The Best Hotels Closest to Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium in Tacoma - 2026 Updated Prices

A large fish with a yellow tail swimming in clear water.

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Our top choices for Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium hotels

A spacious lobby with multiple seating areas, large windows offering views of the outdoors, and a staircase leading to an upper level.

A hotel room with a fireplace, a bed, a television, a desk, and a sofa.

A home gym with dumbbells, exercise balls, and kettlebells.

1. The INN at Gig Harbor

2.9 mi from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Joseph

£106

includes taxes & fees

12 Oct - 13 Oct

A marina with boats docked, a wooden pier with seating, and a backdrop of houses and trees.

A living room with two armchairs, a television, and a fireplace with a visible fire.

A bedroom with a fireplace, a bed, a TV, and a view of the outdoors.

A modern living room with a sofa, armchairs, a coffee table, and a dining table. There is a sliding glass door leading to a balcony with a stone wall and greenery outside.

2. Waterfront Inn

4 mi from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Christine

£154

includes taxes & fees

18 Oct - 19 Oct

A Marina Inn with a blue and white exterior, a parking lot, and a clear sky.

A hotel room with a blue wall, a wooden floor, a bed, a desk with a lamp, a chair, a cart, and a staircase.

A breakfast room with a digital clock, coffee maker, toaster, and a sign indicating cream cheese, butter, and yogurt are available.

A hotel room with a bed, a chair, a small table, a lamp, and a microwave in the kitchenette.

3. Marina Inn

11.3 mi from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Jessica

£69

includes taxes & fees

1 Oct - 2 Oct

An outdoor seating area with a fire feature, chairs, and a view of a house and trees.

A spacious kitchen with a central island, wooden cabinets, and a chandelier.

A residential building with multiple units, a driveway, and landscaped gardens.

A hotel room with a large bed, a desk, a fireplace, and multiple windows.

4. Best Western Wesley Inn & Suites

3.2 mi from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Matthew

£145

includes taxes & fees

11 Oct - 12 Oct

A modern hotel lobby with a reception desk, seating area, and large windows.

A modern kitchen with a built-in microwave, sink, and a small countertop.

A hotel room with a bed, desk, chair, TV, and large windows.

A hotel with a neon sign indicating 'Hampton Inn & Suites' and a clear entrance.

5. Hampton Inn & Suites Tacoma

South End, 8.9 mi from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Chris

£95

includes taxes & fees

4 Oct - 5 Oct

A pebbly beach with a small island in the distance.

A hotel room with a large bed, a chair, a desk, and a balcony with a view.

6. The Maritime Inn

3.4 mi from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Micah

£180

includes taxes & fees

25 Oct - 26 Oct

A Courtyard Marriott hotel with a modern design, located near a busy intersection with visible traffic.

A modern lobby with a reception desk, seating area, and a large pillar.

A modern hotel lobby with a sectional sofa, a small table, and a large ottoman. There are multiple seating areas and a reception desk in the background.

A spacious hotel lobby with a central staircase, seating areas, and a large window offering a view of the outdoors.

7. Courtyard by Marriott Tacoma Downtown

Downtown Tacoma, 5.5 mi from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Kirstin

£117

includes taxes & fees

2 Oct - 3 Oct

A modern kitchen with white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, a large island with bar stools, pendant lighting, and a geometric wall design.

A living room with a brown leather sofa, a brown armchair, a coffee table, and a fireplace.

A modern kitchen with white cabinets, a marble island, and pendant lighting.

A two-story house with a front porch and a garden with purple flowers.

8. Central Tacoma Homestay -private room-

Central Tacoma, 4.4 mi from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

susan

£96

includes taxes & fees

27 Oct - 28 Oct

A modern living room with a large window, a sofa, a dining table, and chairs.

A rooftop pool with a glass enclosure, outdoor seating, and a city view.

A modern lounge area with a bar, sofas, and a large window overlooking a cityscape.

A spacious lobby with seating areas, a bar, and a staircase connecting floors.

9. Marriott Tacoma Downtown

Downtown Tacoma, 5.5 mi from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

wesley

£120

includes taxes & fees

11 Oct - 12 Oct

A modern breakfast area with a self-serve station, refrigerated display, and a view through the window.

A modern living room with a grey sectional sofa, wooden chairs, and a colorful rug.

A hotel room with two beds, a TV, a desk, a chair, and a large window with curtains.

10. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Seattle Federal Way

10 mi from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Deantre

£85

includes taxes & fees

11 Oct - 12 Oct

A modern hotel entrance with a neon sign, a covered walkway, and a parking area.

A modern spa interior with a dark tiled wall, a reception desk, and a visible spa area with a chair and a mirror.

A spacious lobby with a leather sofa, blue armchairs, and a chandelier.

A modern lobby with a central staircase, seating areas, and a bar with a visible fireplace.

11. Hotel Murano

Downtown Tacoma, 5.3 mi from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Carrie

£103

includes taxes & fees

4 Oct - 5 Oct

A spacious lobby with a modern design, featuring a seating area with sofas and armchairs, a wooden coffee table, and a dining area with a long table and chairs.

A spacious lobby with a wooden reception desk, a staircase, and a coffee station.

A Holiday Inn Express with Staybridge Suites and Replenish checkout areas, featuring refrigerated beverage dispensers and snack shelves.

A hotel room with two beds, a desk, a chair, and a window with curtains.

12. Holiday Inn Express Federal Way Seattle South by IHG

10.3 mi from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Daniel

£93

includes taxes & fees

25 Oct - 26 Oct

A modern hotel lobby with a large seating area, a television, and a kitchenette.

A multi-story hotel with a brick facade, multiple balconies, and a visible entrance with a covered area.

A modern bar area with a long counter, multiple bar stools, and pendant lighting.

A hotel room with a bed, a coffee maker, a microwave, a nightstand, and framed pictures on the wall.

13. Hilton Garden Inn Tacoma Downtown

Downtown Tacoma, 5.8 mi from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Linda

£101

includes taxes & fees

3 Oct - 4 Oct

A spacious lobby with a central seating area, large windows, and a view of the parking area.

A modern conference room with multiple tables and chairs, a large screen, and a fireplace.

An indoor swimming pool with clear blue water, surrounded by walls with large windows.

A spacious lobby with large windows, a modern chandelier, and a reception area.

14. Best Western Plus Tacoma Hotel

South End, 8.8 mi from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Elizabeth

£98

includes taxes & fees

4 Oct - 5 Oct

A bar area with multiple seating options, a coffee machine, and a variety of beverages and snacks displayed on shelves.

An outdoor patio area with a dining table, chairs, and a large umbrella.

A modern hotel lobby with a large seating area, a flat-screen TV mounted on the wall, and a dining area with a wooden table and chairs.

A modern lobby with a digital display, a reception desk, and a seating area.

15. Courtyard by Marriott Seattle Federal Way

10.4 mi from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Raphael

£106

includes taxes & fees

4 Oct - 5 Oct

An outdoor patio with a wooden pergola, seating area, and a built-in fire pit.

A narrow pathway leading to a set of steps with a sign reading "Lodge 5".

A white basket with towels on a wooden stool near a door with a wooden wall behind it.

A pathway leading to a building with a clock and a mailbox on the wall.

16. Lodges on Vashon

10.4 mi from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

vanphat

£184

includes taxes & fees

29 Sept - 30 Sept

A storage area with metal shelves and wooden cabinets, containing various items.

A hotel room with a large bed, a desk, a chair, and a view of mountains through the window.

A pool area with lounge chairs and umbrellas, surrounded by a modern building.

A modern hotel with a curved glass facade, multiple floors, and a prominent entrance.

17. Four Points By Sheraton Seattle Airport South

12.4 mi from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Siva

£87

includes taxes & fees

1 Oct - 2 Oct

A spacious lobby with a central chandelier, escalators, and a patterned carpet.

A modern casino hotel lobby with a curved seating area, large windows, and a chandelier.

A spacious lobby with a central seating area, escalators, and a modern chandelier.

A modern hotel lobby with a reception desk, seating area, and a sign indicating the direction to the casino parking.

18. Emerald Queen Hotel and Casino - Tacoma

Eastside, 7.1 mi from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Rachelle

£148

includes taxes & fees

28 Sept - 29 Sept

A spacious restaurant with a long counter and multiple seating areas.

A modern waiting area with comfortable seating, a flat-screen TV, and a large window offering a view of the outdoors.

A modern office space with a large desk, multiple chairs, a television, and a view through large windows.

A hotel lobby with a reception desk, seating area, and a dining section.

19. Holiday Inn Tacoma Mall by IHG

South End, 9 mi from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Cary

£89

includes taxes & fees

25 Oct - 26 Oct

A hotel with multiple buildings, a parking lot, and a well-lit entrance.

A spacious lobby with modern seating, large windows, and a central column.

A hotel pantry with refrigerated and non-refrigerated food items, including beverages and snacks.

A hotel reception area with a long counter, various coffee machines, and decorative vases.

20. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Tacoma - Seattle

New Tacoma, 6.8 mi from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Silviu

£96

includes taxes & fees

1 Oct - 2 Oct

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Compare popular hotels close to Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Property	Property class	Guest rating
The INN at Gig Harbor	8.8 Excellent 1,617 reviews	View
Waterfront Inn	9.6 Exceptional 344 reviews	View
Marina Inn	8.4 Very good 1,004 reviews	View
Best Western Wesley Inn & Suites	9.2 Wonderful 1,003 reviews	View
Hampton Inn & Suites Tacoma	9.0 Wonderful 1,004 reviews	View

Top Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium Hotel Reviews

The INN at Gig Harbor

8/10 Good

"Our room was nice and clean, beds comfortable. Staff was knowledgeable. Breakfast was okay, mediocre food but several options."

Walk to the waterfront! The South Sound Suite

10/10 Excellent

"Great location. Beautiful accomodations. Would stay again."

Bodur's Nest Whispering Garden

10/10 Excellent

"I would give our host 10 stars for communication if I could. He replied promptly to my questions and was very helpful. The house was immaculately clean and very comfortable. The neighbor is quiet and close to the Sound. I enjoyed just relaxing there and would definitely stay again."

Luxury 3 Bed/3 Bath NEW Home in Ruston

10/10 Excellent

"It was a decent place overall, and we had a good time with friends. It was very quiet, though the space was a bit small. The grill was out of gas, and basic cooking supplies, such as oil and seasonings, were almost used up."

Walk to the waterfront! The Cozy Cottag

8/10 Good

"This is a clean, cozy, quaint cottage in a nice neighborhood close to parks and other attractions. The property manager is polite, professional, and responds promptly to inquiries.Overall, I gave it 5 stars because it ended up exceeding my expectations and was a great value.Property appears to be a duplex but I never heard anyone through the adjoining wall. Parking is a little tight, tighter than pictured online, but I got a spot close to the dwelling. If you want to stay in north Tacoma, this is a nice spot for 2 travelers. "

Ruston Retreat: Sauna, ice bath, Modern 4B 4BA & Stunning Water View

10/10 Excellent

"Really nice house and great location. Was clean with comfortable beds. Highly recommend."

Stay near Point Defiance Park in our charming 1-bedroom cottage

10/10 Excellent

"Perfect location for access to Wren's Bakery, ferry to Vashon, two restaurants, walking on the waterfront, and driving to/from the University of Puget Sound. Highly recommend."

Walk to the waterfront - Charmwood House in Tacoma

10/10 Excellent

"Layout was very open and bedrooms nice sized for large groups. Backyard was perfect for outside cooking and socializing with your friends and family."

Walk to the waterfront The Cozy Cottage

8/10 Good

"The cozy cottage is the perfect place to stay for 1-2 people when visiting the Ruston area in Tacoma. There’s a small convenience store a couple blocks away with coffee, beers, etc. Wifi on site was fast and easy to connect to (once we did a little troubleshooting). Towels and basic toiletries are provided as well as dishes, a Brita water filter, and Keurig coffee maker. The bed is comfy, but the bedroom does get warm in the summer. There’s a large fan in the bedroom to keep cool. Overall, I would recommend this place of looking for a place to stay in Ruston / Tacoma."

Other attractions near Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

A rustic wooden cabin interior with various tools and equipment, including a large bear statue, wooden buckets, and a wheelbarrow.

Fort Nisqually Living History Museum

Interact with interpreters in period clothing and explore replica 19th-century buildings at this living history museum.

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A coastal walkway with a dog, a person walking, and a mountain in the background.

Point Defiance Park

9.4/10 (37 reviews)

One of the largest urban parks in the United States is a green space home to lovely gardens as well as a fun-filled zoo and aquarium.

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A calm lake with a pier, a mountain in the background, and a forested area to the right.

Owen Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Owen Beach during your trip to Tacoma?

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Adventure Maze

Enjoy an outing to Adventure Maze during your stay in Tacoma.

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Cinemark Century Point Ruston

You can take time to visit Cinemark Century Point Ruston during your travels to Tacoma.

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Marine Park

9.0/10 (2 reviews)

Explore the great outdoors at Marine Park, a lovely green space in Tacoma. Stroll along the waterfront or visit the shops in this family-friendly area.

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Cushman Trail

8.4/10 (16 reviews)

You can take time to visit Cushman Trail during your travels to Gig Harbor. While you're in the area, stroll along the waterfront.

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beach near Narrows Bridge Pond

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at beach near Narrows Bridge Pond during your trip to Gig Harbor? Amble around this family-friendly area's waterfront and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

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Frequently asked questions

What's the area like around Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium?

Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium is located in a welcoming area of Tacoma known for its beautiful beaches and hiking. If you're looking for a convenient place to stay, take a look at the 15 hotels and other accommodation options you'll find within a mile.

What's the best hotel to stay close to Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium?

The INN at Gig Harbor is one of the top choices for your stay based on our traveller data, and this hotel offers free breakfast and free parking. It's located 2.9 mi (4.6 km) from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium.

How many hotels will I find near Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium?

Expedia has 15 hotels and other accommodation options within a mile from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium.

If I need to cancel the hotel reservation for my stay near Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, will I receive a refund?

Yes! Most hotel bookings are fully refundable provided that you cancel before the accommodation's cancellation deadline, which is usually within 24-48 hours of your scheduled arrival. If your reservation is non-refundable, it might still be possible to cancel it and be given a refund within 24 hours of your booking. Add dates, click "Search", then you can filter by "fully refundable" to get the best deals available near Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium.

What can I see and do near Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium?

Study the collections at Fort Nisqually Living History Museum, Harbor History Museum or Job Carr Cabin Museum. You can enjoy live performances at Tacoma Musical Playhouse and Paradise Theatre. Spend some time wandering around Point Defiance Park, Titlow Park and Crescent Creek Park.

Search Hotels Near Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, Tacoma

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Treat yourself

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Our top choices for Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium hotels

1. The INN at Gig Harbor

2. Waterfront Inn

3. Marina Inn

4. Best Western Wesley Inn & Suites

5. Hampton Inn & Suites Tacoma

6. The Maritime Inn

7. Courtyard by Marriott Tacoma Downtown

8. Central Tacoma Homestay -private room-

9. Marriott Tacoma Downtown

10. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Seattle Federal Way

11. Hotel Murano

12. Holiday Inn Express Federal Way Seattle South by IHG

13. Hilton Garden Inn Tacoma Downtown

14. Best Western Plus Tacoma Hotel

15. Courtyard by Marriott Seattle Federal Way

16. Lodges on Vashon

17. Four Points By Sheraton Seattle Airport South

18. Emerald Queen Hotel and Casino - Tacoma

19. Holiday Inn Tacoma Mall by IHG

20. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Tacoma - Seattle

Compare popular hotels close to Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Top Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium Hotel Reviews

The INN at Gig Harbor

Walk to the waterfront! The South Sound Suite

Bodur's Nest Whispering Garden

Luxury 3 Bed/3 Bath NEW Home in Ruston

Walk to the waterfront! The Cozy Cottag

Ruston Retreat: Sauna, ice bath, Modern 4B 4BA & Stunning Water View

Stay near Point Defiance Park in our charming 1-bedroom cottage

Walk to the waterfront - Charmwood House in Tacoma

Walk to the waterfront The Cozy Cottage

Other attractions near Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Fort Nisqually Living History Museum

Point Defiance Park

Owen Beach

Adventure Maze

Cinemark Century Point Ruston

Marine Park

Cushman Trail

beach near Narrows Bridge Pond

Frequently asked questions