Point Defiance in Tacoma

That's my pal named Pal on the beach at Point Defiance in Tacoma. There is a lot of beach to play on at Point Defiance. And a lot of trails to hike through old growth forest.

At 702 acres, Point Defiance is one of the biggest urban parks in the world. And it has to be one of the most scenic, surrounded on three sides by inlets of Puget Sound, with Mount Rainier in view from multiple locations (on a clear day).

There is an entry fee to Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, but sightseeing and playing in the rest of Point Defiance is free of charge.

In Point Defiance park besides the zoo and aquarium, you'll also find a Rose Garden, the Rhododendron Garden, the Camp 6 Logging Museum, Fort Nisqually, a boardwalk, the Washington State Ferry dock that can take you and your car across to Vashon Island, and a lot of very tall trees.

Behind Pal and underneath Mount Rainier you can see an Anthony's Homeport Restaurant where you can get good seafood and watch the passing parade of boats.