What to Expect at The National Zoo
The National Zoo is most loved for the famous Giant Pandas – returning on January 24, 2025! You’ll find many other animals too, including big cats, reptiles, Great Apes, small mammals, and a variety of birds. This is a great stop for families or anyone looking for a nice day outside.
The Zoo is part of the Smithsonian, a collection of 19 museums and galleries. Like museums, the Zoo is free and open every day except December 25. Free, timed tickets are required for entry.
Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
The beloved Giant Pandas are back! The Giant Pandas made their public debut on January 24 along with the reopening of the Asian Trail. The pandas are very popular but the Zoo does a great job directing visitors around the habitat. The line to enter may close early if needed so try to visit early and on a weekday if possible for the best chance to see them.
What To See
The National Zoo is home to a variety of animals – big and small – from all over the world. There are a lot of hills so wear good walking shoes and dress for the weather! The animals are the most active in cooler weather and in the morning so try to get there before noon – especially in the summer. A few big exhibits include:
- Great Cats: You’ll find lions and tigers in this exhibit, plus lots to learn about what makes these cats great predators. Learn about roars, speed, and how they use their teeth and claws.
- Great Ape House and the O-Line: Catch the gorillas and orangutans at the Great Ape House. Learn about what they have in common with people and each other. Don’t forget to look up – you might catch the orangutans on the O-Line.
- Small Mammal House: This house features a variety of small mammals from all over the world. Learn about their habitats and how they thrive in different parts of the world. This indoor exhibit is a great place to get out of the elements in the summer or winter.
- Reptile Discovery Center: This is another great indoor exhibit with turtles, snacks, lizards, and more.
- Bird House: Visit the indoor aviary with three different sections and then explore the exhibits outside. This exhibit is near the Giant Panda exhibit.
- American Trail: Walk along the American Trail to learn about beavers, otters, eagles, seals, and more. Learn about where these animals live and what their habitats look like.
Note that The African Trail is under renovation until further notice.
What to Eat
During the busier seasons, you’ll find the Zoo Cafe, Elevation Burger, Sbarro, Auntie Anne’s, Cinnabon, and various food trucks. My favorite spot to stop for a snack is near the exit of the panda exhibit. You’ll find multiple food stalls, including the BBQ food truck and shopping for panda merchandise.
If you want to eat outside the Zoo, check out Duke’s across the street or nearby Open City, Nando’s Peri-Peri, The Cracked Eggery, Cleveland Park Bar and Grill, and Fat Pete’s BBQ. The Cracked Eggery is on the way to the Zoo from the Cleveland Park Metro stop so you can grab breakfast before your visit.
Best Time To Go
The National Zoo is open every day except December 25. It is open from 8 am to 6 pm from March 15 to September 14 and 8 am to 4 pm from September 15 to March 14. Most food vendors and shopping stalls are open from March to September, but some vendors will close as the weather gets cooler. Summer is hot and humid, so try to visit early to see the animals before they get too uncomfortable in the heat.
In my opinion, winter is an under-appreciated time to go. It’s a great place to get some steps in during the cooler weather, and you can warm up in indoor animal houses like the Small Mammal House and the Reptile Discovery Center. Many food vendors are closed, but you can grab lunch nearby or bring snacks inside. The Zoo is also open in the evenings for ZooLights during the holiday season. ZooLights is an additional cost: $6 per person over 2 years old.
Free, timed tickets are required no matter when you visit.
Getting to the National Zoo
The National Zoo is between Metro stops: Cleveland Park and Woodley Park on the Red line. Either stop will get you there, but the walk will be downhill if you get off at Cleveland Park and walk down Constitution Ave. When you are ready to leave, continue down Constitution Ave to the Woodley Park stop for a downhill walk. Limited parking is also available for $30, and you must purchase a pass in advance. The Zoo strongly encourages taking public transportation whenever possible.