A change of scenery is always nice, but sometimes getting away involves a lot of time and money we simply don’t have. Luckily, there are plenty of affordable day trip destinations here in Washington, from our charming small towns to our beautiful state parks. Tacoma’s Point Defiance Park, for example, has something for everyone.

Point Defiance Park is a massive urban park that spans 760 acres.
Swimmy128 / TripAdvisor
The park got its start as a military reservation after the Wilkes Expedition visited Puget Sound in the 1840s to map the bays and estuaries. In 1888, President Grover Cleveland authorized its use as a public park.
These days, Point Defiance Park offers a little bit of everything for the nature lover.
Casey / TripAdvisor
From sprawling beaches to nature trails to a zoo and a botanical garden, you'll find it all here.
Of course, by far, the most popular attraction is the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, which is magnificent.
Ana Ibarra / Google
Tickets do cost $18 for adults and $14 for children. But that's still pretty affordable considering everything you'll experience.
From lions and tigers to walruses and wolves, you'll find all kinds of creatures at the zoo and aquarium.
Nathan Tolbert / Google
The zoo supports animal conservation and care, and the team takes fantastic care of the residents here.

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No visit to the zoo is complete without a stroll through the breathtaking botanical gardens.
Oksana Borisova / Google
The gardens are so colorful and peaceful, you'll never want to leave.
From exotic flowers and spiky succulents to native Northwest plans, the botanical gardens offer all kinds of visual delights.
Jubilee Jer / TripAdvisor
Plus, the gardens recreate the natural habitats of some of the zoo animals.
If you want to go for a great hike, look no further than this park.
Sherry Flinn / Google
In 2019, the park opened Frank Herbert Trail and Dune Peninsula to honor science fiction writer (and Tacoma local) Frank Herbert, known for his Dune novels.
Oh, and did we mention Point Defiance Park has some of the best views on the planet?
Anthony Kinnamon / Google
You'll spot Vashon Island, the Tacoma Narrow's Bridge, Gig Harbor, and Dalco Passage in the distance.

Point Defiance Park is a perfect place to go in Washington when you want to have a beautiful day without breaking the bank.

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