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Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Zoo
National Zoological Park, Washington
"The black bean burger at the Lion's Mane restaurant is very good."(16 Tips)
"Great place for a walk because it’s free admission as well."(13 Tips)
"you’ll find features such as the Giant Panda Habitat"(10 Tips)"... 'O Line', watch the Orangutans as they 'commute' from home to work above..."(8 Tips)
311 Tips and reviewsFilter:
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Sean MillerDecember 24, 2017We had a great time at ZooLights before Christmas! Lots of fun activities for the whole family.
Glow IngAugust 4, 2013What 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.
Team Faded IntoxicologistJuly 28, 2020Just remember you have to walk back up the hill and don’t forget your face covering
Keith ConverseSeptember 15, 2015Free admission. Just take the Metro and walk around. Nice in the evening, but most of the animals are resting by then.
Erica BrooksJuly 13, 2013Get the Premier Membership if you know you're going to visit more than 4 times per year so that you can get free parking.
Jenna FischliJune 9, 2016There 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.
Take Rock Creek Pkwy to the Zoo's back entrance. Lot E fills up last, and it's easier to start at the bottom of the hill so that when you're tired and leaving, you can walk downhill.
CharNovember 5, 202310/10 great for the kids! On hills so they will get tired out😂😂😂! The lions 🦁 and tigers 🐅 are fun!
Emma McTagueDecember 22, 2015There's a great, permanently uncrowded exhibit where you can walk around freely with exotic birds like peacocks and Ravens!
Gilles BoeykensDecember 13, 2014Great place! A lot of (interesting) animals, so you can easily spend couple of hours here.
DC Preservation LeagueJuly 22, 2011Created 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.
Andrew A.March 8, 2014Taking 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.
J Nicole AlfordSeptember 28, 2014Completely free but $3 for a map. Good luck with parking - you are much better taking the metro but be aware that there is a 1/2 mile walk to the entrance from the metro stop.- AJ T.May 25, 2013Beautiful, well-kept exhibits. Great use of land with multiple levels. Even a nice bathroom (over by the NZP).
Piyush PardeshiMarch 16, 2015Best Zoo I've been to till date! Feel bad for some animals though! They are alone in the exhibit!
Lora TuronJuly 20, 2010Go early...zoo opens at 6am. On a hot day the earlier you go the more animals you will see. Once it gets too hot the animals don't move so much. You will have to wait til 10am to see the indoor exh
Dustin HaleyAugust 7, 2014Free and a long a bike/hike trail for those looking for a day trip throughout the city on a bike!
Donise CameronApril 22, 2013Saturdays in spring an summer are just a no no crowded and insane. Early am is best and park panther street if you can. Parking at zoo is very overpriced and bring snacks or be prepared to pay!
Simon DobbySeptember 3, 2014While 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.
There's a new seasonal food kiosk that sells microbrew BEER, along with brats (including vegetarian!) & BBQ, in between Reptile Discovery Center and Think Tank. BEER, people! Read more
Fredrik OlasveengenAugust 13, 2015The pandas are the most popular. Probably the most active lions and tigers I have seen in any zoo.
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.
Ximena VelasquezNovember 19, 2013Go early in the morning to avoid the crowds and to have a better chance to be face to face with the panda
Rico JonesOctober 27, 2012Very good had fun 1st time for it be a free zoo only spent less then 25 bucks with my family.....love to go back just hate the walking
william verondaApril 2, 2016The flamingo exhibit is often overlooked, but these beautiful bird are worth the detour.
Jen KarrApril 13, 2013Download the app ($2?) b4 you come, that way you'll have all the info the paper map gives you - but you won't lose it. :-)
Amy ZiffNovember 9, 2014A national treasure! Great way to spend the day in DC -- pandas, lions, sea lions and more.
AnandkarthickMarch 27, 2016Pandas are awesome. Download the Smithsonian zoo app in advance. Paper map costs 5$ inside.
Narnia FansFebruary 15, 2011Narnia film stars Georgie Henley (Lucy) and Skander Keynes (Edmund) got to name one of the Smithsonian National Zoo's seven new lion cubs. They named him "Aslan" in honor of the Narnia character. Read more
Florian VoßSeptember 16, 2014The elephant enclosure is very interesting. And of course see the Pandas and learn about them!
RobynAugust 24, 2015Parking is 22.00, maps/guides are 5.00. Probably cheaper to metro in and print out a map from the website!
EdreaFebruary 23, 2012Yes! FREE Admission! :) Thank you Smithsonian Institution! Wonder what would happen if the animals ran rampant in the city!? :D Night at the Museum action!? BANANAS I tell you! :D ENJOY!
Sergio BetancourtJanuary 2, 2016Great place to go with the family, get ready to walk but it's worth it!
Luciana LJuly 15, 2013The park is beautiful, lots of animals including giant pandas!! So cute. And the admission is free.
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.
The animal that makes the most annoying & shrill sound is the young human. Their screams are enjoyed & understood by no man or woman.
Hannah LuddyJanuary 11, 2017Compared to other zoos, the lights at Christmas were nothing special. I'd love to come back later to actually see the animals.
Peter MoorDecember 7, 2014Zoo lights. We'll worth the trip. Become a Fonz member and park for free. All year!
Santi CaamañoJune 2, 2015Only got to see the baby giant pandas, such a shame of the adult ones not being there... will definitely come back to snap a pic of them.
Robert ButlerMay 26, 2013Get here early and take public transportation. Parking fills up fast. Had to park on street about a 1/2 mile away
Jackie HennMay 25, 2014Nice zoo. Go early! It can get very crowded on weekends. Admission is free but parking is $22.- Jon MulhollandFebruary 20, 2012Find and hang out by the 'O Line', watch the Orangutans as they 'commute' from home to work above your head!
Alex BoozierSeptember 8, 2013Check out the sea lions on the America trail, there's a fun interactive space for kids
3,680 Photos
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Smithsonian’s National Zoo
3001 Connecticut Ave NW (at Hawthorne St NW)
Washington, D.C. 20008
United States
Washington, D.C. 20008
United States
Smithsonian National Zoological Park is a part of the Smithsonian Institution, the world's largest museum and research complex. The words National Zoo represent a large, complex, and diverse organization with a multifaceted mission demonstrating leadership in animal care, science, and education.
Closed until 8:00 AM Sunday (Show more)
- Mon–Tue, Thu–Fri, Sun
- 8:00 AM–7:00 PM
(202) 633-4888
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