Things To Do
in Puyallup
Puyallup is a city in the state of Washington, United States, located about 10 miles southeast of Tacoma. Known for its agricultural roots, the city hosts the Washington State Fair, one of the largest fairs in the region. Puyallup is also home to numerous parks and outdoor recreational opportunities, with the Puyallup River running through the city.
The community has a mix of historic buildings and modern development, providing a blend of charm and convenience for residents and visitors alike.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $80 - $200
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $50
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $6
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $5
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $60 - $120
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $70
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a refreshing walk at Bradley Lake Park. Enjoy the serene views, and maybe even spot some local wildlife.
Head over to Pioneer Park for a picnic lunch. After eating, visit the Puyallup Farmers Market to browse local goods.
Conclude your day with a relaxed dinner at a local restaurant. Enjoy some live music if available to close out your evening.
Begin your adventure with a hike at the Puyallup Riverwalk Trail. The fresh air and beautiful scenery will set a perfect tone for the day.
Grab lunch at a nearby café, then head to the Northwest Trek Wildlife Park. Experience the fascinating wildlife up close.
Enjoy a cozy dinner at home or at a casual eatery. Take a stroll around Puyallup’s lively downtown area afterward.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful natural scenery, including nearby Mount Rainier.
- A strong sense of community with various local events and festivals.
- Access to quality education with several highly rated schools.
- Affordable cost of living compared to nearby Seattle.
- Good transportation links to major cities and outdoor recreational areas.
- Limited job opportunities in certain industries.
- Weather can be rainy and gray for a significant part of the year.
- Traffic congestion can be an issue during peak hours.
- Some areas may have higher crime rates compared to national averages.
- Public transportation options may be limited compared to larger urban centers.
Best Activities in Puyallup
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy a variety of local produce, crafts, and live music in this vibrant outdoor market.
Explore walking trails, picnic areas, and a serene lake at this beautiful outdoor park in Puyallup.
Experience history and nature with a visit to this park, featuring a historic cabin, playgrounds, and walking paths.
Tours
Uncover the best of Puyallup with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Puyallup
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers beautiful views of the lake and surrounding landscapes, providing great photo opportunities.
Features lovely walking trails and viewpoints that offer stunning views of the Puyallup River and the city.
Historic mansion with well-maintained gardens and architecture, perfect for capturing elegant and timeless photos.
Food in Puyallup
Puyallup Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A beloved local treat, these fluffy and buttery scones, slathered with homemade raspberry jam and piles of whipped cream, can be found at the Washington State Fairgrounds during the annual fair.
Must-Try!
Freshly caught salmon grilled to perfection over an open flame, often seasoned with local herbs and served with a side of seasonal vegetables. Look for this dish at various outdoor festivals, farmers' markets, and local seafood restaurants.
This flavorful seafood stew showcases the bounty of the Puget Sound with a variety of locally sourced fish and shellfish, accompanied by a rich saffron-infused broth. It's a must-try at Boat Street Cafe, subtly blending French cuisine with regional ingredients.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Puyallup better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This bustling market offers a wide array of fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, local honey, and handcrafted products. It's a great place to sample farm-to-table delights and perhaps grab a delicious street food snack while browsing the stalls.
For an authentic taste of Thailand in Puyallup, head to Saweedee. Their street food offerings include flavorful pad thai, savory satay skewers, and aromatic green curry, all prepared with traditional Thai spices and fresh ingredients.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Puyallup, it is important to respect personal space and not to stand too close to others, especially when conversing.
People in Puyallup value polite and friendly greetings. It is customary to say 'hello' or 'good morning' when meeting someone, and to use 'please' and 'thank you' in conversation.
Puyallup has a rich indigenous history, and it's important to show respect for the local Native American culture. This can include learning about the history and traditions of the Puyallup Tribe and showing consideration for their cultural practices.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Puyallup with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Puyallup
Ensure a smooth experience
In Puyallup, it is customary to tip service workers such as waitstaff, bartenders, and taxi drivers. The typical tipping rate is 15-20% of the total bill.
Payment in Puyallup is predominantly made through cash, credit/debit cards, and mobile payment methods. Most businesses accept major credit cards, and ATMs are readily available for cash withdrawals.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Puyallup.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit for the Daffodil Festival and the Spring Fair.
Ideal for the Washington State Fair and outdoor activities.
Great for fall foliage and the Washington State Fair.
Experience festive holiday markets and events.
Puyallup at Night
Hiking in Puyallup
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A stunning national park featuring diverse ecosystems, towering peaks, and numerous trails for all skill levels.
A scenic trail offering beautiful views of the surrounding area, perfect for a family hike.
A popular trail known for its breathtaking vistas and rewarding summit views, suitable for various hiking enthusiasts.
Offers a variety of hiking trails during the summer with panoramic views of Mount Rainier and the Cascade Range.
This park features coastal trails through forests and along the beach, ideal for a quick hike near the city.
Offers several trails with varying difficulty levels, along with breathtaking alpine scenery.
A lesser-known trail that offers a peaceful hike in the woods with views of the surrounding landscape.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Puyallup through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Puyallup by plane.
Located approximately 30 miles north of Puyallup, SEA is the primary international airport serving the Seattle metropolitan area.
Located about 140 miles south of Puyallup, PDX serves the Portland metropolitan area and offers numerous international flights.
Located approximately 25 miles north of Puyallup, BFI primarily serves general aviation but also has some international flights.
Located about 40 miles north of Puyallup, PAE is a regional airport that offers some international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Approximately 73% of the population identifies as White.
About 16% of the population identifies as Hispanic or Latino.
Approximately 9.4% of the population identifies as Asian.
Around 6.5% of the population identifies as Black or African American.
About 5.5% of the population identifies as multiracial.
Approximately 1.5% of the population identifies as Native American.
About 1% of the population identifies as Pacific Islander.
The Soul of Puyallup
Discover the essence of Puyallup through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular team sport played in high schools and local leagues, with a strong following among the community.
Widely played at various levels, including youth leagues, high school teams, and recreational leagues.
A favorite sport with many schools in Puyallup fielding competitive teams, and it has a strong recreational scene.
A beloved pastime in the area, with local youth leagues and high school programs actively engaging the community.
Popular among high schools and community recreational programs, with both indoor and beach volleyball options.
Prominent in schools, with various events encouraging participation from students and local athletic programs.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Puyallup.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Puyallup's dining scene caters well to vegetarians and vegans, with many restaurants offering plant-based dishes such as quinoa bowls, veggie burgers, and hearty salads packed with local produce.
Visitors with gluten sensitivities can find accommodating options in Puyallup, from gluten-free pizzas at Trackside Pizza to gluten-conscious menus at establishments like HG Bistro, emphasizing naturally gluten-free ingredients.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Puyallup with these cultural adventures.