The National Zoo

The National Zoo is a great place to visit if you have a day to spend in the DC area. The zoo is packed with activities for children and families, but even if you are by yourself it can be a really fun place to explore.

Getting There:

Admission to the Zoo is free, but parking costs between $12-16 unless you plan to stay less than two hours, and there are limited spaces. So the best option is to take the metro, which has a stop nearby. A metro pass will cost you $1.50-3 each way, or you can buy an all day pass for $6.50. The stop closest to the zoo is the Woodley Park-Zoo stop, which is on the red line. Finding the zoo is really easy from there, just follow the blue signs at almost all of the intersections. When you see this: you know you're there!

The Zoo:

Weekdays during the fall and spring are the best time to visit the zoo. The weather isn't too hot, and you don't have to worry about the zoo being really crowded. And the earlier in the day you can come to the zoo (inside exhibits open at 10) the better. I'm a total night owl, so I usually don't get the zoo untill after 11:30. Boy, I had no idea what I was missing. The animals in the morning are so active and moving around, not sleeping and hiding who knows where in their habitat. Some of them even pose for pictures.

Some important tips:

-The pandas are cool, and cute, but don't make a special trip just to see them. They have an absolutely enormous enclosure, and are fairly shy. There are also very few other animal exhibits, or even interesting literature along "the asia trail" to hold your attention. I got more panda exposure at the gift shop.

-Bring your own food to eat! Park prices are astronomical, and the food is less than satisfying. Save your money for the similarly overpriced, yet somewhat more useful items in one of the gift shops

-When leaving the zoo look for the starbucks and head in that direction. That's the way to the metro.

Have Fun!