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Smithsonian’s National Zoo

Smithsonian’s National Zoo

Zoo
National Zoological Park, Washington
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8.9/10
2,469
ratings
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    Dana V.
    "Great place for a walk because it’s free admission as well."(13 Tips)
    DHR.com
    "you’ll find features such as the Giant Panda Habitat"(10 Tips)
    Shannon M.
    "Sometimes you'll see the orangutans swinging thru the air"(8 Tips)
    Danielle D.
    "admission is FREE for everyone"(3 Tips)
Tips and Reviews icon313 Tips and reviews
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  • Robynheart icon on user image
    RobynAugust 24, 2015
    Parking is 22.00, maps/guides are 5.00. Probably cheaper to metro in and print out a map from the website!
  • Dana V.heart icon on user image
    Dana VillmoreJanuary 12, 2020
    Such a lovely zoo! Great place for a walk because it’s free admission as well.
  • Dustin H.heart icon on user image
    Dustin HaleyAugust 7, 2014
    Free and a long a bike/hike trail for those looking for a day trip throughout the city on a bike!
  • DC Preservation League
    Created for the preservation of endangered animals indigenous to the U.S. This spacious and picturesque location was a significant innovation in zoo design by landscape Frederick Law Olmstead.
  • AJ T.heart icon on user image
    AJ T.May 25, 2013
    Beautiful, well-kept exhibits. Great use of land with multiple levels. Even a nice bathroom (over by the NZP).
  • Aerial P.heart icon on user image
    Aerial PayneNovember 14, 2016
    Spent half a day here and didn't even get through the entire place! They have a red panda and it's adorable.
  • Simon D.
    Simon DobbySeptember 3, 2014
    While the map doesn't need to be bought as there are You Are Here boards around and it is not exactly a maze, the zoo is free entry so you could treat the $3 as a kind of donation.
  • Luis G.
    Luis GoncaloOctober 30, 2015
    Start from the top side where the metro goes to and work your way down. Down at the hill you can catch a bus to Columbia heights
  • Cozmik
    CozmikDecember 6, 2011
    Been here 5+ times
    Who doesn't love a zoo? Its the first & foremost place to see clubgoers in their stilettos pushing 8 year olds in strollers. Oh, and the pandas are super awesome.
  • Sean M.heart icon on user image
    Sean MillerDecember 24, 2017
    We had a great time at ZooLights before Christmas! Lots of fun activities for the whole family.
  • kirstie r.
    kirstie rApril 8, 2013
    Don't go when it's winter or early spring. Most of the animals aren't on display. However it is a great zoo. Beavers and seals are fun.
  • Dave L.heart icon on user image
    Dave LepkowskiDecember 5, 2017
    Everything thing is very good and awesome
  • Gilles B.heart icon on user image
    Gilles BoeykensDecember 13, 2014
    Great place! A lot of (interesting) animals, so you can easily spend couple of hours here.
  • Charheart icon on user image
    CharNovember 5, 2023
    10/10 great for the kids! On hills so they will get tired out😂😂😂! The lions 🦁 and tigers 🐅 are fun!
  • william v.
    william verondaApril 2, 2016
    The flamingo exhibit is often overlooked, but these beautiful bird are worth the detour.
  • Hannah L.heart icon on user image
    Hannah LuddyJanuary 11, 2017
    Compared to other zoos, the lights at Christmas were nothing special. I'd love to come back later to actually see the animals.
  • Florian V.
    Florian VoßSeptember 16, 2014
    The elephant enclosure is very interesting. And of course see the Pandas and learn about them!
  • Fredrik O.
    Fredrik OlasveengenAugust 13, 2015
    The pandas are the most popular. Probably the most active lions and tigers I have seen in any zoo.
  • Honey R.heart icon on user image
    Honey RushJuly 11, 2017
    Everything thing is amazing. The animals look happy
  • Luciana L.
    Luciana LJuly 15, 2013
    The park is beautiful, lots of animals including giant pandas!! So cute. And the admission is free.
  • Travis M.heart icon on user image
    Travis MillerDecember 22, 2018
    Free entry, just pay to park. At christmas time there is a night time light display.
  • Mandy S.heart icon on user image
    Mandy SchillSeptember 25, 2015
    Set up not very user friendly. Path is curvy line with a bunch of dead ends coming off of it. Have to walk all the way back up the hill to get to exit. Pandas are cute & a lot of food choices.
  • Glow I.heart icon on user image
    Glow IngAugust 4, 2013
    What a great zoo and free admission?! Must have been designed well, allows visitors to have a good look at the animals and actually in action.
  • Jenna F.heart icon on user image
    Jenna FischliJune 9, 2016
    There are seals that you can see from 2 viewing windows under water and above water. The seals do flips in the water and are awe maze ing.
  • Miquel SVheart icon on user image
    Miquel SVAugust 17, 2022
    Sunny winter working days are@the best.
  • Jackie H.heart icon on user image
    Jackie HennMay 25, 2014
    Nice zoo. Go early! It can get very crowded on weekends. Admission is free but parking is $22.
  • Michelle P.
    Michelle PeglerOctober 18, 2015
    Someone else said it had free parking, but it doesn't! Parking is $22 for the day, but admission to the zoo is free.
  • Tai F.
    Tai FungApril 7, 2012
    Been here 5+ times
    If you come with children, park "downhill," so lots D or E. It's well worth it for the walk DOWN, as you are on the way out.
  • Peter M.heart icon on user image
    Peter MoorDecember 7, 2014
    Zoo lights. We'll worth the trip. Become a Fonz member and park for free. All year!
  • Christopher L.
    Christopher LongMarch 8, 2013
    The black bean burger at the Lion's Mane restaurant is very good. The staff is friendly too.
  • James P.heart icon on user image
    James PantherApril 17, 2016
    It seems that you get what you pay for here. It may be free entry but I'd prefer to pay and see the animals treated to better conditions. Many enclosures are empty!
  • Tripsetc T.
    Part of the Smithonian. One of few places that you can see a Panda bear. Free admission but you will have to pay for Parking that is difficult on a weekend.
  • Lulu R.
    Lulu RamJune 11, 2014
    Get there early to get a good parking. Bring your own food. Lunch there can get pricey.
  • Simon D.
    Simon DobbySeptember 3, 2014
    If taking the Metro, get off at Cleveland Park rather than Woodley Park to save yourself an uphill walk to the zoo entrance on Connecticut Ave.
  • Amanda J.
    Amanda JayneMay 27, 2013
    Been here 10+ times
    The animal that makes the most annoying & shrill sound is the young human. Their screams are enjoyed & understood by no man or woman.
  • K12 Inc
    K12 IncJune 21, 2011
    Did you know? An Act of Congress created the National Zoo in 1889. It was intended in part to serve as a refuge for native wildlife, such as bison and beaver, that were vanishing from North America. Read more
  • Katie R.heart icon on user image
    Katie RunyanDecember 11, 2017
    Love the zoo! Plus it's incredible that it's free!
  • Alex B.heart icon on user image
    Alex BoozierSeptember 8, 2013
    Check out the sea lions on the America trail, there's a fun interactive space for kids
  • Ellen S.
    Ellen S. P.August 10, 2014
    Been here 5+ times
    Go visit Rusty the red panda instead of the giant pandas nearby. Rusty will be doing tricks and practically tap dance for you while the giant pandas sleep in the corner.
  • Caitlin R.
    Caitlin RushFebruary 13, 2012
    Entrance to the zoo is FREE! Don't miss out on this great attraction. The large cats exhibit is awesome.
  • Steven V.heart icon on user image
    Steven VegaAugust 2, 2015
    Beautiful place! Love how the habitats are build to bring the best comfort to animals
  • Andrew A.heart icon on user image
    Andrew A.March 8, 2014
    Taking the Metro to Woodley Park? Save your walking for inside the Zoo and take the L1 or L2 Metro bus directly to/from the main entrance.
  • Mark P.heart icon on user image
    Mark PhillipsOctober 17, 2012
    Been here 100+ times
    Try the black bean burger at the Mane Restaurant (near the Kids' Farm); it's one of my favorites.
  • Michael K.heart icon on user image
    Michael KingAugust 16, 2015
    Check out the pandas. And the elephants.
  • Dustin H.heart icon on user image
    Dustin HedrickOctober 28, 2012
    I love this park. We actually saw EVERY animal!!!!!! Amazing! And everyone was so nice to us.
  • Kent C.
    Kent CurrieJanuary 27, 2014
    This place charges $2.00 for a map. Try downloading the app for free or printing one before you come to save some $$.
  • Serhii L.heart icon on user image
    Serhii LutskoAugust 19, 2017
    The best thing in this zoo - it was free. Otherwise I wouldn't go there especially after visiting
  • Mike A. H.
    Mike A. HallJuly 7, 2012
    Come very early during summer months. Visit the Indoor Bird House to cool down and pace yourself.
  • Peter d.heart icon on user image
    Peter den HartogNovember 10, 2015
    Great (free) zoo, amazing animals and a good play for a run.
  • Robert B.
    Robert ButlerMay 26, 2013
    Get here early and take public transportation. Parking fills up fast. Had to park on street about a 1/2 mile away
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