With 163 acres and more than 1,500 animals — 25% of which include endangered species — Smithsonian’s National Zoo is a must-see. This is one of the few places you can see giant pandas, along with many other incredible animals. Located in the Woodley Park neighborhood of Washington D.C., the National Zoo also functions as a conservation center and a global research center. And the best part? It’s completely free to visit!

Elephant Trails is large enough to house eight to 10 adult elephants, along with their offspring. It includes two new yards, four pools, a 5,700-square-foot barn, and a quarter-mile walkway through a wooded area. The zoo’s Asian elephants are part of a conservation, breeding, and research program designed to help create better care for elephants around the world. Currently, there are four female elephants and one male, and you can even watch them on the zoo’s online Elephant Cam!

Best times to visit the Smithsonian’s National Zoo: 

Fall is a great time to visit the National Zoo. The leaves are changing colors, the crowds are smaller, and the animals are often active in the cooler weather. 
Summers in Washington D.C. are hot and humid, so it’s best to head to the zoo right when it opens to avoid crowds and the heat. The animals are more active during the cooler mornings as well. In addition, March through July is peak season at the National Zoo, so there are more crowds. Weekends are typically the busiest times, especially from 11 AM to 2 PM.