Visitors will find a lot of cool things to do in Greenville, South Carolina. With a charming downtown area, a lush Main Street, mild temperatures year round, and a ton of outdoor activity options it’s easy to understand why.
Nestled at the base of the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains Greenville South Carolina is quickly making a name for itself as one of the nicer small cities on the East Coast.
We’re going to dive into some options of what you can do in Greenville, whether you are visiting alone, with your partner, or with the entire family. Let’s start with some things to do in the Greenville itself, and then discuss outdoor activities around the city.
Table of Contents
Things to Do in Greenville SC
Please note – Some of our selections contain affiliate links. These allow us to earn a small percentage every time you make a booking. Using our links enables us to provide all the information found on this site free of charge.
Falls Park on the Reedy
Falls Park on the Reedy is perhaps the jewel on Greenville’s crown. Imagine a river running through a charming South Carolina city. Then imagine the river having some waterfalls, right in the center of downtown. That’s what Falls Park is. Enjoy the views, and the relative tranquility!
During the warmer months of the year you will find cultural events taking place in the park, such as a Shakespeare Festival.
Falls Park is certainly an unmissable attraction in Greenville, and a charming reminder that cities don’t have to be all concrete and steel.
Walk the Liberty Bridge
Liberty Bridge spans the Reedy River, and offers pedestrians sweet views of the Falls, downtown Greenville, and the river itself. This is a great spot for some photography so make sure you bring your camera with you!
Stroll Down Main Street and Explore Downtown Greenville
Filled with entertainment, cultural, and culinary options downtown Greenville is a charming bit of Americana. This is about as pedestrian friendly as it gets in the USA. Wide sidewalks, outdoor plazas and street side dining give the area an almost European flair.
You’ll be charmed by the designer boutique shops, art galleries, open air seating and dining, art installations, and public events. There’s a LOT going on here, and simply strolling through downtown is a pleasure.
Visitors and locals alike partake in numerous nightlife options here as well. From axe throwing to cocktails along the river, you’ll find something to do here at night. Go out after the sun sets and have yourself a boozy little walk through the downtown area to see what we mean.
Ride the Downtown Trolleys
Riding trolleys and trams is a great way to explore a new city. You get to sit back, watch the scenery crawl by, and learn the geographical layout of any given town or city.
We love riding trams around European cities, and the trams in Greenville add to the ambiance
Saturday Markets
If you are anything like us you love yourself a good farmer’s market. A well organized market can show you all sort of cultural and culinary aspects of any given city. We LOVE exploring them where ever we go. Thankfully Greenville is home to some great markets.
If you are in Greenville on a Saturday between May and October , you’re in luck! Definitely head to City Park in the heart of downtown and explore the Simpsonville Farmer’s Market.You’ll find a variety of fresh fruits, veggies, and produce, and meet some of Greenville’s locals as well.
The awesomely named Traveler’s Rest Farmer’s Market is also open on Saturdays from May to September. You will find a variety of crafts stalls, food stalls, and produce here as well. Yummy!
Take a Beer Tour
If you love beer you owe it to yourself to try the local craft brews of Greenville. You can explore the scene on your own or take a tour with a local expert.
A Breakfast Tour
What’s better than eating one delicious breakfast? Sampling a whole bunch of them in one morning, of course! This rather unique tour takes you to some yummy brekkie (that’s breakfast in Aussie just fyi) spots in Greenville, and is sure to get your day started off on a delicious foot.
Find the Mice on Main
Scattered and partially hidden along Main Street are nine bronze mice. Your small kids will probably delight in finding them all. You might as well! Some stores along Main Street carry the “Mice on Main” children’s book, which gives clues on where to find the mice, and has a little back story for each.
Make your kids forget about Pokemon for a couple of hours as they track down all the lil mice. Will they find them all?
BMW Zentrum
If you enjoy cars you’ll probably have a good time at the BMW Zentrum. The unique building is home to a BMW museum and show case. You can learn about the history of the BMW fleet of cars, and get a small glimpse at future concepts.
Admission is free, so bring the car enthusiast in your family!
Greenville Peace Center
The Peace Center is a 2,000 seat concert hall, and also has a 400 seat theater. You can find all sorts of performances here, from classical, dance, jazz, country, bluegrass, folk, pop, and comedy performers, as well as a full calendar of national Broadway tours. Head here to take a break from walking around and for a dose of culture.
Upcountry History Museum
If you want to learn about local Greenville history, the Upcountry History Museum is the place to go. Explore Three centuries of events and people who shaped this region of South Carolina.
Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for kids 14 and under, and free for the toddlers.
Things to Do in Greenville – College Football
Clemson versus the University of South Carolina. The rivalry is very very real and spans over a century. The annual Carolina-Clemson football game, called the Palmetto Bowl, is the second longest annual college match up in the USA, and you better believe that the folks in South Carolina that these games very seriously.
You, however, can just spectate. College football is huge in SC, and you can catch a game if you are in town during the season. Clemson is a 30 to 40 minute drive away from Greenville. So, if you’re a football fan you owe it to yourself to try and catch a game.
Shoeless Joe Jackson Museum
“Shoeless” Joe Jackson is a baseball legend. And it just so happens he lived and died in Greenville. His former home was turned into a museum, and you can browse through memorabilia and a library when you visit.
If you enjoy the history of the “American Pastime” you should definitely check the Joe Jackson museum out.
Out Door and Nature Destinations in Greenville
Caesars Head State Park
If stunning views of nature in all its glory are your thing you’ll have to visit Caesars Head State Park.
While there we recommend hiking the four-mile, round trip Raven Cliff Falls trail. This beautiful hike leads explorers to the scenic overlook, where you can view the 420-foot Raven Cliff Falls.
South Carolina Botanical Garden at Clemson University
294 acres of wild and manicured ecosystem, on display for all lovers of nature. This nature preserve offers a multitude of different trails to hike along, all through a pristine ecosystem. Venture onto the barrier islands of South Carolina, stroll through prairies, jaunt into an oak-hickory forest, and explore pine savannas.
Admission is free all year round, and you’ll be hard pressed to find a more suitable adventure in Greenville for the whole family. The Garden is totally a MUST VISIT site for anyone looking to get an intimate glimpse at the South Carolina ecosystem.
Hike, Bike, or Run the Swamp Rabbit Trail
The Swamp Rabbit trail is a 22 mile multi-use path for runners, walkers, and bikers. This is a great place to get your cardio in while visiting Greenville, and offers some nice views of the river as well.
Poinsett Bridge
If you like old things you should take a short trip out to the Poinsett Bridge Heritage Preserve. Here you will find the oldest surviving bridge in South Carolina. It’s a pretty cool spot for photography or if you want to place your palm against some old bricks.
You can do some hiking in the area as well, although the trails aren’t well marked.
Click here for a list of great hotels to stay in Greenville!
And there you have it folks, a whole bunch of things to do in Greenville. We think you will enjoy this quaint city as much as we did! As always, safe and happy travels. We’ll see you on the road!
FAQs
17 Things to Do in Greenville SC You'll Love! by Travel Experts Just a Pack? ›
Greenville is the cultural and entertainment center for the upstate, including an award winning downtown, a major performing arts center, a 17,000 seat arena, a 340,000-square-foot convention and exhibition center, nationally recognized museum collections, and 39 parks, playgrounds and recreation centers.
What is Greenville South Carolina famous for? ›Greenville is the cultural and entertainment center for the upstate, including an award winning downtown, a major performing arts center, a 17,000 seat arena, a 340,000-square-foot convention and exhibition center, nationally recognized museum collections, and 39 parks, playgrounds and recreation centers.
Is Greenville worth a visit? ›Thanks to its innumerable eateries, tourist attractions and events, Greenville certainly is well worth visiting if you have the chance with great outdoor activities to be enjoyed both in the city and nearby.
How far is the beach from Greenville SC? ›The nearest beach to Greenville, SC is Folly Beach at 223 miles, which is a 3-hour and 35-minute drive. Located in the Charleston area, Folly Beach has a rich history and beautiful, white sandy beaches. Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and Folly River, some of the top beach activities include: surfing.
Are there mountains in Greenville SC? ›Paris Mountain is located in the rapidly-developing city of Greenville, South Carolina, and although the park was once a rural retreat, bikers, hikers and those visiting Camp Buckhorn now keep the park bustling year round.
Is Greenville SC a foodie town? ›In and around Greenville
A dynamic culinary destination, Greenville is home to legions of innovative chefs and outstanding restaurants.
You may have heard that Condé Nast Traveler named Greenville, South Carolina the “#1 Friendliest City in the U.S.” and that we recently earned a coveted spot on The New York Times' annual travel list.
Is Greenville better than Charleston? ›Charleston voted second best, Greenville fifth in Conde Nast reader poll. CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — Charleston and Greenville both placed in the top five small cities in the U.S. in a new Conde Nast reader poll. The 2021 Readers' Choice Awards ranked Greenville fifth and Charleston second best in the nation.
What is the best time to visit Greenville SC? ›The best times to visit Greenville are from September to November and from March to May. Temperatures are relatively mild, without the intense humidity of the summer, and crowds are smaller at local attractions.
Is it better to live in Florida or South Carolina? ›Choosing between Florida and South Carolina
Florida is the place for you if you're looking for year-round warm weather. If you prefer a slower pace and charming Southern hospitality, South Carolina may be a better fit. No matter which state you choose, you're sure to enjoy all that it has to offer!
How far is Greenville from the ocean? ›
Greenville (35 square miles) and Pitt County (656.52 square miles) are located in the north central coastal plains region of Eastern North Carolina, 85 miles east of Raleigh, 87 miles west of the Atlantic Ocean, 157 miles from Richmond VA, and 265 miles south of Washington DC.
What is the best mountain town to live in South Carolina? ›Greenville, SC. One of the most popular Blue Ridge Mountain towns is found in Greenville, SC. Known as one of the best places to raise a family, this town has tons of activities the whole family can enjoy.
Does Greenville SC get snow? ›Greenville can get up to an inch of snow in the winter, and it's most likely to fall in December. If that snow doesn't fall, you can take advantage of the seasonable warmth and enjoy annual festivities like the legendary local Christmas light displays.
What is the biggest mountain in Greenville SC? ›Sassafras Mountain, highest point in South Carolina, U.S., at 3,560 feet (1,085 metres). It lies in the Blue Ridge (a segment of the Appalachian Mountains) about 25 miles (40 km) northwest of Greenville, in Pickens county, on the North Carolina border.
What is the largest mansion in Greenville SC? ›Gassaway Mansion in Greenville is said to be the largest house in the Upstate, measuring over 22,000 square feet. Completed in 1924, it was home to textile magnate Walter Gassaway and his wife, former Ottaray Hotel manager Minnie Quinn.
What is the richest place in South Carolina? ›1. Kiawah Island, SC. To navigate, press the arrow keys.
What is the oldest house in Greenville? ›The oldest home in Greenville is believed to be the Earle Town House on James Street. Though not securely documented, it is said to have been built in 1810*. It is, however, known to be the first building in Greenville to be listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
Are people friendly in Greenville? ›The city has a lot to offer in terms of activities and events, and there's always something to do. The downtown area is especially fun, with lots of shops and restaurants to check out. The people in Greenville are also very friendly, which makes it a great place to meet new people.
Is Greenville SC a good place for seniors? ›Greenville offers all the advantages urban living without the typical hassles that frequently come with living in a large city like overpriced housing, a high cost of living, and steep taxes. The area's moderate climate and mild winters are also a big draw for retirees who want to avoid freezing cold temperatures.
Is Greenville SC a walking city? ›With wide sidewalks, outdoor plazas and streetside dining, downtown Greenville offers a pedestrian-friendly atmosphere that has been compared to that of a European city.
What city has the nicest people? ›
- Savannah, Georgia. Earning the top spot among the friendliest cities in the U.S., Savannah made quite an impression on travelers this past year.
- Charleston, South Carolina. ...
- Alexandria, Virginia. ...
- Honolulu, Hawaii. ...
- Santa Fe, New Mexico. ...
- Tucson, Arizona. ...
- Key West, Florida. ...
- Nashville. ...
...
2023's Most Glamorous Cities in America.
- Dellwood / Bob Jones University.
- Carilion / Furman University.
- State Park Rd / S Buckhorn Rd.
- Alta Vista.
- Montague.
- Augusta Road.
- Wade Hampton South.
- Claremont.
Greenville is the largest city in the region with a population of 72,227 and an urban-area population of 400,492, and it is the base of most commercial activity. Spartanburg and Anderson are next in population.
What are the pros and cons of living in Greenville SC? ›| Pros of Living in Greenville, South Carolina | Cons of Living in Greenville, South Carolina |
|---|---|
| 2. Affordability | 2. Housing Costs |
| 3. Outdoor Activities | 3. Traffic |
| 4. Proximity to Vacation Locations | 4. Crime |
| 5. Four Seasons | 5. Lack of Diversity |
3.79in. 3.86in. The driest month in Greenville-Spartanburg Airport is April with 3.53 inches of precipitation, and with 5.31 inches March is the wettest month.
What is the hottest temperature ever recorded in Greenville SC? ›| High Temperatures | ||
|---|---|---|
| Warmest | Rank | Coolest |
| 94°F (2005) | 1 | 70°F (1906) |
| 94°F (1996) | 2 | 71°F (2017) |
| 94°F (1972) | 3 | 74°F (1961) |
The cheapest month for flights to Greenville is January. On the other hand, the most expensive months are November and December.
What are the taxes for retirees in South Carolina? ›South Carolina is tax-friendly toward retirees. Social Security income is not taxed. Withdrawals from retirement accounts are partially taxed. Wages are taxed at normal rates, and your marginal state tax rate is 4.00%.
Are groceries more expensive in Florida or South Carolina? ›All in all, South Carolina is about 8.4% cheaper to live in than Florida. Grocery bills are lower in South Carolina by over 10%, gas is cheaper, and even dining out will cost you less. This is due to different taxes that are in place as well as many other economic factors that are in play.
Which state is better to retire in Florida or North Carolina? ›
Our conclusion: North Carolina offers more diversity in terms of the available living environments and scenery but Florida has many more communities that are dominated by retirees. Both states have a wonderful collection of medical facilities and professionals, particularly in the larger cities.
How far is Greenville SC from the mountains? ›The Mountain Region at The Cliffs
Just 30 minutes north of downtown Greenville is what we call The Mountain Region — home to The Cliffs at Glassy, The Cliffs at Mountain Park, and The Cliffs Valley.
Saluda Lake is the largest lake near Greenville, SC to have power boating and personal watercraft. It is located northwest of the city. Saluda lake is a 331 acres reservoir.
What is the closest major city to Greenville SC? ›The closest is Athens, Georgia, a popular college town which is about 95 miles from Greenville. The capital of South Carolina, Columbia is also just about 100 miles away. Charleston is also relatively close and makes a good weekend trip.
How far is Disney from Greenville SC? ›How far is it from Greenville to Walt Disney World? It is 450 miles from Greenville to Walt Disney World. It is approximately 553 miles to drive.
What is a fact about Greenville? ›In the early 1900s, Greenville was known as the “Textile Center of the World.” Greenville was called Pleasantburg until the name was changed in 1831. Greenville was at first spelled Greeneville, likely after Revolutionary hero Nathaniel Greene.
How far is Greenville south carolina from asheville south carolina? ›The direct drive from Greenville to Asheville is 62.8 mi (101 km), and should have a drive time of 1 hr 16 mins in normal traffic.
Where do most seniors live in SC? ›Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach is a gorgeous South Carolina coastal town and a major tourist and retirement destination. In fact, it has the highest percentage of residents 60+ years old of any city on this list — 35%, more than one in three!
- Union. The cheapest place to live in South Carolina is Union. ...
- Gaffney. Gaffney is the second-cheapest place to live in South Carolina. ...
- Orangeburg. ...
- Newberry. ...
- Laurens. ...
- Greenwood. ...
- Sumter.
City of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina
The City of Mount Pleasant is one of the fastest growing cities in South Carolina. Located in the heart of the state, Mount Pleasant is a thriving community that offers residents and visitors a variety of amenities.
Will Greenville SC get snow in 2023? ›
🌨️ Precipitation
Expect slightly less precipitation. Greenville has a 33-40% chance of seeing below normal snow and rainfall amounts this winter.
Greenville County has a high average storm events risk score of 57.87% and is particularly vulnerable to hurricanes.
Is Greenville SC humid in the summer? ›Summer weather in Greenville is hot and humid. The average Summer temperature in Greenville runs from the 70s to the 80s, with some days over 90.
Can you drive up Sassafras Mountain? ›While you can drive to the top of Sassafras Mountain and head to the observation deck without any hiking, what if you want to do some hiking? There are trailheads at the top of Sassafras Mountain where you can access the Foothills Trail.
Is Greenville SC larger than Charleston SC? ›Greenville is the largest metropolitan and combined statistical area in South Carolina. Columbia is the second largest city, metropolitan, and combined statistical area in South Carolina. Charleston is the largest city in South Carolina but third largest metropolitan area.
What was the lowest Greenville SC? ›GREENVILLE WEATHER
And if you've ever wondered, the coldest temperature ever record in the Greer area, where the weather service's official records are measured, is -6 degrees, reached in January 1966.
The Emerald City
Many speculate that the abundance of 'very' green trees in the area led to the nickname.
Greenville is a town in South Carolina with a population of 69,725. Greenville is in Greenville County and is one of the best places to live in South Carolina. Living in Greenville offers residents an urban suburban mix feel and most residents rent their homes.
What is the sister city of Greenville SC? ›The idea is to cultivate international relationships while having the opportunity to explore different cultures and also stimulate economic development. Cool, so why is Bergamo our sister city?
What are Greenville SC sister cities? ›While the relationship with Bergamo was Greenville's first successful international step outward, two other sister cities — Kortryk in Belgium and the Tanjin Free Trade Zone in China —have been added.
Why is Greenville called G Vegas? ›
“I thought Green Vegas referred to the growth around here.” He added, “I could see someone who had been to Vegas or lived in Vegas moving to Greenville after many years and saying, 'Dang, this place is just like Vegas,' and then called it that.
What is the slang name for South Carolina? ›SC State and Local Nicknames
South Carolina is widely known as the Palmetto State in honor of our state tree, the Palmetto. However, we were once known as the Iodine State instead.
Why is Greenville, South Carolina much more nationally known as a major city than Greenville, North Carolina, when the city population of Greenville, NC is larger than the city population of the Greenville in SC? It's true that Greenville, SC is the largest metro area with a Greenville at the center.
How much do you need to make to live comfortably in Greenville SC? ›| 1 ADULT | 2 ADULTS (1 WORKING) | |
|---|---|---|
| 0 Children | 2 Children | |
| Living Wage | $16.45 | $36.47 |
| Poverty Wage | $6.53 | $13.34 |
| Minimum Wage | $7.25 | $7.25 |
But why is Greenville, SC, a good place to live? Between its buzzy downtown district, walkability to plenty of restaurants, impressive arts scene, abundant nature, and subtropical climate, there are so many great reasons to call Greenville, SC, home. Now, onto the list!
Why are so many people moving to Greenville SC? ›There are a lot of great reasons that make moving to Greenville, SC a viable option for many families and individuals. With great opportunities for outdoor adventure, lots of cultural events, a low cost of living, and so much more, it's no wonder this city has generated so much buzz in recent years.
Why retire in Greenville SC? ›In addition to having a lost cost of living and affordable housing, Greenville's taxes also work in residents' favor. Both the state's and county's property taxes are some of the lowest in the country, Social Security benefits are not taxed, and there are several tax breaks available to active adults 65+.
Are property taxes high in Greenville SC? ›Located in northwest South Carolina, along the border with North Carolina, Greenville County is the most populous county in the state and has property tax rates higher than the state average. The county's average effective rate is 0.70%. The largest tax in Greenville County is the school district tax.
Are taxes high in Greenville SC? ›What is the sales tax rate in Greenville, South Carolina? The minimum combined 2023 sales tax rate for Greenville, South Carolina is 6%. This is the total of state, county and city sales tax rates. The South Carolina sales tax rate is currently 6%.