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Smithsonians National Zoo Tickets
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About Smithsonians National Zoo
Smithsonians National Zoo in Washington, DC spans 163 acres at 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW and is part of the Smithsonian Institution. It’s more than a public zoological park—it's a versatile event destination with multiple spaces for private functions, family outings, and seasonal events. With over 2,100 animals across ~400 species, the Zoo offers a distinctive backdrop for gatherings, education programs, and unforgettable experiences. We’ve got you covered with practical details on seating, parking, transit, and nearby accommodations and dining to help you plan a seamless visit or private event.
Whether you’re planning a private function in one of the Zoo’s adaptable spaces or simply visiting for Boo at the Zoo or Night of the Living Zoo, this page provides clear, factual information and practical tips to secure your plans with ease.
Transit is convenient via the DC Metro Red Line. The Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan and Cleveland Park stations are nearby, with the nearest accessible entrance on the Cleveland Park side of Connecticut Ave. On-site parking is available, and some events offer paid parking passes—check the official directions for details. For visitors staying nearby, Omni Shoreham Hotel sits within walking distance at 2500 Calvert St NW. The Wardman Park Marriott property has been redeveloped into residential towers. For lodging and dining, consider affiliate partner recommendations for trusted options close to the Zoo and in Washington, DC’s Woodley Park area.
The Zoo hosts notable events like Boo at the Zoo (family Halloween) and Night of the Living Zoo (adults-only Halloween) with parking and after-hours access. Inside the Zoo, several event spaces provide flexible capacity: Great Cats Circle (seated up to 1,000; standing 2,000), Lion-Tiger Hill (seated up to 1,000; standing 2,000), Great Meadow (seated 300; standing 600), Conservation Pavilion (seated 120; standing 200), Think Tank Exhibit (seated 75; standing 150), and the Visitor Center Auditorium (280 seated).
Good to know
Seating, Parking & Venue Information
- Location and size: 163 acres at 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20008; part of the Smithsonian Institution.
- Capacity: home to more than 2,100 animals representing ~400 species.
- Venue type: a public zoological park with multiple event spaces for private functions (not a single-seat venue).
- Transit: two nearby Metro stations on the Red Line (Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan and Cleveland Park); nearest accessible entrance is at the Cleveland Park side of Connecticut Ave.
- Parking: on-site parking is available; some events offer paid parking passes; see official parking directions for details.
- Nearby hotels: Omni Shoreham Hotel (2500 Calvert St NW) within walking distance; Wardman Park Marriott site has been demolished and redeveloped into residential towers.
- Notable events: Boo at the Zoo (family Halloween, annual) and Night of the Living Zoo (adults-only Halloween event) with parking and after-hours access; Think Tank and other spaces host private events.
- Seating/venues within the zoo: multiple spaces with defined capacities, e.g., Great Cats Circle (seated up to 1,000; standing 2,000), Lion-Tiger Hill (seated up to 1,000; standing 2,000), Great Meadow (seated 300; standing 600), Conservation Pavilion (seated 120; standing 200), Think Tank Exhibit (seated 75; standing 150), Visitor Center Auditorium (280 seated).