Titlow Park is a 75-acre beachfront park just south of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. This hidden gem offers wide beach frontage, running trails, tennis and basketball courts, a playground and even a children’s spray park for those hot summer days.
A walk out onto the rocky beach during low tide reveals a bounty of riches from the sea. Starfish, crabs, various type of plankton, and shellfish can all be seen on the beach. If catching some sun rays is more your thing, the north end of the beach offers wide sandy banks that are perfect for laying out and relaxing.
Puget Sound is really the star of the show at Titlow. The Titlow Beach Marine Preserve is a protected area that is home to many rocky habitat species of fish like rock sole, striped seaperch, and buffalo sculpin as well as invertebrates like the giant Pacific octopus, sea anemones and egg-yolk jellyfish.
The surrounding waters are perfect for diving, boating, or kayaking. Don’t be surprised if you are joined by a family of seals or even a whale if you venture out far enough. Sea birds and raptors routinely patrol the area, particularly at low tide. It’s not uncommon to see hawks or eagles fishing for a meal right in front of you.
All of this activity set against the backdrop of the Cascade Mountains on a clear day is beyond compare.
You’re probably going to work up an appetite while you’re there. And luckily there are two different restaurants to choose from right there next to the beach. Steamer’s Seafood Café is a waterfront casual seafood eatery with a wide variety of fare to choose from. And their huckleberry ice cream is not to be missed! The Beach Tavern has more of a pub feel with burgers and sandwiches and a wide selection of craft beers.
Titlow Beach has something for everyone. The stunning views, wide range of activities, ample parking, and lack of admission fee make it hard to beat when planning a day out.
