Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium 🇺🇸

Located on 29 acres in Tacoma's Point Defiance Park, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is the only combined zoo and aquarium in the Pacific Northwest. Owned by Metro Parks Tacoma and attracting over 600,000 visitors annually, this destination showcases over 9,000 specimens from 367 species across ecosystems of the Pacific Rim. You will discover vibrant exhibits designed around Southeast Asia, the Pacific Northwest, tundra, and aquatic habitats.

Explore the Asian Forest Sanctuary to see Sumatran tigers, white-cheeked gibbons, and clouded leopards in Cats of the Canopy. At Rocky Shores, observe harbor seals, California sea lions, sea otters, and Pacific walruses. The Arctic Tundra area features polar bears, muskoxen, and Arctic foxes, while Red Wolf Woods highlights an essential breeding program for endangered red wolves.

Aquatic enthusiasts can tour two facilities: the Pacific Seas Aquarium—featuring hammerhead sharks, eagle rays, and a kelp forest tank—and the Tropical Reef Aquarium, which offers coral reef displays and public shark dives. Kids can enjoy feeding Nigerian dwarf goats in Kids' Zone, while plant lovers can admire over 50 species of bamboo and rich flora throughout the certified Botanical Garden. You might even spot Magellanic penguins or free-roaming Indian Peafowl during your visit.

What to see at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium

• Explore the Asian Forest Sanctuary, home to Sumatran tigers and clouded leopards
• Visit two aquariums showcasing hammerhead sharks, eagle rays, and coral reef habitats
• Observe Arctic wildlife including polar bears, muskoxen, and Arctic foxes
• Meet meerkats and feed Nigerian dwarf goats in the interactive Kids' Zone
• Tour the certified Botanical Garden displaying over 50 bamboo species

Visiting tips

If you visit between November and January, purchase tickets to walk through the park at night and view the holiday Zoolights display featuring over 800,000 lights.

How long: 3-4 hours · Best time: Daytime or winter evenings

How to get there & what’s nearby

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is easy to reach on Tacoma’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Museum of Glass. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Tacoma travel guide.