Smithsonian's National Zoo

Zoo Description per website:
It’s not all elephants and donkeys in DC. At the National Zoo, visitors can find all sorts of animals that don’t subscribe to party lines. Lions, tigers and giraffes are just some of the 1,500-plus animals that call the 163-acre park home. The zoo’s habitats feature animals from 300 different species and about 25 percent of the zoo’s residents are endangered. All the animals at the National Zoo – which is also a global research center and conservation center – are cared for by world-class zoologists and veterinarians.

The roster of animals again includes two giant pandas. Bao Li and Qing Bao, both three years old, have moved into their new digs at the Zoo. The Zoo is a large park with 18 distinct areas to explore.

Hours: 8am – 4pm daily

A free entry pass must be reserved for all visitors. Free passes become available approximately 30 days in advance.

Zoo Website: Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

Transportation:
Taking the metro into DC is a great option. I plan to drive to the Greenbelt metro station and take the Green line to the Gallery Place/Chinatown stop, and then the Red line to the Cleveland Park stop. The Zoo is a 10-minute walk from the metro stop.