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.

Change your mind
Book hotels with free cancellation
Treat yourself
Sign in to save 10% or more on thousands of hotels
Sign in
Be picky
Search almost a million properties worldwide

Check prices for these dates

Tonight

Tomorrow

This weekend

Next weekend

Our top choices for Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium hotels

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

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

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

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

1. Walk to the waterfront The Cozy Cottage

North End, 2.2 km from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Adriana

NT$3,881

NT$6,440 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 1 - Oct 2

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

A modern, well-lit room with a white sofa, a dining table, and a kitchen area in the background.

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.

2. Walk to the waterfront The Hobbit House

North End, 2.2 km from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Dayn

NT$2,718

NT$5,124 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 1 - Oct 2

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.

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

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

3. Best Western Plus Tacoma Hotel

South End, 14.2 km from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Elizabeth

NT$3,622

NT$4,162 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 28 - Oct 29

A modern hotel lobby with a reception desk, seating area, and large windows.

A hotel with a neon sign indicating 'Hampton Inn & Suites' and a clear entrance.

A hotel room with a bed, desk, chair, TV, and large windows.

A hotel reception desk with a wooden counter, a receptionist, and a welcome sign.

4. Hampton Inn & Suites Tacoma

South End, 14.3 km from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Maria

NT$3,362

NT$3,867 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 3 - Oct 4

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

A modern hotel lobby with a reception desk, bar area, and seating with orange and gray chairs.

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

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

16.1 km from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Deantre

NT$3,210

NT$3,612 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 4 - Oct 5

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

A breakfast room with a digital clock, coffee maker, toaster, and a sign indicating cream cheese, butter, and yogurt are available.

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

6. Marina Inn

18.2 km from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Jessica

NT$2,608

NT$2,934 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 4 - Oct 5

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

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.

7. McMenamins Elk Temple

Downtown Tacoma, 8 km from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Jessica

NT$3,681

NT$4,229 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 18 - Oct 19

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

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.

A pool area with lounge chairs and umbrellas, surrounded by a modern building.

8. Four Points By Sheraton Seattle Airport South

20 km from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Brent

NT$3,222

NT$3,689 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 4 - Oct 5

A bar area with multiple seating options, a coffee machine, and a variety of beverages and snacks displayed on shelves.

A modern hotel lobby with a large seating area, a flat-screen TV mounted on the wall, and a dining area with a wooden table and chairs.

A modern lobby with a digital display, a reception desk, and a seating area.

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

9. Courtyard by Marriott Seattle Federal Way

16.7 km from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Colin

NT$3,991

NT$4,490 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 11 - Oct 12

A spacious lobby with a modern design, featuring a seating area with sofas and armchairs, a wooden coffee table, and a dining area with a long table and chairs.

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

A buffet setup with various food items in metal containers, a coffee machine, and a rice cooker on a kitchen counter.

A spacious lobby with a wooden reception desk, a staircase, and a coffee station.

10. Holiday Inn Express Federal Way Seattle South by IHG

16.6 km from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Daniel

NT$3,478

NT$3,912 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 28 - Oct 29

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

A spacious indoor area with a long wooden table and blue chairs, large windows, and a clock on the wall.

A vending machine area with drinks and snacks.

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

11. Comfort Inn & Suites Lakewood by JBLM

18.1 km from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

James

NT$3,908

NT$4,471 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 30 - Oct 31

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 modern casino hotel lobby with a curved seating area, large windows, and a chandelier.

12. Emerald Queen Hotel and Casino - Tacoma

Eastside, 11.4 km from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Keisha Howe

NT$5,480

NT$6,273 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 1 - Oct 2

A spacious lobby with multiple seating areas, large windows offering views of the outdoors, and a staircase leading to an upper level.

A home gym with dumbbells, exercise balls, and kettlebells.

A hotel room with a fireplace, a bed, a television, a desk, and a sofa.

13. The INN at Gig Harbor

4.6 km from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Joseph

NT$3,933

NT$4,469 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 12 - Oct 13

A Hampton Inn & Suites hotel entrance with a modern design, featuring a prominent sign, a covered entrance, and well-maintained landscaping.

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

A hotel reception desk with a framed 'explore' sign and a 'Hilton Honors' sign.

A modern hotel room with a kitchen area, a large mirror, a flat-screen TV, a desk, and a large window offering a city view.

14. Hampton Inn & Suites Seattle/Federal Way

16.8 km from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Josaia

NT$3,349

NT$3,767 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 11 - Oct 12

A spacious restaurant with a long counter and multiple seating areas.

A modern office space with a large desk, multiple chairs, a television, and a view through large windows.

A modern lobby with a reception desk, seating area, and a large painting on the wall.

A modern waiting area with comfortable seating, a flat-screen TV, and a large window offering a view of the outdoors.

15. Holiday Inn Tacoma Mall by IHG

South End, 14.5 km from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Cary

NT$3,191

NT$3,672 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 18 - Oct 19

A modern hotel lobby with a large seating area, a television, and a kitchenette.

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

A modern bar area with a long counter, multiple bar stools, and pendant lighting.

A hotel room with a bed, a coffee maker, a microwave, a nightstand, and framed pictures on the wall.

16. Hilton Garden Inn Tacoma Downtown

Downtown Tacoma, 9.3 km from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Linda

NT$3,786

NT$4,349 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 3 - Oct 4

A hotel dining area with multiple tables and chairs, a refrigerator with beverages, and a coffee station.

A clear blue swimming pool with a lifeguard stand, lounge chairs, and a fenced area with a building in the background.

A hotel with a covered parking area, a brick facade, and a sign indicating a caution zone.

A reception area with a reception desk, a sofa, a coffee table, a chandelier, and a rug.

17. Best Western Lakewood

14.9 km from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Karon

NT$2,944

NT$3,377 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 2 - Oct 3

A courtyard with a paved walkway, benches, and potted plants.

A restaurant with large windows offering a view of a highway and greenery. Tables are set with chairs, and a counter is visible with a sign.

A circular pool with a tiled edge, surrounded by a pergola structure, and various plants.

A hotel room with a large bed, a TV mounted on the wall, a wooden dresser, and a desk with a chair.

18. Emerald Queen Hotel & Casino - Fife

14.4 km from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Marvin

NT$3,313

NT$3,780 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 6 - Oct 7

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

A spacious lobby with a leather sofa, blue armchairs, and a chandelier.

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

19. Hotel Murano

Downtown Tacoma, 8.6 km from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Carrie

NT$3,814

NT$4,381 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 22 - Oct 23

A spacious lobby with a reception desk, multiple seating areas, and a polished floor.

A coffee station with two coffee machines and a variety of coffee pods and cups.

A spacious hotel lobby with multiple dining tables and chairs, a reception area, and a large window providing natural light.

A hotel room with a large bed, a desk, a chair, a television, and a window with curtains.

20. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Tacoma South - Lakewood by IHG

17.4 km from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Evelyn

NT$3,414

NT$3,910 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 30 - Oct 31

View all properties

Compare popular hotels close to Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Property	Property class	Guest rating
Walk to the waterfront The Cozy Cottage	8.4 Very good 18 reviews	View
Walk to the waterfront The Hobbit House	7.8 Good 10 reviews	View
Best Western Plus Tacoma Hotel	9.2 Wonderful 1,286 reviews	View
Hampton Inn & Suites Tacoma	9.0 Wonderful 1,000 reviews	View
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Seattle Federal Way	8.4 Very good 1,419 reviews	View

Top Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium Hotel Reviews

Best Western Wesley Inn & Suites

8/10 Good

"Lodging options are limited in this area, but the Wesley Inn is delightful. Great setting, beautiful landscaping, nice interior. My only complaint was the noise. It’s an older property so you can hear through the walls and floors. I don’t consider myself a light sleeper, but I was awakened by noises above and next door including an alarm going off in an empty room. If you’re sensitive to sound, stay upstairs on the end. Otherwise, everything was pretty great!"

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."

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!"

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.

See properties

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.

See properties

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?

See properties

Adventure Maze

Enjoy an outing to Adventure Maze during your stay in Tacoma.

See properties

Cinemark Century Point Ruston

You can take time to visit Cinemark Century Point Ruston during your travels to Tacoma.

See properties

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 family-friendly area.

See properties

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.

See properties

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.

See properties

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 15 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 15 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, Titlow Park, and Crescent Creek Park.

Find hotels near Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, Tacoma from NT$2,934

Change your mind

Treat yourself

Be picky

Check prices for these dates

Filter by

Star rating

Guest rating

Our top choices for Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium hotels

1. Walk to the waterfront The Cozy Cottage

2. Walk to the waterfront The Hobbit House

3. Best Western Plus Tacoma Hotel

4. Hampton Inn & Suites Tacoma

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

6. Marina Inn

7. McMenamins Elk Temple

8. Four Points By Sheraton Seattle Airport South

9. Courtyard by Marriott Seattle Federal Way

10. Holiday Inn Express Federal Way Seattle South by IHG

11. Comfort Inn & Suites Lakewood by JBLM

12. Emerald Queen Hotel and Casino - Tacoma

13. The INN at Gig Harbor

14. Hampton Inn & Suites Seattle/Federal Way

15. Holiday Inn Tacoma Mall by IHG

16. Hilton Garden Inn Tacoma Downtown

17. Best Western Lakewood

18. Emerald Queen Hotel & Casino - Fife

19. Hotel Murano

20. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Tacoma South - Lakewood by IHG

Compare popular hotels close to Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Top Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium Hotel Reviews

Best Western Wesley Inn & Suites

Walk to the waterfront The Cozy Cottage

Walk to the waterfront The Hobbit 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