National Zoo

The National Zoo is just a short distance from the Hotel.  Check out our special hotel discounts and special zoo packages.

The Smithsonian’s National Zoo admission is FREE and the zoo open every day of the year, except December 25.

Hours
April–October
Animal exhibits are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day.
November–March
Animal exhibits are open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. every day.
 

Getting to the Zoo

The Zoo is located at 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20008. This is about  5-10 minutes via car or taxi from the hotel.  You can get to the Zoo by public transportation and by car. Find out more.

Public Transportation

By Metro: From the hotel, the zoo is accessible via the  Dupont Circle Metro station and the red line. Take the Red Line to the Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan stop or the Cleveland Park stop. The Zoo entrance is halfway between these stops and both are a short walk from the Zoo. Find out about taking Metro bus to the Zoo. The pedestrian entrance is on Connecticut Avenue.

Driving

There are vehicle entrances on Connecticut Avenue at the west side of the Zoo and near Rock Creek Park at the east side of the Zoo. See a map and get driving directions.

Parking

Parking at the Zoo is $10 for the first hour, $15 for two to three hours, and $20 for more than three hours. Parking is free for FONZ members. Every dollar you spend at the Zoo—for parking, food, and gifts—supports our education, research, and conservation efforts.

Please note: The Zoo is a popular destination and lots fill early in the day during spring break and summer, so we encourage you to take the Metro. The Zoo is located within Washington, D.C., and there is not a lot of street parking in the neighborhood.

Tour bus parking is extremely limited, and can be guaranteed only to groups that book one of our Group Safari Package. Tour buses may not drop off passengers on Connecticut Avenue. This is both unsafe and illegal.

School Buses

During the school year, reserved bus parking is available only during the busy spring season, from April 6 to June 25, 2010. To make a reservations for this time, call 202.633.4480. Parking for the remainder of the school year is available most weekdays. On weekends and during the summer, bus parking is not available.  Get resources for your field trip.