Riverbanks Zoo & Garden is a 170-acre zoo and botanical garden in Columbia, South Carolina, with more than 3,000 animals. This guide to Riverbanks Zoo Columbia covers admission, hours, parking, and how to plan time across both sides of the site.
- Location: The Zoo entrance is at 500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia; the Botanical Garden entrance is at 1300 Botanical Parkway, West Columbia.
- Typical hours: Open daily
- Admission: General admission covers both the Zoo and Botanical Garden. Online adult tickets cost $27.95.
- Parking: Parking costs $3 per vehicle online or $6 at the ticket window.
Planning a Riverbanks Zoo visit
Riverbanks Zoo & Garden has two distinct areas: the Zoo and the Botanical Garden. The site was established in 1974, and general admission includes entry to both.
Check which entrance suits your plan before setting out: the Zoo entrance is just off I-126 at Greystone Boulevard, while the Garden entrance is just off SC Highway 378 at I-20 and I-26.
If you want to visit both areas, factor in the connection between them. The Saluda Skyride runs between the Zoo and Botanical Garden during regular park hours, though its operation can vary. You can also walk the paved River Trail from the Zoo to the Garden.
For a city-day sequence that puts local sights into a route, a one-day Columbia sightseeing itinerary offers another way to plan your time.
Tickets and admission options
Riverbanks admission is available online or at the ticket window, with online prices lower for the ticket categories listed below. Online purchases save $3 per ticket and avoid waiting at the window; all purchases are non-refundable.
Opening hours
- Monday to Sunday: 9 AM–4 PM
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
- Adults ages 13–61: $27.95 online or $30.95 at the window.
- Children ages 2–12: $24.95 online or $27.95 at the window. Children younger than 2 enter free.
- Seniors ages 62 and up: $25.95 online or $28.95 at the window. Present photo ID at the gate.
- Military visitors: $25.95 online or $28.95 at the window. Present military ID at the gate.
After-hours Signature Events require separate tickets from daytime admission. Check the official site before you go for current ticket details and event information.
What are Riverbanks Zoo hours?
Riverbanks is open daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Winter hours are 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. from November 2 through January 31. Hours and schedules can vary, so check the official site before you go.
Waterfall Junction is open year-round during park hours. Its water features operate seasonally from spring through fall and turn off 30 minutes before closing. Children ages 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult there; children under 4 must be fully potty trained or wear proper swim diapers to use the water features.
Parking and arrival
Parking costs $3 per vehicle when purchased online or $6 per vehicle at the ticket window. The Zoo’s main entrance is at 500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia, SC 29210. The Botanical Garden entrance is at 1300 Botanical Parkway, West Columbia, SC 29169, and it has its own parking lot.
If the Garden is your first stop, you can park at its lot rather than entering through the Zoo. For a combined visit, consider the River Trail or the Saluda Skyride between the two areas; skyride operation may vary. Columbia driving, transit, and visitor routes provide broader context for getting around the city.
How do you get to Riverbanks Zoo from American Inn Columbia?
COMET transportation service is available upon request on Route 84 between Downtown Columbia and the St. Andrews community. American Inn Columbia offers rooms at this property.
The Zoo entrance is just off I-126 at Greystone Boulevard. Riverbanks Zoo is about a 9-minute drive from American Inn Columbia.
What can you see at the zoo and garden?
The Botanical Garden covers 70 acres, with Saluda River views, wooded trails, historic ruins, Waterfall Junction children’s garden, and a walled garden. The zoo’s named attractions include Sea Lion Landing, Gorilla Base Camp, the Aquarium & Reptile Conservation Center, the Farm Barn, and the Endangered Species Carousel.
Riverbanks allows wheelchairs, electric scooters, walkers, canes, crutches, and similar mobility aids in all public areas. Service dogs are permitted under the zoo’s policy, but pets and companion animals are not allowed, and kennels are unavailable. The park also prohibits outside food, beverages, and coolers, and is smoke-free.
FAQs
Does general admission include the Botanical Garden?
Yes. General admission includes entry to both the Zoo and Botanical Garden. Tickets for after-hours Signature Events are separate.
Can you enter through the Botanical Garden?
Yes. The Garden has a separate entrance and parking lot at 1300 Botanical Parkway in West Columbia. You can also reach it from the Zoo by the paved River Trail or Saluda Skyride.
Can you bring a pet to Riverbanks?
No. Pets and companion animals are not allowed, and kennels are unavailable. Service dogs are permitted under Riverbanks’ service-dog policy.