National Zoo
Washington, DC
8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily (Mar. 15–Sept. 14)
8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily (Sept. 15–Mar. 14)
Closed Dec. 25
About
Founded in 1889, the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute sits on 163 acres in the heart of Washington, D.C.’s Rock Creek Park and is home to more than 2,100 animals representing almost 400 different species.
Highlights
Giant pandas, Asian elephants, Sumatran tigers, Aldabra tortoises, Panamanian golden frogs, sea lions, orangutans, daily animal demonstrations.
Getting Here
Metrorail
Metro Stations: Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan or Cleveland Park
We encourage the use of Metrorail and Metrobus.
Nearest Accessible Metro Entrance:
Cleveland Park
East side of Connecticut Ave., north of Ordway St. NW
Check Metrorail's Elevator and Escalator Service Status page for service disruptions.
MetroAccess
To provide an address for MetroAccess Paratransit, please use 3001 Connecticut Ave., NW.
Parking
Reserved parking near the museum can be purchased in advance through ParkWhiz.
Note: ParkWhiz is a third-party vendor (ParkWhiz Privacy Policy).
Dining and Shopping
Dining
The Smithsonian's National Zoo offers a variety of dining options located throughout the park. Visitors are welcome to bring their own food and snacks into the Zoo.
Hours subject to change due to weather
Elevation Burger at Mane Grill
(near Tiger/Lion Hill)
Hamburgers, chicken sandwiches, vegetarian burgers, vegan burgers, hot dogs, grilled cheese, chicken tenders, fries, and milkshakes.
Opens at 10:30 a.m.
Zoo Market Café
(outside the Small Mammal House)
Zoo Market Café featuring offers delicious, made-to-order sandwiches and wraps featuring Boar’s Head® meats, fresh salads, hot breakfast sandwiches and Bird Friendly® coffee. Or, indulge your sweet tooth with gelati, Italian ice, frozen custard and cookies! Vegetarian options available.
Hours vary based on weather and park attendance
Sbarro
(Panda Plaza)
Pizza, stromboli, hot dogs, chicken tenders, soft drinks.
Opens at 9 a.m.
Auntie Anne's & Carvel
(Panda Overlook, Mane Grill (weekends only))
Soft pretzels, pretzel dogs, frozen lemonade, Carvel ice cream, soft drinks.
Hours vary based on weather and park attendance
Food Trucks
Ben & Jerry’s, Bootheel Bar B Que, Dippin’ Dots, Dolci Gelati, Popcorn Wagon, Vintage Views
Hours vary based on weather and park attendance
Shopping
Gift shops are located inside the Visitor Center, at Panda Plaza, and near the Great Cats exhibit. Outdoor gift kiosks can also be found throughout the park. Can’t get to the Zoo? Visit the Smithsonian’s online store and see what’s available!
Accessibility
See Getting Here for information on accessible parking and public transportation.
Accessibility Information and Programs
Disability access service requests: [email protected]
