See the pandas and elephants in the acclaimed zoo, take a tour of a historic observatory and visit the cathedral in this upmarket residential area.

Woodley Park is a charming neighborhood full of quaint cafés and open, green spaces. It is known for its vast zoo and impressive cathedral, among other intriguing landmarks in a leafy district. Bring your family to relax in the picturesque parks and encounter a range of exotic wildlife.

Wander along the trails of the Smithsonian National Zoological Park in the eastern part of the neighborhood. Admission is free for this family-friendly spot, which has a range of intriguing exhibits and animal enclosures. See the highlights of pandas, great cats, bears and elephants.

The western side of the district is known for the U.S. Naval Observatory, which is among the country’s oldest and most important sites providing astronomical data. Take a guided tour of the intriguing scientific instruments to learn about the role of the observatory.

Walk north for about 20 minutes to reach St. Sophia Cathedral, which was founded at the start of the 20th century. Admire its neo-Byzantine design and enjoy the serenity within. Adjacent to the cathedral is Bryce Park, where you can relax with a book in the shade of a tree during hot and humid summers. Note that winters are fairly cold and snowy.

Aside from the parks and historic structures, the neighborhood has many noteworthy institutions. Spot the Washington International School, the British Embassy and the Embassy of Switzerland.

Stay at one of the historic hotels in this upscale area. The Omni Shoreham Hotel overlooks Rock Creek Park and dates back to the 1930s, while the Washington Marriott Wardman Park Hotel was constructed a decade earlier.

The neighborhood is close to Rock Creek in the northwestern part of Washington D.C. Take a bus to one of the many nearby stops or ride the metro to the Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan metro station. Visit some of the surrounding districts, such as Cleveland ParkOpens in a new window, Mount Pleasant and Massachusetts Heights.

Woodley Park is a scenic, verdant neighborhood with a range of parks, historic structures and family-friendly activities.