Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden
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Along the banks of the Lower Saluda River near Columbia, South Carolina, Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden offers guests two parks for the price of one spread across 170 acres.
On one side of the river is the zoo, 100 acres dedicated to more than 3,000 animals in “natural habitat” exhibits. Across the river, Riverbanks Botanical Gardens shine year round with flowers, gardens, seasonal displays and special exhibits.
The main entrance to Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden is located at 500 Wildlife Pkwy in Columbia, SC. Once through the ticket kiosk, you’ll find yourself front and center in the zoo.
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Riverbanks Zoo South Carolina
Animal exhibits include a number of mammals, birds, fish and invertebrates. The exhibits are thoughtfully designed to allow animals the spaces they need while providing zoo guests with great views.
Meandering, tree covered pathways separate the different areas and provide much needed shade for hot, southern summers.
As we wandered through the zoo, we loved discovering art pieces, like this lion scuplpture made from scrap metal.
Like most zoos, Riverbanks offers animal encounters such as feeding the giraffes and the lorikeets (small fee) and free animal demonstrations led by zoo staff to learn more about popular animals at the zoo.
We can spend most of a day watching the animals at the zoo, but Riverbanks Zoo tickets also include entrance to the Riverbanks Botanical Gardens.
Riverbanks Botanical Gardens
Riverbanks Botanical Gardensoffers 70 acres of woodlands, gardens and historic ruins to explore.
From the zoo side of the river, guests can walk across the river along the woodlands path to the botanical garden, take the free shuttle to the gardens or take the Saluda Skyride across the river.
The Saluda Skyride opened in 2025 and is included with the price of admission. You know we like free added value! It is an easy on/easy off aerial tram across the river that offers great views. We got to try it soon after it opened and it’s definitely our favorite way to travel. Strollers are allowed.
The botanical garden has whimsical kids’ gardens and play areas. In summertime, the Splash Zone is a great place for kids to play and cool off!
We visit Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden throughout the year. Even when most of the garden is not in bloom, the walkways and hardscapes are still inspiring.
Plan your visit to Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden
As you consider things to do in Columbia, South Carolina, Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden should definitely make the must see list. Use this information to help you plan your visit:
- Riverbanks Zoo Address: The zoo offers two entrances:
- Riverbanks Zoo Entrance: 500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia
- Riverbanks Botanical Gardens Entrance: 1300 Botanical Parkway, West Columbia
- Riverbanks Zoo Tickets: At the gate, tickets are $30.95 (13-adult), $27.95 (ages 3-12) and free for ages under 2. Seniors and Military (with ID): $28.95. Parking is $5.00 per vehicle. BUT, if you purchase tickets online, you save $3/ticket and parking is FREE!
- Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden Membership: Save even more with a zoo membership that includes bonus entry admission, free admission to special events, free parking and reciprocal zoo admission to affiliated zoos across the country.
- Riverbanks Zoo Hours: Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
- Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden Map: Withg the zoo and gardens spanning such a large area, it helps to know where things are! Use the Riverbanks Zoo Map to plan your day.
We live nearby and visit the zoo often. We have learned a few things to make zoo visits easier.
- Most animals are more active in the morning than the afternoon, so visit the zoo early and go to the botanical garden afterward.
- Cash is not accepted within the zoo. An Explore More card is a convenient way to pay for rides and attractions. Most rides are the equivalent of $3-$5, called explorer credits (EC).
- Beyond regular zoo visits, Riverbanks Zoo offers a number of special events, like Boo at the Zoo in October and Wild Lights for the holidays. Many special events are included with zoo membership.
Tips for visiting Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden with young children
Riverbanks Zoo is very large with lots of space between exhibits. It’s a magical place for little ones, especially with a little thoughtful planning.
- Sometimes, kids like one exhibit more than another. If a particular animal, plant or even a bug on the sidewalk grabs your child’s attention, let them observe for a few minutes. It’s better to enjoy some exhibits well than try to rush through it all.
- Outside food is not allowed. You can keep a cooler at your car and leave the park to have lunch or snacks. Refillable water bottles are allowed and can be refilled in the park. The zoo has many dining options as well.
- Strollers are allowed. For young children, we recommend strollers because the zoo is very large.
- Read the bricks! We have fun reading the donor bricks, and we even found “Darth Vader’s” brick. Can you find it?
- Remember sunscreen!
- Bring swimsuits in summer! The water play area is a great place to cool off and enjoy free play on a hot summer day. Food kiosks nearby make it a nice place to relax midday.
Hotels near Riverbanks Zoo
Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden is located minutes from Downtown Columbia. It’s one of the top attractions in the city any time of year. When visiting Columbia, consider staying at a nearby hotel for easy access to the zoo and the city.
DoubleTree by Hilton Columbia: Located minutes from the zoo and downtown, DoubleTree by Hilton offers free parking, free wifi, an outdoor pool and onsite restaurant. This is a great home base for a Columbia visit. (Click here to book)
Hotel Trundle: Located downtown, Hotel Trundle is a boutique hotel offering memorable accommodations close to downtown restaurants but still only minutes from the zoo. For a unique stay that you’ll love as much as the zoo, this is a worthy splurge. (Click here to book)
Homewood Suites by Hilton Downtown Columbia: With rooms that sleep up to five, Homewood Suites is a great option when you need a little more space. Homewood Suites is only a mile from Riverbanks Zoo and close to downtown. It offers free hot breakfast, free wifi and free parking. (Click here to book)