National Zoo

3001 Connecticut Ave., NW
Washington, DC

See on Map

nationalzoo.si.edu

Floor Plan

March 15–September:
9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
(Grounds 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
October–March 14:
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily
(Grounds 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

Open daily, weather permitting, except December 25

Admission is free

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 1,500 animals across 300 different species.

Highlights

Giant pandas; Asian elephants; Sumatran tigers; Aldabra tortoises; Panamanian golden frogs; North Island brown kiwi; sea lions; orangutans; meet-a-small-mammal demonstrations and sloth bear feedings daily; Asian elephant training.

  • The Smithsonian's National Zoo is updating and renovating its dining options! In the meantime, The Mane Grill remains open and local food trucks can be found along Olmsted Walk. Check back in a few weeks to see what's new! We promise it'll be toad-ally awesome. Kid-friendly, vegetarian, dairy-free and gluten-free options are often available, and as a commitment to conservation, the Zoo serves only Bird Friendly Coffee—the only 100% organic and shade-grown coffee certification available.

    Group meals can be pre-ordered for 10 or more guests.

    Mane Grill 
    (near Tiger/Lion Hill)
    Angus burgers, chemical- and hormone-free grilled chicken, kids' meals and to-go items.
    10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Fall/Winter
    10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Spring/Summer

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

 

Parking at the Zoo is a flat fee of $25. Parking is free for FONZ members at Premier Level and above. See map and get driving directions.

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

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