Riverbanks Zoo & Garden — Attraction in Columbia

Zoo is 5 stars, botanical gardens 3.

The zoo is about half the size of the National Zoo in Washington DC, without the hills, making it easy to walk and see in a day or less. The collection of species is fairly limited but has some excellent highlights and superb exhibits. The flamingos are spectacular; it's the only American zoo where I've seen koalas; and almost every snake on show is venomous, including the most prominent species from SC. While small, it's a very good zoo.

The birdhouse was closed for renovations, but it's rare to be at a zoo where something isn't closed for refurbishing, reconstruction, or improvement. I'd like to go back when it's done.

We ate at Tuskers which has a swell dining deck overhanging the alligator enclosure. It had typical zoo fare at typical zoo prices. They also had their signature Tusker sandwich, a big folded pita with a pile of turkey, ham, and bacon with sauce. Plenty of tables around to eat your own though technically prohibited. They didn't seem to be bothering anyone about outside food or beverages; we had bottled water from Bass Pro and refilled at the refill fountains. We also sprung for ice cream and Kona ice.

The bridge over the Saluda River to the botanical gardens is an attraction in itself. You can linger there and take in the scenery, river recreation, or birdwatch. You can extend your birdwatching along the quarter mile walk to the garden.

The botanical gardens were nice but distinctly unimpressive except for the patio behind Magnolia Center, which is rather enchanting and somewhat neoclassical in flavor. As a horticulturalist, groundskeeper, and landscaper, I was very disappointed in the plant varieties. There were a plethora of bolting brassicas (members of the cabbage family), which can have landscape value, but they were in every single bed and collection along with yellow rhubarb, yellow snapdragons, a few varieties of Viola (violets, pansies, etc), and little else. There was one tree of interest, a Pterocarya which is something I'd never seen in person. Not sure it's even in the Dirr Manual. There was also a beautiful Pittosporum in bloom and native honeysuckles. The bog garden was closed for renovations. The elevated boardwalk that leads to it is a nice stroll through native woodlands with wild Magnolias and ample bird life, and you have to go there to see the Pterocarya. The fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus) at the zoo entrance is magnificent and better than any in the garden. There is a long rectangular bed behind the Magnolia Center thickly planted with foxglove that is just starting to bloom. It should be a feast for the eyes when in full bloom.

Overall a very family- or date-friendly destination. Wholesome yet interesting and stimulating with plenty of fun and interactive stuff for children and curious adults, like animal feedings and the sea lion show.

We bought tickets online and had to drive an hour and a half to get there. We thought it was worth the ticket price and the drive for a day out. If we lived closer we'd get a membership. Highly...

My family and I were visiting from NC and decided to visit the Riverbanks Zoo & Botanical Garden; there were 10 of us (8 adults, 1 toddler, and 1 infant). We were very excited about this visit as we read great reviews about it.

We enjoyed the set up of the zoo. The animals are in close proximity to each other so it was relatively easy to navigate from one animal to the next. The botanical garden is a short distance away from the zoo section. The animals at the zoo were wonderful to see. Some of them were even interactive. There were some animals there that I had not seen at other zoos so it was refreshing.

We were disappointed that there were not sufficient vendors/restaurants opened. Majority of them were closed and only a select few were available. Additionally, the botanical gardens were impacted by the cold temperatures so it was not worthwhile seeing at this stage.

While we got to see most of the animals, there were some animals that were not available because they took them in the back to administer their medication etc. These things should be better managed especially when people are traveling from out of town to come to the zoo. The expectation from zoo attendees is that they are able to see all available animals that the zoo is hosting. Traveling from away to see the zoo and being told that animals were not currently available because they had to give medication etc. is not an acceptable response. The medication schedule should be in better alignment with the zoo hours for attendees. If the zoo is opened from 9 AM to 5 PM then all animals should be readily available between that time. It is perfectly understandable that animals operate in their own manner and in their own fashion but to have an animal not being available due to things within the operator’s control should be managed better.

There is a parking fee of $5; however, this is not regulated at all. The fee is charged when you purchase the ticket at the gate but there is no parking decal or anything to validate that you did indeed pay for this parking other than your receipt. This not being regulated opens a door for inequality and inefficiencies with people who paid for parking versus those that did not, and there are no checks and balances to confirm either.

I rated our experience as a 3 because we felt that under the conditions listed above, the entrance costs of $21.99 plus tax/adult and $18.99 plus tax/child (2 - 12) should’ve definitely been reduced to compensate for (1) Closed Vendors, (2) Botanical Garden not up to par, (3) Animals being removed from display during peak visit times in order to administer medication etc. When we paid these costs, our expectation was that we would have a full zoo experience which we did not have. We loved the animals that we did get to see but we left feeling like we were owed a...

My recent visit to Riverbanks Zoo and Garden was nothing short of extraordinary. This destination offers a perfect blend of wildlife adventure and botanical beauty, making it a must-visit for anyone in the area.

Diverse Animal Exhibits: The zoo boasts a wide variety of animal exhibits, each thoughtfully designed to resemble natural habitats. From majestic elephants to playful otters and exotic birds, every corner of the zoo is teeming with life. The Gorilla Base Camp and African Savanna are particularly impressive, providing close-up views and interactive experiences that are both educational and fun.

Beautiful Botanical Gardens: The Botanical Garden is a serene oasis within the zoo. Spanning over 70 acres, it features themed gardens, winding pathways, and picturesque landscapes. The Walled Garden and Bog Garden are personal favorites, showcasing a stunning array of plants and flowers. It’s a perfect spot to relax and soak in the beauty of nature.

Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is ideal for families. The zoo offers numerous activities and exhibits designed to engage children, including the Riverbanks Farm, where kids can interact with farm animals, and the Kangaroo Walkabout, allowing close encounters with these adorable marsupials. The zoo also hosts seasonal events and educational programs that are both fun and informative.

Interactive and Educational: The staff and volunteers are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about wildlife conservation. Interactive displays and informative signage throughout the zoo provide fascinating insights into the animals and plants, making the visit both enjoyable and educational. The zoo's commitment to conservation and education is truly commendable.

Cleanliness and Maintenance: The facilities are impeccably clean and well-maintained. The attention to detail in maintaining both the animal habitats and the botanical gardens ensures a pleasant and comfortable experience for all visitors.

Accessibility and Amenities: Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is conveniently located and easily accessible. Ample parking, well-marked pathways, and plenty of seating areas make navigating the zoo a breeze. The on-site cafes and gift shops offer a variety of dining options and souvenirs, adding to the overall experience.

In summary, Riverbanks Zoo and Garden offers an exceptional experience that combines the excitement of a world-class zoo with the tranquility of a botanical garden. Whether you're an animal enthusiast, a gardening aficionado, or a family looking for a fun day out, Riverbanks Zoo and Garden has something for everyone. I highly recommend it and can’t wait to...