Spent the afternoon or spend the day
It has sure been HOT out there these past few weeks, which had us thinking about easy ways to beat the heat. Luckily you don’t have to go far if you want to feel a cool breeze or dip your toes in the water here in the South Sound. We’ve helped you plan a quick trip by compiling a list of some of our favorite spots. All you need to do is roll down your windows, plug an address into your GPS and set course!
Most of these spots are dog friendly, and locations with an asterisk* also have a ferry nearby! We’ve also saved this on Google maps - and added a local eatery in case you get hungry on the way: bit.ly/southsoundbeaches
Fox Island | Tacoma DeMolay Sandspit Park
📍 55 Bella Bella Drive, Fox Island, WA 98333
Located on the western tip, this PenMet Parks site features picnic spots, beach walks, and a kayak launch. Parking is a bit limited but the destination will be worth it!
Olalla | Anderson Point Park
📍 8401 SE Millihanna Rd, Olalla, WA 98359
Rocky Puget Sound shoreline great for beachcombing and picnics. Nearby Olalla Market has great views and great food!
Steilacoom* | Sunnyside Beach Park
📍 2509 Chambers Creek Rd, Steilacoom, WA 98388
Town beachfront with benches, shoreline scenery, and views of Tacoma Narrows. Great spot for sunset watching!
Ruston / Point Defiance* | Owen Beach
📍 5605 N Owen Beach Rd, Tacoma, WA 98407
Sandy beach within the 760-acre park with views across to Vashon Island. Frequent spot for cold plungers and orca sightings. Lots of parking and kayak rentals onsite.
Browns Point | Lighthouse Park
📍 201 Tulalip St NE, Tacoma, WA 98422
Lovely 4-acre park sits at the tip of historic Browns Point on Puget Sound. Offers waterfront access, picnic lawns, walking paths, and views across Commencement Bay.
Key Peninsula | Joemma Beach State Park
📍 20001 Bay Rd Kp S, Longbranch, WA 98351
If you’re looking for a peaceful beach day, a place to launch your kayak, or a weekend camping escape, this park is a great pick. This location does require a Discover Pass, which is $10 per day or $30 annually.
Port Gamble/Poulsbo | Salsbury Point Park
📍 3160 NW Wheeler St, Poulsbo, WA 98370
A saltwater park with picnic tables, a boat launch, and views of the Hood Canal Bridge. Port Gamble itself is worth a wander and the General Store is a great place to grab a snack.
Olympia | Squaxin Park (formerly Priest Point Park)
📍 2600 East Bay Dr NE, Olympia, WA 98506
Over a mile of saltwater shoreline plus woodland trails, picnic shelters, and scenic overlooks.
Gig Harbor | Narrows Beach (Narrows Park)
📍 1502 Lucille Parkway NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98335
Located under the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, this pebble beach is a local favorite for walks and watching the water traffic.
Port Orchard | Manchester State Park
📍 7767 E Hilldale Rd, Port Orchard, WA 98366
This location does require a Discover pass (which costs $10) but it’s worth it! Whether you’re a history buff, casual beachcomber, or camping family, Manchester State Park offers one of the South Sound’s most unique and scenic public beaches.
Vashon Island* | Jensen Point Park
📍 8900 SW Harbor Dr, Vashon, WA 98070
You’ll need to take a quick ferry from Point Defiance to get here, but this park offers public access to Quartermaster Harbor and serves as launch point for both casual paddlers and seasoned kayakers.
University Place | Chambers Bay Beach
📍 6320 Grandview Dr W, University Place, WA 98467
A scenic public shoreline tucked beneath the dramatic cliffs and sprawling green space of Chambers Bay Golf Course and trail. Parking is abundant but it’s a little walk (across a footbridge bridge) to the actual beach.
Tacoma | Hidden Beach
📍 8380 6th Ave, Tacoma, WA 98465
This is another beach that requires you to park and then walk in a bit, but you’ll be rewarded with beautiful views of Gig Harbor and the Narrows.
Bremerton | Lion’s Park
📍 251 Lebo Blvd, Bremerton, WA 98310
A vibrant waterfront community park located along the shores of Dyes Inlet, offering a mix of recreation, scenic views, and neighborhood charm.
