Riverbanks Zoo & Garden
A world-class zoo and botanical garden in Columbia, SC, featuring diverse animals, scenic gardens, and the new Saluda SkyRide.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
See animals active, fewer crowds
Riverbanks Zoo & Garden
Best Time
See animals active, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A world-class zoo and botanical garden in Columbia, SC, featuring diverse animals, scenic gardens, and the new Saluda SkyRide.
"This zoo is amazing! Worth every minute you spend walking and looking at all the animals."
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Save time and skip the lines by purchasing your Riverbanks Zoo tickets in advance online. :ticket:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across 70 acres of zoo and gardens. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Saluda SkyRide
Connects Zoo and Botanical Garden
Soar over the Saluda River for breathtaking views connecting the zoo and gardens. A new, scenic way to explore!
Gorillas & Giraffes
Primate House & African Plains
Marvel at the impressive gorilla troop and get up close to feed the majestic giraffes. Always a visitor favorite!
Aquarium & Reptile Galleries
Indoor Exhibits
Explore vibrant underwater worlds and fascinating reptiles. Perfect for a cool escape on a warm day.
Botanical Gardens Splash Pad
Botanical Gardens
A refreshing oasis for kids (and adults!) to cool off. Don't forget to bring towels and swimsuits!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Heat
New SkyRide & Ticket Tips
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Save time and skip the lines by purchasing your Riverbanks Zoo tickets in advance online. :ticket:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across 70 acres of zoo and gardens. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Bring Swim Gear
The splash pad in the botanical gardens is a hit with kids! Pack towels and swimsuits. :swimmer:
🦒 Feed the Giraffes
A popular interactive experience! Giraffe feeding is available for a small additional fee. :moneywithwings:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Save time and skip the lines by purchasing your Riverbanks Zoo tickets in advance online. :ticket:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across 70 acres of zoo and gardens. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Bring Swim Gear
The splash pad in the botanical gardens is a hit with kids! Pack towels and swimsuits. :swimmer:
🦒 Feed the Giraffes
A popular interactive experience! Giraffe feeding is available for a small additional fee. :moneywithwings:
🚗 Parking & Access
Parking is available. The Saluda SkyRide connects the zoo and gardens, making access easier. :car:
💡 Check Exhibit Hours
Some special exhibits and animal feeding times close earlier than the main zoo hours. Plan accordingly! :clock1:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Riverbanks Zoo for its diverse animal exhibits, clean grounds, and engaging experiences like the Saluda SkyRide and giraffe feeding. Many find it comparable to or even better than other world-class zoos. While the botanical gardens are appreciated, some feel they are less of a draw than the zoo itself, and special exhibits can close earlier than expected.
"We visited the zoo on a Sunday. It was moderately busy but not too bad. It had a variety of exhibits. Definitely could easily spend 2-4 hours here. Lots to see, lots of food and drink options. Tickets were $25 per person. We really enjoyed our afternoon. The bathrooms were clean, lines were short. We visited the botanical gardens in the back. Those are not worth seeing. Very basic, nothing special. Lots of walking to get to them… so I’d skip if we returned. Great place for family & kids or even just a date spot.
My only complaint is the special exhibits close early, and earlier than they state. I wanted to ride a camel and see the giraffes up close and both closed “at 6” and actually closed at 5:30. So we missed that opportunity."
Kenzie Kramer
"Such an amazing zoo. Compared to San Diego Zoo, a world class zoo, I enjoyed this one more.
The enclosures and exhibits for the animals were really nice. There was a water splash area in the back of the botanical garden that the kids really liked. BRING TOWELS AND A SWIM SUIT FOR THE LITTLES!
We also really enjoyed the ropes course for the older kids and the ropes course for the younger kids too. Both were very inexpensive, relatively speaking."
A C
"Oh. My. Word. Best zoo EVER! As an NC native, with one of the most beloved zoos in the USA in our home state I didn’t think I could appreciate another zoo as much as I did Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Gardens. We completed the zoo by mid day, left for lunch and drove to the separate entrance for the botanical gardens. The zoo was filled with incredible animals from all over the world and our family loved the flow of the zoo and how easily navigable it was. The Sea Lion show was perfect for my little one whose favorite animal is seals. And we loved the funny bear in his tire chair. The kids (& adult!) loved the ropes course and gave their best at it. The gardens were stunning and my kids loved the play spaces and splash pad. Every staff member was friendly, the zoo was clean, and I had zero complaints. We will be back and may even switch our nc zoo membership over next year!"
Angel Hinman
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Riverbanks Zoo & Garden is located at 500 Wildlife Pkwy, Columbia, SC 29210. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available. Many visitors from nearby cities like Charlotte make it a day trip.
Information on public transportation options can be limited. It's generally recommended to drive or use ride-sharing services for the most convenient access to the zoo.
The zoo offers on-site parking. Some visitors have mentioned that annual passes include parking, which can be a great value if you plan to visit multiple times.
From Charlotte, NC, the drive to Riverbanks Zoo typically takes about 1.5 hours, making it a popular day trip destination.
Yes, the zoo and botanical gardens are stroller-friendly. The Saluda SkyRide also accommodates strollers.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission tickets for adults (13+) are around $24.99, and for children (2-12) it's less. Prices can vary, so it's best to check the official website. Consider an annual pass if you plan multiple visits.
Yes, you can purchase tickets at the gate, but buying them online in advance is highly recommended to avoid wait times, especially during peak seasons.
Yes, on Tuesdays, you can get two tickets for the price of one by bringing two canned food items. This is a great way to save on admission.
General admission typically includes access to the zoo, aquarium, botanical gardens, and the Saluda SkyRide. Special experiences like giraffe feeding may have an additional cost.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's crucial to check the official Riverbanks Zoo website for the most up-to-date hours before your visit, as some special exhibits may close earlier.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the Saluda SkyRide for stunning views, the impressive gorilla exhibit, the vibrant aquarium, and the refreshing splash pad in the botanical gardens. Giraffe feeding is also a highlight.
Most visitors spend 2-4 hours exploring the zoo and gardens. Some dedicate a full day, especially if they want to see everything and enjoy the botanical gardens.
Yes, the Saluda SkyRide is included with your general admission ticket. It offers a scenic 2.5-minute ride connecting the zoo and botanical gardens.
Absolutely! Kids love the splash pad, the rope courses (for different age groups), animal talks, and interactive experiences like feeding giraffes and petting farm animals.
The Botanical Gardens are accessible via the Saluda SkyRide or by walking. While beautiful, some visitors find them basic and suggest prioritizing the zoo if time is limited.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The zoo offers various food and drink options, including cafes and snack stands. Visitors have noted there are plenty of choices available.
While specific menus can change, zoos typically offer a range of options. It's advisable to check with the food vendors on-site for the most current offerings.
Generally, outside food and non-alcoholic beverages are permitted, but it's always best to check the zoo's official policy regarding outside food to ensure compliance.
Visitor reviews suggest a variety of food and drink options are available, but specific price points can be typical for zoo attractions. Planning a budget for food is recommended.
While there are dining locations, specific restaurants with panoramic views aren't heavily highlighted. The SkyRide offers great views of the river and surrounding areas.
📸 📸 Photography
The Saluda SkyRide offers incredible panoramic shots of the river and gardens. The diverse animal enclosures, especially the lions and giraffes, provide great opportunities. The botanical gardens also offer scenic backdrops.
Yes, photography is generally allowed for personal use. However, flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to avoid disturbing the animals.
Early mornings are ideal for softer light and more active animals. Late afternoons can also offer beautiful lighting, but be mindful of exhibit closing times.
Yes, you can take photos and videos on the Saluda SkyRide, capturing stunning aerial views of the zoo and the Saluda River.
While personal photography is encouraged, commercial photography or drone usage typically requires special permits. Always respect signage regarding flash photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The zoo also offers rope courses for different age groups, providing an extra layer of adventure.Consider purchasing an annual pass if you live nearby, as it can pay for itself after just a couple of visits and often includes guest passes.
The zoo's layout is generally navigable, and the variety of animals and exhibits keeps children engaged for hours. Don't miss the special events like Boo at the Zoo for Halloween fun.💰 Budget Travelers
Purchasing tickets online in advance can sometimes offer slight savings or at least guarantee entry without waiting in line.Pack your own snacks and drinks, as food prices within the zoo can add up. While some special experiences like giraffe feeding have an extra cost, the general admission covers a vast amount of attractions, including the SkyRide and botanical gardens.
couples
Explore the diverse animal exhibits together, from the majestic lions
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The New Saluda SkyRide Experience
The ride itself is about 2.5 minutes long and features 19 cabins, each capable of holding up to 8 passengers, including those with wheelchairs and strollers.Travelers have shared that the SkyRide provides breathtaking views and is a convenient way to transition between the two distinct areas of the attraction.
However, some visitors have noted that the ride is continuous unless a wheelchair user needs to disembark, meaning you might need to be ready to hop on and off quickly. It's also important to be aware that the cabins can get warm on hot days, as they are open-air and lack air conditioning or fans. Despite these minor points, the SkyRide is widely considered a fun and worthwhile experience included with admission.Exploring the Botanical Gardens
One of the most popular features within the gardens, especially for families, is the splash pad and waterfall area.
Seasonal Events & Special Experiences
+1 This event is a huge draw and offers a unique way to experience the zoo after dark.Another beloved event is Boo at the Zoo around Halloween, where kids can trick-or-treat in their costumes and enjoy themed attractions like a haunted carousel and spooky railroad.
Beyond these major events, the zoo also offers animal talks and opportunities for special experiences like feeding giraffes for a small fee.+1 These events add significant value and variety to a visit, making it a destination that can be enjoyed year-round.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit