Riverbanks Zoo and Garden Tours

Photo by Cait Kish


Reviews of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
141
5 - Excellent 66%
4 - Good
45
4 - Good 21%
3 - Okay
24
3 - Okay 11%
2 - Disappointing
2
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

If you have kids buy the extra wristband for attractions not included with general admission.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

I wish the zoo had a train to ride on in order to sightsee.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

It's really expensive. But we were glad we went.

5/5 - Excellent

Jenn

Very expensive food. Bring your own!!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

It was fun and the food is worth the money.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

Tru By Hilton Columbia Greystone

Tru By Hilton Columbia Greystone

2.5 out of 5
185 Stoneridge Drive, Columbia, SC
Tru By Hilton Columbia Greystone
Extended Stay America Suites Columbia West Interstate 126

Extended Stay America Suites Columbia West Interstate 126

2.5 out of 5
450 Gracern Road, Columbia, SC
Extended Stay America Suites Columbia West Interstate 126
Tru By Hilton Columbia Downtown

Tru By Hilton Columbia Downtown

2.5 out of 5
400 Gervais Street, Building 2, Columbia, SC
Tru By Hilton Columbia Downtown
Homewood Suites by Hilton Columbia

Homewood Suites by Hilton Columbia

3 out of 5
230 Greystone Blvd, Columbia, SC
Homewood Suites by Hilton Columbia
Extended Stay America Suites Columbia Greystone

Extended Stay America Suites Columbia Greystone

2.5 out of 5
180 Stoneridge Dr, Columbia, SC
Extended Stay America Suites Columbia Greystone
Cambria Hotel Columbia Downtown The Vista

Cambria Hotel Columbia Downtown The Vista

3.5 out of 5
1000 Lady Street, Columbia, SC
Cambria Hotel Columbia Downtown The Vista
Marriott Columbia

Marriott Columbia

3.5 out of 5
1200 Hampton St, Columbia, SC
Marriott Columbia
Staybridge Suites Columbia by IHG

Staybridge Suites Columbia by IHG

3 out of 5
1913 Huger Street, Columbia, SC
Staybridge Suites Columbia by IHG
Courtyard by Marriott Columbia Downtown at USC

Courtyard by Marriott Columbia Downtown at USC

3 out of 5
630 Assembly St, Columbia, SC
Courtyard by Marriott Columbia Downtown at USC
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

At Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in Columbia, South Carolina, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including exploring the beautiful botanical gardens and engaging in area sightseeing. Nearby attractions offer opportunities for hiking and sports, including soccer, while the downtown area features vibrant live music. Additionally, families can take advantage of summer camps for a fun and educational experience amidst the natural beauty of the zoo and gardens.

Shopping

For shopping near Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, visit Soda City Market, just 3.2km away, offering a local vibe. Columbiana Centre and Lexington Pavilion are both 11.3km away, featuring family-friendly attractions and diverse shopping options. If you're up for a drive, explore more malls in the Columbia area.

Recreation

Colonial Life Arena offers an energetic atmosphere for sports enthusiasts, located 3.2km from Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. For a tranquil retreat, visit Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park, just 1.6km away, where you can enjoy peaceful walks and relaxing views. Founders Park, also 3.2km away, provides a vibrant sports environment.

Adventure

Explore the scenic West Columbia Riverwalk, a hiking trail located 1.6km from Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Venture 9.7km to the Three Rivers Greenway for more outdoor fun, and enjoy family-friendly entertainment at Palmetto Falls Water Park, located 12.9km away.

Nightlife

At Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, the nightlife buzzes with excitement. Trustus Theatre and Workshop Theatre, both nearby, offer captivating performances infused with romance and culture. Just 1.6km away, the Columbia Marionette Theater enchants with whimsical shows, creating a perfect blend of entertainment for an unforgettable evening.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

At Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in Columbia, South Carolina, visitors can enjoy a blend of culture and outdoor experiences. Explore the zoo's diverse animal exhibits, then visit nearby attractions such as history museums and historic houses for a deeper understanding of the area. With miles of beautiful gardens and scenic spots, it's a perfect destination for families and nature enthusiasts alike, offering a delightful day out filled with adventure and education.

  • Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center: Located 3.2km from Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, this venue is perfect for business events and conferences, boasting modern facilities and a professional atmosphere. It’s an ideal spot for networking and engaging with local enterprises.
  • South Carolina State Museum: Also 3.2km away, this museum offers a rich cultural experience with exhibits on South Carolina's history, art, and natural science. It’s a great place to immerse yourself in the state's heritage and explore fascinating displays.
  • EdVenture Children's Museum: Just 3.2km from the zoo, this children's museum is designed for family fun and learning. With interactive exhibits and engaging programs, it’s a perfect destination for families looking to inspire curiosity and creativity in kids.

Best time to go to Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

The best time to visit Riverbanks Zoo and Garden can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Riverbanks Zoo and Garden falls in July, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Riverbanks Zoo and Garden falls in January, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January45.9°F (7.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
February49.8°F (9.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
March55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
April64.0°F (17.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
May71.8°F (22.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June79.2°F (26.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
July82.2°F (27.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
August80.4°F (26.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September75.6°F (24.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
October65.7°F (18.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
November54.9°F (12.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowAverage
December49.8°F (9.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

When planning your visit to Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in Columbia, South Carolina, consider traveling during the cheaper months of July or December to January, with Monday being the least expensive day to stay. Utilize Expedia's search tool to find budget-friendly accommodations by sorting results from lowest to highest price and filtering for Eco-certified hotels. Additionally, save money by booking a package that includes flights and activities. Don't forget to explore free activities in the area to enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Riverbanks Zoo and Garden are July and December to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April and September to October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool lets you customize your search based on your budget, desired location, and other preferences. To find the most affordable hotels, simply sort the results from lowest to highest price. Additionally, you can refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will display sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save on your trip by booking an Expedia package that combines your hotel stay at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden with your flights and activities.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Explore a world of travel with Expedia