Explore Lakewood through a range of themes: a paved loop trail with lake views, waterfront parks with swimming beaches and boating facilities, a natural area surrounding a lake, and historic gardens. When planning your trip, consider whether you’d prefer to focus on the waterfront, parkland, or local history. This can also help you decide what kind of trip you want before searching for a hotel in Lakewood.

Waterfront, Trails, and Parkland

The Waughop Lake Trail is a paved loop trail nearly a mile long, with lake views. It’s suitable for strollers, bicycles, and all experience levels. Surfaces and amenities may change; check current information if these details are important to your plans.

The 5-acre American Lake Park is on the north shore of American Lake and includes a swimming beach and public boat launch. A picnic shelter, picnic tables, playground, and year-round restroom round out the amenities. If you plan to use the boat launch, check current operating and fee information in advance.

The 17-acre Harry Todd Park is a waterfront park in the Tillicum neighborhood of Lakewood, Washington. The lower section of the renovated area has a swimming beach, fishing pier, and dock; the park also has sports fields, tennis and basketball courts, and picnic shelters. The difference between the parks’ water facilities is clear: American Lake Park has a public boat launch, while the lower renovated section of Harry Todd Park combines a beach, fishing pier, and dock.

Wards Lake Park is a 22-acre natural area in Lakewood that surrounds Wards Lake. West of the lake, visitors can explore a grove of historic Garry oak trees. The lake and oak grove give this park a different focus from the waterfront parks with their named facilities.

The acreage also helps put the parks in perspective: Fort Steilacoom Park covers 340 acres, Wards Lake Park 22 acres, Harry Todd Park 17 acres, and American Lake Park 5 acres. Fort Steilacoom Park therefore stands out for its much larger size compared with the other three parks mentioned.

Gardens and Local History

The Boatman-Ainsworth Residence still stands and is the oldest house in Lakewood. It offers a distinctive historical note alongside the natural areas and gardens.

Lakewold Gardens is a historic estate surrounded by 10 acres of formal and naturalistic grounds. It is also one of the landmarks designated by Lakewood. The Secret Garden at Thornewood Castle was named one of America’s five most beautiful gardens in 1926 and again in 1930.

The Pierce College Science Dome is open for public shows, field trips, private shows, and other special events. Since dates and programs can change, check what’s offered during your travel dates in advance.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Buckley, Greenwater, Eatonville, Ashford, Fife, Lakebay, Tacoma, University Place

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