The Smithsonian National Zoo:
What To Know Before You Go

Planning a longer trip? Don’t miss my complete guide to the best things to do in Washington, DC, including museums, monuments, neighborhoods, restaurants, and more.

👉 Read: 12 Things You’ll Love About Washington, DC

Interested in visiting the Smithsonian National Zoo? Whether it’s your first trip or your fifth, a little planning can make a huge difference. From choosing the best entrance to deciding whether to drive or take the Metro, these practical tips will help you spend less time figuring things out and more time enjoying the animals.

Although I grew up in Maryland and had been to the Zoo many, many times before, I thought it would be a lot of fun. This time, I’d be experiencing it through the eyes of an adult…AND the lens of my Canon DSLR camera.

With free admission, more than 2,000 animals, and the return of the beloved giant pandas, the Smithsonian National Zoo is one of the best values in Washington, DC.

Smithsonian National Zoo at a Glance:

📍 Location: Washington, DC
💲 Admission: Free but Entry Passes are required
🅿️ Parking: Paid; passes required; advance reservations recommended
⌚ Time Needed: 3–5 hours
🚇 Nearest Metro: Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan or Cleveland Park
👟 Walking: Moderate to strenuous (lots of hills)
👨‍👩‍👧 Best For: Families, couples, animal lovers, budget travelers, and photographers

💰 Budget Tip: Admission is free, making this one of the best family-friendly attractions in Washington, DC.

GETTING TO THE NATIONAL ZOO

There are many ways to get to the Zoo. Here are your options:

• Take the Metro (DC’s subway system) to either the Woodley Park–Zoo/Adams Morgan stop or the Cleveland Park stop
• Drive (parking is available)
• Take rideshare (Uber or Lyft), a cab, or bus

CHOOSING YOUR MODE OF TRANSPORTATION

If the cost will factor into how you decide to get there, here are the expenses to consider:

Metro Train Costs

• Roundtrip Metro Fare: 
  • Calculate the Metro fare to and from the zoo
• Parking at the Metro Station
  
  • Weekends & Federal Holidays: Parking at the Metro station is FREE
  • Go to www.wmata.com for more information

Driving (Offers the most flexibility)

• Gas & Mileage
• Tolls (if you opt to take a route with tolls)
• Parking at the Zoo (in one of their lots; space is limited) – Parking passes are required. The cost is $30 per car (flat rate) if purchased in advance or $40 the day of your visit.

✨Pro Tip: Parking passes can sell out quickly so advance purchase is recommended.

Rideshare (Uber, Lyft) or Taxi

• Fare (you can get an estimate online at Uber and Lyft; you may have to call the cab company for a fare estimate)
  • You will need to download the Uber or Lyft app to arrange for a ride
• Tip for the driver (if you opt to tip, which in my opinion, you should)

PARKING TIPS FOR THE NATIONAL ZOO 

Zoo Parking Lots

All parking lots at the Zoo near are accessible from the Connecticut Avenue entrance. There are a limited number of parking spaces and lots fill up fast, especially when the weather is hot. Parking passes are required.

✨ Pro Tip: If you’re driving, try to reserve parking in Lots D or E if they’re available. You’ll do more of the uphill walking at the beginning of your visit, and after spending several hours exploring the zoo, you’ll appreciate the easier downhill walk back to your car. It’s a small planning tip that can make a big difference by the end of the day!

NAVIGATING THE NATIONAL ZOO GROUNDS

Admission to the zoo is free (yippee!) but an Entry Pass is required for each person visiting, including children and infants.

It’s pretty big and navigating it can be a challenge if you’re unprepared. Although there are signs posted throughout the zoo, I think it’s easier to find your way around using the downloadable zoo map. 

ANIMALS & EXHIBITS

There are quite a few animals and exhibits to see. You may want to look at the downloadable map to find the location of the exhibits you’re interested in before you get started.

✨ PRO TIP:  Many animals retire to their cages, caves, etc. in the late afternoon or early evening (especially when it’s really hot out), so keep this in mind when planning your visit. If you go too late in the day, you may not see as many animals as you’d like.

Don’t Miss the Giant Pandas

One of the biggest reasons to visit the Smithsonian National Zoo is the return of its beloved giant pandas. After more than a year without pandas, Bao Li and Qing Bao made their public debut in January 2025 and have quickly become the zoo’s biggest stars. Washington, DC is once again the only place in the United States where you can see giant pandas for free.

💡 Pro Tip: If seeing the pandas is at the top of your list, head to the Giant Panda Habitat early in your visit. It’s one of the zoo’s most popular exhibits, and mornings generally offer cooler temperatures and a better chance of seeing the pandas active before they settle in for a long bamboo snack or afternoon nap.

FOOD & DRINKS

Food is available throughout the Zoo at various restaurants, food carts, and kiosks. Options are available for those with special dietary needs such as kid-friendly, gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegetarian.

If you’d prefer to save money and bring your own food and/or drinks, that is fine. The National Zoo allows outside food and non-alcoholic beverages. There are plenty of places to sit down and eat throughout the Zoo grounds.

OTHER HELPFUL INFORMATION

Suggested Clothing & Shoes

• Dress appropriately for the season.
  • In hot months, dress in loose, light-colored clothing to reflect the sun and keep you cooler since there aren’t many shady spots at the Zoo.
  • In months where the weather fluctuates, wear layers.
• Wear comfortable shoes. The Zoo is quite large and you will do a lot of walking.

Hot Weather Essentials

• Lots of water so you can stay hydrated and avoid fainting and/or heatstroke
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Optional Items: Hats, umbrellas

Pets:  The only outside animals that are allowed in the Zoo are service animals.

Bathrooms: Public restrooms are available throughout the Zoo

ATMs: You can get cash at the ATM at either the Visitor Center or the Mane Restaurant.

Nearby Attractions

If you’re spending more than one day in Washington, DC, consider pairing your zoo visit with one of these nearby attractions:

• Washington National Cathedral
• U.S. Botanic Garden
• Arlington National Cemetery
• National Christmas Tree
• Free Smithsonian Museums

Amy’s Take

I’ve visited the Smithsonian National Zoo many times over the years, and it continues to be one of my favorite attractions in Washington, DC. Between the free admission, beautiful setting, and incredible variety of animals, it’s hard to beat.

If I could offer just three pieces of advice, they’d be these:

1. Arrive early.
2. Wear comfortable walking shoes.
3. Reserve parking in Lots D or E if possible. Your legs and feet will thank you later!

Whether you’re traveling with kids or simply love animals, I think the National Zoo deserves a spot on every Washington, DC itinerary.

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http://nationalzoo.si.edu/

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