Parking & Directions
The Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute is located in the heart of northwest Washington, D.C. and spans 163 acres. There are two pedestrian entrances and one vehicular entrance.
Entrances
- 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW (Vehicles and Pedestrians)
- Harvard Street Bridge (Pedestrians Only)
Vehicles may not enter the Zoo via Beach Drive. However, vehicles may exit the Zoo via Beach Drive southbound starting at 2 p.m. daily. Please note that northbound access to Beach Drive is not permitted.
Buses are only permitted to unload or load inside the Zoo with a Bus Parking Pass or a Bus Drop-Off Pass. See the Group Entry Page for information on how to reserve bus passes.
Group Parking
Buses may only unload or load inside the Zoo if they have a parking reservation. Learn more about bus reservations on the Group Entry page fore more information.
'Zoo Loop' in Rock Creek Park
A ½ mile section of paved recreational trail in Rock Creek Park known as the ‘Zoo Loop’ extends along the southeast edge of the Smithsonian’s National Zoo property near the Duke Ellington Bridge.
Please note: the Zoo Loop is open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the spring and summer, and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. during fall and winter. Details are posted at signs located at both entrances of the loop. The Zoo Loop may be closed without advance notice in the event of an emergency, inclement weather or as determined by Zoo management.