Smithsonian National Zoo

The Smithsonian National Zoo, at 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW in the Woodley Park neighborhood of Washington, DC, in the United States, spreads across about 163 acres of Rock Creek Park and is one of the oldest zoos in the country, founded in 1889. It is famous for its giant pandas, housed in the Giant Panda habitat, and for its Asia Trail, which also features sloth bears, fishing cats and red pandas. The American Trail presents sea lions, seals, beavers and gray wolves, while the Great Cats area is home to lions and tigers. The Elephant Trails habitat, the Small Mammal House and the Reptile Discovery Center add variety, and a Bird House holds tropical species. The site is hilly, with Connecticut Avenue at the top and Rock Creek at the bottom, so many visitors enter at the top and walk downhill. Admission is free, but a free entry pass is required and should be reserved at nationalzoo.si.edu. The zoo is typically open daily from 8am to 6pm, with animal buildings open 10am to 4pm, and hours vary seasonally. A visit takes three to four hours. The best photo spots are the panda habitat, the Asia Trail and the view down the main path. Crowds are heaviest on weekends, school holidays and on spring days; early morning, when animals are most active, is calmer. The Woodley Park Metro station on the Red Line is about 0.4 miles away, and parking is limited and costs extra.