The Best Hotels Closest to Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium in Tacoma for 2026

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 modern, well-lit room with a bed, a desk, and a TV.

A modern kitchen with white cabinets, a black stove, and a microwave. There are wooden shelves above the counter holding dishes and glasses.

A modern living room with a wooden dining table, white chairs, a sofa, and a flat-screen TV.

A bright room with a wooden floor, a white sofa, a small table, and a wicker basket.

1. Walk to the waterfront The Hobbit House

North End, 2.2 km from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Dayn

NT$3,034

NT$5,473 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 28 - Sep 29

A living room with a sofa, coffee table, and a bookshelf.

A kitchen with white cabinets, a stainless steel sink, and a window overlooking a residential area.

A kitchen with a gas stove, sink, and a window overlooking a house.

A bedroom with a bed, a white shelving unit, and a clock on the wall.

2. Walk to the waterfront The Cozy Cottage

North End, 2.2 km from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Adriana

NT$3,251

NT$5,716 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 2 - Sep 3

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.

A hotel room with a bed, a sofa, a desk with a chair, a TV, a microwave, and a fireplace.

3. The INN at Gig Harbor

4.6 km from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

greg

NT$4,575

NT$5,195 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 27 - Sep 28

A historic building with the name "McMenamins Elks Temple" on the facade.

A white building with the name "McMenamins" on the facade, featuring a grand staircase and ornate windows.

A hallway with a warm orange wall, black trim, and a large potted plant. There are framed pictures on the walls and a chandelier hanging from the ceiling.

A breakfast setting with a variety of dishes including eggs, toast, and a drink.

4. McMenamins Elk Temple

Downtown Tacoma, 8 km from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Jessica

NT$4,191

NT$4,808 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 15 - Sep 16

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

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

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

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

5. Best Western Wesley Inn & Suites

5.1 km from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Todd

NT$5,358

NT$6,081 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 22 - Sep 23

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

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

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

A modern hotel with multiple floors, a parking lot, and illuminated signage.

6. Best Western Plus Tacoma Hotel

South End, 14.2 km from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Gina

NT$3,596

NT$4,133 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 1 - Oct 2

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

A modern cafe with a central display case, wooden accents, and a unique ceiling design.

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

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

7. Emerald Queen Hotel and Casino - Tacoma

Eastside, 11.4 km from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Ocean

NT$4,965

NT$5,688 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 16 - Sep 17

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

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.

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

8. Waterfront Inn

6.4 km from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Christine

NT$6,313

NT$7,020 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 30 - Oct 1

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.

9. Central Tacoma Homestay -private room-

Central Tacoma, 7 km from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Jayla

NT$2,671

NT$4,114 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 21 - Sep 22

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

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

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 long, narrow hallway with wooden flooring and blue walls, featuring doors on both sides and a sign indicating a breakfast room and fire monitor system.

10. Marina Inn

18.2 km from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Niven

NT$2,851

NT$3,207 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 2 - Sep 3

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

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

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

A modern bar area with leather chairs, a round table, and a bar stocked with various bottles.

11. Hotel Murano

Downtown Tacoma, 8.6 km from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Vincent

NT$3,410

NT$3,921 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 1 - Oct 2

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

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

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

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

16.1 km from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Andrey

NT$3,428

NT$3,857 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 6 - Sep 7

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 modern living room with a sofa set, a flat-screen TV, a fireplace, and a lamp.

13. Hilton Garden Inn Tacoma Downtown

Downtown Tacoma, 9.3 km from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Eileen

NT$3,759

NT$4,318 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 6 - Sep 7

A modern indoor space with tables and chairs, large windows, and artwork on the walls.

A hotel room with two beds, a desk, a chair, a TV, and a wardrobe.

Three self-service beverage vending machines with various drink options and snacks.

14. Best Western Plus Downtown Tacoma

New Tacoma, 10.2 km from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Falina

NT$3,467

NT$3,986 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 7 - Sep 8

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 dining area with a wooden ceiling, white walls, and a large window. There are white chairs around a table with a vase of sunflowers.

15. Lodges on Vashon

16.8 km from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

vanphat

NT$6,130

NT$7,385 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 1 - Oct 2

A lobby with four armchairs, a central ottoman, and framed artwork on the walls.

A spacious indoor area with wooden flooring, red and black chairs, and large windows offering a view of the outside.

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

A vending machine area with drinks and snacks.

16. Comfort Inn & Suites Lakewood by JBLM

18.1 km from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

kimberly

NT$4,035

NT$4,615 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 1 - Oct 2

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

A pebbly beach with a small island in the distance.

17. The Maritime Inn

5.4 km from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Micah

NT$6,972

NT$8,259 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 1 - Oct 2

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

A modern bar area with a long counter, multiple stools, a selection of bottles, and a menu board.

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

18. Courtyard by Marriott Tacoma Downtown

Downtown Tacoma, 8.8 km from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Kayla

NT$4,525

NT$5,187 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 7 - Sep 8

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

A bar area with a long counter, multiple stools, and a seating area with couches and tables.

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

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

19. Four Points By Sheraton Seattle Airport South

20 km from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Saujash

NT$3,263

NT$3,734 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 1 - Oct 2

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

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

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

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

20. Marriott Tacoma Downtown

Downtown Tacoma, 8.8 km from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Brando

NT$4,688

NT$5,373 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 27 - Sep 28

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Compare popular hotels close to Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Property	Property class	Guest rating
Walk to the waterfront The Hobbit House	7.8 Good 10 reviews	View
Walk to the waterfront The Cozy Cottage	8.4 Very Good 18 reviews	View
The INN at Gig Harbor	8.8 Excellent 1,579 reviews	View
McMenamins Elk Temple	9.4 Exceptional 399 reviews	View
Best Western Wesley Inn & Suites	9.2 Wonderful 1,003 reviews	View

Top Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium Hotel Reviews

The INN at Gig Harbor

10/10 Excellent

"Just great full! Thanks!"

Hotel Murano

8/10 Good

"Nice location , larger room than expected, nice view. Just check on parking costs it isn’t in an enclosed garage but still costly."

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."

The Maritime Inn

10/10 Excellent

"Exceptionally clean room; beautiful location close to the Marina; staff was efficient and friendly. Bed and pillows were ok."

Walk to the waterfront The Hobbit House

10/10 Excellent

"It was quiet and quaint, very homey. The communication from the host was impeccable. We'll be a return guest, for sure!"

Walk to the waterfront- Charmwood House

10/10 Excellent

"Great property for the price."

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 romantic 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, check out the 16 hotels and other accommodations you'll find within a mile.

What's the best place 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 traveler 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 can I expect to find near Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium?

Expedia has 16 hotels and other accommodations 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, the majority of hotel reservations are fully refundable if cancelled prior to the accommodation's cancellation deadline, which is often 24 or 48 hours before your scheduled arrival. If you have a reservation that's non-refundable, you may still be able to cancel and get a refund within 24 hours of your booking. Enter dates in and click on "Search", then filter by "fully refundable" to view top deals close to Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium.

Where can I learn more about changing or cancelling my trip in the area near Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium?

For more details about changing or cancelling your stay near Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, click here.

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, Skansie Brothers Park, and Titlow Park.

Find hotels near Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, Tacoma from NT$3,207

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Our top choices for Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium hotels

1. Walk to the waterfront The Hobbit House

2. Walk to the waterfront The Cozy Cottage

3. The INN at Gig Harbor

4. McMenamins Elk Temple

5. Best Western Wesley Inn & Suites

6. Best Western Plus Tacoma Hotel

7. Emerald Queen Hotel and Casino - Tacoma

8. Waterfront Inn

9. Central Tacoma Homestay -private room-

10. Marina Inn

11. Hotel Murano

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

13. Hilton Garden Inn Tacoma Downtown

14. Best Western Plus Downtown Tacoma

15. Lodges on Vashon

16. Comfort Inn & Suites Lakewood by JBLM

17. The Maritime Inn

18. Courtyard by Marriott Tacoma Downtown

19. Four Points By Sheraton Seattle Airport South

20. Marriott Tacoma Downtown

Compare popular hotels close to Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Top Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium Hotel Reviews

The INN at Gig Harbor

Hotel Murano

Walk to the waterfront The Cozy Cottage

The Maritime Inn

Walk to the waterfront The Hobbit House

Walk to the waterfront- Charmwood House

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