point defiance park

I got married here to my wife by the rose garden! It was magnificent. The open space and atmosphere was just one of those we thought would be perfect for our tiny wedding. That alone should tell you how much we adore this place.In winter, they have the zoo lights. I'm sure you would have heard of it. If not, now you know. I promise you that it is one of the most beautiful things put together in a park. Ever. It would be a great experience for your kids too! It just one of many things that this place has to offer; beach, aquarium .. etcIt is just wonderful. Please visit at least once.

Pt. Defiance Park is a destination that can please everyone. It has a zoo and aquarium, rose gardens that rival Portland's rose gardens ( and Portland is called the City of Roses...so you know these are good!) and other botanical garden throughout. Owens Beach offers gorgeous walks along the beach and you can rent kayaks or picnic anywhere in the grassy area near the beach. The views are amazing. Ft. Nisqually ( a trading post built in 1833) is located here, along 5 mile drive. You can hike for hours using the many trails throughout the wooded areas. There are tennis courts, playgrounds and picnic areas. It is a great place to ride your bike, walk or lay on the grass and relax. If you are into geocaching, there are many hidden throughout the park. One visit is not enough to do everything, but it can give you a taste of what Tacoma offers and make you come back again and again.

Quite a large zoo, with numerous times where staff did a talk while feeding the animals. Very educational! Really amazing to learn about the work this one zoo has done to save the American red wolf from extinction!The aquarium has two sections - northern Pacific and southern Pacific. You can go downstairs in each to see the fish under water. Same for the sea otters and the walrus. They were amazing to watch! Even got to see a zookeeper taking an aardvark for its afternoon walk!

If you ever wanted to see and spend time with a variety of tigers up close, this is the zoo!With amazing views of the bay and Ranier don't hesitate to run there on a sunny day and spend the afternoon enjoying the park.

So many trails to choose from, you could go the day without seeing another person. The 3 main trails are relatively well marked. When you are on the paths, you feel completely secluded from everything. The treetops are so heavy, it is hard for rain to penetrate through. There are great water views from parts of the park. If you are lucky you will see some wildlife swimming in the bay.

If you like to walk among tall fir trees, see beautiful gardens, go to a small but great zoo, walk around a lake, and see animals in the wild you should visit Point Defiance Park in Tacoma, WA. There are many trails, including one that is miles long. The zoo is really cool, with clouded leopards, beluga whales, red wolves, eagles and lots more. If you go at sunset and drive around you can see lots of raccoons as everyone that live traps one in their yard releases them in the park. If you bring some dry cat food or bread you can watch them eat when you throw the food out of your car. Just an awesome place.

I love this zoo and the many events it holds throughout the year for families. We make it a family event every few weeks to come to the zoo.

We enjoy the sights from the cliffs, the off leash dog park, the old fort and the railway artifacts. During the summer it is a great place for hiking and staying cool. Great place for family gatherings.

BEAUTY. Please visit Point Defiance Park. Drive through it in your car. Take your time. Then go through it again, this time stopping at different places to take a look and walk around. Enjoy some of the most beautiful nature you will see in the world. Green the way all trees should be green. See the Rhododendron Garden. Walk along Owen Beach. Spend a few hours just enjoying and relaxing. It doesn't have to be a hard-core hike. Just take some time and SEE how beautiful it is. You lucky Tacoma residents, you get to see this any time you like. It's FREE.

Beautiful running trails cover this point, with great views of Vashon Island, the twin bridges and Gig Harbor.

Miles of walking and running trials, lookout points, beach walks, Japanese gardens, rose gardens, ponds, zoo and aquarium. Easy to drive. Catch a ferry to local Vashon Island or get a bite to eat at Anthony's all at one stop. What more can you ask for in a city park? It's beautiful.

This park is one of the oldest in the West. The trees are large and magnificent! Lots of hiking and running trails plus a 5 mile driving route which opens to cars late morning allowing walkers, cyclists and runners some auto-free time in the earlier hours. Great vistas of Puget Sound, The Narrows Bridges and the Islands around.

I can safely say this park is one of the best in the country. We have a Zoo, an Aquarium, Miles of hiking and walking trails, a giant bowl to play frisbee, or catch . And there is a five mile scenic drive that offers vantage points and photo ops of the Commencement Bay and The World Famous Narrows Passage and Twin Bridges. Perfect Sunset photo-ops...

The park is great! Walking along the Sound. Driving thru the park. Going to the Fort. Just a great day! Kids love it!!

What a great way to spend a few hours, especially if you like hiking trails. You have several to choose from and they take you to spectacular scenic overlooks. You are nestled in the woods and close to nature. Be sure to look at a park map, as I did not and ended up spending time on the promenade and the making my way up onto a trail at the end of a parking lot. Take some money along and stop at the Ft, for a drink and snack if you get hungry.