Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, Tacoma

Address 5400 N. Pearl St., Tacoma WA 98407 Map, Tel (253) 591-5337 Call, Website

The sprawling Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium has managed to do what few smaller-city zoos do. It focuses on animals that you won't commonly see in other zoos (for example, polar bears) as well as local sealife. Plan to spend at least a half day, and consider bringing a picnic lunch.

Polar Bear at the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium