Discover the Wonders of the Smithsonian National Zoological Park
Explore the Smithsonian National Zoological Park, a premier zoo in Washington, D.C., home to diverse wildlife and engaging educational experiences.
The Smithsonian National Zoological Park is a remarkable destination for animal lovers and families alike. Nestled in the heart of Washington, D.C., it houses over 2,000 animals from around the globe, all while providing a beautiful, lush setting that enhances your experience. With engaging exhibits and educational opportunities, this zoo promises a fun and enlightening day for tourists of all ages.
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 witness animal activities during the morning.
- Check the daily schedule for animal feedings and keeper talks to enhance your visit.
- Wear comfortable shoes as the zoo covers a large area with plenty of walking paths.
- Bring a picnic to enjoy in designated areas, or explore the on-site dining options for a quick meal.
- Don't forget your camera to capture unforgettable moments with the animals!
Getting There
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Bus
From your location in Waldorf, head to the nearest bus stop. You can catch the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) Bus Route 34 towards Washington, D.C. Make sure to check the schedule for the next bus. After approximately 40 minutes, get off at the 'St. George's Ave & Crain Hwy' stop. From there, transfer to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) Metrobus Route 30N towards Fort Totten Station. Stay on the bus for about 30 minutes and disembark at 'Connecticut Ave & Woodley Park' stop. The Smithsonian National Zoological Park is a short walk from the stop, just follow Connecticut Ave NW for about 10 minutes until you reach the entrance at 3001 Connecticut Ave NW.
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Metro
To reach the Smithsonian National Zoological Park from Waldorf using the Metro, start by walking to the nearest MTA bus stop and take the MTA Bus Route 34 to the 'Branch Ave Metro Station'. Once at Branch Ave, purchase a SmarTrip card if you don’t have one, and take the Green Line towards Greenbelt. Transfer at 'Gallery Place-Chinatown' to the Red Line towards Glenmont. Get off at the 'Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan' station. Exit the station and walk north on Connecticut Ave NW. The zoo will be on your right after about a 10-minute walk.
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Rideshare
If you prefer a more direct route, consider using a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft. Open the app and set your destination to 'Smithsonian National Zoological Park, 3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008'. The pickup location will be based on your current location in Waldorf. The ride may take around 30-45 minutes depending on traffic. Ensure you have your phone charged and ready to communicate with your driver if needed.
Discover more about Smithsonian National Zoological Park
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