Places to stay near Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium

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.

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.

NEW Point Ruston/Point Defiance Updated Craftsman!

Experience the best of Tacoma at this newly remodeled, charming craftsman home in N Tacoma. With its central location, you'll be minutes away from top attractions like the Point Defiance Zoo, Point Ruston Waterfront & Proctor District. Discover the only combined zoo & aquarium in the PNW at Point Defiance, witness live glassblowing demos at the Museum of Glass or attend events at the Tacoma Dome. This spot is the perfect launchpad for your Tacoma adventure. Book now and start exploring!

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.

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.

Waterfront Cabin on the Sound

Looking for a quiet place to get away “glamp” - our special cabin is the place for you. The cabin is SMALL and cozy. Right on the water with use of kayaks, paddle boards, & canoe. It features a queen bed in upstairs sleeping loft as well as a couch that pulls out into a double size sleeper, covered kitchen & private hot shower located OUTSIDE. There's an easy-to-use Incenelet toilet. Someone will meet you to go over check-in when you arrive. We allow you to bring 2 dogs - $50 each.

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.

53’ PNW Yacht — L Y L A

The Lyla is a 53' custom boat built in 1968 in the Pacific Northwest. We offer you a stay unlike any other - step back into time for a maritime getaway. Sip your coffee and enjoy views of harbor seals, seagulls, and passing boats while docked at a historic maritime marina at Net Shed No. Fifteen. * We decorate for the holidays! * Pets: Dogs are allowed subject to restrictions and an additional fee. Please review our "House Rules" at the bottom of the page for more information.

Beautiful Oasis Getaway

Beautiful home right on the waters of the Salish Sea (Puget Sound)! Come to this beach cabin to relax, enjoy the gorgeous scenery, kayak, swim, or walk along the beach, and let your worries drift away. Located on Case Inlet's secluded Rocky Bay. This gorgeous cabin is packed full of fun and amenities! It's a destination in its own right. You won't want to leave. Well behaved pets are welcome. Super friendly hosts that will answer any other questions. Enjoy!