Lakewood: Lakes, Parks and Historic Gardens

Lakewood combines lake landscapes, expansive parks and historic sites into a diverse travel destination. Those looking for a vacation rental in Lakewood can tailor their stay to their own interests: from paved paths along the water, beaches and boat facilities to large park areas, gardens and notable buildings from the city’s history.

Lakes and paths for different day plans

A particularly easy starting point for activities by the water is the Waughop Lake Trail. The paved loop is nearly 1 mile long and offers views of the lake. It is suitable for strollers, bicycles and all experience levels. This makes it possible to include a short loop in your travel plans as well as a shared walk centered around the lake.

American Lake is home to the 5-acre American Lake Park on its north shore. The park includes a swimming beach and a public boat launch. It also has a picnic shelter, picnic tables, a playground and a restroom that is open year-round. This combination makes the park a place where time by the water can be combined with a break and time outdoors.

Harry Todd Park also offers various options for an active day. The 17-acre waterfront park is located in the Tillicum neighborhood of Lakewood, Washington, and features playing fields, tennis and basketball courts, as well as picnic shelters. The lower section of the renovated area also includes a swimming beach, a fishing pier and boat docks. Depending on your preferred pace for the day, you can combine sports, a picnic and waterfront experiences here.

Nature between lakes and expansive park areas

Wards Lake Park is a 22-acre natural area in Lakewood surrounding Wards Lake. West of the lake, visitors can also explore a grove of historic Garry oaks. Those who value a range of natural experiences when choosing their accommodation will find several distinct places to visit in Lakewood: a loop trail with lake views, a natural area by the lake and waterfront parks with additional amenities.

Fort Steilacoom Park covers 340 acres, making it considerably larger than the smaller parks at American Lake or Wards Lake.

Historic Sites and Special Gardens

Lakewood also has cultural attractions. The Boatman-Ainsworth Residence still stands and is the oldest house in Lakewood. Lakewold Gardens is a historic estate surrounded by 10 acres of formal and naturalistic grounds. At the same time, Lakewold Gardens is one of the landmarks designated by Lakewood.

A special historic distinction is associated with the Secret Garden at Thornewood Castle: it was named one of the five most beautiful gardens in America in 1926 and again in 1930. Travelers who do not want to focus exclusively on water and parks can consider these garden and architecture themes as a separate focus. In addition, the Pierce College Science Dome is open for public presentations, field trips, private presentations and other special events.

Choosing Lakewood as a Suitable Base

When choosing a vacation rental in Lakewood, the main consideration should be which experiences you want to combine during your stay. For paths by the water and a playground, American Lake Park and the Waughop Lake Trail are the main options. Those who want to include sports courts, picnic shelters, a beach, a fishing pier and boat docks in their plans can consider Harry Todd Park. Nature, expansive park areas and historic gardens, in turn, offer different focal points. This creates a travel plan based not just on a single place to visit, but one that brings together different sides of Lakewood.

More Destinations for Your Search

If you would like to compare other places alongside Lakewood, here is a concise selection: South Hill, Graham, Dupont, Buckley, University Place, Lakebay, Lake Tapps and Sumner.

Back to the higher-level travel overview: Pierce.