Walking:

The best places for a walk with a view:

-Ruston Way waterfront (paved). Bikes for rent outside the WildFin restaurant

-Chambers Bay golf course loop (3 miles) in University Place. Full loop around a US Open golf course, open to the public. Also has trails to the waterfront

-Point Defiance, both paved and woodsy trail options. Also has beautiful gardens, Owens beach, and a network of trails for running/walking.

Kayaking/SUP:

- Owen's Beach at Point Defiance

https://www.parkstacoma.gov/boat-rentals/

- Ruston Way South, near Tacoma Chinese Reconcilliation Park.

https://www.bigbuspaddlesports.com/rentals

- Gig Harbor

https://www.leessup1.com/

Wildlife Spotting:

If you are walking near the water you will almost certainly see some seals but here are popular spots they hang out in groups!

- Dune Peninsula

- Owens Beach

- Titlow Beach

Whale Watching:

There are whale watching tours that leave from Seattle, Port Angeles and Port Orchard. We went in June out of Port Angeles two years ago and saw Orcas and Humpbacks.

Boat Tours:

Destiny Harbor Tours does a guided tour of the sound that leaves from Gig Harbor. We loved it, but it is not a whale watching tour, no guaranteed wildlife viewing.