1 / 6
Location
Visitor tip
Don't miss the daily keeper presentations and chats about marine animals - they provide valuable context about the walrus, sea lions, sea otters, and seabirds, and help you understand behaviors you'll observe in the exhibits.
Visitor tip
The sea lion viewing area has bleachers overlooking the main pool - a great spot to sit, rest, and observe the pinnipeds' natural behaviors without rushing. Plan to spend time here as the sea lions are nearly always active and visible.
Best time
Plan a visit during Sea Otter Awareness Week in late September or around June when sea lion pups are expected to join the main pool habitat - these are special times to observe animal behavior and family bonding in action.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Zoo
- Highlights
- Walrus, sea otters, seals, sea lions, seabirds, penguins with daily keeper chats
- Setting
- Coastal Pacific Northwest habitat featuring land and ocean ecosystems
What visitors say
One of the most consistently active areas of the PDZA. The puffins and murres are always up to something. The pinnipeds are also nearly always in view. Missed the sea otters last time, but caught them snoozing this time. Miss the…
Always enjoy the sea lions, otters, and walrus. There is a bleacher overlooking the sea lion pool. Great place to rest and enjoy all the activity.
From 3 Google reviews Read all reviews
Did You Know?
- Rocky Shores features a diverse collection of marine mammals including walrus, California sea lions, harbor seals, and sea otters, along with multiple seabird species including both tufted and horned puffins, murres, and Magellanic penguins
- Sea lion pups are born at Rocky Shores with an expected birth in June, and newly born pups undergo a behind-the-scenes bonding period before joining the main pool habitat
- Rocky Shores hosts an annual Sea Otter Awareness Week celebration in late September, indicating a dedicated conservation and education focus on sea otters
Other Zoos in Tacoma
More Family Fun Nearby
Other venues within driving distance:
Own this venue? Stand out from the competition.
Zoos listings that are Featured get seen first by thousands of families every month.
- Priority placement in search
- Photo gallery showcase
- Insider tips from visitors
- Highlighted in dedicated featured section