Every minute you spend caring for your physical and mental well-being is time well spent and a great investment in your lifetime. You can approach well-being improvement in various ways, but one that we highly recommend is walking or running along waterfronts. Doing this regularly can keep you physically fit, improve your mood and heart health, calm the nervous system, and allow you to take a break from the stressors in life.
If you reside in Tacoma or happen to visit, there’s no better place to take nature strolls or runs than the city’s stunning waterfront. Read on to learn the benefits of walking by the waterfront, know the must-try scenic routes, and get safety tips to observe while at it.
Your primary motivation for walking or running by the waterfront might be the breathtaking views that make you appreciate nature and snap envy-worthy photos. But this simple habit also offers numerous health benefits worth knowing.
Here’s a rundown of the physical benefits you can expect:
When it comes to mental health, you can anticipate the following improvements:
You will enjoy walking, jogging, or running along this 2-mile paved stretch as it’s very peaceful, scenic, and serene. It is mostly flat which makes it friendly for a leisure stroll or run even if it’s your first time, and there’s an easily accessible parking garage. As you walk along, you can stop by the various shops and well-rated eateries to grab some food, coffee, or ice cream.
Allow yourself to soak in the panoramic views of Commencement Bay, scenic views of the South Puget Sound, a glimpse of the majestic Mount Rainier (on a clear day), and the Olympic Mountain Range to the East. Sometimes, if lucky, you might even see a seal playing in the surf.
If you’re in for a moderately challenging but manageable route that’s ideal even for kids, try Point Defiance Park Outer Loop. It’s a 6.8-km loop trail so it can take around 90 minutes to explore. This beautiful lush woods walk has well-marked trails, is open year-round, and allows dogs as long as they’re on a leash.
You’ll experience great overlooks of Puget Sound, ocean views, wildlife sightings, seals, the historic Fort Nisqually, and an aquarium and zoo at the start of the trail. However, during rainy weather, be prepared with the right footwear as some parts of the trail can be muddy and some rocks exposed.
Stroll along the Thea Foss Waterway Esplanade if you want to start with a quick, flat walk along the waterway. It begins at Thea's Park and ends near the 500-foot Bridge of Glass, a must-see attraction that’s dotted with beautiful sculptures. This paved stretch is only about a 4.8-km out-and-back so you might be done within an hour, but it offers so much to view along the way including two marinas, the Museum of Glass, and birds.
The Ruston Way Waterfront stretches from Chinese Reconciliation Park to Point Defiance Park. If you don’t want to go all the way, you can walk from Jack Hyde Park to Old Town, a delightful stroll along the same trail.
The paved trail is only 0.5 mi and it’s mostly flat making it accessible regardless of fitness level. As you enter Old Town, you'll be surrounded by beautifully restored historic buildings and breathtaking architecture that you should pause to admire.
Another short and easy waterfront stroll with beautiful forest views in Tacoma is the Titlow Beach Park trail. You can opt to use the Hidden Beach Loop route which is about 1.3 miles and skirts the perimeter of a freshwater lagoon, wanders through the woods, and ends along the beach. The other option is the Lagoon Loop which is about 0.75 miles and stretches round the lagoon back to the parking area.
To ensure you have the best experience, always wear appropriate footwear for the specific terrain. For instance, shoes with a good grip are crucial for uneven trails or during rainy and muddy conditions. You should also carry your water bottle to keep hydrated and wear sunscreen and a hat to protect your skin against sun exposure.
There are also other safety practices to adopt such as checking weather forecasts and tide schedules so you can plan your visits accordingly.
Walking or running by the water has therapeutic effects and creates a sense of awe. So, by doing this routinely, you can have more calming experiences, reduce stress, improve heart health, promote joint flexibility, enhance muscle and bone strength, keep physically fit, and much more.
Try Tacoma’s diverse and panoramic trails if you want to experience these physical and mental health benefits for free. Also, share your other favorite routes in the comments below and tell us about your experiences, good and bad.
Like our tips above? Visit Narrow Chiropractic’s website or physical office for personalized tips on the best outdoor activities for maintaining physical health.
Welcome to Narrows Chiropractic! We are a community-based clinic serving the greater Tacoma area, dedicated to helping individuals and families optimal health through natural chiropractic care!