Trail along water.
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Titlow Park and Lagoon

4.6
·4k reviews·Tacoma, United States

A 75-acre Tacoma park with beach frontage, playgrounds, trails, and a lagoon, offering family fun and natural beauty.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Low tide mornings

Best for tide pooling

CrowdLow
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Trail along water.

Titlow Park and Lagoon

Best Time

Low tide mornings

Best for tide pooling

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A 75-acre Tacoma park with beach frontage, playgrounds, trails, and a lagoon, offering family fun and natural beauty.

4.6
(4k reviews)

"It's one of my favorite parks in this area and it's definitely part of what makes this home."

Vertical photo
TIP

⚠️ Lagoon Safety is Crucial

Be extremely cautious around lagoon pipes; dangerous currents can form. Avoid unsupervised exploration.

👟 Watch for Goose Poop

The park has many geese, so be mindful of droppings on paths and grassy areas.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Titlow Lagoon

Titlow Lagoon

Adjacent to the park

A unique lagoon with potential for wildlife viewing, but exercise extreme caution due to dangerous currents near pipes.

Instagram
Beachfront Exploration

Beachfront Exploration

Puget Sound shoreline

Enjoy the sandy shores, especially at low tide, for discovering small sea creatures and a refreshing beach experience.

TikTok
Kids' Spray Park & Playground

Kids' Spray Park & Playground

Near the picnic areas

A fantastic spot for children to cool off and play, making it a family-friendly destination.

Reddit
Scenic Walking Trails

Scenic Walking Trails

Throughout the park

Gentle trails offer lovely views of Puget Sound and the park's natural beauty, perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Lagoon Safety First

Be aware of dangerous whirlpools near the lagoon pipes, especially at certain tides. Signs are lacking, so exercise extreme caution and supervise children closely. Instagram

Beach Access & Tides

Beach access can be limited at high tide. Check tide charts before visiting if you plan to explore the shoreline extensively. Low tide is best for discovering marine life. TikTok

Best Times

When
Low tide mornings
Why
Best for tide pooling
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more space
Crowd
Medium
When
Summer evenings
Why
Pleasant temperatures
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Today was a good beach day!! If you are looking for a new Washington beach… Check out Titlow in Tacoma !! It’s one of my favs 🥰 #newbeach #coldplunge #summerloving
@.5luver
6.3K likes • 38.3K views

⚠️ Lagoon Safety is Crucial

Be extremely cautious around lagoon pipes; dangerous currents can form. Avoid unsupervised exploration. Instagram

👟 Watch for Goose Poop

The park has many geese, so be mindful of droppings on paths and grassy areas. Reddit

“There are no signs. There’s nothing about how dangerous it is…” People in and around Tacoma’s Titlow Park want proper signage about the constant whirlpools that form. This comes after a 68-year-old man was sucked under the water and pulled into a lagoon through a pipe Monday. Sadly, he died. People tell @fox13seattle something needs to be done to keep people safe. #tacoma #metroparks #park...
davedetling
5 likes • 228 views
253—-I’m so into you. 🌷 It’s been a year since I’ve returned to the 253 and no matter how much rain you pour down on me, your majesty will never get old. Titlow Park is a 75 acre large grassy flat park located near a lagoon and Puget Sound at the base of 6th Avenue. A gentle trail hugs the Puget Sound and winds up to this wooden foot bridge over top the train line. It actually took my breath awa...
apriladams_253
130 likes • 3.6K views

🦀 Tide Pooling Fun

Low tide reveals crabs and other small marine life, perfect for curious explorers. Reddit

📸 Photography Paradise

Great spot for birdwatching and capturing scenic views of Puget Sound. Reddit

reddit.com

Has anyone done a birthday party at Titlow?

Tips

from all over the internet

⚠️ Lagoon Safety is Crucial

Be extremely cautious around lagoon pipes; dangerous currents can form. Avoid unsupervised exploration. Instagram

👟 Watch for Goose Poop

The park has many geese, so be mindful of droppings on paths and grassy areas. Reddit

🦀 Tide Pooling Fun

Low tide reveals crabs and other small marine life, perfect for curious explorers. Reddit

📸 Photography Paradise

Great spot for birdwatching and capturing scenic views of Puget Sound. Reddit

🍓 Blackberry Picking

Abundant blackberry bushes make this a prime spot for foraging in season. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(4k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Titlow Park is a beloved local spot offering beautiful beach access, family-friendly amenities like a spray park and playground, and scenic trails. Visitors appreciate the opportunities for tide pooling and photography. However, concerns exist regarding the lack of signage for dangerous lagoon currents and the presence of goose droppings.

"I come here regularly. They have picnic tables and Sometimes they’ll have park guides with information near the tables. The trail is pretty short and easy but the beach is really nice. You can probably walk the whole thing in 20-30 minutes. It’s one of my favorite parks in this area and it’s definitely part of what makes this home. I recommend a visit."

Nalani Loepke

"Has a fun park and spray park for the kids. TONS of goose poop, so watch your step. Nice to be close to the ocean, but not much beach access. It’s a small area and can definitely be crowded. Nice trails to walk around with a pond which attracts LOTS of mosquitoes. Tons of blackberry bushes, so if you want to go pick some, this is a great spot for that"

Mariah McHolland

"Fairly nice well maintained park. It does have one part with a big drop off and no railing. If I lived closer I would use this park often. Fairly good shore access."

Scott Bosen

What People Like

Beautiful beach access
Great for kids
Scenic trails

What People Dislike

Lagoon safety concerns
Goose droppings

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Titlow Park is located in Tacoma, Washington. You can reach it by car via local roads. Parking is available within the park. Public transportation options may be limited, so driving is often the most convenient method. Instagram

Yes, Titlow Park offers parking areas for visitors. It can get busy, especially on weekends and during summer, so arriving early is recommended. Reddit

The park is situated near the Puget Sound shoreline. Depending on your starting point in Tacoma, you'll likely use local arterial roads to access the park. GPS navigation is highly recommended. Instagram

Yes, there are trails and roads that can be used for cycling to Titlow Park. The park itself has paths suitable for biking, though be mindful of pedestrians. Instagram

While specific bus routes might serve the general area, direct public transport access to the park's entrance can be infrequent. Checking local transit schedules is advised. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Titlow Park is a public park and generally does not require an entrance fee for general access. Enjoying the beach, trails, and playgrounds is free. TikTok

Titlow Park is typically open from dawn until dusk. However, specific facilities like the spray park may have seasonal hours. It's best to check with the City of Tacoma Parks Department for the most current information. Instagram

The spray park is usually open on a first-come, first-served basis and does not require advance booking or tickets for entry. Reddit

General park rules apply, such as leash laws for dogs and regulations against littering. Be aware of safety advisories, especially concerning the lagoon. Instagram

Gazebos and picnic areas are often first-come, first-served. For larger gatherings or guaranteed spots, it's advisable to arrive early, especially on weekends. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can enjoy beachcombing, tide pooling, walking the trails, visiting the playgrounds and spray park, birdwatching, and photography. TikTokInstagramReddit

Absolutely! It features a popular spray park and playgrounds, making it a great destination for families with children. Reddit

Expect to see various shorebirds, waterfowl, and marine life like crabs during low tide. The park is also home to many geese. Reddit

Yes, restrooms are typically available within the park facilities. Instagram

Swimming in the lagoon is strongly discouraged due to dangerous currents near the pipes. The Puget Sound shoreline offers a safer, though often cold, experience. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are no restaurants located directly within Titlow Park. Visitors typically bring their own food for picnics. Reddit

Yes, Titlow Park has numerous picnic tables and grassy areas perfect for picnics. It's a popular spot for families and groups. Reddit

You'll find various dining options in the surrounding Tacoma neighborhoods, including cafes and casual eateries, a short drive from the park. Instagram

Some picnic areas may have grills available, but it's advisable to confirm this with the park management or bring your own portable grill if permitted. Reddit

Bring your own food, drinks, picnic blanket, and any necessary serving utensils. Don't forget trash bags to keep the park clean. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The shoreline offers great views of Puget Sound, the footbridge provides unique perspectives, and the diverse birdlife is a photographer's delight. InstagramReddit

Yes, the park is known for its bird population and marine life visible at low tide, making it excellent for wildlife photography. Reddit

Early morning and late afternoon offer softer light, ideal for landscape and wildlife photography. Golden hour can be particularly beautiful over the water. Reddit

Yes, but be mindful of safety warnings. The lagoon itself can be photogenic, especially with the surrounding natural landscape. Instagram

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or drone usage might require permits, so check park regulations. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Titlow Park is a fantastic choice for families. The spray park and playground are major draws, ensuring kids have plenty of fun. Low tide is perfect for tide pooling, where children can discover small sea creatures. Reddit

Remember to pack snacks and drinks for a picnic, as there are many picnic tables available. Keep a close eye on children, especially near the water and the lagoon due to potential hazards. InstagramReddit

🚶‍♀️ Nature Enthusiasts & Photographers

Titlow Park offers a rewarding experience for those who love nature and photography. The shoreline trails provide stunning views of Puget Sound, and the park is a haven for birdwatching. InstagramReddit

At low tide, the beach becomes a canvas for macro photography, revealing intricate details of marine life. The park's diverse bird population also presents excellent opportunities for capturing wildlife. Consider visiting during the golden hour for the most dramatic lighting. Reddit

🏃‍♀️ Active Visitors

For those looking for light activity, Titlow Park delivers. The walking trails are gentle and scenic, perfect for a leisurely stroll or jog. The beach area allows for walking along the shore, especially at low tide. Instagram

While not a strenuous hiking destination, the park provides ample space for movement and enjoying the outdoors. Tennis courts are also available for those seeking a more structured athletic activity. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Understanding Titlow Lagoon's Dangers

Titlow Park is adjacent to a lagoon that poses significant safety risks due to powerful, hidden currents. These currents can form near pipes that connect the lagoon to Puget Sound, creating dangerous whirlpools. Tragically, these conditions have led to fatalities, with one incident involving a man being pulled under and into a pipe. Instagram

Visitors are strongly advised to exercise extreme caution around the lagoon, especially during certain tidal conditions. The lack of adequate signage highlighting these dangers is a major concern for locals. It's crucial to supervise children very closely and avoid unsupervised exploration of the lagoon's edges. Instagram

While the lagoon might appear calm, the underlying currents are a serious threat. Always prioritize safety and be aware of your surroundings. If you're looking for water activities, the Puget Sound shoreline offers a more accessible, though still chilly, option. TikTokInstagram

Exploring Titlow Park's Natural Beauty

Titlow Park offers a diverse natural landscape, perfect for leisurely exploration. The park features 75 acres of grassy areas and extensive beach frontage along Puget Sound. A gentle trail winds along the shoreline, providing scenic views and opportunities for birdwatching. Instagram

At low tide, the beach transforms into a fascinating natural aquarium. Visitors can discover various small marine creatures, including crabs, making it an engaging experience for all ages. The park is also known for its abundant blackberry bushes, offering a chance for seasonal foraging. Reddit

Beyond the beach, the park includes a pond that attracts waterfowl and a footbridge offering unique vantage points. The natural setting makes it a popular spot for photography, capturing the beauty of the Pacific Northwest coastline. InstagramReddit

Family Fun at Titlow Park

Titlow Park is a hit with families, primarily thanks to its dedicated children's amenities. The park boasts a popular spray park, providing a fun and refreshing way for kids to cool off during warmer months. Adjacent to this is a well-equipped playground, offering swings, slides, and climbing structures for various age groups. Reddit

These facilities make Titlow Park an ideal destination for a family outing or a birthday celebration. Many visitors recommend arriving early, especially on weekends, to secure a good spot, particularly if planning a party around the gazebo near the playground. Reddit

While the beach access is enjoyable, parents should remain vigilant, especially near the lagoon due to safety concerns. The combination of play areas and natural exploration opportunities ensures a memorable experience for families. TikTokInstagramReddit

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