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    Point Defiance Pagoda

    3.6 (5 reviews)

    Services - Point Defiance Pagoda

    Venue rental

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    Josh B.

    As Brandon mentioned, the old Pagoda which was originally built in 1914 was vandalized and set ablaze by arsonists, but this replacement is very nice on the eyes. The pagoda is more of a show space or a place for banquets or maybe a wedding reception and is available to be rented out for such an occasion. The surrounding area has hints of the mysteries of Asian all around it. There is a little collection pool nearby with a wonderfully styled wood foot bridge. There is a small waterfall where you can relax and possibly unwind to the trickle of the water over the rocks. Or maybe perhaps wander on over to the Japanese garden that has cherry trees, azalea, and rhododendrons planted throughout and of course the large red Torii gates providing a way to focus your perspective in to the reflection of the pond in front of it to reach a little peace. A small Shinto shrine is also located near the Torii Gate. This place is really majestic and a great place to just stop and reflect and calm your mind possibly before you take the kids a little further on up to the zoo. I will say the only reason I didn't give 5 stars is that there is no parking directly near the Pagoda. You can park in any of the other lots close to the rose garden or the dahlias or the tennis courts or wildlife sanctuary and walk on over to the Pagoda. If you do end up turning down the road next to the Pagoda, it's one way street so don't try to turn around. There are also great views of the water from here as well and it's free.

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    Wright Park - 10/17/25

    Wright Park

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    Wright Park is truly one of Tacoma's gems! It's a 33-acre urban park that feels like a mix between…read morea botanical garden and a community gathering space. The moment you step in, you're surrounded by towering, hundred-year-old trees from all over the world that give the park a magical, shaded atmosphere. It's not just a park, it's also an arboretum, so tree lovers will appreciate the variety and history here. At the heart of it all is the Seymour Conservatory, a Victorian-style glasshouse that looks like it belongs in a storybook. Inside, you'll find a lush collection of tropical plants, seasonal floral displays, and even quirky additions like cacti and Golden Dart Frogs (fun fact: in the wild, they're considered the most poisonous frogs on Earth, but here they're safe since their diet is different). Beyond the conservatory, the park has a beautiful lily pond, fountains, open lawns perfect for picnics, and plenty of walking paths. It's also very family-friendly with playgrounds and lots of space to run around. Wright Park has that perfect mix of history, nature, and community. Whether you're here to stroll among the century-old trees, relax by the pond, or pop into the conservatory, it's easily one of Tacoma's most picturesque hidden gems. Best part? Admission is free, with a donation box available if you'd like to support it.

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    Tacoma Nature Center - Can you spot the two turtles?

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    Recently attended a baby shower at Dystopian, which I was so excited about because it's been on my…read morelist to visit for so long! I'm kinda surprised that I never made it in before the baby shower, because this spot is pretty close to home. Parking is easy with several lots around the area and also street parking out front of the brewery (if you're lucky enough to snag one). This place is huge! Super open concept and I can definitely see how they manage to host events here on a regular basis. Also love the vibe here and the string lights, it just makes everything feel cozy. They have lots of board games, corn hole, and a steel tip dart board for people to enjoy. They're also kid-friendly which is nice to note for future visits (sorry if you're one of those people who doesn't like kids at breweries, we're still rollin' up). Service was great while we were here as well. Their beer selections are solid and I enjoyed their hazy. They also have a cider or two on tap as well as a seltzer, if I'm remembering correctly. They have a good selection of canned wines as well. Overall this is a solid brewery and with it being close to home, I'm sure we'll be back a few times this summer!

    Century Point Ruston and XD - Joy Ride

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    Point Defiance Pagoda - parks - Updated June 2026

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