National Zoo

3001 Connecticut Ave., NW
Washington, DC

8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily (Mar. 15 to Sept. 15)
8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily (Sept. 16 to Mar. 14)
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.

Getting Here

Metrorail

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

We encourage the use of Metrorail and Metrobus.

Metrorail

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

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

See Zoo parking information »

Dining and Shopping

Dining

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.
Opens at 10:30 a.m.

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 Bar
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.