If you want a big zoo experience around Myrtle Beach you have two options: Riverbanks Zoo (Columbia) and NC Zoo (Asheboro, NC). Both are about equal distances but they have very different experiences. Here are some tips for the NC Zoo from Myrtle Beach and here is our review of Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia.
NC Zoo facts & tips
WORLD’S LARGEST NATURAL HABITAT ZOO | The zoo has 500 developed acres and 2,600 total –– so big!
GET HYPED UP | The zoo is featured in Disney’s Secrets of the Zoo series with 8 episodes. Something great to watch to get you and the kids pumped up!
PICK YOUR ENTRANCE | There are two main entrances as shown on the zoo map. The African parking lot is only open April-Oct so if you visit during that time, I’d recommend starting there. That way you’ll experience the largest and most exotic animals earliest and before they may retreat because of the rising heat.
PLAN FOR FOOD | About halfway through you’ll come to Junction Plaza which has several food options, a few rides and lots of tables to rest at. This is a great spot to have your lunch or just take 20 minutes to recharge. The zoo asks that you not bring outside food in, aside from specific dietary needs, but I’ve not seen that actively enforced.
WALKABILITY | You’re going to cover a lot of land. Probably about 5 miles worth of walking if you hit all the areas. The zoo keeps the walk interesting with stuff along the way: a playground, an interactive bee exhibit, a giant dung beetle statue, and so many other elements. Boredom is not likely but tired legs, yes. There are three tram stops (one at either end and one right in the middle). You can use those to shortcut but you’ll also be missing a lot of exhibits.
HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE? | I’d budget 3-4 hours on a weekday or slower season and a little more for weekends/peak season.
More helpful info on the NC Zoo’s website: Plan Your Visit section
what you'll see
The zoo has two main habitats: North American and African. In North America you’ll see plenty of big and interesting animals like the polar bear, bison, elk, and grizzly (among many others). There is a desert section with lots of reptiles and then you transition into the African habitat.
Gorillas, lions, giraffe, elephants, rhinos and more are here. Once you get into the African habitat the pathway divides up in several places and if you want to see it all then you’ll have to circle back around some. You’ll see that clearly on the map of this section.
There are future plans for an Asian and even Australian habitat but no timeline has been announced. At the end you’ll be happy to see a shuttle that will return you to the parking lot/entrance that you arrived at.
There is more info about the habitats here.
Where to stay overnight & what else to do
High Point and Greensboro are the nearest large cities. We just wrote a post on the Piedmont Triad with tons of tips & recs. You could also stay put in Asheboro and enjoy the quieter environment of this small town. Here are some info about all three to help you decide…
high point
If I could choose for you then I’d recommend staying in High Point. It is a town that has seen some major revitalization and continues to show off. It’s the furniture capital of the world and holds a huge market twice a year.
WHAT TO DO | Go see the World’s Largest Chest of Drawers. And the Quebin Children’s Museum is b-r-a-n-d new and everything that Nido Quebin touches is done to impress. All A Flutter is an excellent place to enjoy nature and learn more about butterflies. If you need more ideas then click here.
greensboro
Greensboro is where I went to college and it’s changed so much since those days. If you choose to rest your wings there then here are some options.
WHAT TO DO | The Greensboro Science Center is a combo of aquarium, museum and zoo (and more). There are so many free gardens to enjoy in Greensboro – be sure to check out Gateway Gardens. If you’re into history then the Guilford Courthouse National Military Park is a must (and it’s also free). More ideas here.
Asheboro
If you choose to just spend the night in Asheboro then you won’t have as many options but you can still have a great time!
WHAT TO DO | There is a high ropes course to check out. Or the Denton Farm Park which hosts several cool festivals each year (and is cool to check out even when nothing in particular is going on). Up the road just a little ways is the Richard Petty Museum where you can see tons of his old cars and his childhood home. Seagrove is a pottery destination so if you’re interested at all then check that out.
Check out more day trip and weekend trip ideas here!
And the Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia: Review coming soon!