Pt. Defiance Park

 

Pt. Defiance Park

                                                                Owen's Beach

                                                                The Aquarium

                                                       Polar Bear  in the Zoo

 The largest park in our area of Western Washington is Pt. Defiance on the west end of Tacoma. I can view the park looking east from my apartment.

When visiting our area next to seeing Mt. Rainier this is the place to see especially if you have children because Pt. Defiance Park has a Zoo and Aquarium. You will be able view Polar Bears, sea creatures, monkeys, and foxes among the animals staying there all year around. When arriving in the parking lot you may see a peacock walking around.

Pt. Defiance Park has a five mile trail where you can bike or ride as well. There are places you can stop off at to eat or relax or see the wonderful view looking over toward the area I live. The Park has a Rose Garden where often you will see weddings and when they are not going on walking through the garden is a nice place to visit.

The park also has a beach called Owens where many people can enjoy a good time strolling along with viewing over toward Gig Harbor and Vashon Island. You can take a ferry ride from Pt. Defiance Park over to Vashon Island as well. The ferries ride over to the Island and return all day long. The beach is used often for reunions and other parties that small and large groups use. If you are lucky a salmon bake could be going on that you can join in.

The park was opened in 1888 after being a military reservation when Captain Wilkes expedition arrived in the 1840s. Captain Wilkes named several places in the area including Gig Harbor. Later President Theodore Roosevelt signed the park over the city of Tacoma. They estimate that over three million people visit the park every year so you can it is a very popular place to visit.

I have visited the park numerous times over the years including Owen’s beach and the Zoo/Aquarium.  Some of the fondest memories I have had especially as a child. When not visiting by car often our family would go by the park in our sailboat. I would say I probably saw the park more often by boat then by car. My visits by car were like many kids were to visit the Zoo and Aquarium. So I do recommend anyone visiting the area to make sure taking the time to visit Pt. Defiance Park like so many people do. Going throughout the day the traffic generally not too crowded. Since there is so much to do spending several hours in the park is recommended. Whatever your age you can find something to do in the park.