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Point Defiance Park

5400 N Pearl St, Tacoma, WA
253 305 1000
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Ranked #2 of 31 attractions in Tacoma
Type: Zoos, Aquariums, State Parks, Parks
Description: Scenic park offering more than 700 acres of woodland trails, gardens and waterfront views, along with a zoo and aquarium.
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187 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    133
    45
    6
    2
    1
Date Rating
Seattle, Washington
Top Contributor
74 reviews 74 reviews
35 attraction reviews
Reviews in 20 cities Reviews in 20 cities
19 helpful votes 19 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 June 2013

Pt. Defiance Park is an old growth treasure on a peninsula jutting into Puget Sound. Five mile drive is a wonderful place for a run or a walk and is closed to traffic on weekends until 1 PM so you'll see lots of walkers, baby strollers and bicycles. It's peaceful and lovely with many beautiful views of Puget Sound and... More

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See 17 more reviews by Rhiar23 for Tacoma
Tumwater, Washington, Usa
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 30 May 2013

There are many sections of the park. Many great views, ocean beach, flower gardens and you can also feed the ducks. The ferry is also close by.

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Jamesville, New York, USA
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 30 May 2013

The groomed gardens are sweet if somewhat modest, though some of the trees are wonderfully weird. But the loop drive, the trails, the ever-changing vistas are beautiful. And it's all free.

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See 3 more reviews by ArtyLake for Tacoma
SeaTac, Washington, United States
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 29 May 2013

No matter what time of year it is...point defiance park and sometimes zoo is a great getaway for self or family outting. Having a bad day..take the 5 mile drive of sit in your car and play your favorite tune and watch a sailboat go by or be lucky and spot a seal. A vacation can be just a few... More

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See 2 more reviews by Bigd S for Tacoma
Enumclaw, Washington
Senior Contributor
48 reviews 48 reviews
10 attraction reviews
Reviews in 27 cities Reviews in 27 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 May 2013

This is a great place to go with families or couples. The park is beautiful, there are gardens, walking trails, beach, an historic fort and of course, the zoo and aquarium. We came here with young children, on field trips with school age children, with our children as they have grown and now, as childless "wanderers" and each time, we... More

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Seattle, Washington
Contributor
17 reviews 17 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 May 2013

With only a few hours to spare, I visited Point Defiance Park one sunny morning for the botanical and rhododendron gardens. The grounds were kept in very nice shape, and although it is early for roses, several varieties were already in bloom. Every color, type, and fragrance of rose imaginable was represented in a beautiful gated garden along with benches,... More

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See 2 more reviews by WailersFan for Tacoma
Gig Harbor, Washington
Senior Contributor
28 reviews 28 reviews
18 attraction reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 May 2013

Great wilderness park with ponds,ocean views, wonderful trails and picnic areas. Great for runners,bikers,walkers. kids of all ages. Has a beach with a snack bar and kayak rentals. I could spend all summer here. Wonderful dog park away from everyone . The list goes on . It has a five mile drive where you are sure to see wild animals... More

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See 9 more reviews by Dani333 for Tacoma
Seattle, Washington
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 May 2013

Point Defiance park is truley a Northwest jewel, spectacular Old Growth forests. waterfront, marina, Fort Nisqually, first rate Zoo and Aquarium, gift shops ,five mile drive, I could go on and on! I love this Park and feel privlidged having it in my backyard. A must do for any out of town guests!

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Puyallup, Washington
Top Contributor
52 reviews 52 reviews
26 attraction reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 May 2013

Point Defiance has a Zoo, the rose gardens, the Japanese gardens, five mile drive, the logging camp, a fort, a beach, tennis courts, go carts, and more. There is something for everyone. We have had family portraits done here, been to weddings, and I volunteered at the zoo for years. We love the Park and all it has to offer.

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See 2 more reviews by goingmyway for Tacoma
Portland, Oregon
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
15 helpful votes 15 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 May 2013

Visited park once in December and again in May. The 5 mile scenic drive is great on an uncrowded day. Don't go when it is a warm weekend. Lots of biker and pedestrians. Very primordial and scenic. Great views of the sound. Lot of wildlife.

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