Discover Wildlife Wonders at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park
Explore the Smithsonian National Zoological Park, a free and family-friendly haven for wildlife lovers in Washington, D.C., dedicated to conservation and education.
Nestled in the heart of Washington, D.C., the Smithsonian National Zoological Park offers visitors an unforgettable opportunity to explore the wonders of wildlife. Home to over 2,700 animals, this remarkable zoo is dedicated to conservation, education, and research, making it a perfect destination for families and animal lovers alike. With engaging exhibits and a scenic park-like setting, guests can easily spend a day immersed in nature while learning about endangered species and their habitats.
A brief summary to Smithsonian National Zoological Park
- 3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, Northwest Washington, District of Columbia, 20008, US
- +1202-633-2614
- Visit website
- Monday 8 am-4 pm
- Tuesday 8 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 8 am-4 pm
- Thursday 8 am-4 pm
- Friday 8 am-4 pm
- Saturday 8 am-4 pm
- Sunday 8 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Arrive early to enjoy cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, especially during peak season.
- Take advantage of the free guided tours to learn more about the animals and their habitats.
- Bring a packed lunch to enjoy in the designated picnic areas, as food inside the zoo can be pricey.
- Check the zoo's schedule for special animal demonstrations and talks to enhance your visit.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the zoo covers a large area and involves a fair amount of walking.
Getting There
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Metro
From Gaithersburg, make your way to the Gaithersburg Metro Station, which is located at 1 Depot Ct, Gaithersburg, MD 20877. Board the Red Line train towards Glenmont. Stay on the train for approximately 30 minutes, passing through several stations including Rockville and Silver Spring. Disembark at the Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan station. Once you exit the station, head northwest on Connecticut Ave NW for about 0.5 miles. The Smithsonian National Zoological Park will be on your left at 3001 Connecticut Ave NW.
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Bus
Start at the Gaithersburg Transit Center located at 1 Railroad St, Gaithersburg, MD 20877. Take the Ride On Bus #55 towards the Shady Grove Metro Station. After about 20 minutes, you will arrive at the Shady Grove Metro Station. From there, board the Red Line towards Glenmont. After around 30 minutes, get off at the Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan station. Exit the station and walk northwest on Connecticut Ave NW for about 0.5 miles until you reach the Smithsonian National Zoological Park at 3001 Connecticut Ave NW.
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Bicycle
If you're feeling adventurous, you can rent a bike from a local bike-sharing service. Start at the Gaithersburg City Hall and head south on Gaither Rd. Turn right onto Md-355 S (also known as Frederick Ave) and continue until you reach the intersection with Tuckerman Ln. Follow Tuckerman Ln until you reach the intersection with Connecticut Ave NW. Turn left on Connecticut Ave and continue north for about 10 miles. The Smithsonian National Zoological Park will be on your right at 3001 Connecticut Ave NW.
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Walking
For those who prefer to take a leisurely walk, you can walk to the nearest bus or metro stop and then combine it with public transport. Start from the center of Gaithersburg and head towards the closest bus stop at the Gaithersburg Transit Center. Take Ride On Bus #55 or walk to the Gaithersburg Metro Station and follow the Metro directions to Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan. It's approximately 12 miles, so walking directly is not recommended unless you're up for a long hike!
Discover more about Smithsonian National Zoological Park
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