Titlow Park

A Glimpse into the Past & Present

Nestled along the shores of Puget Sound, Titlow Park spans 75 acres of natural beauty with a story that goes way back. In 1911, a businessman named Aaron R. Titlow built the Hotel Hesperides here - a charming Swiss Chalet-style resort that welcomed guests to this picturesque spot.

The park sits in Tacoma with generous beach frontage offering breathtaking views of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge and the Olympic Mountains. The golden hour views over the water are simply stunning, making it a great spot for sunset photography.

Nature's Playground

Titlow is both visually appealing and ecologically significant. The park blends wetlands, estuaries, and forests into a rich tapestry that supports countless plants and animals, including young salmon making their way through the South Puget Sound.

The lagoon stands out as a centerpiece of the park. Once a swimming spot for fancy resort guests, it's now being restored to its natural state - conservation in action! Another gem is Hidden Beach, a peaceful waterfront area that reopened in 2017 after some TLC from restoration crews.

Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife - ducks and geese are regulars, squirrels dart between trees, and if you're lucky, you might spot seals peeking at you from the water. Visit during low tide and the beach transforms into a natural aquarium with tide pools revealing crabs and other fascinating little sea creatures.

Fun for Everyone

Regardless of whether you're eight or eighty, Titlow has something for you. Kids absolutely love the playground with its pirate ship-themed area for the little ones and more challenging equipment for older adventurers.

During summer, the sprayground offers a refreshing escape from the heat. This splash pad replaced the old swimming pool in 2013 and has been a hit with families ever since.

Sports more your thing? The park offers tennis courts, basketball courts, and volleyball courts for the active crowd. There's also plenty of open grassy space for frisbee, soccer, or other casual games.

The Historic Heart

The Titlow Lodge remains from the park's resort days. Now serving as a community center, you can even rent it for events - it accommodates up to 220 people and comes with a dance floor and kitchen facilities for those special gatherings.

Around the grounds, you can find picnic areas with tables and barbecue grills - some covered, which is a blessing given the Pacific Northwest weather! These spots are great for family reunions, birthday celebrations, or just a casual lunch with a view.

Outdoor Adventures

The well-maintained walking trails wind through the park's diverse landscapes, offering a peaceful escape and plenty of opportunities to spot birds and local plants. The trails form convenient loops through the woods and along the waterfront, and yes, you can bring your four-legged friend (just keep them leashed).

Water enthusiasts have options too - the beach area welcomes scuba divers, kayakers, and paddleboarders, with a small ramp available for launching your craft. The rocky shoreline becomes especially interesting at low tide when more secrets of the intertidal zone are revealed.

One quirky feature? An active railroad runs along the edge of the property. Though the passing trains can be momentarily loud, they're often a highlight for train-loving kids (and adults!).

Managed by Metro Parks Tacoma, Titlow Park continues to evolve through ongoing improvements and conservation efforts, balancing recreational opportunities with the preservation of its historical charm and ecological importance.