UPDATED: November 15, 2024
Greenville, South Carolina, is one of the fastest-growing cities in the south and is rapidly becoming a popular weekend travel destination. Conveniently located close to many major cities in on the east coast, Greenville is a perfect blend of natural beauty, history, and culture. If you are planning a visit to Greenville and wondering what to do, this blog post is for you. We have compiled a list of 24 things to do in Greenville that will keep you entertained throughout your stay.
Many of the spots listed in this article are included in our video.
Looking for the best things to go in Greenville, South Carolina? Here's everything we recommend doing while in this lovely little southern city!
The Greenville Zoo in South Carolina is an exciting place to explore and discover a wide range of animals. From the majestic giraffes to the ferocious lions and tigers, you’ll be sure to find something that piques your interest. Whether you're looking for an adventure with the whole family or just want some time away from it all, this zoo has something for everyone.
Getting to the Greenville Zoo: 150 Cleveland Park Dr, Greenville, SC | Google Maps
A visit to Falls Park on the Reedy in Greenville, South Carolina is a must for any traveler looking for an outdoor adventure. Located at the heart of downtown Greenville, the park is home to stunning views of the Reedy River Falls and plenty of walking trails, gardens, and public art installations. Whether you're looking to explore its natural beauty or simply relax by its cascading waterfalls, this park has something for everyone.
Getting to Falls Park: 601 S Main St, Greenville, SC | Google Maps
One very unique thing to do in Greenville is to order a beautiful picnic to be enjoyed in the location of your choosing. We're including this to-do item right below Falls Park in this article because we think that the park would be the perfect place to enjoy a picnic! Picnic and Co. is a local Greenville business that specializes in beautiful picnic packages for groups, couples, or friends with all sorts of add ons including photographers, champagne, roses, and more. You can make this as grande or as simple of an experience as you'd like! It would make the perfect date day for any couples visiting Greenville.
If you're looking for an evening of entertainment, the Peace Center in Greenville, South Carolina is the perfect spot. From classical music and jazz to Broadway shows and comedians, this venue has it all. Whether you are looking for a night out with friends or a romantic date night, attending one of these events at the Peace Center in Greenville is sure to be memorable. Be sure to checkout their calendar of upcoming events to snag tickets to the show of your choice for your visit to Greenville.
Getting to the Peace Center: 300 S Main St, Greenville, SC | Google Maps
The Swamp Rabbit Trail is a 22-mile trail that runs along the Reedy River and offers a great opportunity for cycling, jogging, or walking. Rent a bike from one of Greenville's many bike stands and take a ride on a beautiful, sunny South Carolina afternoon. Our personal recommendation would be to park at the trailhead parking across the river from the Swamp River Cafe and Grocery (one of the best places to eat in Greenville), grab a bite to eat, then rent a bike from the bike rack on the back edge of the cafe's property, right on the corner of the trail and Hampton Avenue.
Getting to the parking lot for the trail: Google Maps
Getting to the rental bikes near Swamp Rabbit Cafe and Grocery: Google Maps
Getting to the Swamp Rabbit Cafe and Grocery: 205 Cedar Lane Rd, Greenville, SC | Google Maps
Experience the beauty of American art with a visit to the Greenville County Museum of Art in Greenville, South Carolina. The museum offers an extensive collection of works by iconic artists such as Jasper Johns and Andrew Wyeth, giving visitors a unique opportunity to explore these classic pieces up close. From abstract paintings to sculptures and installations, this museum is sure to provide plenty of inspiration for any art lover. With its convenient location in downtown Greenville, it's easy to make a day trip out of your visit to the museum.
Getting to the Greenville County Museum of Art: 420 College St, Greenville, SC | Google Maps
The Greenville Saturday Market in South Carolina is a great place to explore and find unique items. From handmade crafts to locally sourced food, this vibrant outdoor market has something for everyone. Whether you're looking for a special gift or just want to check out the freshest produce from local farmers or gifts from local artisans, the Greenville Saturday Market is sure to provide plenty of options. The market is open Saturdays May through October from 8:00am - 12:00pm.
Getting to the Greenville Saturday Market: E McBee Ave. &, S Main St, Greenville, SC | Google Maps
Located just outside Greenville, the BMW Manufacturing Plant offers an inside look at how BMW vehicles are made. From learning about BMW's current models in production to seeing glimpses of their past in their exhibition of various BMW models, car enthusiasts visiting Greenville, South Carolina will love the BMW plant tour and Zentrum Museum.
Getting to the BMW plant: 1400 SC-101, Greer, SC | Google Maps
For those looking to explore Greenville, South Carolina's history, the Upcountry History Museum is a great place to start. Located in downtown Greenville, this museum offers visitors an opportunity to learn about the city’s past from Native American times until modern day. With interactive exhibits and displays of artifacts from throughout the region’s history, a visit to this museum is sure to be both educational and enjoyable for all ages.
Getting to the Upcountry History Museum: 540 Buncombe St, Greenville, SC | Google Maps
The Greenville Cultural Exchange Center in South Carolina is an amazing place to visit and explore African American history. Located in downtown Greenville, the museum celebrates African American contributions to the city through interactive exhibits, displays of artifacts from throughout the region’s history, and other activities. Whether you are a local or just visiting for a short time, this museum offers something for everyone – including educational opportunities that will make your experience unforgettable.
Getting to the Greenville Cultural Exchange Center: 700 Arlington Ave, Greenville, SC | Google Maps
For those looking to explore the great outdoors in Greenville, South Carolina, Paris Mountain State Park is a great place to visit. Located just 15 minutes outside of downtown Greenville, this state park offers visitors an array of activities and experiences. From hiking trails through lush forests to swimming holes and fishing spots, there's something for everyone at Paris Mountain State Park. You can even spend the night camping under the stars at the campground, or take advantage of one of the park's many picnic areas. Whether you're looking for a day trip or a weekend getaway, Paris Mountain State Park has plenty to offer.
Getting to Paris Mountain State Park: 2401 State Park Rd, Greenville, SC | Google Maps
The Children’s Museum of the Upstate in Greenville, South Carolina is a great place to bring the kids for a day of fun and learning. This museum geared towards kids ages 12 and under offers interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and educational programs that will keep children entertained as they explore their world. With its wide range of offerings and convenient location in downtown Greenville, families can spend an enjoyable day at this unique museum while also taking in some local culture.
Getting to Children's Museum of the Upstate: 300 College St, Greenville, SC | Google Maps
Visiting Centre Stage theater in Greenville, South Carolina is a great way to experience the local culture and enjoy an entertaining performance. Located in downtown Greenville, this community theatre puts on a wide range of productions throughout the year including musicals, comedies, dramas, and more. Whether you're looking for something lighthearted or thought-provoking, there's sure to be something at Centre Stage that will appeal to everyone. With its convenient location and diverse selection of shows, visiting Centre Stage is a great way to support and enjoy the local arts scene in Greenville.
Getting to Centre Stage: 501 River St, Greenville, SC | Google Maps
Greenville's Arts District is a vibrant and exciting area to explore in South Carolina. Located in West Greenville, the district is home to a variety of galleries and restaurants that make it the perfect place for visitors looking for an immersive cultural experience. In 2021 Forbes listed is as a "neighborhood to watch" for its wonderful arts, food, and culture.
Getting to Greenville's Arts District: Google Maps
Located just 30 miles (50 minutes) outside of downtown Greenville, South Carolina, Caesars Head State Park offers visitors an amazing outdoor experience. With its stunning views and miles of trails to explore, it's the perfect place for hikers looking to get away from it all. Whether you're a beginner or experienced hiker, there are plenty of trails that offer something for everyone – from easy strolls through the woods to more challenging treks up rocky terrain. And if you're lucky enough to visit during fall foliage season, you'll be amazed by the vibrant colors that blanket the landscape.
Getting to Caesars Head State Park: 8155 Geer Hwy, Cleveland, SC | Google Maps
Greenville's food scene is quickly gaining national recognition, and a food tour is a great way to experience it. You can book a guided food tour with Foothill Foodie Tours, or you can do a self-guided tour of the city using our guide of our favorite places to eat and drink in Greenville. Keep in mind that the places on our list and even the places in the guided tour are not the only good eats in the city of Greenville, South Carolina. See a place that looks good? Go inside and check it out! Spontaneity is key to discovering lesser known places when traveling.
If you’re a baseball fan, then visiting the Shoeless Joe Jackson Museum and Baseball Library in Greenville, South Carolina is an absolute must. Located in downtown Greenville, this museum celebrates the life of legendary Major League Baseball player Shoeless Joe Jackson and offers visitors a unique look at his career. The museum houses artifacts from throughout his lifetime including one-of-a-kind memorabilia such as jerseys, awards, photographs and even some of his original bats. In addition to these artifacts, there are also interactive displays that tell the story of this remarkable athlete's rise to fame. Visitors can also explore the adjacent library which contains over 5500 volumes related to baseball history making it one of the most comprehensive collections in existence today.
Getting to the Baseball Library: 356 Field St, Greenville, SC | Google Maps
If you’re a beer enthusiast, then taking a brewery tour in Greenville, South Carolina is an absolute must. Home to 19 craft breweries and taprooms in the greater Greenville area, this is the perfect place for beer lovers to try lots of new brews. Whether you prefer traditional ales or are looking for something more adventurous like barrel-aged sours or double IPAs, you won’t be disappointed by the selection of offerings available in this vibrant city. You can either do a self-guided beer tour using Visit Greenville's list and map of breweries in the Greenville area, or you can book a guided tour with The Brewery Experience.
For a unique outdoor experience in Greenville, South Carolina, look no further than kayaking down the Reedy River. With its crystal clear water and stunning scenery, kayaking is a great way to take in the city from a new point of view. Whether you're an experienced paddler or just getting started on your kayaking journey, there are plenty of routes available along the Reedy River for any skill level. Paddle through calm waters and enjoy some of the best views around as you make your way downstream. If you're feeling adventurous, take a guided tour with Paddle SC and explore even more of what this beautiful river has to offer!
For music lovers visiting Greenville, South Carolina, the Greenville Symphony is a must-see. The symphony has been performing in the city since 1947 and today offers an impressive range of concerts throughout the year. From traditional classical pieces to more modern works, you can enjoy performances from some of the best musicians in the state at this world-class venue. With its stunning acoustics and beautiful surroundings, attending a Greenville Symphony concert at the Peace Center is sure to be a memorable experience for everyone.
Getting to the Peace Center: 300 S Main St, Greenville, SC | Google Maps
For a unique evening of entertainment in Greenville, South Carolina, look no further than the Warehouse Theatre. Located in downtown Greenville, this stunning venue has been offering theatrical performances since 1995 and continues to be one of the city's premier cultural attractions. From classic plays to modern musicals, there is something for everyone at the Warehouse Theatre. With its intimate atmosphere and talented cast of actors and musicians, attending a show here is sure to provide an unforgettable experience you won't soon forget! So if you're looking for a fun night out on your next trip to Greenville, make sure you include seeing a play at the Warehouse Theatre on your list of things to do!
The Warehouse Theatre is a local theater that showcases a variety of plays and performances throughout the year.
A self-guided walking tour is a great way to see the city's historical sites and learn about its culture. Visit Greenville has put together four different guided walking tour routes for visitors to enjoy. All four different tours are between 1.5 miles and 2 miles long, making it doable for most visitors.
For those looking to explore the great outdoors in South Carolina, Devils Fork State Park is an ideal destination. Located a bit further outside of Greenville, this beautiful park offers a wide variety of activities for visitors to enjoy and is worth the extra drive. From swimming and fishing at Lake Jocassee to exploring the trails on foot or by bike, there is something for everyone here. With its stunning scenery and abundance of wildlife, Devils Fork State Park is the perfect place to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life and truly connect with nature.
Getting there:161 Holcombe Cir, Salem, SC | Google Maps
For a unique cultural experience in South Carolina, consider visiting Poinsett Bridge near Greenville. Built in 1820 by Joel Poinsett, the United States' first ambassador to Mexico, this historic bridge is the oldest surviving bridge in the state of South Carolina. Standing at over 100 feet long and 12 feet wide, it's an impressive sight to behold. Not only does it offer visitors a glimpse into the past but also provides stunning views of the surrounding countryside as well as opportunities for fishing and swimming nearby.
Getting to Poinsett Bridge: 580 Callahan Mountain Rd, Landrum, SC | Google Maps
Greenville, South Carolina, is a city that has something to offer everyone. Whether you are traveling with family, friends or alone, you will never have a dull moment in this vibrant city. With its stunning natural landscape, rich history, and vibrant culture, Greenville is a destination worth visiting. We hope this list of 23 things to do in Greenville helps you plan a memorable trip to this charming city.
