Riverbanks Zoo

If you're looking for some of the best day trips from South Carolina during the summer or one last trip before winter, Riverbanks Zoo is a great option. The 170-acre (69 ha) Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is a zoo, aquarium, and botanical garden near Columbia, South Carolina, in the United States. The zoo's boundaries barely touch the neighboring city of West Columbia. The Rich-Lex Riverbanks Park Special Purpose District, a collaboration between the city of Columbia and the counties of Richland and Lexington, runs it. The Riverbanks Park Commission, which consists of one at-large member and two representatives from each of the three governments, is in charge of managing it. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums has accredited Riverbanks Zoo and Garden as a member (AZA).

The zoo proper and the Botanical Gardens are the two separate sections of Riverbanks Zoo. A concrete walkway connects the zoo's two sections. You have two options for getting there and back: walking or taking a tram. Imagine the zoo area as one big circle. It is advisable to turn right toward the otters or left toward Sea Lion Landing upon entering. Then proceed through the zoo staying on the trail the entire time. You will have gone around halfway around when you reach the zebras. Go inside the center once you reach the starting point to see the flamingos, penguins, and the Aquarium and Reptile Conservation Center (set to reopen in Fall 2022).

Address: 500 Wildlife Pkwy, Columbia, South Carolina
Official site: http://www.riverbanks.org/
Phone: +1 803-779-8717
Admission: Adults (13 and up): $21.99 + tax; Children (2–12): $18.99 + tax; Under 2: Free
Google rating: 4.7/5.0