The Rose Gardens and surrounding area at Point Defiance Park is home to more than an acre of gardens filled with roses, fuchsias, dahlias and more. Picturesque gazebos, wells, and walkways sit alongside the beautiful flowers.
Before you can explore the scenic area, you have to get there. The park is literally located in the northwest corner of Tacoma. If you are coming from either north or south of Tacoma, take I-5 to WA-16 (exit 132). This is the east end of WA-16, so you will be heading west.
You want to take the 6th Ave. exit off of WA-16, which is about 3 miles from I-5. You will pass Cheney Stadium on your right just before the S.19th St./Orchard St. exit. The 6th Ave. exit is the next exit after that one. Stay in the center lane on the exit ramp (it is currently the right lane due to some construction). Make a left onto 6th Ave. and then a right onto Pearl St. at the next block.
Note: this area is under going quite a bit of construction preparing for the opening of the new Narrows Bridge. Fairly soon you will be able to go straight through the light at the end of the exit ramp, which will take you directly to Pearl St.
Take Pearl St. for about four miles and you will run into a stop sign at the main entrance of the park (watch for speed-traps after N. 30th St.) Go straight to enter the park and you cannot miss the Rose Gardens, which are a little less than a mile ahead on the left. There is plenty of angled parking available on the right hand side of the street.