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BEST RATED COLUMBIA, SC PLACES TO SEE

3 Best Places To See in Columbia, SC

Expert-recommended Top 3 Places To Visit in Columbia, South Carolina. All of our places to see actually face a rigorous 50-Point Inspection, which includes customer reviews, history, complaints, ratings, satisfaction, trust, cost and general excellence. You deserve only the best!

Riverbanks Zoo & Garden - Columbia, SC Places To See - Destination Image
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Best Places To See in Columbia SC - Riverbanks Zoo & Garden video
10+ YEARS IN TBR
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RIVERBANKS ZOO & GARDEN

(5.0 Score)
500 Wildlife Parkway,
Columbia, SC 29210 Directions

Since 1974

Specialty:

✓Collections ✓Group Visits ✓Animal Demonstrations ✓Rides and Attractions ✓Guest Relations ✓Private Events ✓Event Planning ✓North American Exhibits ✓Aquarium Reptile Complex ✓Birdhouse At Riverbanks ✓Ndoki Forest ✓Riverbanks Conservation ✓Waterfall Junction ✓Asian Garden ✓Dry Garden ✓Old Rose Garden ✓Shade Garden ✓Walled Garden ✓School Programs ✓Group Programs ✓Youth Programs ✓Camps ✓Educational Programs ✓Animal Encounters ✓Dining ✓Gift Shop

"Riverbanks Zoo & Garden has a diverse collection of over 3,000 magnificent animals and over 5,700 varieties of stunning plants, which makes it one of the nation's most captivating attractions. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the 170-acre site, which showcases dynamic natural habitat exhibits, breathtaking river views, picturesque valley overlooks, and notable historic landmarks. The zoo offers engaging activities for kids, ensuring a fun and educational experience for young visitors. Riverbanks Zoo & Garden has over 50,000 member households and over 10,000 annual visitors over the years. The dedicated employees have earned high praise for their impeccable customer service and commitment to maintaining a clean and inviting environment. They aim to create connections and inspire actions that have a lasting impact on wildlife and wild places. The affordable pricing allows visitors to enjoy this exceptional experience without breaking the bank. They accept both cash and card payments for certain areas within the facility.

2026 Highlights: Riverbanks Zoo & Garden's Waterfall Junction blends flora, fauna, and fun with interactive nature play, a life-size T-Rex replica, giant tree houses, rabbit holes, and seasonal splash zones beneath a 25-foot cascading waterfall."

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License EIN #23-7278668

Price:

Adults (13 To 61) (Per Person)
Online $27.95
Ticket Window $30.95
Children (2 To 12) (Per Person)
Online $24.95
Ticket Window $27.95
Children (Under 2)
Free
Senior Citizens (62+) (Per Person)
Online $25.95
Ticket Window $28.95
Military (Per Person)
Online $25.95
Ticket Window $28.95
Parking (Per Vehicle)
Online $3
Gate $6

Discount:

10% Off on Zoo and Garden Gift Shops for Members

Contact:

(803) 779-8717

Mon-Sun: 9am - 5pm

TBR® Inspection Report:

South Carolina State Museum - Columbia, SC Places To See - Destination Image
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Best Places To See in Columbia SC - South Carolina State Museum video
9+ YEARS IN TBR
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SOUTH CAROLINA STATE MUSEUM

(4.9 Score)
301 Gervais Street,
Columbia, SC 29201 Directions

Since 1988

Specialty:

✓Collections ✓Stringer Discovery Center ✓Planetarium ✓Museum Rentals ✓Traveling Exhibits ✓Permanent Exhibits ✓Changing Exhibits ✓Calendar Of Events ✓Day Camps ✓Summer Camps ✓4D Theater ✓Educational Programs ✓Birthday Parties ✓Friday Night Laser Lights ✓Scout Programs ✓Observatory ✓Field Trips ✓Observatory for Schools ✓Outreach Programs ✓Professional Development ✓Museum Shop ✓Teacher Resources ✓Group Visits ✓School Programs ✓Special Events

“South Carolina State Museum has four floors of permanent and changing exhibits, a digital dome planetarium, a 4D interactive theater, and an observatory. It provides an advanced facility and has health and safety measures in place. The museum shows a rich and diverse collection displayed through interactive and engaging exhibitions, and it strives to honor the groundbreaking nature of its setting, providing both residents and visitors with an in-depth picture of the state’s past, present, and future. It is committed to collecting, preserving, and showcasing the rich culture, art, and natural history of the Palmetto State. The museum also conducts a variety of exhibitions and educational programs, both offered at the museum and through distance learning programs, as well as through entertaining community events of all kinds.”

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License #144529

Price:

GENERAL ADMISSION TICKET:
Adult: $13
Senior (Ages 62+): $11
Children (Ages 3 To 12): $10
WITH ONE SHOW ADD ON:
Adult $18
Senior (Ages 62+) $16
Children (Ages 3 To 12) $15
WITH TWO SHOW ADD ONS:
Adult $21
Senior (Ages 62+) $19
Children (Ages 3 To 12) $18

Discount:

10% Off at the SCSM Museum Store for Members View Coupon

Contact:

(803) 898-4921

Tue-Sat: 10am - 5pm
Sun: 12pm - 5pm
Mon: Closed

TBR® Inspection Report:

Edventure Children’s Museum - Columbia, SC Places To See - Destination Image
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9+ YEARS IN TBR
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EDVENTURE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

(4.8 Score)
211 Gervais Street,
Columbia, SC 29201 Directions

Since 2003

Specialty:

✓Family Visits ✓Camps ✓Annual Events ✓Health Team Programs ✓Guided Tours ✓Homeschool Programs ✓Group Programs ✓Edventure Eats ✓Youth Development Programs ✓Educational Outreach ✓Birthday Parties ✓Carousel Café ✓Fire and Life Safety Programs ✓Early Childhood Programs ✓After School Programs ✓Seasonal Exhibitions ✓STEM Programs ✓School Field Trips ✓Teacher Resources ✓Museum Rentals ✓Special Events

“Edventure Children’s Museum covers 92,000 square feet, with more than 350 individual hands-on exhibits. The museum is second only to The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, the world's largest children's museum. The museum has a 40-foot-tall iconic statue of Eddie, where visitors can climb aboard a life-sized fire truck, take off in a real airplane cockpit, and so much more. Edventure Children's Museum is a not-for-profit educational institution dedicated to creating new generations of lifelong learners through museum experiences, after-school programming, and camps. The museum also has a dedicated toddler area for children 4 and under. Their expansive Maker Space features an interactive Draw Alive experience that animates each child's picture on a big screen TV. The museum also has many different hands-on labs, including the Cooking Lab, Bio Lab, Tinker Tech Lab, and more. Edventure Children's Museum aims to inspire children, youth, and adults who care about them to experience the joy of learning as individuals.”

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License EIN #57-1013857

Price:

Columbia Admission
Children And Adults: $15
First Responders, Military, And Seniors (With Valid IDs) $10
Myrtle Beach Admission
Children & Adults $10
First Responders, Military, And Seniors (With Valid IDs) $9

Discount:

10% Off on Gift Shop Purchases with Edventure Invite

Contact:

(803) 779-3100

Mon-Sat: 9am - 5pm
Sun: 12pm - 5pm

TBR® Inspection Report:

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RIVERBANKS ZOO & GARDEN REVIEWS

Riverbanks Zoo is an amazing experience! I had a blast walking around and seeing all the animals. The zoo is well-maintained, and the habitats are designed to give you a close-up view of the animals while keeping them comfortable. The variety of animals is impressive, from majestic big lions to playful otters and colorful fish. The botanical garden is a lovely bonus, offering a peaceful escape amidst all the excitement. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, making the visit even more enjoyable. It's a perfect spot for a day out, whether solo, with friends, or family. Highly recommend visiting.

It was a very walkable zoo. You save money by buying tickets online and free parking as well. We got there at 1:45 ish and stayed untilclosing at 5. We did go to the Garden area as well. We stopped for a snack. We didn't get to see the giraffes, penguins and the bird house due to habitat changes or upgrades. We enjoyed the aquarium and the octopus did come out. Our granddaughters 11 and 8 both chose 5 stars and want to go back to try some of the things we missed and the rock climbing. They enjoyed the carousel. They was 2$ per rider the digital bucks can be used at the gift shop so we used that at the end.

We love going here. Grew up going to this zoo, and so much has changed, but for the better! We love seeing all the flora they have and the variety of animals. They also have a splash pad for the summertime and several things throughout the year. Highly recommend.

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SOUTH CAROLINA STATE MUSEUM REVIEWS

The South Carolina State Museum is a fantastic destination for anyone interested in learning about the state’s rich history and culture. With four floors of exhibits, it offers an engaging and comprehensive overview of South Carolina’s past, from its natural history and early settlement to its role in shaping the nation. The museum beautifully combines history, science, and art, making it educational and enjoyable for all ages. Highlights include interactive displays, fascinating artifacts, and a planetarium. The well-curated exhibits truly bring South Carolina’s story to life. It’s a must-visit for locals and visitors seeking a deeper understanding of the state.

What a fun and interesting experience. Great exhibits with very friendly and informative staff. Helps you understand the history of Columbia, SC. If you have 2 hours, this is a worthwhile visit. They are expanding the museum with new exhibits constantly.

this is a really great museum, showcasing the state as well as other very worthwhile topics like astronomy. Its a great day for all ages, the CAFE is perfect for lunch.

EDVENTURE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM REVIEWS

We had an absolute Blast! My son is almost 3 and we played till they closed. So we stayed about 3 hours. It's the perfect place to let the kids burn off some steam! Very clean which we loved and all the little spaces are all interactive which was a huge plus! We did not get to experience everything so we will be coming back! If you have a snap or WIC card you get a discount.

My daughters (9mo and 2-1/2) both loved it here. Many things for little children to do. Crawling through Eddie the giant kid was fun. All the people that work here were great. Polite and helpful. We live in SC and saw Edventure on an episode of Blippi. So the 2yo was so excited. Will go again for sure.

We stopped as a driving break from the mountains back to Charleston. Friendly attentive staff. Eddie the giant boy was a hit! Our daughter also loved the fire safety section and milking the cow! The plane cockpit was super cool. She’s already asked to come back again soon.

TBR® Inspection Score Report

RIVERBANKS ZOO & GARDEN Total Inspection Points: 119/120
Contact Info: 9
Business Hours: 10
Business Images: 10
Complete Info: 10
Exact Services: 10
Experience: 10
Legitimate Ratings: 10
Location Proximity: 10
Pricing: 10
Real Discounts: 10
Social Media: 10
Video: 10

TBR® Inspection Score Report

SOUTH CAROLINA STATE MUSEUM Total Inspection Points: 118/120
Business Hours: 9
Contact Info: 9
Business Images: 10
Complete Info: 10
Exact Services: 10
Experience: 10
Legitimate Ratings: 10
Location Proximity: 10
Pricing: 10
Real Discounts: 10
Social Media: 10
Video: 10

TBR® Inspection Score Report

EDVENTURE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM Total Inspection Points: 116/120
Business Hours: 9
Complete Info: 9
Legitimate Ratings: 9
Social Media: 9
Business Images: 10
Contact Info: 10
Exact Services: 10
Experience: 10
Location Proximity: 10
Pricing: 10
Real Discounts: 10
Website Source: 10