Greenville, South Carolina, is one of the fastest-growing and most charming cities in the Southeast. Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this city offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventures, cultural attractions, a vibrant food scene, and small-town charm with big-city energy. If you’re visiting for a weekend getaway or considering moving here, there’s plenty to do and explore.

Here’s an extensive guide to the best things to do in Greenville, SC.

Things to Do in Greenville

1. Explore Falls Park on the Reedy

Falls Park on the Reedy is the heart of downtown Greenville and a must-visit for anyone coming to the city. This stunning urban park features:

• The Reedy River Falls, a picturesque waterfall right in the city center

• The Liberty Bridge, a unique curved pedestrian bridge offering the best views of the falls

• Walking and biking trails along the Swamp Rabbit Trail (more on that later)

• Public art installations and beautiful gardens

• Location: Downtown Greenville

• Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for the best weather and foliage

2. Walk or Bike the Swamp Rabbit Trail

One of Greenville’s most famous attractions, the Swamp Rabbit Trail is a 22-mile paved greenway that connects downtown to Travelers Rest and beyond. It’s a favorite for:

• Cyclists and runners looking for a scenic workout

• Casual walkers enjoying the river views and stopping at coffee shops along the way

• Nature lovers who want to explore the peaceful Reedy River landscape

• Bike Rentals Available: Reedy Rides offers bike rentals right in downtown

3. Visit the Greenville Zoo

 

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Perfect for families, the Greenville Zoo is a small but well-maintained zoo featuring:

• Giraffes, orangutans, leopards, and more exotic animals

• A kid-friendly petting zoo

• Educational programs and special events throughout the year

• Location: Cleveland Park, near downtown

• Hours: Open daily, check their website for seasonal hours

4. Experience the Art Scene at the Greenville County Museum of Art

Greenville has a thriving arts scene, and the Greenville County Museum of Art (GCMA) is a great place to start. This museum houses:

• A world-class collection of Andrew Wyeth watercolors

• Works by Jasper Johns, a South Carolina native

• A rotating selection of American art from colonial times to today

• Admission: Free!

• Location: 420 College Street

5. Shop and Dine on Main Street

Downtown Greenville’s Main Street is one of the most beautiful and walkable downtown areas in the South. Here’s what you’ll find:

• Boutique shopping – Unique local stores for fashion, gifts, and home decor

• Incredible restaurants – Everything from Southern comfort food to international cuisine

• Outdoor dining and rooftop bars – Perfect for enjoying Greenville’s mild weather

• Street performers and live music – Adding to the city’s vibrant energy

• Don’t Miss: Mast General Store for a mix of vintage candy, outdoor gear, and Southern gifts

6. Catch a Show at the Peace Center

For live entertainment, check out The Peace Center, Greenville’s premier performing arts venue. It hosts:

• Broadway shows

• Concerts from big-name artists and orchestras

• Comedy performances and local theater productions

• Location: 300 S. Main Street

• Tickets: Available online in advance

7. Visit Paris Mountain State Park

If you’re looking for outdoor adventure, Paris Mountain State Park is just a 15-minute drive from downtown Greenville. Here, you can:

• Hike scenic trails through the Blue Ridge foothills

• Kayak, paddleboard, or fish at Lake Placid

• Camp overnight in designated camping areas

• Best For: Nature lovers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts

8. Take a Day Trip to Travelers Rest

 

Just a short drive or bike ride from Greenville via the Swamp Rabbit Trail, Travelers Rest (TR) is a charming small town with:

• Amazing restaurants like Tandem Creperie and Sidewall Pizza
• Swamp Rabbit Brewery, a local craft beer favorite
• Sunrift Adventures, an outdoor gear shop where you can rent kayaks and bikes

9. Explore the Shoeless Joe Jackson Museum

Baseball fans will love this small but fascinating museum dedicated to Greenville’s own Shoeless Joe Jackson, one of baseball’s most famous and controversial players.

• Location: 356 Field Street, near Fluor Field
• Best For: Baseball lovers and history buffs

10. Catch a Greenville Drive Baseball Game at Fluor Field

Speaking of baseball, Fluor Field is home to the Greenville Drive, the minor league affiliate of the Boston Red Sox.

• A mini replica of Fenway Park, complete with a “Green Monster” wall

• Affordable tickets and a great family-friendly atmosphere

• Craft beer and Southern food stands for a local taste of Greenville

• Season: April–September

11. Visit the Children’s Museum of the Upstate

For families with kids, the Children’s Museum of the Upstate offers:

• Hands-on STEM exhibits

• Interactive play areas

• Educational programs for young learners

• Location: Downtown Greenville

12. Tour the BMW Zentrum Museum

Car lovers should take a short drive to BMW’s only North American manufacturing plant, just outside of Greenville in Greer, SC. The BMW Zentrum Museum features:

• Vintage and modern BMW cars and motorcycles

• Factory tours showing the car production process

• A gift shop with exclusive BMW merchandise

• Location: Greer, SC (20 minutes from downtown Greenville)

13. Visit the Poinsett Bridge

History lovers will enjoy a visit to Poinsett Bridge, the oldest bridge in South Carolina (built in 1820). This stone-arched bridge is hidden in the woods and makes for a great photography spot.

• Location: About 30 minutes north of Greenville

Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do in Greenville

1. What is Greenville, SC, best known for?

Greenville is known for its vibrant downtown, scenic parks, and thriving food scene. It’s home to Falls Park on the Reedy, the Swamp Rabbit Trail, and a growing arts and entertainment scene. It’s also recognized for its Southern charm, historic landmarks, and strong business community.

2. What are the must-visit attractions in Greenville?

Some of the top attractions include:

• Falls Park on the Reedy – A stunning urban park with waterfalls and scenic trails.
• Swamp Rabbit Trail – A 22-mile biking and walking trail.
• Greenville Zoo – A great spot for families.
• The Peace Center – A top venue for concerts and Broadway shows.
• Fluor Field – A baseball stadium modeled after Fenway Park.
• Paris Mountain State Park – Perfect for hiking and outdoor adventures.

3. Is Greenville a walkable city?

Yes! Downtown Greenville is extremely walkable, with pedestrian-friendly streets, outdoor dining, and beautiful parks. Falls Park on the Reedy and the Swamp Rabbit Trail make walking or biking around the city enjoyable.

4. What is there to do in Greenville at night?

Greenville has a lively nightlife scene with:

• Live music at venues like The Radio Room and Peace Center.
• Craft breweries such as Birds Fly South Ale Project and Fireforge Crafted Beer.
• Fine dining on Main Street, featuring restaurants like Hall’s Chophouse and Jianna.
• Rooftop bars with stunning city views, like Up on the Roof.
• A baseball game at Fluor Field during the season.

5. What are some free things to do in Greenville?

There are plenty of free activities in Greenville, including:

• Walking through Falls Park on the Reedy.
• Biking or walking the Swamp Rabbit Trail.
• Visiting the Greenville County Museum of Art (free admission).
• Exploring historic Poinsett Bridge, the oldest bridge in South Carolina.
• Attending seasonal events like TD Saturday Market or Artisphere.

6. When is the best time to visit Greenville?

• Spring (March–May): Best for pleasant weather, blooming flowers, and outdoor activities.
• Fall (September–November): Ideal for mild temperatures, fall foliage, and festivals.
• Summer (June–August): Great for outdoor concerts and baseball games, but can be hot.
• Winter (December–February): Mild winter temperatures make it a nice getaway, and holiday lights add charm.

Final Thoughts

Greenville, SC, is a hidden gem of the South with something for everyone—beautiful parks, outdoor activities, world-class food, live entertainment, and rich history.