No matter the season, it’s always a good time to plan a family beach outing. The South Puget Sound area is home to a variety of beaches, each with its own charm. Add these South Sound spots to your itinerary for a fun and memorable family adventure on the water.
Redondo Beach: Seals, Sandcastles & Marine Science
Situated along the tranquil shores of Puget Sound in Des Moines, Redondo is a peaceful South Sound beach escape just a short drive south of Seattle. Families will enjoy the fully accessible one-mile out-and-back boardwalk that parallels and, at high tide, crosses directly over the water. While you walk along the promenade, keep your eye out for resident marine mammals: seals, sea lions, and river otters are frequently spotted here.
Take the stairs from the boardwalk down to the beach, or access the beach from the sidewalk level before the boardwalk begins. This mostly sandy beach is an excellent spot for digging in the sand and perfecting sand castle architecture. Keep an eye on the tide so you don’t get caught off guard at high tide when water can completely cover some sections of the beach. Bring paddle boards or kayaks for water sports–you can even use the beach’s boat ramp to enter the water easily.
Time your visit to Redondo during the opening hours for the MaST Center Aquarium, located near the boardwalk entrance. Open for free public visits on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., this aquatic facility is operated by Highline Community College to engage the community in marine science and stewardship. This small yet mighty aquarium contains over 250 native Puget Sound species in their public viewing tanks, along with a 38-foot Gray Whale skeleton mounted near the entrance.
Visit MaST Aquarium’s touch tanks and other interactive exhibits. (Image courtesy MaST Aquariuam)
Dumas Bay: Sand Dollars and Shady SHores
This hidden gem on Puget Sound at the northern tip of Federal Way is a marine sanctuary worth exploring. Comprising 20 acres of beach, shoreline, and forest, Dumas Bay is an uncrowded alternative to some of the larger local beaches.
Access the beach by parking in the small parking lot off 44th Ave SW, then take the quarter-mile gravel trail down to the beach. Sturdy wagons may be able to complete the journey, but it is probably easier to carry belongings over the bumpy trail. Dogs are not allowed, but as you walk down the trail, pay attention to the native flora and fauna–see how many horsetails and red-winged blackbirds you can find!
Once at the beach, find a smooth driftwood log or shady spot under a tree to set up your beach camp. Bring toys to dig in the pebbly sand or lay out some blankets for sunbathing. Wear swimsuits and enjoy splashing in the water. The long, shallow entrance from the beach keeps the water relatively warm, and even little legs will be able to cover some distance before the water reaches above their knees.
Entrance to the Dumas Bay Wildlife Sanctuary (Image: Allison Peterson)
Time your visit to Dumas Bay for low tide and discover why locals have nicknamed this area “sand dollar beach”. Walk along the still-damp shore and look down: chances are you’ll find at least one sand dollar (who knows, maybe you’ll even strike it rich and become a sand dollar millionaire!). Be mindful that sand dollars are living creatures, and any sand dollars covered in dark brown fuzz are alive. Washington State law prohibits removing live sand dollars as they are essential to their natural ecosystem. However, beachgoers can collect dead or bleached sand dollars that have already washed up, so keep your eye out for treasures!
Dumas Bay is a great beach for finding sand dollars. (Image: Allison Peterson)
Dash Point State Park: A Skimboarding Hotspot
Nestled between the urban hubs of Seattle and Tacoma, this state park offers much to visitors. With hiking trails, camping, and a wide, sandy beach, Dash Point is a must-visit South Sound beach.
The extensive main parking lot is open year-round from 8:00 a.m. to dusk, and a Discover Pass is required for parking. Paved access trails make it easy to bring wagons or strollers from the parking area down to the beach. This is a very popular beach, so plan to share the space with others, especially during the busy summer months. Public restrooms, freshwater rinsing stations, and picnic facilities with BBQs are available near the beach.
Bring all your beach gear because Dash Point’s main attraction is the beach! Featuring over 3,000 feet of shoreline, there is plenty of room to spread out and explore. Make sure you have sand toys and buckets–the beach’s soft sand is perfect for digging and building.
Tidepools at Dash Point State Park. (Image: Allison Peterson)
Watch the shoreline at low tide where skimboarders are likely riding and doing tricks–this sport originated in the Pacific Northwest, and Dash Point is the premier skimboarding hub. Kids can even try skimboarding at day camps hosted by DB Skimboards at Dash Point each summer.
Save time by discovering Dash Point State Park beyond the beach. With over 19 miles of trails, hikers and mountain bikers have ample space to explore the park’s forests and meadows. Download a geocaching app and see how many geocaches you can find throughout the park. As you peruse the park, watch for animals like hawks, deer, and seaside starfish.
Point Ruston: Trails, Splash Pads and Ice Cream
Nestled along the shores of Commencement Bay, this waterfront community is full of amenities and outdoor adventures to keep families entertained.
When you arrive at Point Ruston, aim to park near Point Ruston’s Grand Plaza in the center of the community. Hourly fees are charged for all parking spaces in the Point Ruston vicinity, with ample parking available both on-street and in parking garages.
Begin your day exploring Point Ruston’s fully paved trail system, which is perfect for bringing along strollers, bikes, or scooters. A one-mile trail connects Point Ruston to Point Defiance Park (home to Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium) via Dune Peninsula to the west. Continuing east from Point Ruston on the Waterwalk trail brings visitors to additional parks and trails managed by Parks Tacoma. Features along the trail, such as long slides built into hills, giant sea creature mosaics in the pavement, and scenic viewpoints, keep things interesting as you go.
Riding bikes near an octopus-themed mosaic on the Point Ruston Waterwalk Trail. (Image courtesy Tacoma Parks)
After working up a sweat on the trail, head back to the Point Ruston waterfront area where kids can cool off in the seasonal Grand Plaza splash pad or wade into Puget Sound at one of the trailside beaches. Kids will enjoy playing on the ferryboat-themed playground while parents enjoy the stunning views of Commencement Bay and Mount Rainier. Watch the water for wildlife, including resident marine life such as seals, sea lions, and harbor porpoises.
Finish your day with a sweet treat from Ice Cream Social. Enjoy classic flavors and unique twists on old favorites made with quality, locally sourced ingredients. This popular spot can get quite busy, but don’t be deterred if you see a crowd–the friendly staff keeps lines moving quickly, and your delicious reward will be worth the wait!
South Sound Beaches 2: The Orca play structure at Owen Beach. Photo by Parks Tacoma
Owen Beach: Tidepooling and Orca Play Structures
This popular South Sound beach recently underwent major renovations that have breathed new life into the beachfront. Pack some beach chairs, umbrellas, sand toys, and a cooler, and you’ll be ready to spend the day enjoying this local favorite’s features.
Set your base camp on the grassy patch near the restrooms, or head straight to the expansive beach. Take a moment to check out the park’s features like the climbable orca whale play structure, the new pavilion and picnic areas, and paved waterfront trails. If you get peckish during your day at the beach, head over to the park’s seasonal concession stand for goodies like ice cream bars, cold drinks, and ready-to-eat charcuterie.
\The Orca play structure at Owen Beach. (Image: Allison Peterson)
The beach itself is full of fun opportunities for playing and exploring. Bring sand toys and buckets for digging and building in the mixed sand-and-pebble surface. Gaze out at the water where you’re likely to see ferry boats crossing and, if you’re lucky, maybe even one of the Orcas known to frequent this area. Schedule your visit for an “Explore the Shore” day when you can meet with beach naturalists for a low-tide stroll to learn about the sea creatures that make this beach their home.
For a different perspective, head out on the water! Bring along your own kayak or SUP to launch from the and of these South Sound beaches, or rent a kayak from the Parks Tacoma-operated boat rental kiosks on site.
With so many incredible beaches to discover, the South Sound is the perfect destination for your next beach day. Pack a beach bag and enjoy one of these amazing beaches for your family’s next outdoor adventure!
