Places to stay near Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium

Industrial Modern view home, walk to waterfront

Incredible views await you! Enjoy watching marine life, ships, passing trains, and wildlife, while lounging with your favorite beverage on the deck, in the four-season porch, or on the outdoor patio. This home is an oasis for relaxation, offering comfortable spaces to unwind and take in the scenery. I welcome respectful guests who will care for the property as their own. This home is ideal for relaxing getaways. While parties are not permitted, respectful groups or small gatherings are welcome.

Point Ruston Cozy Cottage

Cozy Cottage Near Point Ruston Waterfront Welcome home! Whether you’re after a romantic escape or a family adventure, our cozy cottage is the perfect spot. Just minutes from the vibrant Point Ruston, you'll have easy access to shopping, fine dining, entertainment, the Point Defiance Zoo, and more. Celebrating something special? Let us help you make it memorable—we’re happy to accommodate special requests. Fully furnished and ready for relaxation, our cottage is your perfect home away from home.

38' Yacht equipped with luxury and kayaks!

Gollywobbler's galley comes complete with a hot plate, microwave and refrigerator. The bedroom features a sitting area, lots of storage space and a full-size plus bed. An additional sleeping berth is an extra long roomier-than-normal twin. Lastly, the dining table lowers into a full bed. Five kayaks are shared with other boats. Please read the "Guest access" section for property use restrictions. By booking you are accepting the Liability Waiver listed under the "Other details to note" section.

Vashon Clam Cove Cottage Waterfront with Views

Great 180 degree Views from south end of Vashon Island. Spectacular views of Mt. Rainier and Pt. Defiance. Tacoma city and Commencement Bay lights up views at night while Pt. Defiance is dark. This cozy 1 bedroom has a king size bed, 1 bath with a shower and unique 1/2 size tub. The views are amazing from the bedroom, kitchen and living area. At high tide you feel like you are on a boat. Access to our private boat ramp for kayak, SUP, or other small watercraft. Come enjoy being on the water!

Spectacular Waterfront and Mountain Views

Wake up to stunning water, mountain & sunrise views in this peaceful Waterview retreat. Watch sailboats, wildlife & trains pass by from your cozy indoor or outdoor space. Located in the sought-after Waterview area, you'll enjoy excellent walkability to the waterfront trail, Point Ruston, shops & restaurants. Enjoy a well-stocked kitchenette, free self-serve laundry, and private entrance. Free on-site & street parking. No street lights = magical stargazing nights! Pets/parties not allowed.

Point Defiance/Ruston; extra clean, self check in!

Nestled between city and nature, Pt Defiance Quarters overlooks the Puget Sound at the entrance to 5 mile drive. Enjoy coffee on the covered porch while watching the ferry come in! Unwind in this bright, spacious studio, sleeping in the cozy, queen size bed. Less than a mile away you’ll find the Pt Ruston waterfront – enjoy a movie, eat, shop, play. An even shorter walk in the other direction will take you to our award winning zoo, beautiful rose and dahlia gardens, and peaceful duck pond.

Cozy Cabin Nestled in Vashon’s Huckleberry Woods

Charming 2BR cabin retreat on Vashon Island, secluded enough that at night the only sounds you'll likely hear are the occasional calls of the resident owls, yet less than 15 minutes from the cafés, shops, and bustle of Vashon town. Sleeps 4 comfortably, with fully equipped kitchen, a large deck and serene views into the surrounding woods we call the huckleberry forest, where you can pick berries from early summer through fall. Book now for the ultimate nature reset in this handcrafted gem.

house upon the sand

Once tucked back into the woods, this newly improved 1920s cabin now enjoys a front-row seat to the grandeur of the Hood Canal thanks to a tidal creek that has washed away the sandy soil that once supported the departed trees. This property may prove challenging for individuals with mobility issues. **Pricing is discounted due to ongoing improvements. Tools and materials are kept out of sight, but you may notice some unfinished details. Due to continued progress, appearance may vary.

Secret Garden Villa - Harbor View - 1.5 Bedrooms

Located steps away from historic downtown Gig Harbor, this home provides everything you need while surrounded by peaceful gardens. Each room has a view of the gardens, which are extensive and fully enclosed - including two small bridges, a pond, and cascading waterfall. From the garden villa you can walk to several eateries, bars, cafes, and activities! During the summer months, the trolley picks up just one block away. The kayaks rental shop is about a 7 minute walk down the hill.

Walk to the waterfront! The South Sound Suite

Designed to meet all your needs and put your mind at ease, the South Sound Suite offers a relaxing stay just up from the waterfront in Tacoma. This studio is brand new featuring a king bed, kitchen, and loft! Cozy up and stay in or explore. Just a 8 min walk to our neighborhood delightful market and a 15 min walk away is the Pt. Ruston waterfront, a lively, family-friendly destination featuring shopping, entertainment, an indoor public market open daily with local vendors, and dining.

Peaceful Loft Retreat in Historic Victorian

This private loft is designed to feel calm, easy, and thoughtfully prepared from the moment you arrive. Set at the top of a historic 1892 Victorian, it offers a quiet, light-filled space to unwind—perfect for solo travelers, couples, or anyone looking for a peaceful place to land. Guests often tell me they love starting their mornings in the window sitting area with coffee, watching the light come in, or winding down at night in the cozy sleeping space under the vaulted ceilings.

Secluded Serenity Cottage

Your journey to serenity is a lovely 5-to-8-minute walk down a historic hillside to the secluded community of Sunrise Beach. Walking down the private driveway you may see a family of deer on your left when you pass the Historical Marker. As you walk past the houses and cabins on the waterfront, you might be reminded of Silverstein’s charming “Where the Sidewalk Ends.” The reward for your journey will be the treasure waiting for you at “the prettiest cottage on the beach.”