Title: Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium in West End | Expedia.co.uk

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# Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

![Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium which includes marine life](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6083821/08b3384c-57fe-4032-94cb-29a1f5642abd.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium which includes marine life](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6083821/08b3384c-57fe-4032-94cb-29a1f5642abd.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium featuring marine life](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6083821/6080c32a-ab30-44ed-8e1e-9c061e280794.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium featuring marine life and zoo animals](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6083821/942e44b0-941b-4b80-a490-6c1e9c6090d4.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium which includes marine life and zoo animals as well as a small group of people](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6083821/6406e669-0c4b-4804-8751-f40559c9a2e4.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

## Visit Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Activities

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#### Visit a red wolf habitat, watch polar bears swim and see elephants in a simulated forest environment at this unique zoo and aquarium.

The Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium is home to one of the Northwest's most comprehensive collections of regional and international animals. Learn how this unique facility has helped to save the country’s red wolf population. Explore exhibits that recreate environments in Southeast Asia, the Arctic tundra and the Andes Mountains. Touch stingrays and small sharks in the South Pacific Aquarium.

Stop at the zoo’s Arctic Tundra exhibit to see polar bears swimming in a saltwater pool. This exhibit simulates a coastal environment similar to Point Hope in Alaska. Look for Arctic foxes, large muskox and reindeer.

The Asian Forest Sanctuary is an incredible 5-acre (2-hectare) complex that recreates a southern Asian environment. Head to one of the many viewing points to look for clouded leopards, a type of wildcat naturally found in the Himalayan foothills. Spot white-cheeked gibbons, Malayan tapirs and Indian crested porcupines.

Watch brightly colored fish swimming in the facility’s massive South Pacific Aquarium and catch one of the daily shark-feeding sessions. Find the North Pacific Aquarium to see ratfish, salmon and jellyfish. Interact with more than 100 budgies in the open-air, walk-through Budgie Buddies exhibit and go for a fun camel ride.

Learn how the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium was instrumental in the recovery of the red wolf, which was facing extinction in the late 20th century. Due to ongoing efforts by this facility and other organizations, the red wolf population has grown from 14 to over 250.

Visit during the holiday season to see the zoo’s famous Zoolights event, during which over half a million lights illuminate the grounds. The decorations include 3-D animal light displays, such as a 22-foot (7-metre) wide rock crab.

The remarkable Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium is located within Point Defiance Park, about 7 miles (11 kilometres) from the centre of Tacoma, Washington. Ample parking is provided at the facility as well as next to the Point Defiance Park entrance.

Get up-close with more than 300 different animal species at this imaginative zoo and aquarium.

## Plan a trip to see Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.

![Graduate by Hilton Seattle](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/20000/19100/19023/682ccb38_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

### Graduate by Hilton Seattle

University District

£617

per person

10 Mar - 17 Mar

found 22 hours ago

Return direct flight included

London (LON) to Seattle (SEA)

8.2/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)

We’re only there for 10 hours nice and quiet and comfortable beds

Reviewed on 2 Feb 2026

![1 Hotel Seattle](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1510000/1509800/1509734/41a4bf3c_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

### 1 Hotel Seattle

Downtown Seattle

£1,169

per person

10 Mar - 17 Mar

found 22 hours ago

Return direct flight included

London (LON) to Seattle (SEA)

9.2/10 Wonderful! (165 reviews)

Staff were outstanding, beautiful property, great food

Reviewed on 1 Feb 2026

![Lotte Hotel Seattle](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/49000000/48220000/48217800/48217742/a56b2768_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

### Lotte Hotel Seattle

Downtown Seattle

£998

per person

10 Mar - 17 Mar

found 22 hours ago

Return direct flight included

London (LON) to Seattle (SEA)

9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,000 reviews)

Classy and comfortable

Reviewed on 27 Jan 2026

### Popular places to visit

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#### 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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#### Point Defiance Park

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.

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Point-Defiance-Park-West-End.d6083815.Attraction)

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#### Owen Beach

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

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#### Skansie Brothers Park

After visiting Skansie Brothers Park, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Gig Harbor. While you're in the area, stroll along the waterfront. 

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#### Tacoma Chinese Garden and Reconciliation Park

Explore the great outdoors at Tacoma Chinese Garden and Reconciliation Park, a lovely green space in Tacoma. Stroll along the waterfront or experience the lively festivals in this family-friendly area. 

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Tacoma-Chinese-Garden-And-Reconciliation-Park-North-End.d6335421.Attraction)

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#### Titlow Park

Explore the great outdoors at Titlow Park, a lovely green space in Tacoma. Wander the waterfront in this family-friendly area. 

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Titlow-Park-West-End.d6335434.Attraction)

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## Top Hotel Deals

## Check availability on hotels close to Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

[Tonight

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[Tomorrow night

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[Next weekend

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The INN at Gig Harbor

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The Blue Ruby - nestled in Point Defiance

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Bodur's Nest Whispering Garden

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