All animal museums to visit in South Carolina

Delve into the diverse world of animals at 10 animal museums in South Carolina. These museums showcase a variety of species, habitats, and the role of animals in our ecosystem.

Are you an animal lover looking to explore the best animal museums in South Carolina? Here are your best options:

  1. South Carolina Aquarium1

    South Carolina Aquarium

     Charleston, SC
    The South Carolina Aquarium houses a diverse range of more than ten thousand plants and animals. Visitors can expect to see a variety of species including North American river otters, loggerhead sea turtles, alligators, great blue herons, owls, lined seahorses, jellyfish, pufferfish, green moray eels, horseshoe crabs, sea stars, pythons, and sharks. This wide array of flora and fauna provides an enriching experience for all visitors.
  2. 2

    Alligator Adventure

     North Myrtle Beach, SC
    Said to be the world's largest reptile park. See the amazing creatures as you walk above them - and do not miss the two albinos.
  3. Huntington Beach State Park3

    Huntington Beach State Park

     Murrells Inlet, SC
    Huntington Beach State Park, located near Murrells Inlet in Georgetown County, South Carolina, is a 2500 acre coastal preserve and state park. The park is known for its large sandy beach, which is often less crowded than other beaches. It is also a popular spot for bird watching, with numerous species of wild birds visible throughout the year.
  4. Riverbanks Zoo & Garden4

    Riverbanks Zoo & Garden

     Columbia, SC
    The Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is a large 170-acre establishment that serves as a zoo, aquarium, and botanical garden. It is situated along the Saluda River in Columbia, South Carolina, United States. This location offers a diverse range of attractions for visitors, including a variety of animal exhibits, aquatic displays, and a vast botanical garden.
  5. Cypress Gardens5

    Cypress Gardens

     Moncks Corner, SC
    Cypress Gardens is a vast 170-acre preserve and gardens situated at 3030 Cypress Gardens Road, Moncks Corner, South Carolina, United States. This expansive area offers a unique blend of nature and history, providing visitors with an opportunity to explore and appreciate the diverse flora and fauna of the region.
  6. Brookgreen Gardens6

    Brookgreen Gardens

     Murrells Inlet, SC
    Brookgreen Gardens, located in South Carolina, is a unique blend of art, nature, and history. Founded in 1932 by Archer Milton Huntington and his wife, Anna Hyatt Huntington, the gardens serve as a sculpture garden and wildlife preserve. The couple's vision was to create a space that showcased American figurative sculptures, including works by Anna and her sister Harriet Randolph Hyatt Mayor, among others. Today, the gardens continue to fulfill this vision, offering visitors a chance to explore the beauty of art and nature in one location.
  7. Swan Lake Iris Gardens7

    Swan Lake Iris Gardens

     Sumter, SC
    Swan Lake Iris Gardens, situated in Sumter, South Carolina, holds the unique distinction of being the only public park in the United States that is home to all eight species of swans. This includes Royal white mutes, Black Necks, Coscorobas, Whoopers, Black Australians, Whistlers, Bewicks, and Trumpeters. This unique feature makes it a special destination for bird lovers and those interested in nature.
  8. Mace Brown Museum of Natural History8

    Mace Brown Museum of Natural History

     Charleston, SC
    The Mace Brown Museum of Natural History is a public natural history museum situated on the campus of The College of Charleston, a public liberal arts college in Charleston, South Carolina. It provides a unique resource for teaching and internationally respected research activities conducted at The College of Charleston.
  9. Horry County Museum9

    Horry County Museum

     Conway, SC
    The Horry County Museum is housed in the historic Burroughs School, also known as Burroughs Graded School, located in Conway, South Carolina. The building was constructed in three phases between 1905 and 1923, making it a significant part of the local history.
  10. 10

    HollyWild Animal Park

     Wellford, SC
    Hollywild Animal Park, located in Wellford, South Carolina, is a non-profit zoo that spans across 100 acres. The park is home to more than 500 animals, providing a diverse and engaging experience for visitors. The vast variety of animals and the expansive space make it an ideal destination for animal lovers and families alike.