A Day at the Beach: Sunnyside Beach, Steilacoom
by Lauren Lenore on 04/07/08 at 7:31 pm
Whenever the sun comes out in Tacoma, I look forward to getting some fresh air. One of the best parks in the area is at Sunnyside Beach in the little town of Steilacoom. Located about 10 minutes southwest of Tacoma, this suburb has a prime location on the water.
The park has recently been renovated to include a safer railroad crossing and a children’s big toy. I am always impressed by the amount of people barbecuing, playing beach volleyball or just lying in the sand hoping to get a tan. Even if you aren’t looking for recreation, taking a walk around the park can be greatly entertaining. Watch the freight train rumble by or the local ferry drift past.
If you enjoy scuba diving, or just want to get started, there are several classes that visit the park to observe the diverse marine life under the water. I love going to the beach when the tide is really far out because often times you can see starfish and other little critters.
I decided to go to Sunnyside on the first sunny day of April, as a reprieve from staying indoors all winter. With my blanket and book in hand, I found a flat spot on the beach and spread out. After getting tired of basking in the sun, I took a long walk up and down the shoreline looking for unique seaglass and seashells. A couple friends met up with me later and we attempted to play some beach volleyball, but failed to realize how much more challenging the sport is when sand is added to the equation. It was great exercise none the less.
After all the exertion we were definitely hungry, so we took a short walk up the hill into downtown Steilacoom. Founded in 1854, we noticed several historical museums to visit on another day. It was then we encountered the highlight of the trip, the best milkshakes in Tacoma at Bair Drugstore on Lafayette Streeet. Of course, after we consumed what must have been 3 scoops of ice cream each, we had to return to Sunnyside and attempt to burn off those milkshake calories by playing some more volleyball.
Directions:
From I-5, take exit 127 onto South Tacoma Way.
Take a left onto Steilacoom Boulevard SW and follow for about 10 minutes.
Steilacoom Boulevard will turn into Starling and lead you into downtown Steilacoom.
At the four way stop, take a right on Main Street.
Take the next right on Lafayette, and go down the hill.
You will see Sunnyside Beach and the parking lot on the left.
Hours: Open daily until 10 p.m.
I love this place! When I lived in University Place, I went here often. I haven’t been to the beach much, but one of my best friends, yes that is you Seth, used to work at the milkshake place. And yes they are really really good. If you ever listen to Adventures in Odessy (sp?) I always imagined the ice cream parlor to be that place.
I used to ride into this little town during my training and loved the ride out back up to University Place.
Isn’t there a haunted restaurant in Steilacoom?
Yes, the haunted restaurant was E.R. Rogers but sadly it closed down a couple years ago. I don’t think they were earning enough revenue. But it was definitely interesting hearing the scary stories about randomly opening doors and dishes being thrown!
This is one of my favorite places in Tacoma. I no longer live there, but we spent a lot of time there when I was younger. A close friend, long lost to a car accident, and I spent many evenings there. It’s a great place to swim just like you said!
[...] Sunnyside Beach in Steilacoom offers a pebbled beach, a play structure and if you can brave 56 degree water, good swimming. Dogs [...]
[...] Sunnyside Beach in Steilacoom offers a pebbled beach, a play structure and if you can brave 56 degree water, good swimming. Dogs [...]