer! Private room, private bathroom in Tacoma’s beautiful NE.
See all 1,019 properties in Point Defiance Park
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Point Defiance Park

At Point Defiance Park in Tacoma, Washington, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including hiking, boating, and birdwatching. Don't miss the Tacoma Aquarium and the Point Defiance Zoo for a fun family day. For adventurous experiences, consider joining a tour in Tacoma or trying out the Tacoma Escape Games. Additionally, there's a water park to cool off in during the summer months, making it a perfect spot for outdoor enthusiasts.

Food and drinks

For a delightful experience, visit Stina's Cellars, Palouse Winery, or Trillium Creek Winery, all offering romance vibes and entertainment. For more options, explore downtown Tacoma's wine bars or enjoy a meal at Toast Restaurant on Bainbridge Island. Each spot showcases the region's unique flavors.

Shopping

For shopping near Point Defiance Park, visit Tacoma Mall, just 7 miles away, offering a family-friendly atmosphere with various stores. Tacoma Glassblowing Studio, located 6 miles away, is perfect for unique gifts. If you're up for a drive, Kent Farmers Market is 15 miles away, featuring local vendors.

Recreation

Cheney Stadium, located 5 miles from Point Defiance Park, offers an energetic atmosphere perfect for sports enthusiasts. Chambers Bay Golf Course, 8 miles away, provides stunning outdoor views for a relaxing day on the greens. The Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center, 9 miles away, is ideal for family-friendly aquatic fun.

Adventure

The Cushman Trail offers an exhilarating hiking experience with stunning scenery, located 2 miles from Point Defiance Park. For thrill-seekers, Pacific Slot Car Raceways, 12 miles away, provides an exciting motor racing atmosphere. For an extraordinary air sports adventure, iFly Seattle, 17 miles away, promises an unforgettable indoor skydiving experience.

Nightlife

For a lively night near Point Defiance Park, try your luck at the Emerald Queen Casino, just 8 miles away. For a cultural experience, catch a show at the Pantages Theater, located 5 miles from the park. Family fun awaits at Narrows Plaza Bowl, also 5 miles away.

Find the best attractions near Point Defiance Park

Point Defiance Park in Tacoma, Washington, offers a variety of attractions including urban parks, modern universities, and beautiful lakes. It's perfect for those seeking outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and family-friendly activities. While exploring the park, be sure to check out the waterfront in Tacoma, nearby points of interest, and the renowned zoos that enhance your visit.

  • Tacoma Dome: Experience live events in this iconic arena, known for its unique, domed structure. With a capacity of 23,000, it hosts concerts, sports, and family-friendly shows, offering an electric atmosphere just 7 miles from Point Defiance Park.
  • Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center: This versatile venue, located 6 miles away, is perfect for conferences and trade shows. Its modern facilities cater to business needs, making it a hub for networking and events in the heart of Tacoma.
  • University of Puget Sound: Just 4 miles from the park, this picturesque campus combines stunning architecture with vibrant city life. Explore its beautiful gardens and cultural events, reflecting the innovative spirit of Tacoma's academic community.

Best time to go to Point Defiance Park

The best time to visit Point Defiance Park can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Point Defiance Park falls in August, when visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Point Defiance Park falls in December, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January40.6°F (4.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyLowSlightly Low
February40.3°F (4.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
March43.7°F (6.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April48.2°F (9.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May55.4°F (13.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighAverage
June60.6°F (15.9°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyHighSlightly High
July66.7°F (19.3°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyHighSlightly High
August67.3°F (19.6°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
September61.2°F (16.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October52.5°F (11.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowAverage
November44.2°F (6.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyLowSlightly Low
December39.4°F (4.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Point Defiance Park

To save money during your visit to Point Defiance Park, take advantage of the park's free entry and nearby attractions like Owen Beach and Tacoma Mall, which also have no admission fees. Plan your trip between November and January for lower hotel rates, and consider booking about a month in advance or checking Expedia's last-minute deals. Utilize their price filter and package options for flights and hotels, and join the One Key membership for exclusive discounts. Flexible booking options can help you find the best deals without reservation costs.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Point Defiance Park are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Point Defiance Park about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by booking an Expedia package that combines your hotel stay at Point Defiance Park with your flights and activities.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.