Daylight saving time is just around the corner, and on March 10, clocks across the country will spring forward one hour, causing us to lose out on some precious sleep, but gain some sweet, sweet sunshine - a treat particularly welcome in the Pacific Northwest. As the clocks turn and the tulips begin to bloom, where better to embrace the sweet visual serenade of spring than Pierce County? With a hot infusion of one hour of extra daylight (and quickly climbing after that), the South Puget Sound is a spectacular place to enjoy the 3 P’s of daylight savings: peaks, parks, and patios.
Peaks
One of the greatest benefits of visiting Pierce County is the proximity to nature, wildlife, and stunning views including mountain peaks, valleys, and even an active volcano, the majestic Mount Rainier. With the extra hours of daylight afforded to explore the great outdoors, there’s no excuse to not take a hike or seek a picturesque peak.
But where to start? Well, for a simple hiking path, we recommend the Five Mile Drive in Tacoma, sporting a 4.4-mile loop trail with beaches and stunning views of the Salish Sea. You could also try Clark’s Creek Trail in Puyallup or McCormick Forest Park Loop in Gig Harbor for a sunlit stroll through the forest. For visitors in Lakewood, look no further than Waughop Lake Loop, offering an easy, well-maintained stroll around a small lake. You also can’t miss Chambers Bay Loop in University Place with views of Chambers Bay and surrounding mountain ranges.
If you’re instead seeking a greater challenge with the reward of some breathtaking mountain peaks, check out Mount Fremont Lookout Trail in Mount Rainier National Park for a closeup of Mount Rainier herself. Or Tolmie Peak Fire Lookout, which offers one of the best panoramic views of Mount Rainier, the Olympic Mountains, and Mount Baker in the region.
Parks
Pierce County offers some of the state’s most scenic parks, with ample opportunity for visitors to take advantage of all the great outdoor amenities of the region without having to pack hiking boots or wear itchy wool socks. From playgrounds to water views, there’s a special spot to soak up some extra sunshine no matter where you find yourself in the South Puget Sound.
In Tacoma, a daylight savings celebratory stop at Wright Park is a must. With over 27 acres to explore, more than 600 tree varieties, a playground for the kids, and the beautiful Victorian-style W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory, there’s something for everyone who stops by. In Gig Harbor, a visit to the Grandview Forest Park offers not only an opportunity to reenact your favorite scenes from Twilight in its massive 8.58 acres of urban forest, but also enjoy local artwork, walking paths, and benches for a springtime picnic. There’s also Fort Steilacoom Park in Lakewood for an opportunity to enjoy spring and summer concerts, explore the trail system, or let Fido enjoy the extra sun with an off-leash dog park.
Patios
One of the biggest perks of extra daylight is the opportunity to spend time dining outdoors with your favorite people. Whether you’re looking for a fabulous cocktail or a delicious meal, Pierce County is a feast for the senses. And, as the days draw longer, there will be plenty of opportunities to dine out (outdoors, that is!).
Starting off strong, you can’t miss an extended day taking in stunning water views at Topside Bar & Grill in Steilacoom, which offers a roof-top deck for dinner and drinks. To get even closer to the waterways of Pierce County, Tides Tavern in Gig Harbor and Anthony’s at Point Defiance in Tacoma both offer tasty fare, delicious drinks, and a waterside patio to enjoy them on.
For a taste of the farm-to-table offers of Puyallup, spend your extra daylight hours on the patio of Farm12 where you can soak in the sights and sounds of the South Sound’s countryside. And, as if you needed yet another excuse to get excited about the extra daylight, we couldn’t forget the Chambers Bay Grill in University Place which offers incredible food and even more impressive sweeping views of the Chambers Bay Golf Course, waterway, and surrounding Olympic Mountains.
Where are you excited to spend your extra hour of sunlight? Let us know! Tag us @traveltacoma on Instagram and Facebook.
