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

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Hyatt Regency Seattle
1 Hotel Seattle
Fairmont Olympic Hotel

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Point Defiance Park

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
Stay near Point Defiance Park in our charming 1-bedroom cottage

Stay near Point Defiance Park in our charming 1-bedroom cottage

Tacoma
Stay near Point Defiance Park in our charming 1-bedroom cottage
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

3 out of 5
5610 N Seaview St, Tacoma, WA
Bodur's Nest Whispering Garden
Bodur's Nest Whispering Garden

Bodur's Nest Whispering Garden

Tacoma
Bodur's Nest Whispering Garden
Urban Oasis in Tacoma

Urban Oasis in Tacoma

Tacoma
Urban Oasis in Tacoma
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
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. Explore the beautifully landscaped gardens, embark on exciting Tacoma adventures, and discover family attractions that cater to all ages. This vibrant park offers a perfect blend of outdoor experiences and natural beauty for an unforgettable vacation.

Shopping

For a great shopping experience near Point Defiance Park, check out Tacoma Mall, located 7 miles away, offering a variety of shops and entertainment. Tacoma Glassblowing Studio is 6 miles away, showcasing unique glass art. If you're up for a drive, visit Kent Farmers Market, 15 miles away, for local goods.

Recreation

Experience invigorating sports at Cheney Stadium, located 5 miles away, perfect for catching a game. Enjoy a round of golf surrounded by nature at Chambers Bay Golf Course, 8 miles away. For relaxation, visit Titlow Park, just 4 miles away, offering serene trails and beautiful waterfront views.

Adventure

Experience the scenic Cushman Trail, a thrilling hiking adventure located 2 miles from Point Defiance Park, where you can immerse yourself in nature. For some high-speed excitement, head to Pacific Slot Car Raceways, located 12 miles away, offering an adrenaline-pumping motor racing experience.

Nightlife

Experience a night at the Pantages Theater, just 5 miles from Point Defiance Park, where culture and romance come alive. For some fun, visit Narrows Plaza Bowl, also 5 miles away, offering exciting arcade adventures. If you're up for a movie, head to Kent Station Shopping Center, 15 miles away, for a cozy cinema vibe.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Point Defiance Park

Point Defiance Park in Tacoma, Washington, offers a variety of attractions for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. Visitors can explore urban parks, beautiful beaches, and the stunning natural scenery of the national state park. Whether you're looking to enjoy the waterfront, discover the best attractions, or simply relax at the beach, Point Defiance Park serves as an ideal destination for a memorable vacation experience.

  • Tacoma Dome: This iconic arena, located 7 miles from Point Defiance Park, offers a vibrant atmosphere for family-friendly events and concerts. With its unique wooden structure, it hosts various entertainment options, making it a must-visit for an exciting night out.
  • Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center: Situated 6 miles away, this modern venue is perfect for business events and conferences. Its sleek design and ample space create an ideal setting for networking and professional gatherings.
  • University of Puget Sound: Located just 4 miles from the park, this beautiful campus boasts a blend of historic and modern architecture, offering a lively urban vibe. Explore its gardens and art installations while enjoying the collegiate atmosphere.

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.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January40.6°F (4.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyLowSlightly Low
February40.3°F (4.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
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 RainMostly SunnyHighSlightly High
July66.7°F (19.3°C)No RainMostly SunnyHighSlightly High
August67.3°F (19.6°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly 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 CloudyLowAverage
December39.4°F (4.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Point Defiance Park

To save money on your trip to Point Defiance Park, consider visiting during the off-peak months of December to February, when hotel prices are lower. Opt for a stay on Mondays for cheaper rates, and use Expedia to filter accommodations by price. Look for package deals that bundle your hotel, flights, and activities to save even more. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can provide exclusive discounts and earn you OneKeyCash for future stays. Additionally, explore free activities in the park to maximize your budget while enjoying the natural beauty of Tacoma.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Point Defiance Park are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Point Defiance Park is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Point Defiance Park is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your choices 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 combining your hotel stay at Point Defiance Park with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • 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.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Explore a world of travel with Expedia