Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Tacoma

Name: Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
Address: 5400 N Pearl St, Tacoma, 98407-3224, United States
Telephone: +1 253-404-3800

#3 among attractions in Tacoma

Aquarium, Outdoor activities, Zoo, Park

Gallery (8)

Map

Gallery

Photo details 1. Wikipedia / CC BY 2.0 / Mike Grauer Jr / URL • 2. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Coughdrop12 / URL • 3. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0 / Red Wolf Recovery Program / URL • 4. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0 / Red Wolf Recovery Program / URL • 5. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0 / Vanished Account Byeznhpyxeuztibuo / URL • 6. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0 / Vanished Account Byeznhpyxeuztibuo / URL • 7. Wikimedia Commons / CC0 / Rodrigo.Argenton / URL

Facts and practical information

Nestled within the lush greenery of Tacoma's Point Defiance Park, the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium stands as a multifaceted gem for wildlife enthusiasts and families alike. This unique destination combines the allure of exotic animals with the mysteries of aquatic life, providing an educational and entertaining experience for visitors of all ages.

Opened to the public, the zoo and aquarium have become a beloved attraction in the Pacific Northwest. It houses a diverse collection of species from around the globe, ranging from Asian elephants and Sumatran tigers to polar bears and red wolves. The aquarium sections give guests a glimpse into the underwater worlds of the Pacific Rim, the North Pacific, and beyond, featuring species such as sharks, stingrays, and a multitude of vibrant fish.

The Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is not just about observation; it's about interaction and conservation. Engaging programs like animal feedings, diver shows, and hands-on touch tanks allow visitors to connect with the natural world on a deeper level. The zoo's commitment to conservation is evident in its active participation in species survival plans and its efforts to educate the public about wildlife preservation.

For those looking to optimize their visit, the zoo offers various seasonal events, including the enchanting ZooLights during the winter months, where the grounds are transformed into a sparkling wonderland of lights and festive displays.

Opened: 1905 (120 years ago)Visitors per year: 732 thous.Elevation: 141 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 47°18'17"N, 122°31'16"W

Address

5400 N Pearl StWest EndTacoma 98407-3224 United States

Contact

+1 253-404-3800

Website

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Tacoma

Day trips

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Point Defiance Park, Tacoma Narrows Bridge, Fort Nisqually, Proctor District.

0.5 miNW
Park
Point Defiance Park, Tacoma
14 min walk • Nestled on the northern tip of Tacoma, Point Defiance Park is a sprawling urban oasis that offers locals and tourists alike a verdant escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Covering over 700 acres, this picturesque park is one of the largest urban parks in the...
2.9 miSW
Twin bridges crossing Puget Sound
Tacoma Narrows Bridge, Tacoma
74 min walk • The Tacoma Narrows Bridge is a pair of twin suspension bridges that span the Tacoma Narrows strait of Puget Sound in Pierce County, Washington. The bridges connect the city of Tacoma with the Kitsap Peninsula and carry State Route 16 over the strait.
0.5 miW
Museum, History museum, Historical place
Fort Nisqually, Tacoma
14 min walk • Fort Nisqually was an important fur trading and farming post of the Hudson's Bay Company in the Puget Sound area, part of the Hudson's Bay Company's Columbia Department. It was located in what is now DuPont, Washington.
2.8 miSE
Neighbourhood
Proctor District, Tacoma
71 min walk • The Proctor District is a business district in the north end of Tacoma, Washington. Primarily a center for locals to shop, the District has cultivated a small town "urban village" character.
3.6 miE
Lighthouse, Vernacular architecture
Browns Point Light, Tacoma
92 min walk • The Browns Point Lighthouse is a lighthouse located near Tacoma on Browns Point at the east entrance to Puget Sound's Commencement Bay, Pierce County, Washington.
3.9 miS
Park
Titlow Beach, Tacoma
100 min walk • Titlow Beach is in Tacoma, Washington, USA. It is located along Puget Sound near the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. It has a beach, community center, park, water play area, two restaurants. a view of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, a small boardwalk, and is a popular scuba diving area.
3.4 miSE
Museum, Natural history museum
Slater Museum of Natural History, Tacoma
86 min walk • The Slater Museum of Natural History is a natural history museum in Tacoma, Washington. The collection has 29,987 mammals, 26,340 birds, 8,237 amphibians and reptiles, 12,500 insects and 13,000 plants. It has the second biggest collection of bird wings in the world. The collection grows at a rate of one to two percent every year.
2.5 miSE
Ship
Fireboat No. 1, Tacoma
63 min walk • Fireboat No. 1 is a historic fireboat on display in a permanent land installation on the waterfront in the Old Town area of Tacoma, Washington. Built in 1929, she was for more than fifty years the sole firefighting vessel for the Port of Tacoma. She was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1980.
3.5 miSE
Bridge
North 21st Street Bridge, Tacoma
89 min walk • The North 21st Street Bridge in Tacoma, Washington was built in 1910. It was designed by engineers Waddell & Harrington and is a continuous concrete rigid-frame girder bridge. It is significant as one of the very earliest examples of its type.
3.5 miSE
Universities and schools
University of Puget Sound, Tacoma
89 min walk • The University of Puget Sound is a private university in Tacoma, Washington. The university draws approximately 2,600 students from 44 states and 16 countries.
3 miSE
Bridge
North 23rd Street Bridge, Tacoma
77 min walk • The North 23rd Street Bridge in Tacoma, Washington, United States, is a concrete rigid frame bridge that was designed by engineers Waddell & Harrington in 1909. It was built for the City of Tacoma by contractors Creelman, Putman, and Healy. It is significant as an early concrete rigid frame bridge.