Thea's Park

Waterfront Escape

Nestled at the entrance to the Foss Waterway in downtown Tacoma, Thea's Park is a compact 3.4-acre park that offers a peaceful waterfront retreat. Since 1996, this little glimpse of tranquility has offered stunning views of Commencement Bay, the Port of Tacoma, and the surrounding landscape.

On those classic Pacific Northwest clear days (yes, they do exist!), you can feast your eyes on Mount Rainier standing majestically in the distance. There's something calming about watching the vessels moving through the harbor from this vantage point.

More Than Pretty Views

Look up and you'll spot the 20 by 38 foot Harbor Flag waving proudly, extending a symbolic welcome to people from all nations entering the Port of Tacoma. Another eye-catching element is the 8-foot memorial globe installed in 2002. This steel sphere artistically marks the positions of Tacoma's 10 sister cities and 5 sister port cities - a beautiful reminder of global connections.

Added more recently in September 2021, the Peace Pole is a sculpted metal pole wrapped with words of peace in Lushootseed (the language of the Puyallup Tribe), English, and the languages of Tacoma's 13 sister cities.

As you wander, you'll notice interpretive signs that tell the story of the area's rich history and of Thea Foss herself - a remarkable woman who made waves (literally and figuratively) in Tacoma's maritime history.

Simple Pleasures

Sometimes the best parks aren't the flashiest. Thea's Park offers a clean, open grassy area that's ideal for spreading out a blanket, enjoying a sandwich, or simply watching the clouds drift by. Several sturdy wooden picnic tables are scattered throughout, including one large table that can seat up to eight people for those impromptu gatherings.

The park is wonderfully dog-friendly, so your four-legged friend can enjoy the waterfront vibes alongside you (just keep them leashed). And don't worry about parking - it's ample and free, which is always a nice bonus.

A small gravel beach area provides access to the water. While swimming isn't recommended (the park sits elevated above the waterway), the beach is ideal for launching kayaks, paddleboards, or small dinghies if you're feeling adventurous.

Maritime Magic

If you're fascinated by working waterfronts, this is a good spot to observe them. From Thea's Park, you can watch ships, tugboats, and cranes going about their daily business at the port. The esplanade offers a lovely walking path, and if you're lucky, you might spot floatplanes, harbor seals, or sea lions making appearances in the surrounding waters.

Boaters can access the North Moorage float via a gangway from the park, fantastic for tying up for a few hours. Water enthusiasts will appreciate that the park is an excellent launch point for kayaks and paddleboards. The 1.5-mile-long Foss Waterway provides relatively calm waters that even beginners can navigate with confidence.

Fishing fans can try their luck from the dock - some folks have even reported catching salmon right from the waterway. The protected nature of these waters makes Thea's Park suitable for various aquatic activities.

Good to Know

Thea's Park tends to fly under the radar, meaning you'll rarely have to deal with crowds. It's a spot that shines during daylight hours and is consistently clean and well-maintained.

Just a heads up - there are no permanent restrooms or playground equipment here. This is more of a contemplative space than an active play area, though visitors of all ages can certainly enjoy the serene waterfront atmosphere.

For a small park, Thea's packs in a remarkable connection to both Tacoma's past and its present role as a vibrant port city.