Smithsonian's National Zoo
A 163-acre federal zoo with no admission fee — the Smithsonian foots the bill so you don't have to.
Coming soon on iOS — be first to walk Washington offline.
Founded in 1889, the National Zoo holds 2,700 animals across 390 species, roughly one-fifth of them endangered or threatened. Because it is part of the Smithsonian Institution, entry is free every day of the year except December 25. It was also one of the first zoos to establish a formal scientific research program.
What to look for
- Giant pandas — the zoo's best-known residents, singled out above all other animals on the Rock Creek Park campus
- Great apes, big cats, and Asian elephants, all held at the main urban campus
- Exhibit upgrades rolling out under the 2008 master plan, visible in newer enclosure layouts
Take MetroRail — the zoo sits in Woodley Park, 20 minutes from the National Mall. Closed only on December 25.
Smithsonian's National Zoo is one of 37 sights worth the detour in Washington, all bundled offline in Voyage GO — download the Washington pack and it sits on your map with no signal, filling your travel passport the moment you walk past.
More to see in Washington
- White HouseBritish forces torched it in 1814. It has been the U.S. president's home and office ever since.
- The PentagonDesigned and built in 16 months during World War II — 17.5 miles of corridors, a five-acre central courtyard, and a 9/11 memorial at the exact point of impact.
- United States CapitolEvery street address in Washington DC radiates outward from this building — it is literally the zero point of the city.
- Washington MonumentThe faint color seam partway up the shaft marks where construction stopped for 23 years.
- Smithsonian InstitutionBritish scientist James Smithson left a bequest that became 157 million objects, 21 museums, and a zoo — almost all free to walk into.
- Arlington National CemeteryThe ground holding 400,000 graves was seized from Robert E. Lee's own family over an unpaid tax bill in 1864.