Headed to Tacoma’s Point Defiance Park this weekend? You should read this first
Even on a regular summer weekend it can be tough getting in to and out of Point Defiance Park. This weekend, it’s going to be that and then some.
Metro Parks Tacoma is warning that the Point Defiance Flower & Garden Festival is going to impact traffic to the park, zoo and aquarium, ferry terminal and other park features.
On festival days, Saturday, June 1 and Sunday, June 2, visitors, “can expect significant traffic impacts,” Metro Parks said in a news release Tuesday. The festival is being held in and around the park’s gardens, close to the main entrance.
Where to park
Visitors to the zoo and aquarium, Fort Nisqually Living History Museum and Owen Beach are strongly encouraged to use the Mildred Street entrance, Metro Parks said.
Visitors to the garden festival can use free parking near the boat launch, the ferry landing, the Science and Math Institue (SAMI) parking lot and neighborhood streets. Those spots are limited, Metro Parks said.
ADA-accessible spots will be available on a first come, first served basis near the Lodge (formerly the park’s information center). A drop-off area will be available in front of the Pagoda building.
Van shuttles and other options
A number of 15-passenger vans will transport visitors to several destinations in the park during festival hours, Metro Parks said. Shuttles will run 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. with stops at the Pagoda, rhododendron garden, Fort Nisqually, SAMI, and the native plant garden.
Paid parking can be found at the Point Ruston development. Visitors can walk to the festival via Wilson Way.
Pierce Transit bus routes 10 and 11 travel to the park.
Traffic could impact getting to the Point Defiance ferry terminal.
A parking and traffic impact map can be found online at metroparkstacoma.org/fgf-traffic/.
