Point Defiance Park

Point Defiance Park Privacy/Commenting Policy: parkstacoma.gov/privacy This 760-acre park is a popular destination for more than 3.1 million people each year.
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Natural forest, saltwater beaches and spectacular views offer numerous possibilities for recreation, education and communing with nature. Hours: The park is open daily from 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset. Hours at attractions within the park may vary.

A little detail you might not notice at first: When the rock base for the Little Makers sculpture was installed at Dune ...
09/07/2026

A little detail you might not notice at first: When the rock base for the Little Makers sculpture was installed at Dune Peninsula, it was carefully positioned so the points of the triangles line up with Mount Rainier.

Next time you’re there on a clear day, see if you can spot the alignment for yourself ⛰️

92 years ago, on Labor Day in 1934, dedication ceremonies were held for the completion of the first phase of the restora...
09/07/2026

92 years ago, on Labor Day in 1934, dedication ceremonies were held for the completion of the first phase of the restoration of Fort Nisqually Living History Museum.

At the time, only the front palisade wall, pictured here, was standing. The remainder of the site was unenclosed and contained only the first few structures.

Photo credit Tacoma Public Library

This 1945 aerial image shows the garden and Pearl Street entrance of Point Defiance Park. The trees were much younger ba...
09/07/2026

This 1945 aerial image shows the garden and Pearl Street entrance of Point Defiance Park. The trees were much younger back then and the pond has yet to be renovated.

A tree's beauty lies in its branches, but its strength lies in its roots.” ~Matshona Dhliwayo
09/05/2026

A tree's beauty lies in its branches, but its strength lies in its roots.” ~Matshona Dhliwayo

1918 scene along the Point Defiance waterfront with visitors enjoying a picnic lunch.
09/05/2026

1918 scene along the Point Defiance waterfront with visitors enjoying a picnic lunch.

A high school at Point Defiance Park? Yes! Science and Math Institute (SAMI) students take classes at the Environmental ...
09/04/2026

A high school at Point Defiance Park? Yes! Science and Math Institute (SAMI) students take classes at the Environmental Learning Center, marina,, zoo, and aquarium as part of their normal schedule, as well as in classrooms and labs built in and around the natural forest and marine facilities.

The Environmental Learning Center was built with Tacoma Public Schools bond funds and opened in 2017. The building is a partnership between Tacoma Public Schools and Parks Tacoma.

Join us on Sunday, September 6 at 9 am for Coffee with the Birds, hosted by Park Guide Alex. We'll meet at the Owen Beac...
09/03/2026

Join us on Sunday, September 6 at 9 am for Coffee with the Birds, hosted by Park Guide Alex. We'll meet at the Owen Beach Pavilion (not Melanie's Park as previously planned) and explore a topic about pelicans, followed by a guided walk.

Enjoy some coffee, sharpen your birdwatching skills and chat with other birders.
Free to all, no registration required.

🦉Please bring your own binoculars (a few are available to borrow upon request)
🦆Meet at the Owen Beach pavilion

Supported by TAPCO Credit Union

Wiggle, read, rhyme, and create at Fish Tales at Point Defiance Marina on Thursday, September 10 🐟This immersive event f...
09/02/2026

Wiggle, read, rhyme, and create at Fish Tales at Point Defiance Marina on Thursday, September 10 🐟

This immersive event features a story, a movement activity and a craft beginning at 11 am. Perfect for kids of all ages but geared for younger children. Admission is free, drop-in and have fun with us!

Paths winding through the Northwest Native Garden pass a lovely waterfall, pond, meadow and wooden gazebo. Have you visi...
09/01/2026

Paths winding through the Northwest Native Garden pass a lovely waterfall, pond, meadow and wooden gazebo. Have you visited here lately?

Heads up! Minor traffic revisions will be in place from 7:30 am-4 pm on Tuesday, Sept. 1, to repair potholes on Animal ...
08/31/2026

Heads up! Minor traffic revisions will be in place from 7:30 am-4 pm on Tuesday, Sept. 1, to repair potholes on Animal Loop Road (the road that runs alongside the zoo parking lot.)

All attractions will be open regular hours. Staff will be onsite to direct traffic.

Address

4702 S 19th Street
Tacoma, WA
98405

Telephone

(253) 591-5339

Website

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