Hours & Locations

National Zoo

National Zoo
3001 Connecticut Ave., NW
Washington, DC
See on Map Floor Plan

8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily (July 1 to Sept. 30)
8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily (Oct. 1 to June 30)
Free passes required
Closed Dec. 25

nationalzoo.si.edu

About

Always free of charge and open 364 days a year, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo sits on 163 acres in the heart of Washington, D.C.’s Rock Creek Park. Founded in 1889, the Zoo is currently home to more than 2,700 animals representing more than 390 species.

Highlights

Giant pandas, Asian elephants, Sumatran tigers, Aldabra tortoises, Panamanian golden frogs, sea lions, orangutans, meet-a-small-mammal demonstrations, and Asian elephant training.

  • For everyone's safety, dining options and gift shops may be limited as the Zoo takes COVID-19 precautions. 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.
    10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (winter)
    10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (summer)

    Sbarro
    (Panda Plaza)
    Pizza, stromboli, hot dogs, chicken tenders, soft drinks.
    9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (winter)
    9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (summer)

    Auntie Anne's & Carvel
    (Panda Overlook)
    Soft pretzels, pretzel dogs, frozen lemonade, Carvel ice cream, soft drinks.
    10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (winter)
    10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (summer)

    Food Trucks
    Ben & Jerry’s, Bootheel Bar B Que, Dippin’ Dots, Dolci Gelati, Popcorn Wagon, Vintage Views Bar
    Hours and locations vary

Metro Stations: Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan or Cleveland Park

See Zoo parking information »

Reserved parking near the museum can be purchased in advance through ParkWhiz.

Note: ParkWhiz is a third-party vendor (ParkWhiz Privacy Policy).

Collection items shown may not be on view.