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Smithsonian’s National Zoo

Zoo

National Zoological Park, Washington

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Smithsonian’s National Zoo

9.0^/10

2,469

ratings

Ranked #1 for zoos in 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)

312 Tips and reviews

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Victoria ParkerAugust 29, 2015
There's all of two parking spots so if you plan on driving then maybe plan on not going to the zoo.
LeeJanuary 8, 2020
Normally security is light, but this changes for ZooLights. Prepare to remove all metal items and scanning with a wand.
Jennifer AnthonyDecember 23, 2015
Even though zoo entrance is free, parking is $22
Mary W.January 29, 2016
Free admission, but $22 for parking. Go in the winter - no crowds! Big ape house is smelly though.
Nick WilkesMay 18, 2012
Its a good thing its free... When I went, Before I had Foursquare, August 21, 2011, there where not a lot of animals, and exhibits where spaced out rather far.
Michael NataleJune 9, 2013
Bottled water - $3 each in Zoo but frz yogurt place across street sells it for 29 cents each
Mike DaughertyJune 16, 2011
If you bring a lunch or just need some shade, head to the great meadow. Covered tables and orangutans climb by overhead.
Dirty BirdAugust 9, 2014
Great zoo and the pandas are a must see
Rob HavasySeptember 2, 2015
To make the misters work, push the button ALL the way in. Harder than you think you need to.
Shannon M.April 24, 2013
Check out the pandas and the cats. Sometimes you'll see the orangutans swinging thru the air
Chris McdevittJuly 25, 2012
Not a big zoo. If you are looking for a big adventure may have better zoo near home town. Only took about 2 hrs to go through and look at/for the limited animals they actually have.
Shashena SolomonAugust 24, 2016
Great trails, very clean.
Amanda WisecarverDecember 22, 2016
Was a very enjoyable time❤
Scott YimMay 20, 2011
If traveling by metro, get off at the cleveland park metro stop. Its an uphill walk from woodley park, but downhill from cleveland.
kassie rodreeeegezzzzzzJanuary 14, 2016
Find the Dippin Dots booth that sells beer!
AbbyApril 20, 2010
The Zoo is a great way to spend a nice day. Take the metro to Cleveland or Woodley Park stations for less stress. Best part? It's free!
Mary Jo KestnerMarch 4, 2016
Great day trip for all ages, free admission
Tranita ExcellentJanuary 1, 2016
There are only 3 restrooms throughout the entire park. Go go go.
Charlotte 💀February 9, 2015
Free entrance, but during the winter there is no animal outside...
Liz PomperOctober 29, 2011
Been here 50+ times
Be sure to visit the new Jessie Cohen photography exhibit in the visitor's center. Spectacular.
Kayla GailOctober 16, 2012
Been here 10+ times
Use the Cleveland Park metro, then walk downhill instead of using Woodley Park and walking up.
ShelleyMay 7, 2013
Been here 10+ times
Great place to get engaged if you're animal obsessed like I am!
Rick RoudebushSeptember 10, 2017
Another nice day in the District
Jason HartMarch 4, 2012
Join FONZ and get free zookies (cookies) for the kids at each visit.
Zeynep O.March 15, 2016
Best ever zoo I've seen so far.
Dustin HedrickOctober 28, 2012
Go to Boo at the Zoo. You have to sign up in advance. They are always sold out at the gate.
Will DevineOctober 9, 2012
If you can't find the pandas outdoors, check inside the giant panda house.
WorldStridesApril 8, 2011
Must see: An elephant training session, a giant octopus feeding, and a sea lion training session.
LeeJanuary 8, 2020
The only downside - no giraffes at this zoo.
Nela LichtscheidlNovember 18, 2013
It's FREE! The next best thing to free zoo visit? Baby pandas. Yes, BABY pandas.
Mark PhillipsOctober 29, 2012
Been here 100+ times
Boo at the Zoo is always a treat ... lots of treats, in fact!
Wan Mat Ali Wan MamatAugust 25, 2015
All places inside the zoo are very informative
September 13, 2011
The gift shop ladies are very nice. Be sure to go visit Kyle the orangutan!
Joe HaglerJuly 8, 2013
In need of a good scrubbing, and paint. Being in the Nation's Capitol, I was embarrassed... I'm sure it's Bush's fault...
Ana BarcelonaAugust 17, 2014
Been here 5+ times
Lions tigers and bears oh my!!
Pablo RamosApril 16, 2015
I guess it's better for the animals but the enclosures make it difficult to spot many of the animals
Katie H.March 13, 2011
Still can't get over it being free. Great animals plus not having to pay makes it my favorite zoo ever.
Sri VOctober 2, 2019
Baby orangutans!
Kelly O'KeefeApril 16, 2012
The people watching can be just as good as the animal watching.
Amanda CarvalhoNovember 29, 2016
Beautiful lights!!
National Wildlife FederationJanuary 8, 2010
Be on the lookout for Black Squirrels. The animals were introduced by the Smithsonian National Zoological Park and can be a common sight in the city.
M Squared Real EstateAugust 14, 2011
Free admission, free parking, over 2,000 animals. What's not to love?
Mike BarkerSeptember 28, 2014
Great Zoo. The pandas rock.
Shannon SarinoJune 27, 2013
Come early - fewer crowds and the animals are awake.
Emma LawrenceAugust 20, 2018
Lovely free zoo!
Brett payneJanuary 19, 2015
Buildings close at 4:30 during the winter
BC 😎🎶April 22, 2011
Expansive and hilly, get ready for a workout. Nice for family outing.
Lia DiNunzioJanuary 19, 2013
Don't skip the Amazonia! Very cool exhibit!
Mike SmithMay 5, 2013
Amazonia is the best part of the zoo. :)
DApril 14, 2015
Panda having its lunch!!!

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