Rent a kayak at Owen Beach in Tacoma, Washington
Owen Beach reopened in Summer 2022 after a multi-million dollar renovation. Just south of Seattle, Washington, in the beautiful city of Tacoma, you can rent a kayak at Owen Beach and enjoy stunning views of Gig Harbor, Vashon Island, Commencement Bay and – on a clear day – incredible Mt. Rainier as a backdrop.
Added bonus? There’s a nice beach on south Puget Sound, so you can paddle, sunbathe, explore your heart away.
Multi-million dollar renovation reopening: Owen Beach view with on-site kayak rental shop. Photos taken by Flatwater Kayak Club in Summer 2022.
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Kayaking at Owen Beach in Tacoma
The wide openness of this body of water - with epic Pacific Northwest views - make this a lovely summer kayaking experience!
Beginners can paddle around close to the beach area, while more experienced kayakers can venture west around Point Defiance towards miles of natural coastline. Kayakers should be aware of boat traffic.
Is Owen Beach open?
The Owen Beach remodel ended in Summer 2022, and the Tacoma-area beach reopened to the public after a multi-million dollar renovation.
As part of the renovation, there are now clean bathrooms, new beach pavilion, playground, concession stand, picnic tables, and more upgrades.
As of Saturday, May 13, 2023, Owen Beach kayak rentals will be open 10 am – 7:30 pm, Saturday and Sunday. Starting in June, kayak rentals will be offered 7 days a week.
Credit cards only. No cash/checks accepted.
Owen Beach is great spot for kayakers who want to not only paddle around and enjoy the views, but sunbathe during the warm summer months too.
What is the Owen Beach sand like?
The Owen Beach sand is more like tiny rocks and pebbles (see the photo for an up-close view), so bringing a folding beach chair will make the day a more comfortable experience versus laying on a towel. We were also glad we wore water shoes for the day.
All in all, this is a very family-friendly hot spot near Puget Sound, Washington!
What wildlife lives near Owen Beach?
Depending on the season and your luck, bald eagles can be spotted nearby (keep your eyes peeled for them perching on tall dead trees), and if you’re the experienced paddler out along the sandy coastline, seals and possibly even whales (with a lot of luck - but unexpected delights do happen).
On the sand, kids will enjoy looking around for small crabs and sea stars (tide dependent). When we were kayaking there last month, we didn’t spot any wildlife, but the incredible Pacific Northwest views from our double kayak was still such a fun experience. Mount Rainier!
Watch the Owen Beach kayak rental experience in under 20 seconds!
How do I rent a kayak at Owen Beach?
Kayak rentals will resume at Owen Beach in Tacoma on May 13, 2023.
There’s a rental shop right there on the beach, and we were able to walk right up to the window and rent a double kayak for an hour (single kayaks are also available for rent - $19 & up) without a reservation.
This is one of the more affordable kayak rental locations that we’ve seen in the PNW area, if you’re a flatwater kayaker on a budget.
I can imagine that during the busy season, especially with this highly anticipated renovation and reopening, that a kayak reservation is recommended for Summer 2023.
We enjoyed a nice calm, flat water paddling experience at Owen Beach.
Paddle & life jackets are included in your rental, but you can bring your own life jacket. Kids 12 and under are required to wear life jackets at all times in most of the boats launched at Point Defiance.
We rented a tandem kayak at Owen Beach kayak rentals in Summer 2022
Be sure to bring your credit card, because the Owen Beach Rental Shop doesn’t accept cash.
Call ahead for seasonal schedule:
Owen Beach Kayak Rentals
253-404-3960
Tip: If you need help transporting your rental kayak the 100 feet or so from building to beach (like we did - the double tandem kayak was heavy), the kind people at the rental shop are happy to help.
Interested in a guided kayak tour in Tacoma, WA? They offer that too. Details at Outdoor Adventures - Tacoma.
How to park at Owen Beach in Tacoma
You want to get to Point Defiance Park. Pop this address into your GPS for the parking lot:
5605 Owen Beach Rd, Tacoma, WA 98407
More great places to rent a kayak and explore in the Pacific Northwest with Flatwater Kayak Club resources:
Where to flatwater kayak and see an epic mountain view in Washington and Oregon
Kayak racks: what buyers need to know in 2023
5 best tips to see majestic bald eagles while kayaking in the Pacific Northwest
A great place to rent a kayak on the Tualatin River