Directions to the Zoo
Parking is FREE!
The Zoo is located:
- 40 miles from Seattle/Bellevue; 1 hour drive
- 103 miles from Port Angeles; 2 hour drive
- 148 miles from Portland; 2½ hour drive
From Interstate 5
Take Exit 132 (Highway 16 West). Exit at 6th Avenue (exit #3) and turn left. Take the next right on to Pearl Street. Follow Pearl Street into Point Defiance Park (NOTE: see construction info below). Directional signs will lead you to the Zoo parking lots.
Alternate Park Entrance
You can also enter the park and reach the Zoo using the Mildred Street Entrance. Follow Pearl Street northbound as directed above. Turn left on North 51st Street and drive to Mildred Street. Turn right on Mildred and follow Mildred into the park. Once in the park, follow signs to the Zoo's parking lots, which will be on the left.
Traffic Alert for June 20-25: Pearl Street entrance closed
Road access to Point Defiance Park’s Pearl Street entrance will be limited from Wednesday, June 20, through midday Monday, June 25, to accommodate the Taste of Tacoma. Please take the Mildred Street entrance to get to the Zoo. More information here.
Roundabout Construction
The Pearl Street entrance is currently under construction as we build a brand-new roundabout. All attractions in the park will stay open, including the zoo.
Entrances and exits are back to normal, but there are still pedestrian detours. For more detail, visit metroparkstacoma.org.
Catch the Pt Defiance trolley!
Take the Downtown to Defiance trolley to the Zoo!
The route 15 trolley runs Fri-Sun from June 1 through September 2. Trolleys leave the Tacoma Dome Station beginning 10am, with the last one leaving at 8pm, and running through downtown and along Ruston Way to Point Defiance park.
Trolleys depart the Zoo beginning 10:45am, with the last one leaving at 9:45pm.
Get maps, schedules and other information at piercetransit.org.
Bus or Bike and Save $3!
Ride your bike or catch the bus to the Zoo and save $3! We'll give $3 off daytime general admission when you present your Orca card or bike helmet at the front gate.
- Find our bike racks on the left side of the Zoo entrance. Get the Pierce County bike map here.
- Bus routes 10 and 11 both stop near the Zoo. Check schedules here.
Discount is valid only for the Orca card holder or helmet owner. Orca cards and helmets are not transferable. Discount is not valid with any other promotion and cannot be used for online tickets, school groups, Zoolights or other special events.
