Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, Tacoma (must see)

The Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium (PDZA) is a combined zoo and aquarium, owned by Metro Parks Tacoma. Situated on 29 acres (12 ha) in Tacoma's Point Defiance Park, the zoo and aquarium are home to over 9,000 specimens representing 367 animal species.

The zoo was founded in 1905, the aquarium was founded in 1935 near Commencement Bay and relocated within the zoo in 1963.

The exhibits reflect the zoo's theme of ecosystems from the Pacific rim: Southeast Asia, the Pacific Northwest, the tundra, and aquatic environments.

Asian Forest Sanctuary exhibit complex simulates the forests of southeast Asia with a waterfall, streams, and plants native to the region such as bamboo.

Rocky Shores exhibit is based on the shoreline of Cape Flattery, Washington and serves as home to harbor seals, Pacific walruses, sea otters, and tufted puffins in four separate pools. In the middle of the exhibit area is a building for underwater viewing.

Arctic Tundra forms a semicircle at one end of the zoo. Muskoxen and reindeer are housed in separate meadows on the outside of the pathway's arc, while polar bears and Arctic foxes live on the inside of the arc.

The North Pacific Aquarium and South Pacific Aquarium each house species from different parts of the Pacific ocean.

Red Wolf Woods consists of two separate meadows with a rocky creek, hollow log, and other landscaping.

There are also play structures and a petting zoo.