Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in South Hill, WA

  • Published 2023/05/27

The census-designated place of South Hill in Washington is the perfect escape from the bustling city life.

It has a suburban atmosphere that will make you experience a quiet but charming life.

It is located in the center of Pierce County and encompasses about 19 square miles.

The area is home to over 60,000 people as of the 2020 census.

South Hill has plenty of parks and open spaces, recreational areas, as well as high quality restaurants.

Aside from its own attractions, the census-designated area is also conveniently located near bigger cities and their respective attractions.

So when you visit the place, you’ll also get the chance to stop by the popular destinations surrounding the area.

If you’re looking for a new area to visit around Washington, give South Hill a chance.

Before you draw up a plan, read this list of the best things to do in South Hill, Washington!

Spend A Day Outside at South Hill Community Park

Go to South Hill Community Park if you’re looking for an outdoor space where you can hang out for free.

You may find it at 14201 – 86th Avenue East.

The 40-acre property is surrounded by tall trees and walking trails, giving a peaceful atmosphere to the area.

If you want to have a peaceful walk and be close to nature, you should explore this park.

The paved trails are also connected to the Nathan Chapman Memorial Trail and Heritage Recreation Center, so it would be convenient to also check those out.

If you enjoy playing sports, the park has spaces for casual games and soccer, among others.

South Hill Community Park also has a children’s play area, picnic tables, restrooms, and a lot of free parking spaces!

Go to the Heritage Recreation Center

Try different activities at the Heritage Recreation Center.

It is located at 9010 – 128th Street East.

The center is popular among the community as it provides great spaces for various sports including baseball and soccer, to name a few.

It has multi-purpose fields for all kinds of games and athletic activities.

In addition, the center provides access to nature trails for those who enjoy hiking.

The 40-acre complex has a huge parking space that also serves the nearby schools during events.

The Heritage Recreation Center features a playground, perfect for when you’re traveling with kids!

Fix Your Cravings at Karma Indian Cuisine and Lounge

If you’re craving Indian food, dine at Karma Indian Cuisine and Lounge.

It is located at 12623 Meridian East.

The restaurant serves authentic and quality Indian food, with a specialization in Northern Indian food.

It also offers a selection of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dishes.

Some of the food you may find here include Curry ,Onion Bhaji, Vindaloo, Chicken Tikka Masala, Chicken Korma, Mango Curry, and Lamb Boti Masala, among others.

Karma Indian Cuisine and Lounge has been serving the area for 20 years and has established itself as the go-to restaurant for Indian food.

If you’re in South Hill, don’t miss the chance to try this restaurant for yourself!

Watch a Movie at Regal Longston Place

Catch one of your much-awaited movies here at Regal Longston Place.

Even if you’re traveling, you won’t miss out on the newly released box office hits because this theater is located within the South Hill area.

You may find it at 13317 Meridian Avenue East in Puyallup.

The theater shows both fresh releases and old movies, so be sure to check the schedule and book your seats in advance.

Grab snacks and drinks and enjoy a movie night at Regal Longston Place!

Meridian Habitat Park & Community Center

Visit the Meridian Habitat Park & Community Center to try all kinds of recreational activities.

It is located at 14422 Meridian East.

The spot is known to the locals as Puyallup Amphitheatre.

It is made up of a 36-acre wooded park, a community center, and an expansive lawn where popular events and programs are held.

Some of the events you may catch here are the jazzercise program, movies in the park, family Bingo nights, and princess parties, among others.

Meridian Habitat Park & Community Center also has an off-leash dog park that is fully fenced, perfect for when you’re traveling with pets!

You won’t just enjoy the place itself, but also the people who are part of the South Hill community.

Grab a Bite at Out & About Burgers

For a quick stop, grab a bite at Out & About Burgers.

Located at 14212 Meridian Avenue East Puyallup, the place is popular for its unforgettable burgers.

It boasts quality drive away experience as it serves fresh ingredients, hand-pressed patties, and buns toasted perfectly on the grill.

During your visit, feel free to ask about the restaurant’s best-sellers so you can try what the locals love the most!

Out & About Burgers isn’t just a place to get delicious food but also to meet the community and taste a local staple!

Try a Local Favorite at Mazatlán Restaurant South Hill

Dine at Mazatlán Restaurant South Hill if you want to eat authentic Mexican food.

Its South Hill branch is located at 13024 Meridian Avenue East Puyallup.

The restaurant is known for its flavors and traditions that date back to 1968.

Founder Don Andrés Cárdenas created the first ever specialties of the place, so you should ask about these and try them out for yourself.

Mazatlán Restaurant South Hill has a lunch menu, a dinner menu, and a platters menu where you can choose from.

If you want to have drinks, you may try their drinks and even avail their Happy Hour promos.

Spend a Quiet Time at Gem Heights Park

Gem Heights Park is another one of South Hill’s parks and open spaces that are accessible for everyone.

It is located at South Hill 98375.

This neighborhood park will provide you the peace and quiet you need if you just want to be outside and get some fresh air.

Feel free to bring a book and find a spot where you can read.

You may also try people watching or bird watching at Gem Heights Park if you want a quiet and simple activity.

Spend Your Special Day at Rock Creek Gardens Wedding and Event Venue

If you’re looking for a venue where you can hold a special occasion, you may want to consider Rock Creek Gardens Wedding and Event Venue.

It is situated at 11421 164th Street East, Puyallup.

The 20-acre private estate combines the beauty of Northwest and English garden landscapes.

It was originally built in 1958 and was home to the Morell family for over 20 years.

By 2005, the eldest daughter of the family turned the place into the place it is today.

Its features were enhanced to make it even more magical, emphasizing the large rocks, ponds, and the trees that have stood in the property for a long time.

From the grounds, you will have a picturesque view of Mount Rainer, waterfalls, hundred-year old cedar trees, and stone pathways—making up an ambience fit for special events such as weddings.

If you’re looking for a place to hold your special day, try visiting Rock Creek Gardens Wedding and Event Venue to see if it fits your vision.

Get Your Caffeine Fix at Volcano Coffee

Grab a coffee at Volcano Coffee when you’re in the area.

It is located at 9909 168th Street East, Suite 101 in Puyallup.

The family-owned cafe serves delicious coffee with unique flavors.

Drop by the charming cafe and order one of the locals’ go-to coffee.

Try Volcano Coffee if you want to taste something simple but new from the South Hill area!

Other Things to Do Nearby

After exploring the census-designated area of South Hill, you should also drop by the neighboring towns and cities.

Seize the opportunity to visit popular attractions that are just a few miles away from South Hill!

Discover LeMay – America’s Car Museum

Exterior of LeMay – America's Car Museum

Stilfehler, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Car enthusiasts shouldn’t pass up on the chance to visit this one-of-a-kind museum just near South Hill.

LeMay – America’s Car Museum is a popular destination among automobile enthusiasts all over the world.

Here you will learn all about America’s automobiles, their history, and their roles in society.

The 165,000-square foot facility has been recognized by MSN as one of the 10 Best Automotive Museums in the world.

Interior of LeMay – America's Car Museum

ZhengZhou, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

It also has a 3.5-acre show field where you will see a vast collection of historic vehicles.

LeMay – America’s Car Museum is also home to Full Throttle Cafe, where you can grab a snack or rest if you get tired.

Before you leave, feel free to drop by the shop and grab a souvenir to take home!

A car in LeMay – America's Car Museum

JOHN LLOYD from Concrete, Washington, United States, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Book a Tee Time at High Cedars Golf Club

If you enjoy playing golf, you’ll be happy to know all about High Cedars Golf Club.

It is located at 14604 149th Street Court East in the city of Orting.

The club is home to two premier golf courses, the 18-hole championship course and the 9-hole executive course.

Depending on your skill level, there’s a perfect golf course for you.

Even if you’re a beginner, you may avail lessons offered at High Cedars.

Every golfer won’t just enjoy the sport itself, but also the surrounding views.

While here, you’ll be greeted by the beautiful views of Mount Rainier, Puyallup River and its calming sounds, as well as the well-manicured fairways and greens of the courses.

High Cedars Golf Club provides a one-of-a-kind golfing experience in Washington.

Visit the Old Goat Farm

The Old Goat Farm is a charming little space tucked outside the city of Orting.

It is located at 20021 Orting Kapowsin Highway East, Graham.

You may reach the garden and nursery in less than 30 minutes driving from South Hill.

Here you may find beautiful garden plants and avail some for yourself.

It is owned by Greg Graves and Gary Waller, both horticulture and flora enthusiasts.

If you’re looking for specific types of plants, feel free to reach out to the farm.

The Old Goat Farm is the perfect place for plant lovers to find unique plants, meet fellow enthusiasts, and learn.

Have an Indoor Adventure at the Epicenter

If you want to have a day filled with fun and adventure while staying indoors, visit the Epicenter.

It is located at 15317 Meridian East Puyallup.

Epicenter has all kinds of games, including virtual reality activities and e-sports.

It also features a mini bowling alley, a classic game for family and friends to enjoy.

You may also try one of their escape rooms if you want to solve puzzles and mysteries!

Epicenter also hosts parties and events, so you may consider booking it for your next special occasion!

Taste Local Drinks at Fierce County Cider

Drop by Fierce County Cider and find out why it is a favorite tap house in the community.

It is located at 9918 162nd Street Court E, Unit 3, Puyallup.

It serves as a go-to gathering place for most people in the area, perfect for enjoying drinks together and catching up.

The taps contain the place’s specialty ciders as well as ciders on rotation depending on the season.

You may also choose from Fierce County Cider’s selection of local craft beers made by breweries in Washington.

Food trucks sometimes visit the area, so you may get the perfect snack to pair with your drink.

Final Thoughts

The census-designated place of South Hill is a delightful gem in the state of Washington.

The area may seem small and unimposing but it is home to plenty of outdoor recreational spaces and distinctive restaurants.

If you want a simple vacation with a lot of quiet moments and gastronomic opportunities, try visiting this area.

For your reference, save and go through this list of the best things to do in South Hill, Washington.

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