Point Defiance: Choose a Beach Day, a Forest Walk or the Zoo

Point Defiance is several outings inside one park. Choose the beach, the car-free forest roads or the zoo, with the time and ticket costs kept separate.

At Point Defiance, “we’ll decide when we get there” turns into a tour of parking lots. Decide first.

The park covers 760 acres. The beach, the forest and the zoo are three different outings, each starting somewhere different. Pick one, and add a second only if you’ve still got the time and energy.

Before you go

Look at the park and trail maps first. The Outer Loop of Five Mile Drive is permanently closed to cars, so it’s for walking and biking.

The park opens half an hour before sunrise and closes half an hour after sunset. The attractions keep their own hours. In winter, do the beach or the forest while it’s light.

1. Owen Beach: the short version

Owen Beach works when an hour outside is enough. Walk the shore, watch the water, and if you’ve got kids, stop at the whale-sculpture play area.

It’s at 5605 North Owen Beach Road, with parking and restrooms. Parks Tacoma lists an accessible play area and beach access. The concession stand’s reopening date is undetermined, so bring snacks.

Give it one to two hours with a picnic or playground time.

2. The forest: pick a length first

For a longer walk, choose a marked route on the park map and know how you’ll get back. The car-free Outer Loop is open to walkers and cyclists, and the forest trails give you other options.

You don’t need the longest loop on a first visit. Plan 60 to 90 minutes for a shorter out-and-back, and watch for bikes on the Outer Loop.

3. The zoo: give it its own day

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium needs three or four hours. It doesn’t work as an add-on after a long hike.

Online daytime admission is $25 for ages 13–64, $23 for 65 and up, and $17 for ages 3–12. Kids 2 and under are free, so two adults and two kids come to $84 online. Front-gate tickets cost more, and there are military and Pierce County resident rates. Parking is free.

The zoo is currently open Thursday through Monday; check that day’s hours. Zoolights is a separate evening ticket, and the aquariums are closed during it.

If you’ve only got an hour

Do the beach or a short walk, and save the zoo for a day you can give it. If it’s pouring, try the rainy-day guide.