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    Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden

    2,351 Reviews
    #1 of 109 things to do in Columbia
    Features Animals
    Gardens, Nature & Wildlife Areas, Outdoor Activities, Zoos & Aquariums, Nature & Parks
    500 Wildlife Pkwy, Columbia, SC 29210-8014
    +1 803-779-8717
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    Review Highlights
    “Great Zoo!”

    We bought our tickets ahead of time, online- save a few dollars! Just my partner and I, but it... read more

    Reviewed yesterday
    sunflowwer
    ,
    Lexington, Kentucky
    “i love this”

    after a long day of traveling and driving i wanted to take my grandchildren somewhere they would... read more

    Reviewed 3 days ago
    bettysmith078
    ,
    Florida City, Florida
    Read all 2,351 reviews
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    Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is home to nearly 2,000 animals that represent more than 350 species from around the world. A visit to the Zoo will play host to an array of wild adventures from a diving expedition on a Pacific coral reef to a safari through the plains of Africa to an interactive Outback encounter with a flock of sociable lorikeets. The Botanical Garden boasts 70-acres of unparalleled beauty and is considered one of the America's best public gardens. Dramatic and themed gardens showcase more than 4,300 species of native and exotic plants, providing a living classroom for gardeners and non-gardeners alike. The Garden also is the gateway to natural river views and spectacular valley overlooks. In addition, guests can view structural remains dating back to the early 1800s with South Carolina's textile industry and the Civil War.

    About Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden

    Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is home to nearly 2,000 animals that represent more than 350 species from around the world. A visit to the Zoo will play host to an array of wild adventures from a diving expedition on a Pacific coral reef to a safari through the plains of Africa to an interactive Outback encounter with a flock of sociable lorikeets. The Botanical Garden boasts 70-acres of unparalleled beauty and is considered one of the America's best public gardens. Dramatic and themed gardens showcase more than 4,300 species of native and exotic plants, providing a living classroom for gardeners and non-gardeners alike. The Garden also is the gateway to natural river views and spectacular valley overlooks. In addition, guests can view structural remains dating back to the early 1800s with South Carolina's textile industry and the Civil War.
    4.5
    2,351 reviews
    • Excellent70%
    • Very good23%
    • Average5%
    • Poor1%
    • Terrible1%
    Travellers talk about
    “zip line” (100 reviews)
    “pony rides” (60 reviews)
    “ropes course” (53 reviews)
    Open Now
    All hours
    Hours Today: 09:00 - 17:00
    Suggested Duration: More than 3 hours
    LOCATION
    500 Wildlife Pkwy, Columbia, SC 29210-8014
    CONTACT
    Website
    +1 803-779-8717
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    Reviews (2,351)
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    1 - 10 of 2,330 reviews

    Reviewed yesterday
    Great Zoo!

    We bought our tickets ahead of time, online- save a few dollars! Just my partner and I, but it really looked like lots of kids were having a blast everywhere! The weather was great, so lots of animals were out and about, great to see...More

    Thank sunflowwer
    Reviewed 3 days ago
    i love this

    after a long day of traveling and driving i wanted to take my grandchildren somewhere they would like they wanted to see animals and they loved this zoo i will be returning soon

    Thank bettysmith078
    Reviewed 4 days ago
    Great Day for Grandchildren

    There was more than we could possibly do in the 4 hours we were there. The sea lions, gorillas, grizzly bears, and turtles were our favorites. Food was tasty. Best zoo in the southeast by far.

    Thank Sightcee
    Reviewed 4 days ago via mobile
    How about consideration for Seniot Citizens

    We were excited to come here for both the animals living as naturally as possible and to go to the gardens. We never got to the gardens. We were told we had to walk over a bridge that appeared to be 1/3 of a mile...More

    1  Thank mindelles
    Reviewed 4 days ago
    One of the best Zoos I have been too.

    I have visited this zoo multiple times over the last 30 years. it has always been a leader in habitat and exhibits. It is always changing so you can visit multiple times and see different things. They now have zip lines in the park which...More

    Thank Joe K
    Reviewed 4 days ago via mobile
    I felt like a kid again...

    It's been years since I've been to the zoo, and this just topped off my summer. I felt like a big kid seeing all the animals. Great clean zoo and I'll definitely be back.

    Thank Crawford84
    Reviewed 5 days ago
    Hurricane Evac

    It was ok my daughter had a good time but for me needs more. She saw a lot of things and we did like the botanical gardens and the water spouts, music stuff and the doll houses.

    Thank Shannon122209
    Reviewed 5 days ago
    Birthday Trip

    We had a great time. We went for my daughters 6th birthday, and both she and my 3yro loved it! Even though it was not the biggest zoo we have been to - National Zoo in DC, San Diego Zoo - there were lots of...More

    Thank sbirello
    Reviewed 1 week ago via mobile
    Fun

    Great day with the family. The season pass is really great for frequent visitors. Food is much better than it used to be. Plenty of activities for everyone to be entertained for the whole day.

    Thank kookipus
    Reviewed 1 week ago via mobile
    Fun zoo. Lots to see

    A little pricey for the amount of animals and size of zoo. Fun time. Spent about 4 hours. Fed the giraffes. Pet a llama. Many animals asleep. Worth visiting.

    Thank EricaFamily
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    Questions & Answers
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    vickydavis95
    13 September 2017|
    AnswerShow all 4 answers
    Response from RJCrapps | Reviewed this property |
    Many to choose from in close proximity. Embassy Suites is about a 1/4 mile from the zoo entrance.
    0
    Votes
    vickydavis95
    13 September 2017|
    AnswerShow all 5 answers
    Response from Linda H | Reviewed this property |
    I would recommend Homewood Suites by Hilton, on Greystone Blvd., i have stayed there when traveling with family to visit the zoo. They have a delightful indoor pool. It's also very conveniently located, close to the zoo.
    0
    Votes
    dolita1000
    21 August 2017|
    Answer
    Response from Sarah R | Reviewed this property |
    I would say water yes, cooler no. There is a picnic area outside of the zoo, near the bus parking by the river.
    1
    Vote