Set within Point Defiance Park, a 765-acre park that's a popular attraction on its own, the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma features one of the Northwest's finest collections of regional and international species in its zoo, along with an aquarium home to both North Pacific and South Pacific marine creatures. This popular attraction is ideal for all ages and types, particularly nature and animal lovers. You'll have the opportunity to explore the only combined zoo and aquarium in the Northwest, including the chance to get up close to a wide array of wildlife from sharks and walruses to wolves, elephants, tigers and more.
Best and worst time to go to Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
As this is an extremely popular attraction, particularly during the warmer months between May and September, it's best to visit during the week to avoid the biggest crowds and to get the best views of the animals. Going on a slightly rainy day provides the best chance of all for a more intimate time with the wide array of creatures without battling countless other visitors.
Must see and do at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
One of the most memorable stars of the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is "E.T.," a 3,400-pound walrus, who was found as a starving orphan back in 1982. Don't miss watching and listening to this popular zoo celebrity practice his wide, and unique, range of vocalizations at the Rocky Shores exhibit, which replicates an area of Washington's rugged coastline near Cape Flattery. He's even been known to play the harmonica occasionally too. Other not-to-be-missed highlights include the glass-walled, floor-to-ceiling shark tank holding the massive, somewhat frightening and yet fascinating creatures, as well as watching the Sumatran tiger triplets, Kirana, Dari and Indah, born in October of 2014.
Admission to Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
Ticket prices range from free for those two years of age and younger, to $13 to $17 for general admission. Discounts are given to local residents, military and seniors as well as youth aged three through 12. Purchase online before you go for a discount and to avoid long ticket lines.
Parking at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
Parking is free, plentiful and available to cars as well as buses and recreational vehicles right onsite. During June, July and August, the parking lot can fill up quickly, and as there are no other nearby options, you'll need to plan to arrive early or take public transportation.
Food at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
Many visitors bring their own food and enjoy a meal in the Red Wolf or Asian Forest picnic areas, or on one of the picnic lawns. Pearl Street Sea Grille offers tasty options for seafood lovers like Mahi Mahi tacos, salmon tacos and fish 'n' chips. If you want a quick bite, head to the Plaza Café, with lots of kid-friendly items like pizza slices, hot dogs, hamburgers and sandwiches.
Insider Tips to Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
Before or after your visit, take the scenic five-mile drive within the park to Owens Beach. Here's your chance to view some of the area's wildlife, including sea lions and seals, in their native habitat. On a clear day, this is a great spot for pictures of the mountain that looms over the Puget Sound area, Mount Rainier.
Author's bio: K.C. Dermody is a travel writer living in the Seattle area with hundreds of travel articles both online and in print. She has traveled the world and is the author of 'Best Travel Guide for First Time Visitors to Ireland,' but especially loves showing off the beautiful region she resides in.
