Hotels near Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

Top reasons to visit Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

• Diverse Wildlife: Experience a wide array of animals at Riverbanks Zoo, featuring both exotic and local species.
• Stunning Botanical Gardens: Explore beautifully landscaped gardens showcasing a variety of plants and flowers.
• Scenic Hiking Trails: Enjoy invigorating walks along scenic paths that wind through the picturesque surroundings.
• Family-Friendly Activities: Participate in engaging summer camps and activities suitable for all ages.
• Convenient Location: Located near downtown Columbia, it offers easy access to dining and local attractions.

Find great hotels near Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

Discover a variety of accommodation options near Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in Columbia, South Carolina. From comfortable hotels to charming motels, you'll find welcoming spaces that cater to business travellers and leisure seekers alike. Enjoy pet-friendly amenities and LGBTQIA inclusivity, ensuring a delightful stay. Whether you're searching for the best hotels or top-rated lodgings, the area offers something for every visitor, making it an ideal base for your zoo adventure.

• Baymont by Wyndham Columbia Northwest: Baymont by Wyndham Columbia Northwest is an inviting hotel, perfect for families and business travellers alike, located a mere 4.8km from Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. This property boasts a family-friendly atmosphere, featuring amenities like a dedicated arcade game room and free cribs for little ones. Guests can enjoy engaging games designed for children, making it an ideal choice for those travelling with family. The attentive staff ensures a comfortable stay, and the hotel’s convenient location allows easy access to nearby attractions, enhancing your family vacation experience.
• Hyatt Place Columbia/Downtown/The Vista: Situated only 3.2km from Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, Hyatt Place Columbia/Downtown/The Vista offers a modern and vibrant experience for both business and leisure travellers. This pet-friendly establishment welcomes furry companions, adhering to a flexible pet policy with specific restrictions and fees. With its contemporary design and spacious rooms, guests can unwind in comfort after a day of exploring. The hotel’s central location in the heart of downtown makes it a great base for discovering local dining and entertainment options, ensuring a memorable stay.
• Clarion Inn Columbia Airport: Clarion Inn Columbia Airport, located 4.8km from Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, is an inclusive and welcoming hotel catering to families, pet owners, and LGBTQIA travellers. This property provides essential amenities for children, such as cribs available for a fee, while also allowing pets with a waived fee for service animals. The hotel’s affiliation with LGBTQI travel guides underlines its commitment to inclusivity. With comfortable accommodations and convenient access to the airport, it’s an excellent choice for those seeking a friendly and accommodating environment during their stay.

Where to stay near Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

Exploring the area around Riverbanks Zoo and Garden offers a delightful blend of friendly atmospheres and family-friendly activities. Wander through local parks boasting riverside views, or enjoy a leisurely day in the charming city centre of Columbia. The gardens are a must-visit, while the nearby downtown area presents great options for dining and excursions, making it an ideal destination for budget-conscious travellers seeking historical experiences and vibrant local culture.

• Columbia: As the capital city of South Carolina, Columbia is a vibrant hub offering a blend of outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and stunning scenery. Nestled around the Congaree River, this city boasts a diverse range of attractions that include historic colleges, beautiful lakes, and a lively stadium. Visitors are drawn to Columbia for its educational venues and recreational areas, making it a perfect destination for families and culture enthusiasts alike. The peak travel seasons in July to August and October reflect the city's appeal as an outdoor and cultural hotspot.
• West Columbia: just 1.6km from Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, West Columbia is a charming city that offers a delightful mix of family-friendly experiences and scenic outdoor spaces. Known for its zipline ropes course and recreational areas, this area is perfect for thrill-seekers and nature lovers. Visitor numbers peak in March, July, and September, drawing those eager to explore its historic colleges and nearby lakes. The easy accessibility to Columbia enhances West Columbia's appeal as an ideal base for exploring the region.
• Downtown Columbia: Located a mere two miles from Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, Downtown Columbia is a lively neighbourhood rich in culture and family-friendly attractions. The area is renowned for its sports facilities and arena entertainment, making it a vibrant location for both visitors and locals. With its historic colleges and stadiums close at hand, Downtown Columbia offers a unique blend of educational and recreational opportunities. The peak visitor seasons mirror those of Columbia, highlighting its attractiveness as a cultural and sports destination.

Things to do near Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

At Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in Columbia, South Carolina, visitors can enjoy a range of activities including sports, live music, and exploration of nearby attractions. Highlights include scenic area sightseeing, enchanting botanical gardens, and invigorating hiking trails. Additionally, the zoo offers engaging summer camps and is conveniently located near downtown attractions, making it an ideal destination for a well-rounded adventure.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, visit Soda City Market, only 3.2km away, offering a vibrant city atmosphere. Columbiana Centre and Lexington Pavilion, both located 11.3km away, provide a mix of family and business vibes for a fantastic shopping outing.

Recreation

Experience the energy of the Colonial Life Arena, just 3.2km from Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, where you can catch thrilling sporting events. For a serene retreat, stroll along the scenic Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park, located 1.6km away, perfect for relaxation amidst nature.

Adventure

The West Columbia Riverwalk offers a scenic hiking trail, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, located 1.6km from Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. Meanwhile, the Three Rivers Greenway, situated 9.7km away, provides a delightful outdoor experience. For family fun, Palmetto Falls Water Park, 12.9km away, promises thrilling water adventures.

Nightlife

The nightlife near Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is vibrant and diverse. Enjoy a captivating performance at Trustus Theatre or Workshop Theatre, both offering rich cultural experiences. For a more laid-back evening, catch a film at BTM Dutch Square Cinema 14, perfect for family outings and romantic dates.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

To save on your visit to Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, consider travelling during the off-peak months of July and December to January when accommodation prices are lower. Opt for a Monday stay to benefit from reduced rates, while Saturday is the priciest. Utilise Expedia’s search tool to filter your preferences and sort by price for the best deals. Combining hotel bookings with flights and activities can also lead to significant savings. Lastly, explore free activities in the area to enhance your experience without straining your budget.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Riverbanks Zoo and Garden are July and December to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April and September to October, where prices are slightly higher.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is Saturday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you desire. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will reveal sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the most affordable prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel booking at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Find the best attractions near Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

Whether you're a culture enthusiast or seeking family-friendly outdoor experiences, Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in Columbia, South Carolina, offers a wealth of attractions. Explore the exclusive Riverbanks Zoo, the picturesque Riverbanks Botanical Garden, and the engaging historic sites nearby. With miles of scenic paths and diverse points of interest, including history museums and historic houses, there's something for every traveller to enjoy within and around this vibrant destination.

• Mann-Simons Cottage: Experience the rich history and culture of Columbia at Mann-Simons Cottage, a beautifully preserved historic house that reflects the life of a prominent African American family in the 19th century. Discover its unique architecture and engaging stories that showcase local heritage.
• Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center: This modern event venue buzzes with business activity and hosts a variety of conferences and exhibitions. Its versatile spaces and state-of-the-art facilities make it a hub for networking and professional gatherings.
• South Carolina State Museum: Delve into the cultural and historical treasures of South Carolina at this expansive museum. With exhibits ranging from art to science, it offers a captivating exploration of the state's diverse heritage.

Best time to go to Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

The best time to visit Riverbanks Zoo and Garden can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Riverbanks Zoo and Garden falls in July, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Riverbanks Zoo and Garden falls in January, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	45.9°F (7.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
February	49.8°F (9.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
March	55.9°F (13.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Average
April	64.0°F (17.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
May	71.8°F (22.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	79.2°F (26.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Average
July	82.2°F (27.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
August	80.4°F (26.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
September	75.6°F (24.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
October	65.7°F (18.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
November	54.9°F (12.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Average
December	49.8°F (9.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Slightly Low

The nearest major airports for your trip to Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

Accessing Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is convenient via Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE), located 8.0km away. Nearby hotel options include the Graduate by Hilton Columbia SC, a 4-star hotel situated 11.3km from the airport, and the Doubletree by Hilton Columbia, also a 4-star establishment located 9.7km away. Both hotels provide easy access to the airport, ensuring a smooth transfer for your journey. Another option is the Marriott Columbia, a 3.5-star hotel, which is similarly positioned 11.3km from the airport. These accommodations make your visit to the zoo enjoyable and hassle-free.