Things to do in Puyallup, Washington
- The city's name is derived from the Puyallup Tribe of Indians, meaning 'the generous people' in the Lushootseed language.
- Puyallup was famously known as the 'Red Raspberry Capital of the World' for much of the 20th century due to the valley's prolific berry farming.
- The city was incorporated in 1890, shortly after Ezra Meeker, a prominent pioneer, established the first hops farms in the region.
- The Washington State Fair held in Puyallup consistently ranks among the largest state fairs in the United States by annual attendance.
- The city is home to a segment of the historic Meeker Mansion, built by city founder Ezra Meeker in the late 1800s to demonstrate the prosperity of the local hops industry.
About Puyallup, Washington
Puyallup is a city located in Pierce County, Washington, historically recognized as the site of the annual Washington State Fair. The landscape is defined by local natural landmarks, including the recreational space at Bradley Lake and the nearby Bonney Lake. Residents and visitors utilize expansive green spaces such as Meridian Habitat Park & Community Center for local activities. The area serves as a residential hub in the shadow of Mount Rainier, maintaining a distinct identity separated from the neighboring urban centers of Tacoma and Seattle.
Highlights of Puyallup, Washington
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Parks
This park features a popular walking trail that encircles the water.
Parks
This community center provides extensive recreational facilities and sports fields.
Parks
A quiet wooded area offering walking paths through dense local vegetation.
Natural attractions
The lake is a central spot for local shore-side relaxation and catch-and-release fishing.
Natural attractions
This expansive natural area is a primary destination for regional water-based recreation.
Parks
This park preserves historical elements dedicated to the local heritage of the Puyallup valley.
Top things to do in Puyallup, Washington
The 42 highest-rated places in Puyallup, Washington, ranked by travellers.
1
Venues
The Washington State Fair Event Center is the primary venue for the Washington State Fair, which ranks among the largest...
2
Zoos
Northwest Trek Wildlife Park is a 723-acre zoological facility located in Eatonville, Washington, focused on native Paci...
3
Amusement parks
Wild Waves Theme and Water Park is Washington State's largest combined amusement and water park, situated on 70 acres in...
4
Venues
White River Amphitheatre is a large-scale outdoor performance venue located in Auburn, Washington, designed specifically...
5
Parks
Spanaway Park is a 135-acre regional park located on the eastern shore of Spanaway Lake in Pierce County, Washington. Th...
6
Parks
Bradley Lake Park is a 54-acre recreational site in Puyallup, Washington, anchored by a 12-acre lake stocked with trout....
7
Parks
Pioneer Park is a centrally located 5-acre urban green space in downtown Puyallup, Washington, serving as the city's pri...
8
Parks
Alder Lake Park is a sprawling recreational facility operated by Tacoma Power along the 1,500-acre Alder Reservoir. The...
9
Parks
Five Mile Lake Park is a 40-acre regional park featuring a 25-acre freshwater lake primarily used for swimming, fishing,...
10
Parks
Lake Tapps Park, located on the northern shore of a massive 2,675-acre reservoir, serves as a primary public access poin...
11
Parks
Wildwood Park is an 80-acre forested municipal park located on the south hill of Puyallup, Washington. The site features...
12
Zoos
Debbie Dolittle's Petting Zoo is an indoor animal facility located in Tacoma, Washington, designed for year-round animal...
13
Parks
Allan Yorke Park is the primary municipal waterfront park located on the eastern shore of Lake Tapps in Bonney Lake, Was...
14
Parks
South Hill Community Park is a 40-acre municipal recreation area located on the South Hill plateau in Puyallup, Washingt...
15
Museums
The Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad operates heritage steam and diesel train excursions through the forest foothills near Mo...
16
Museums
LeMay Collections at Marymount is a historic 80-acre estate in Tacoma, Washington, housing one of the world's largest pr...
17
Parks
Loyalty Park is a community green space situated near the confluence of the White and Puyallup Rivers in Sumner, Washing...
18
Museums
Recycled Spirits of Iron Sculpture Park is an outdoor art installation created by artist Dan Klennert, featuring hundred...
19
Parks
DeCoursey Park is a 27-acre municipal recreational space in Puyallup, Washington, featuring a pond, baseball fields, and...
20
Parks
Meridian Habitat Park & Community Center is a 36-acre public facility in Puyallup, Washington, managed by Pierce County...
21
Historical places
Tolmie Peak Fire Lookout is a historic 1932 structure located in Mount Rainier National Park, situated at an elevation o...
22
Parks
23
Parks
24
Parks
25
Historical places
26
Venues
27
Parks
28
Natural attractions
29
Historical places
30
Parks
Explore by category
Jump straight to what you're into.
Puyallup, Washington on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Puyallup, Washington
September, when the city hosts the Washington State Fair and the weather remains mild before the onset of the Pacific Northwest rainy season.
2-3 days to explore the local parks and the historic downtown core.
A personal vehicle is the most practical way to navigate, as public transit is limited outside of commuter bus connections to Tacoma.
Stay in the downtown area for proximity to historic sites or near the fairgrounds to access the city's main event hub.
Mid-range; lodging and dining costs are generally lower than in nearby Seattle.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 42 curated attractions in and around Puyallup, Washington, ranked by traveller ratings.
Washington State Fair Event Center is the highest-rated place to visit in Puyallup, Washington right now.
The largest category is parks, with 18 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Downtown Los Angeles, Bayonne, New Jersey, Washington, D.C..
Explore more of United States of America
Other cities ranked by number of curated places.
