- Point Defiance (wa100.dnr.wa.gov)
Point Defiance Park is a much-loved city park in Tacoma, Washington, a refreshing getaway you might not expect inside a city. The park has been around for more than 100 years but stays true to the vision the park stewards had in the late 1800s: to preserve natural landscapes for the enjoyment of the public. The grounds are divided into several zones: the waterfront, the open park area, the zoo and aquarium, and the forest. Point Defiance is a great place to glimpse beachside geology while hiking through old-growth forests, enjoying colorful gardens, and maybe mingling with a polar bear or shark. There is something for the whole family here and the park is definitely worth a stop.