Cummings Park

Waterfront Wonder

Located next to Ruston Way in Tacoma, Cummings Park is a pleasant waterfront spot that you might find yourself returning to often. Perched right on the shores of Commencement Bay, this park offers impressive views of Mount Rainier, the Olympic Mountains, and the busy Port of Tacoma.

It's part of Tacoma's connected waterfront spaces that give you over three miles of accessible shoreline to explore. There's something deeply calming about this spot - maybe it's the gentle lapping of water or the way the mountains frame the horizon, but it's a fantastic place to reconnect with nature without leaving the city behind.

What You'll Find

The heart of the park features a spacious open lawn great for frisbee or picnics. There's also a unique circular rock garden that adds a touch of zen to the landscape.

One of our favorite features is the wooden bridge that extends to a fishing dock - it offers great views of the city skyline with Mount Rainier in the background. The park's sandy beach area offers a little taste of shoreline exploration, while art installations scattered throughout add unexpected moments of discovery to your visit.

If you're looking to get moving, the park connects to the paved Ruston Way Trail - a fantastic multipurpose path that links the waterfront parks. Regardless of whether you're walking, jogging, biking, or rollerblading, this scenic route follows the water's edge.

Things to Do

There's something hypnotic about watching the maritime traffic here - ships and boats of all sizes navigating Commencement Bay create an ever-changing seascape. The open spaces and waterfront setting accommodate everything from quiet contemplation to lively picnics.

There are good opportunities for wildlife viewing here. Wildlife watching here is surprisingly good - keep your eyes peeled for seals bobbing in the water, eagles soaring overhead, and if you're incredibly lucky, you might even spot orcas passing through. Birding enthusiasts will find plenty to focus their binoculars on, and water lovers can launch stand-up paddleboards or kayaks for a different perspective of the bay.

Bring Your Four-Legged Friends

Cummings Park is suitable for dogs. While they need to stay leashed, the entire Ruston Way waterfront is wonderfully dog-friendly. You can find plenty of trash cans and dog waste bag stations along the way, making it easy to be a responsible pet parent.

The Practical Stuff

Scattered throughout the waterfront are picnic tables perfectly positioned for dining with a view. Clean restrooms are within walking distance throughout the Ruston Way area - always a plus for longer visits.

Parking is free and plentiful, with the main lot conveniently located east of the adjacent Lobster Shop restaurant. This makes Cummings Park an ideal starting point if you're planning to explore more of the Ruston Way waterfront.

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Community Hub

Beyond its everyday charm, Cummings Park transforms for special occasions. It's used as one of the locations for Tacoma's 4th of July Summer Blast, with live music, food vendors, and entertainment. During these events, they sometimes close the adjacent road to traffic, creating an even more relaxed, pedestrian-friendly vibe.