Directions to the Zoo

• 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.

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. 
To visit the Zoo, please used the Mildred Street entrance. To exit, please follow construction signs back to Mildred Street. For more detail, visit metroparkstacoma.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.