Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington DC is one of the best zoo's on the east coast. Since we live in south central Pennsylvania, we can reach the zoo in about 3 1/2 hours (depending on traffic). If you're looking to go down on a day trip we recommend leaving early in the morning to avoid rush hour traffic. Plus, it will give you several hours to spend at the zoo before traveling back home.
The zoo is open 364 days a year (closed on Christmas) and offers free public admission. The zoo is part of the Smithsonian Institution, the world's largest museum and research complex. It sits on 163 beautifully landscaped acres with more than 1,500 animals residing there.
When you visit the zoo you'll see all kinds of different animal species: Cheetahs, Lemurs, Oryx, Frogs, Orangutans, Tortoises, Alpaca, American Alligator, Bison, Beavers, Andean Bear, Asian Elephants, Bald Eagles, Otters, Howler Monkeys, Prairie Dogs, Bobcats, Pelicans, Varies Species of Snakes, California Sea Lions, Leopards, Crocodiles, Gazelles, Emu's, Foxes, Marmosets, Giant Panda, Gila Monsters, Tamarins, Gray Seals, Hedgehogs, Zebra, Armadillo, Lions, Mini Donkey's, Red Panda, Sloth Bear, Two-Toed Sloth, Tigers, Western Lowland Gorillas, Gibbons, Whooping Cranes and more.
One of the things that we love about this zoo is that we can bring our own food into the park. When we visit and take the kids down for the day, I pack a nice picnic lunch for the entire family to enjoy. Throughout the park you'll find picnic areas that you can enjoy. Not interested in that? You can buy food and beverages there. No alcohol is allowed on the premises.
A few personal tips: We recommend that you dress appropriately for current weather conditions and wear comfortable walking shoes. You'll be doing a lot of walking! If rain is in the forecast you may want to bring along a rain jacket and umbrella. We also recommend that you apply sunscreen before entering and may want to reapply it throughout the day. You'll want to leave bags locked up in your vehicle. You're subject to bag searches & security checks. Only bring in what you actually need!
Throughout the year they schedule various special events and educational experiences that you may enjoy. You can find the complete schedule located directly on the zoo's website. They welcome school groups, scouting troops, etc. Please contact them directly if you plan on visiting as a large group.
The Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute is located at 3001 Connecticut Avenue, NW Washington, DC. 20008. If you need additional information or to inquire about educational programs, you can reach the zoo at 202-633-4888 or visit their website online.
Note: You can double click on each photo in this travel feature to have it automatically open up in a new browsing window & in an enlarged size. This will allow you to see the smaller details up close.
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