Section of Five Mile Drive closing for construction at Point Defiance Park
Parks Tacoma says the second phase of the Loop Trail project will begin in May.
As a result, the entry to Five Mile Drive from the turn at Waterfront Drive up to Animal Loop Road will be closed to vehicles for one year.
A non-paved detour will be provided for pedestrians and bicyclists.
The project will create 1.6 miles of trail apart from the roadway to connect visitors to Wilson Way Bridge, the Pagoda, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, the Environmental Learning Center and Owen Beach.
All park destinations will remain open.
Parks Tacoma says drivers wanting to access the Lodge, Pagoda, gardens, and marina will use the Pearl Street entrance. Those wanting to visit Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Owen Beach, Fort Nisqually, and the Outer Loop of Five Mile Drive will need to use the Mildred Street entrance.
'We know the road detour is an inconvenience, but we're committed to providing multi-modal links to improve connectivity, safety, and accessibility between major destinations within Point Defiance Park,' said Park Board President Andrea Smith. 'The community has been wanting this for years, and we're excited to deliver on a long-held goal.'
Point Defiance Park draws more than 3 million visitors every year.
In 2016, the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office awarded Parks Tacoma a $3.25 million grant to move forward with the Loop Trail.
The first phase was completed in 2023 and included a new sidewalk and improvements to Park Avenue west of the Mildred Street entrance roundabout. It also paved the top of Trolley Lane trail leading north from the roundabout to the Japanese Garden, featuring a small plaza at the entry of Wilson Way Bridge and a safer pedestrian road crossing near the garden.
There is no exact date in May for when this second phase will begin.
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National Geographic
29-07-2025
- National Geographic
Planning the next family trip? Look to Galveston
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). Stretched along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico in Texas, Galveston is where maritime history, ornate Victorian mansions and a decidedly Floridian beach-town vibe seamlessly blend. A popular choice among late-1800s holidaying elites and investors looking for new prospects, this barrier island became the richest city in the state, packing Southern charm and wild decadence into its gilded mansion-lined streets. Today, it's evolved into a year-round destination with things to do for all ages. It's the variety on offer that's especially appealing, from immersive museums and world-class animal education centres to attractions focusing on much more than just planet Earth. Plus, the relaxed Gulf-inspired dining scene is well-suited to kids, the city is manageable in size, and gentle Gulf breezes and occasional afternoon rains ensure temperatures stay comfortable. Here's why under-the-radar Galveston should be your next family getaway. Moody Gardens Pyramids are impossible to miss on the approach to Galveston. Photograph by Moody Gardens 1. Learn about animals at the Moody Gardens Pyramids The three pyramids rising high from the coastline, their glass exteriors glistening in the sun, are impossible not to notice upon your approach to Galveston — and yet even more eye-catching exhibits await inside. The pyramids are at the heart of Moody Gardens, a wildlife, education and nature centre with a focus on rescue and rehabilitation and programmes to save endangered species from extinction. The Aquarium and Rainforest Pyramids offer a chance to learn about animals and their habitats, and feature exhibits to help kids (and adults) connect the dots between marine biology, animal conservation and human activity. In the Rainforest Pyramid, animals such as sloths and saki monkeys roam free, and tropical birds flit through the canopy; the Aquarium Pyramid's Coral Reef Lab is dedicated to researching and helping to protect Florida's coral reefs, which are facing a severe bleaching crisis. The third — Discovery Pyramid — features travelling exhibitions and immersive motion-simulator experiences. Friendly sloths are just some of the animals roaming free in the Moody Gardens Rainforest Pyramid. Photograph by Visit Galveston 2. Tour the historic harbour Galveston's maritime heritage takes centre stage at the Texas Seaport Museum and the tall ship Elissa. Visitors can climb aboard the fully restored 1877 vessel and imagine life at sea during the Age of Sail, plying gruelling trade routes around the world. On shore, the Ship to Shore exhibit uses immersive technology — think motion platforms and multimedia storytelling — to bring to life Galveston's seafaring history, from immigration to storm survival. Afterwards, take time to wander the adjacent harbour, where working fishing boats and occasional cruise ships pass by. There are also options to join harbour or dolphin-watching tours, or visit a retired jack-up oil rig to understand the science and impact of oil production. 3. Become an astronaut for a day Just a 45-minute drive from Galveston, Space Center Houston is a must for any kids (or parents) interested in the universe. The official visitor centre for NASA's Johnson Space Center — part museum, part training ground — is where astronauts prepare for their missions. Kids can touch Moon rocks, try out virtual reality spacewalk and space travel simulators, see a Saturn V rocket (used for the Apollo missions) and explore one of two original aircraft used to transport the iconic Space Shuttles. Daily tram tours take visitors to mission control and astronaut training facilities (VIP options grant even more behind-the-scenes access), while interactive exhibits make the science of space travel more accessible. There are also STEM-focused play areas and challenges to test young minds. And with special events, seasonal programming and visiting astronaut talks happening regularly, there's always something new to learn. Plan a whole day to make the most of your time here. Space Center Houston is where NASA astronauts train for future missions and visitors can get a closer look at what the process entails. Photograph by Space Center Houston, Aaron Rodriguez 4. Tour Galveston's historic mansions Galveston's past isn't just preserved — it's celebrated. For history-loving families, a visit to The Bryan Museum is a fascinating dive into Texas and American West heritage. Housed in a former orphanage, the museum's collection spans centuries and includes exhibits on cowboys, Native American culture and early settlers, all presented with striking visuals and thoughtful storytelling. Kids can marvel at historic weaponry, try on period clothing or follow a scavenger hunt through the galleries. Beyond the museum, Galveston's East End Historic District is dotted with grand Victorian homes, many open for tours. Bishop's Palace and Moody Mansion are standouts offering not only an architectural wow-factor but also a glimpse into Galveston's gilded past. Walking tours of the district make for a gentle afternoon of exploring streets lined with trees and historic plaques. Finally, make time to stroll The Strand, once nicknamed the 'Wall Street of the Southwest' on account of it being a hub for bankers, brokers and cotton merchants. 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This story was created with the support of Travel Texas and Visit Galveston. To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
Forbes
10-07-2025
- Forbes
5 Aquariums Across The U.S. To Check Out
West Coast Sea Nettles at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. getty You don't need a PADI certification to get an up-close look at some of the ocean's most fascinating creatures. Across the U.S., world-class aquariums showcase everything from ethereal sea dragons and mesmerizing jellyfish to playful otters, inquisitive penguins, and even sharks. Many also offer live feedings, interactive exhibits, and unforgettable experiences, like joining naturalists from the New England Aquarium for whale watching right off the Boston coast. Here are five must-visit aquariums that bring the deep blue to life. Monterey Bay Aquarium Brittany Anas Perched on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is a world-class destination that opened in 1984 within a former sardine cannery. The aquarium has been a pioneer from the start, unveiling the world's first living kelp forest exhibit and debuting large-scale displays of jellyfish—hypnotic creatures that pulse rhythmically through the glowing blue waters. Monterey Bay is also the only aquarium outside Japan to showcase sunfish, yellowtail, and bluefin tuna. With nearly 200 exhibits focused on the rich habitats of Monterey Bay, around 80 percent of the marine life on display hails from California's own coastal waters. Sync up your visit with some of the daily shows, whether it's hammerhead sharks lunging for lunch or sea otters, who come to the aquarium as rescues, snacking and playing. Penguins at Shedd Aquarium. Shedd Aquarium One of the most eye-catching features of the Shedd Aquaurium is at the heart of the aquarium in the historic rotunda: Wonder of Waters includes two towering 28,000-gallon habitats, one freshwater, the other saltwater. 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Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Yahoo
Niagara Falls businesses see fewer Canadian, European tourists this summer
NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. (WIVB) — Many businesses on both sides of the border hoped the holiday weekend would bring in customers, but this year, places in Niagara Falls are noticing fewer neighbors to the north stopping over. Chad Fifer, the president of the Aquarium of Niagara, said it's been an unpredictable year for tourism. 'It's been a pretty unpredictable year,' he said. 'We'll see odd months where we're up, in both head count and revenue, and some months we're down, and in some cases, pretty significantly.' Fifer said the aquarium has had an 18 percent drop in visitors in February, making it one of its worst months so far. In June, there was a 10 percent drop in visitors. The aquarium has also seen fewer visitors from up north, he said. The attraction is monitoring its numbers closely. 'As a year round attraction, we see almost 50 percent of our visitation between Memorial Day and Labor Day,' Fifer said. 'So the importance of this season cannot be stressed enough. It's really important that we're operating at 100 percent. We are ready to engage guests that come through. We're being very aggressive with our marketing, so these drops this time of year can have a major impact.' Bill Olesiuk runs the Craft Kitchen and Bar located in downtown Niagara Falls. His business is also seeing fewer Canadian tourists. He's not sure if tariff tensions are playing a factor in that. 'I'm not that guy that knows those things, but all I can tell you is the facts,' Olesiuk said. 'They're not coming like they have in the nine years I've been here.' Sarah Minkewicz is an Emmy-nominated reporter and Buffalo native who has been a part of the News 4 team since 2019. Follow Sarah on Twitter @SarahMinkewicz and click here to see more of her work. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
