Explore Tacoma and Pierce County, WA

Waterfront Getaways

Pierce County is home to picturesque Salish Sea shorelines and panoramic views. Whether on land, at sea or beachcombing, waterfront towns are full of adventure and leisure. History buffs will revel in the old charm near water’s edge and in the foothills of the mountain. Witness remarkable preservation in Steilacoom, the first incorporated town in Washington state (1854). Historic landmarks and vintage storefronts guide you through the story of this former bustling frontier seaport. University Place displays jaw-dropping views of the snow-covered Olympic Mountain range, Mount Rainier and the Salish Sea. It is also the home of Chamber's Bay Golf Course, the site of the 2015 U.S. Open Championships.


Top Five

  1.   Chamber's Bay Golf Course - site of the 2015 U.S. Open Championship
  2.   Point Ruston and Ruston Way Waterfront 
  3.   Small, quiet beaches in Steilacoom, DuPont, University Place
  4.   Shopping and dining on the Gig Harbor waterfront
  5.   Annual Events in Gig Harbor and the Tacoma waterfront
  • 1700 Civic Dr.
  • (253) 312-3273

An unexpected, hidden gem in the middle of DuPont, the Sequalitchew Creek Trail is a relatively flat, 3.0-mile (round-trip) trail that includes a hike through an urban area, an estuary, a forest, an abandoned train tunnel, and then a beach.

  • 5005 Ruston Way
  • (253) 759-6400

Point Ruston is the northwest’s premier waterfront neighborhood, offering living, dining, shopping, entertainment and recreation on water’s edge in one convenient and picturesque location. Situated on 97 acres along nearly a mile of Puget Sound shoreline, this new Built Green®…

  • 4020 Ruston Way

Located between The Lobster Shop and Duke's Chowder House, this two-mile long scenic waterfront with panoramic views of Commencement Bay is a great place for walking, jogging, rollerblading and fishing.

  • 5605 Owen Beach Rd
  • (253) 404-3960

Throughout the summer, Metro Parks offers kayak rentals right on Owen Beach in Point Defiance Park. Explore gorgeous Commencement Bay, with Mount Rainier as the backdrop, and maybe meet with some local harbor seals, or even one of the humpback whales that occasionally make…

  • Jack Hyde Park
  • (443) 473-0014

BIG BUS PADDLE SPORTS is the Pacific Northwest’s favorite paddleboard rental service. With 5 star reviews and Glide paddleboards, we will handle your rental with professionalism and the highest quality rental gear.*Currently based out of Jack Hyde Park in Tacoma, or nearby along…

  • 1817 Dock St
  • (253) 250-1906

Kayaking from the Dock Street Marina  Explore the Thea Foss Waterway, Commencement Bay and all that the South Sound has to offer. Dock Street Marina has all that you need to experience kayaking for the first time or enjoy an afternoon on the water with friends…

  • 3117 Harborview Dr.
  • (253) 432-0052

Welcome to Gig Harbor, the site of the American gondolier. Gondolas are our passion, and Gig Harbor is the perfect place to enjoy this leisurely water tour.

  • 8205 Dorotich Street
  • (253) 358-3491

CLOSED FOR THE SEASON Gig Harbor Boat Rentals (featuring Duffy Electric Boats) is your passport to the water in Gig Harbor. It's the perfect way to spend a relaxing couple hours on the water. Explore the colorful history of Gig Harbor where early Croatian and Norwegian settlers…

  • 8829 N Harborview Dr
  • (253) 858-7341

Lee's rents out stand up paddle boards and outrigger canoes based on availability and offers balance testing SUP toga classes in the summer.

  • 6320 Grandview Dr West
  • (253) 460-4653

Home of the 2015 U.S. Open June 15-21, 2015 In keeping with the traditions of the game and the natural style of links golf, Chambers Bay was designed as a walking-only golf course. Experience Chambers Bay the way the game was originally created. By choosing one of our…

  • 6320 Grandview Dr. W.
  • (253) 798-4141

This 930-acre site includes over two miles of saltwater shoreline, two and a half miles of urban creek and canyon and breathtaking mountain and Puget Sound views. Enjoy a walk on the beach and public trails, play golf or dine at Chambers Bay, relax at Central or North Meadow or…