From Seattle: Point Defiance Park & Zoo Day Trip
By BARBIL TOURS
Free cancellation available
includes taxes & fees
per adult*
*Get a lower price by selecting multiple adult tickets
Features
- Free cancellation available
- 6h
- Mobile voucher
- Instant confirmation
- Selective hotel pickup
Overview
Explore the pristine landscapes of South Puget Sound on a full-day adventure designed for families and nature enthusiasts. Begin with a scenic drive from Seattle, transitioning from urban views to stunning coastlines and lush forests. At Point Defiance Park, wander through ancient Douglas fir forests and vibrant gardens. Experience the unique Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, home to remarkable wildlife including sharks and Sumatran tigers. Enjoy a leisurely stroll at Point Ruston with panoramic views of Commencement Bay and Mount Rainier, before concluding at the Tacoma Narrows Bridge Overlook, where you'll learn about the iconic bridge's history.
- Full-day tour ideal for families and nature lovers
- Scenic drive featuring lush forests and breathtaking coastlines
- Visit Point Defiance Park with old-growth forests and vibrant gardens
- Explore the unique Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium with diverse wildlife
Activity location
- Scenic Drive Northeast
- Scenic Drive Northeast
- 98422, Tacoma, Washington, United States
Meeting/Redemption Point
- Scenic Drive Northeast
- Scenic Drive Northeast
- 98422, Tacoma, Washington, United States
Check availability
Full-Day Scenic Tour of South Puget Sound from Seattle
- 6h
- English
Pickup included
Language options: English
Price details
AU$1,124.83 x 1 AdultAU$1,124.83
Total
includes taxes & fees
*Get lower prices by selecting more than 2 adults
What's included, what's not
- Bottled water
- Expert guide
- Pick-up and drop-off
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Foods & drinks
- Tips & Service charge
Know before you book
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transport options are available nearby
- Specialised infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Activity itinerary
Scenic Drive Northeast
- 45m
Board your comfortable, climate-controlled vehicle in city centre Seattle and head south as your scenic journey begins. Sit back and relax while enjoying a beautifully narrated drive highlighting the region's deep maritime heritage, Indigenous history, and unique Pacific Northwest ecology. Keep your camera ready — as you transition away from the urban skyline, sweeping marine vistas of Puget Sound unfold alongside you, with the snow-capped peak of Mount Rainier towering majestically in the distance on clear days. This relaxing, panoramic drive sets the perfect tone for your day of coastal exploration.
Point Defiance Park
- 1h
- Admission ticket included
Arrive at the crown jewel of the South Puget Sound. Spanning 760 acres, this stunning urban oasis is renowned for its majestic old-growth forests of 450-year-old Douglas firs, rugged beaches, and meticulously manicured gardens. Your exploration begins with a peaceful guided stroll through the vibrant Rose, Fuchsia, and Rhododendron gardens, where over 1,500 rose bushes bloom in seasonal splendour. From there, enjoy a narrated walk or cycle along the iconic Five Mile Drive, pausing at breathtaking clifftop viewpoints overlooking Vashon Island, Gig Harbour, and the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. To top off your immersion in local nature, take a casual stroll down to the pristine shores of Owen Beach and keep your eyes peeled for harbour seals, bald eagles, and sea lions swimming in the sound.
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
- 50m
- Admission ticket included
Step inside the Pacific Northwest's only combined zoo and aquarium, beautifully situated within the lush grounds of Point Defiance Park. This world-class facility uniquely pairs a remarkable collection of Pacific Rim wildlife with stunning immersive underwater exhibits. Follow your guide through the Asian Forest Sanctuary to spot endangered Sumatran tigers, clouded leopards prowling through the trees, and white-cheeked gibbons swinging through a lush bamboo forest. Afterwards, dive into the Pacific Seas Aquarium to stand face-to-face with scalloped hammerhead sharks, spotted eagle rays, and green sea turtles gliding overhead in a massive 280,000-gallon tank — plus a giant Pacific octopus hiding in the depths. An unforgettable, up-close encounter with global and local wildlife that highlights the beauty of ocean conservation.
Point Ruston
- 55m
- Admission ticket included
Head just outside the park boundaries to Point Ruston, Tacoma's premier waterfront resort-inspired village nestled along the shores of Commencement Bay. Take a casual stroll along the beautifully paved Waterwalk, a scenic one-mile marine path featuring colourful tile mosaics of native Pacific Northwest marine life and 28 pieces of public art, all with continuous panoramic views of Commencement Bay, the Olympic Mountains, and Mount Rainier on clear days. When it's time to eat, your guide will provide a curated list of excellent local eateries ranging from fresh Pacific Northwest seafood at Duke's Seafood and Harbour Lights to casual bistro fare at WildFin American Grill — all with stunning waterfront views. Please note that all food and drinks during this stop are at your own expense and are not included in the tour price.
Tacoma Narrows Bridge
- 45m
Conclude your day of exploration with a dedicated stop at a scenic vista overlook to admire and photograph the iconic Tacoma Narrows Bridge. Stand in awe of the twin suspension spans stretching across the Puget Sound while your guide shares the dramatic, world-famous engineering storey of the original 1940 bridge — affectionately nicknamed "Galloping Gertie" — which opened on July 1, 1940, and collapsed just four months later on November 7, 1940, in a 42-mph windstorm that sent the entire main span crashing into Puget Sound below. This spectacular failure forever changed how engineers design suspension bridges worldwide and remains one of the most studied engineering disasters in history. A fascinating mix of history and sweeping maritime views — the perfect final photo opportunity to conclude an unforgettable day of South Puget Sound exploration.
Seattle
- 50m
Sit back and relax as your comfortable ride back to Seattle begins. Take a moment to reflect on an incredible day — stunning parks, amazing wildlife, beautiful waterfront views, and fascinating bridge history — as the familiar Seattle skyline comes back into view, bringing your South Puget Sound adventure to a perfect close.
Location
Activity location
- Scenic Drive Northeast
- Scenic Drive Northeast
- 98422, Tacoma, Washington, United States
Meeting/Redemption Point
- Scenic Drive Northeast
- Scenic Drive Northeast
- 98422, Tacoma, Washington, United States
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