Make a reservation with Choice Hotels for your trip to the National Zoo

The National Zoo in Washington D.C. offers visitors a chance to marvel at the wonders of nature, understand the importance of conservation, and breathe in peaceful surroundings as they admire exotic and majestic creatures from around the globe. Part of the amazing Smithsonian Institution, the National Zoo is a 163-acre park located in the heart of the nation's capital. Best known for its giant panda exhibit, the facility is part of the world's largest museum and research complex.

As an endangered species, giant pandas live in the Chinese mountains, surviving almost exclusively on bamboo. The zoo's new Giant Panda Habitat is built to mimic the animals' natural surroundings, and features more than 12,000 square feet of living space, a waterfall and a den. The exhibit also includes rock-climbing structures where the pandas climb, hide and stay cool.

If you're headed to the National Zoo, plan to see the facility's other unique exhibits like Amazonia, Cheetah Conservation Station, the African Savanna, Asian elephants, Backyard Biology, the Reptile Discovery Center and Ocean Living. Open year-round, this phenomenal zoo offers free admission and boasts more than 2000 animals and 400 species.

Discover a wildlife paradise at Washington, D.C.'s National Zoo and book a room at a nearby Choice Hotels® property. We're known for our affordable locations, family-friendly amenities and helpful staff. Make a reservation on choicehotels.com today.