Summer Picnic and Beach Fun at Point Defiance Park
Summer is a great time to visit Point Defiance Park. With the sun shining and dahlias blooming, we enjoyed a fun day of picnics and beach activities. Located in Tacoma, Washington, this park is perfect for families and friends to enjoy nature and have fun together.
Let’s go!
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- Point Defiance Park
- Address: 5400 N Pearl St, Tacoma, WA 98407
- No admission fee
- Free parking
We visited during the first week of August, when the weather was perfect for a picnic at Point Defiance Park, and the dahlias were in full bloom! We wrapped up our outing with some enjoyable playtime at the beach. Before heading home, we picked up some milk tea at the Waterfront Market in Ruston.
By car
- From Seattle: Approximately 45 minutes
- From SeaTac: Around 40 minutes
- From Bremerton: Approximately 35 minutes
- From Port Orchard: Approximately 25 minutes
Parking
We parked at Five Mile Drive, near the Duck Pond, so we just crossed the street to the duck pond and walked all the way to the Iris Gardens, where we had our picnic.
Picnic Site
- Point Defiance Main Picnic Shelter
- Address: 2 N Waterfront Dr, Tacoma, WA 98407
We skipped the part where people had their picnic and where the tables and benches are to avoid the smell of duck poop; during our visit, they were all over the picnic site.
Picnic at Iris Garden
The Iris Garden is right in front of the Rose Garden. After having our picnic, we went to the Rose Garden, and the dahlias were phenomenal! They were big, bright, and beautiful; my mom would have been jumping for joy at their beauty.
Strolling in Owen Beach
We tried walking to the beach, but it got pretty hot, so we went back to the car because Owen Beach was too far from the Rose Garden. There were lots of rocks, so it's best to wear shoes or slippers. My kids loved collecting and looking at the rocks and throwing them into the water. The water was cold, but the view was calming and relaxing.
More Attractions in Point Defiance Park
The Iris Garden is right in front of the Rose Garden. After having our picnic, we went to the Rose Garden, and the dahlias were phenomenal! They were big, bright, and beautiful; my mom would have been jumping for joy at their beauty.
Strolling in Owen Beach
- Address: Parking Lot at Owen Beach, 5 Mile Rd, Tacoma, WA 98407
- Free parking
- Restroom available
- Clean, and baby changing station available
- Kayak rentals
- Sauna corner
We tried walking to the beach, but it got pretty hot, so we went back to the car because Owen Beach was too far from the Rose Garden. There were lots of rocks, so it's best to wear shoes or slippers. My kids loved collecting and looking at the rocks and throwing them into the water. The water was cold, but the view was calming and relaxing.
More Attractions in Point Defiance Park
Point Defiance Park is not just about picnics and beaches; there are many other attractions to explore:
Waterfront Market at Ruston
- Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium: A fantastic place to see animals from all over the world, including sharks, polar bears, and red wolves. There’s plenty to see, and you’ll likely spend most of the day here.
- Fort Nisqually Living History Museum: Step back in time and experience life in the 19th century at this recreated Hudson's Bay Company outpost.
- Five Mile Drive & Trails: Enjoy scenic drives or explore the numerous hiking trails that wind through the park's lush forest.
- Japanese Garden: A peaceful spot featuring traditional Japanese landscaping and a pond, perfect for a relaxing stroll.
Waterfront Market at Ruston
- Address: 5101 Yacht Club Rd, Tacoma, WA 98407
- 2-minute drive away from Point Defiance Park
Parking
- Address: Point Ruston Parking Garage, Grand Loop, Ruston, WA
- Free parking inside the parking structure; just walk to the Waterfront Market at Ruston.
- Bobaholic Cafe Point Ruston
- Address: 5101 Yacht Club Rd, Ruston, WA 98407
We got curious about their croffle, a unique pastry that merges a flaky, buttery croissant with a crispy, golden waffle exterior. We ordered a savory croffle with chicken and bacon topped with white sauce and a sweet croffle of ube cheesecake; it was amazingly good!
- Wild Sugar
Discover more places: Fun Things to Do and Eat in Tacoma, Washington
After all those desserts, if you’re looking for a stroll to shed some calories, check out Ruston Way Park. The long stretch of walkway along Ruston Way Road is a nice place to walk around; it's paved and well-maintained.
Our day at Point Defiance Park was filled with laughter, great food, and beautiful scenery. We can't wait to return for another summer adventure!
We’ll update this post soon with photos.
You might also like: Day Trips with Little Kids
- Tacoma: Bridge of Glass & tasty treats
- Point Defiance Park, Tacoma: Picnic and Beach Fun
- Mason County: Ramen & a stroll at Theler Wetlands
- Seattle's Park: Washington Park Arboretum & ice cream
- Bainbridge Island: Troll hunting adventure
- Western Washington: Unforgettable Quest to Find All 5 Trolls!
- Seabeck: Magical Stump House Hike and Best Pizza Ever!
- Gig Harbor Downtown: Starfish at the Docks and Pottery Fun
Bonus Tip: Use a Travel Packing Checklist
This is my ultimate secret to making travel hassle-free: I use a Travel Packing Checklist. This ensures I don’t forget essential items and prevents those frantic last-minute shopping trips for things I already own but left behind. I didn’t realize how much I needed this notebook; it truly keeps my journeys organized and stress-free. Check out Flying Starfish Studios for unique journals, notebooks, and planners.
Here's another special Packing checklist designed for families. It includes packing lists for babies and kids to ensure nothing is overlooked!
Have fun and be safe ^__^
Explore Washington:
- Seattle: Discover the Vibrant Capital of Washington
- Leavenworth – The Bavarian Village That Brings a Touch of Europe Right Here in the U.S.
- Poulsbo - Discover Washington’s "Charming Tiny Slice of Norway"
- Port Orchard - Charming Waterfront: A Perfect Weekend Getaway from Seattle
- Cherry Blossoms - Discover Less Crowded Spots in Seattle
- Snoqualmie Falls - Washington's most popular waterfall
- Oscar the Bird King - Meet His Royal Majesty on Vashon Island
- Pia the Peacemaker - Explore Bainbridge Island, try Washington's first coffee roaster!
- Frankie Feetsplinters - Located at the National Nordic Museum in Ballard
- Bruun Idun: Found in Lincoln Park, West Seattle.
- Jakob Two Trees: Located along the Rainier Trail in Issaquah.
Do you want more adventure?
Where am I going next?
- For our next adventure, we're looking forward to Discovering the Beautiful Island of Hokkaido in Japan. I can't wait for this trip!
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