Where and When to See Whales
How to Spot Whales from Shore
Watching Wildlife Responsibly
Nominate a Site
Alphabetical Site Listing
- Alki Beach Park
- Bush Point
- Cape Flattery
- Charles Richey Sr. Viewpoint
- Coupeville
- Dosewallips State Park
- Emma Schmitz Memorial Overlook
- Fay Bainbridge State Park
- Feiro Marine Life Center
- Freshwater Bay County Park
- Jetty Island
- La Push
- Langley
- Lime Kiln State Park
- Lincoln Park (Pt. Williams)
- Marina Beach Park
- Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium
- Point Roberts Lighthouse Marine Park
- Point Robinson
- Port of Kelsey Bay
- Port Townsend Marine Science Center
- Richmond Beach Saltwater Park
- Salt Creek Recreation Area
- San Juan County Park
- San Juan Island National Historical Park
- Sekiu Overlook
- Shipwreck Point
- Stamm Overlook Park
- The Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture
- The Seattle Aquarium
Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium
The Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium is located in Point Defiance Park northwest of downtown Tacoma. Exhibits include Asian Forest Sanctuary, Rocky Shores, Arctic Tundra, and Pacific Ocean just to name a few. Marine mammals on display include harbor seals, pacific walruses, and sea otters. The Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium focuses on education and conservation within and outside their walls.
Visitors who come to enjoy 702-acre Point Defiance Park can explore natural forests and saltwater beaches. Owen beach offers spectacular views of Mt. Rainier and Vashon Island.
Where the Whales Are
The best place to see whales from Pt. Defiance is along the north shore, especially near the ferry landing.
During fall and winter, you might see resident orcas between Pt. Defiance and Vashon Island. Gray whales, harbor porpoise, and even minke whale are occasionally observed here. Harbor seals and sea lions are commonly seen.
Address / Contact
5400 N Pearl St # D
Ruston, WA
(253) 591-5337
Hours
January 1 – May 2: 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. daily (except Tuesdays and Wednesdays in Jan. and Feb.)
