Timeline
08:00
Enter the National Zoo at opening. The text notes the pandas are the shyest and most crowded, so head there first or skip them to avoid the rush. Grab a map at the entrance and bring water, as concessions are expensive. The Ape House is fun regardless of crowds, and the Seals & Sea Lions Exhibit is another highlight.
10:00
Walk to Petit Monde Cafe for lunch. This French-American bistro is open from 08:00 to 17:00, making it perfect for a mid-morning or early afternoon meal. The service is friendly, and the Boeuf Bourguignon and french onion soup are reliable favorites.
11:00
Head to Meridian Hill Park. This 12-acre park features a stunning cascading waterfall and European-style terraced landscaping. It is a quiet, esteem-worthy spot to walk off lunch and enjoy the grounds administered by the National Park Service.
Local tip
The zoo gets very crowded at the Pandas and Ape House. Arriving at 08:00 gives you the best chance to see the animals before the masses arrive.
Check before you go
- National Zoo hours are 8AM-7PM (8AM-5PM in winter).
- Petit Monde Cafe is open 08:00-17:00 daily.
- Parking at the zoo is $25 and limited in spring and summer.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Washington, D.C. (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).