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.

The recent restoration of the mural "The Family of the Thunderbirds" wasn't about fixing the paint or panels, it was abo...
06/24/2026

The recent restoration of the mural "The Family of the Thunderbirds" wasn't about fixing the paint or panels, it was about protecting a story. After the mural was vandalized for a second time the artist, Anthony Duenas, took the panels home to clean and repair them.

This video documents the entire process: the damage, the preparation, the restoration, and the return: www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=JlMvr6c3KwI

Owen Beach at sunrise is our favorite kind of therapy. Name your favorite sunrise spot! 🌅
06/23/2026

Owen Beach at sunrise is our favorite kind of therapy. Name your favorite sunrise spot! 🌅

More than 1300 people are participating in the Tacoma Trails Challenge! It's not too late to jump in and sign up. This f...
06/20/2026

More than 1300 people are participating in the Tacoma Trails Challenge! It's not too late to jump in and sign up. This free event runs through June 30 and you can register anytime.

To be entered in the prize drawing just complete 5 challenges in a row on the bingo card and fill out the finisher form.

Hot tip! Finish without leaving Point Defiance Park. Here's how:

✅Loop Trail at Point Defiance Challenge
✅Agents of Discovery at NW Native Garden
✅Birding Walk Challenge (Point Defiance Bird Walk is June 28)
✅Point Defiance Flower Gardens Challenge
✅Build Your Own Challenge

Sign up and download a bingo card at parkstacoma.gov/event/tacoma-trails-challenge

Virginia Mason Franciscan Health
Proliance Puget Sound Orthopaedics

The Rose Garden is in full bloom, and now is the perfect time to wander through and take it all in. Bring a friend, snap...
06/16/2026

The Rose Garden is in full bloom, and now is the perfect time to wander through and take it all in. Bring a friend, snap a few photos, smell your favorite blooms and enjoy one of Tacoma’s most beautiful seasonal traditions.

Come visit while the garden is at its peak! The roses won’t wait forever ✨

Last call to dine elegantly ✨Today is the last day to purchase tickets for Dine We Must, Fort Nisqually Living History M...
06/15/2026

Last call to dine elegantly ✨

Today is the last day to purchase tickets for Dine We Must, Fort Nisqually Living History Museum's whimsical farm-to-table dinner on Friday, June 26.

Inspired by the words of Isabella Beeton: “Dine we must, and we may as well dine elegantly…” this special evening invites guests to explore the Fort’s historic buildings, enjoy appetizers and a cash bar supporting the Fort Nisqually Foundation, try a 19th-century craft, play a game, snap a few photos and settle in for a memorable dinner.

The evening ends on a sweet note with desserts baked in our period kitchen by Fort Nisqually’s talented volunteers. Purchase your ticket at the link in the comment below!

Enjoy music, fireworks, and fun at Tacoma’s 4th of July Summer Blast! This annual event takes place at Dune Peninsula an...
06/14/2026

Enjoy music, fireworks, and fun at Tacoma’s 4th of July Summer Blast! This annual event takes place at Dune Peninsula and Cummings Parks along the iconic Ruston Way Waterfront and features 2 distinct event footprints, over 150 vendors, live music, and a 20-minute fireworks spectacular over Commencement Bay.

Come on out and join us at this free event on Saturday, July 4th from 12-10:30 PM.

Summer Blast is features the City of Tacoma Government fireworks show presented by Tacoma Venues & Events

Supported by
West Sound Magazine South Sound Magazine Silver Cloud Hotels - Tacoma Waterfront HOT 103.7 Seattle 99.9 "The Rock" Audacy

Have you ever wanted to run (or walk) through the zoo after hours? Now’s your chance at the Owl Together Now 1-mile walk...
06/13/2026

Have you ever wanted to run (or walk) through the zoo after hours? Now’s your chance at the Owl Together Now 1-mile walk and 3-mile run on Saturday, July 25🦉

The 3-mile run begins at 7 pm in front of Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. After a short loop along Five Mile the runners finish inside the zoo. The 1-mile walk begins at 6:30 pm inside the zoo gates, loops through the zoo, and finishes at the main zoo promenade area.

This course is stroller and family friendly.

Sign up at www.parkstacoma.gov/event/owl-together-now

Held in partnerships with Point Defiance AAZK
Supported by Proliance Puget Sound Orthopaedics

Wanna get outta the villa and go on a real date? Make plans for kayaking at Owen Beach! Open seven days a week: Mon-Fr...
06/13/2026

Wanna get outta the villa and go on a real date? Make plans for kayaking at Owen Beach! Open seven days a week: Mon-Fri 12-8 pm and Sat-Sun 10 am-6 pm.

Single Kayak Rental
2 hours – $30
4 hours – $45

Tandem Kayak Rental
2 hours – $40
4 hours – $65

Credit cards only. No cash.

Then and now. 1940-ish vs 2026. What's your favorite thing about the park today?
06/12/2026

Then and now. 1940-ish vs 2026. What's your favorite thing about the park today?

Pack up the kids and join us for Fish Tales at the Defiance Marina on Thursday, June 11 at 11 am. 🐟 The program is desi...
06/10/2026

Pack up the kids and join us for Fish Tales at the Defiance Marina on Thursday, June 11 at 11 am. 🐟 The program is designed for youth age 5 and under, but all ages are welcome.

We will be reading 'Ploof' by Ben Clanton & Andy Chou Musser, followed by a quick movement activity, then a fun cloud craft! ☁

Drop-in, no registration necessary.

Address

4702 S 19th Street
Tacoma, WA
98405

Telephone

(253) 591-5339

Website

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