Location: Tacoma
Top Things to do in Tacoma
What to do and see in Tacoma, Washington (WA): The Best Nature & Parks
Sitting at the foot of Mount Rainier, from whose former name the city takes its name, Tacoma is the perfect base point for exploring Mount Rainier National Park and the spectacular landscape surrounding.
Restaurants in Tacoma
1. Point Defiance Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,228 reviews
Scenic park offering more than 700 acres of woodland trails, gardens and waterfront views, along with a zoo and aquarium.
Reviewed By Ldcvsi - Tacoma, United States
I live within a mile of Pt. Defiance Park and it is one of the best urban parks you will find in the United States. Central Park in New York City is amazing for the surrounding museums, but you will never see more beautiful views of the water front, islands, and mountains than you will see from Pt. Defiance Park on a clear day. And did I mention I the world class zoo, the amazing fuchsia gardens, the miles of hiking trails through the forest, beaches to hang out on, sea lions and harbor seals hanging out in the kelp beds? And, if so inclined, you can take a ferry boat ride over to Vashon Island and back, right from the edge of Pt. Defiance Park. And the new addition to the park, the Dunes, is a beautiful walk along the waterfront that is ADA accessible, and has to die for views. There is something for everyone in this park. Drive the five mile drive if you don’t have much time (but please drive slowly as there is lots to see, and there are bikers and pedestrians); but make sure to stop at all the view points for a view of Vashon Island and the Cascade Mountain Range at one view point, the Olympic Mountain Range at another view point, and a great view of the Narrows Bridges at the other.
2. 5 Mile Drive & Trails
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 246 reviews
Reviewed By OlyGirlJan - Tacoma, United States
Great place to visit and have a full days adventure, must sees are Owens Beach, Point Defiance Zoo, also must do the 5 Mile drive and make it a day and have lunch at Anthony's on the waterfront with great food and spectacular views of Puget Sound and don't forget to go down the slides across from Anthony's its a great place for the kids to release some energy.
3. Mount Rainier National Park
4. W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 88 reviews
Reviewed By macramz - Tacoma, United States
My boyfriend and I walked to Wright Park after breakfast in the area. I haven’t been here since the century plant bloomed years ago. It is so beautiful inside, wandering the paths! Warm during winter.
5. Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 989 reviews
Currently closed through March 31, 2020. Treat your family to a special day at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. Where else can you see sea lions and sharks, peacocks and penguins, wolves and walrus, all in one place? The 29-acre Zoo is large enough to offer an awesome array of animals yet small enough to let you get really close to them. Who knows? You might run into a lynx on your way to see the polar bears! Be sure to visit Kids Zone. This fanciful exhibit engages children in active learning through play. The focus is on fun, movement and learning what animals need to thrive. The breathtaking views of Puget Sound, Mount Rainier and the Olympic Mountains are free - and so is the parking. So what are you waiting for? Bring your family to see ours. Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is open at 9:30 a.m. daily. Closing times vary. Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is just minutes off of I-5 in beautiful Point Defiance Park in Tacoma, WA.
Reviewed By sabra557x - Santa Cruz, United States
Visited here with our 7 year old and a 15 year old grandkids.11They both enjoyed it! Fun that it is is a zoo and aquarium all in one. They don't have "everything " a stand alone zoo or aquarium would have but a very nice mix of each and enough to make you feel like you got your monies worth. Laid out nicely. There is a couple of play areas for the little ones. Didn't take many pictures except of the kids and these solo shots of the musk ox. Nice views on the drive there as well!
6. Wright Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 107 reviews
Reviewed By 267JeffW - Huntsville, United States
We spent about 45 minutes walking through the park from the North entrance at the intersection of Yakima and Division Avenues. We walked South along the East side of the park to the Conservatory (Greenhouse) , spent about 10 minutes inside viewing the plants there; and then continued to the South end of the park by the Lawn Bowling area. We returned to the North entrance by walking along the West side of the park passing through the playground, and then walking on the bridge over the lake and heading North toward the point where we originally entered. Along the way we looked at the plaques on each of the large trees, which showed their species, native area, and the date at which it was planted in the park.
7. Tacoma Chinese Reconciliation Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 69 reviews
Reviewed By Benziedog
Excellent park to walk your dogs. It is well kept, The Moon Festival is an annual celebration of the rich diversity of culture in Tacoma, One can swim, have a picnic just enjoy the flowers and the bay. ,
8. Tacoma Nature Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 32 reviews
This is a public park with a lake to walk around, a kids play area and a interpretive center with a reading area for kids, tutles and snakes in tanks and a gift shop. Part of the Tacoma Parks system but deserves special mention.
9. Titlow Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 65 reviews
10. Jozee Rooz Indoor Petting Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By doug2110 - Kenosha, United States
Took 3 grandchildren and 4 adults 70 dollars. It first I thought it was a rip off. In the end it was a fun filled 2 hours full of memories. My grand kids are 2-3-4. Years they got to pet 3 different snakes- an Armadillo. The also petted a baby cow, sheep goats kangaroos, lama’s pigs lizards and a fox. Saw some parrot’s. It was in an old strip mall a little hard to find. We are still looking at the pictures and laughing. More memories than seeing frozen 2. Just saying
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