Ready to kickstart your South Carolina trip? Start your journey by experiencing all these rejuvenating things to do in Greenville, South Carolina. The largest city in The Upstate, Greenville is perched on the banks of the Reedy River. It’s a must-see destination for travelers filtering through South Carolina.
The top tourist attractions in Greenville, SC, cater to every type of visitor, whether you’re up for outdoor adventure or family fun. From playing in the Falls Park to browsing the Greenville County Museum of Art, this family-friendly destination never fails to surprise. You can take your kids to a zoo or go hiking with your friends. Relax and rejuvenate at one of the spas or walk through the botanical gardens.
Confused about where to go and what to do? Set out on an intriguing itinerary with this complete guide to the coolest places to visit in Greenville, SC!
Got more travel plans on the horizon? Check out all our other attractions guides and our South Carolina Travel Guide for more ideas on where to go, when to visit & what to do!
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Falls Park on the Reedy
Craving an off-the-beat place to relax? Lace up your boots and head to Falls Park on the Reedy. You’ll find this 32-acre park in downtown Greenville’s Historic West End on the Reedy River. It has a well-kept, green urban environment with outdoor and leisure activities available to locals and tourists of all ages and interests.
Enjoy the virtual tours of Falls Park on the Reedy, and stroll along the Swamp Rabbit Trail. Or unwind yourself at a picnic spot on the lawns or at the sheltered River Lodge.
Climb up the Liberty Bridge and witness this architectural marvel walkway above the park delivering majestic vistas.
Greenville Zoo
Traveling with family? Let them witness wildlife in the Greenville Zoo, east of Cleveland Park Drive. The vast grounds, numerous animal exhibits, landscaped parkways, and spacious enclosures are a pleasure to explore.
Established in 1960, the zoo has a varied variety of animals from all over the globe. Let your kids witness the sight of rare red pandas, chimpanzees, giraffes, giant anteaters, lions, and more at Greenville Zoo.
You can visit the education center, a carousel, and a playground for kids to have fun. Don’t forget to take your camera to capture some incredible moments!
Fluor Field
Are you a baseball fan? Book tickets for a minor league game at Fluor Field in Downtown Greenville. This historic stadium in the city center serves as the home of the Greenville Drive baseball team and accommodates more than 5,000 people.
Fluor Field was built following the classic design of Fenway Park in Boston and Wrigley Field in Chicago. While you’re here, look at the unique-looking reclaimed bricks from local mills used to build the Fenway Park-inspired stadium.
If you feel hungry on your Fluor Field outing, grab a bite from any seven concession stands located around the main concourse.
Heritage Green
Traveling with history buffs? Drive straight to Heritage Green, nestled in the heart of Greenville. It’s The Upstate’s cultural campus, including museums, theaters, and an amphitheater.
At Greenville County Museum of Art in Heritage Green, you’ll witness the world’s finest paintings by Jasper Johns and Andrew Wyeth. The museum often organizes rotating exhibitions of national and international acclaim.
Heritage Green is also home to the Upcountry History Museum, where you can get a detailed account of the region’s history. Join the interesting interactive exhibits on natural history and local culture.
Paris Mountain State Park
Want to engage in some outdoor activities? Pack your camping gear and head to Paris Mountain State Park. You’ll find this serene state park north of Greenville. Bring your urge to feel the rush by partaking in exciting outdoor activities like kayaking, swimming, hiking, and mountain biking.
Camping at Paris Mountain State Park is something you can’t miss. Lake Placid sits in the center of the park, with a backdrop of long trees and a flawless view for rejuvenation.
Go for a stroll on any of the various hiking trails and enjoy the leisurely ambiance while weaving through the woods. Take some aesthetic portraits alongside the lake and flaunt them in front of your friends.
Greenville County Museum of Art
If you’re an art lover, don’t miss the chance to drive down to the Greenville County Museum of Art. Located in the center of the city, the museum is home to an array of world-famous paintings and sculptures. The collections of art here span from the Renaissance period to contemporary times.
Gaze at the largest public collection of Andrew Wyeth watercolors and try to understand the meaning behind those paintings. Aside from Wyeth’s famous watercolor collection, the Southern Collection displays mind-blowing work by the prominent artists Georgia O’Keeffe and Andy Warhol.
On Sunday afternoons, you can participate in a variety of events, including gallery talks, hands-on presentations, and musical performances.
Caesars Head State Park
Love spending time in the outdoors? Take out some time for Caesars Head State Park. This magnificent state park is located on the northwestern side of Greenville. The drive to the top of the mountain is an experience in itself, unleashing spellbinding views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Outdoor enthusiasts can participate in adventurous activities like mountain biking, hiking, trekking, or climbing. If you love fishing, pack your fishing gear and try your hand in the rivers and streams.
Or, if you’d prefer some peace, find a secluded portion inside Caesars Head State Park and gaze at some of its wildlife and rare birds like hawks.
Swamp Rabbit Trail
Want to explore both the urban and natural sides of Greenville? Move to the Swamp Rabbit Trail in the northwest. Along the 22-mile-long trail, you can enjoy biking, walking, running, and skating. The scenic route will take you through the crowded downtown to the rural areas outside Greenville.
The best part of the Swamp Rabbit Trail is that it’s pet-friendly, so you can bring your furry friend along. As you stroll or bike through this beautiful trail, make sure to stop by the Farmer’s Market and buy some local produce. End your day with some delectable ice cream from the TD Saturday Market, also located on the trail.
Furman University
Want to relive your college glory day? Travel to South Carolina’s longest-standing post-secondary institution, Furman University. To visit the private university, you don’t need to be a student; everyone is welcome inside this gorgeous campus.
Furman University is located on the outskirts of Greenville, and the drive here is quite scenic. On campus, you can explore the picturesque lakes, hike to the top of the historic Furman Bell Tower, and even play a game of golf at the on-campus golf course.
Nature lovers should save time to visit the Janie Earle Furman Rose Garden and witness over 2,000 rose bushes. Make sure to visit the campus during springtime when the flowers are in full bloom; the view is breathtaking!
Shoeless Joe Jackson Museum
Fan of legendary baseball player Shoeless Joe Jackson? Don’t miss the Shoeless Joe Jackson Museum. Visit this one-of-a-kind sports museum and get a glimpse into the life of Jackson. The museum is crafted in the former house of Jackson, where he took his last breath.
Inside the Shoeless Joe Jackson Museum, you’ll encounter interactive exhibits, photos, and documents. The museum will take you through Jackson’s journey, from his humble beginnings to becoming one of America’s most famous baseball players.
At the museum, you can also get your hands on some authentic Shoeless Joe memorabilia, including his famous black bat, shoe, and glove.
Greenville Theatre
Looking for a magical theatrical experience while in Greenville, SC? Attend a dazzling performance at the biggest and oldest professional theater in the Upstate, Greenville Theatre. Dating back to 1936, the theater has a long and rich history of entertaining and educating.
Over the years, Greenville Theatre has hosted some of the most popular Broadway shows, including Les Miserables, The Phantom of the Opera, and Mamma Mia!
If you’re traveling to Greenville with the family, try to catch a family-friendly show like Disney’s The Little Mermaid or Elf the Musical.
After the show, savor local cuisine at the renowned Lazy Goat Restaurant, located just a few blocks away from the Greenville Theatre.
Roper Mountain Science Center
Excited by rocket ships, astronomy, and science? Look no further than Roper Mountain Science Center. Located just off of I-385 at Roper Mountain Road, this popular science center is a fantastic place for learning about nature, space, and science.
At the Roper Mountain Science Center, you can visit the observatory and gaze at the stars and planets through a high-powered telescope. Take your kids to the planetarium and teach them about our solar system. Then stop by the hands-on exhibits and get up close with some creepy crawlies.
End your day with a visit to the Butterfly Garden, where you can see some of the most beautiful butterflies in South Carolina.
Peace Center
Need to jazz up your Greenville itinerary with a little culture? Watch the world-renowned ballet, opera, and orchestral performances at the Peace Center.
Located in the heart of Downtown Greenville, SC, the performing art center is just a few steps away from the Reedy River. The Peace Center has three main performance venues: the Gunter Theatre, the Concert Hall, and the TD Amphitheatre.
If you’re a fan of the classics, catch a show at the Gunter Theatre. For a more contemporary experience, check out the Concert Hall. Or, if you’re looking for an outdoor performance, make your way to TD Amphitheatre.
If you feel hungry before the performance, reserve a table in the theatre lounge, Genevieve’s, for a light meal and beverages.
Lake Conestee Park
Love spending time in nature? Take fresh air and appreciate the breathtaking views at Lake Conestee Park. Located just south of downtown Greenville, the park has over 400 acres of land, including a man-made lake and trails.
At Lake Conestee Park, you can go for a leisurely stroll along the miles-long Swamp Rabbit Trail that runs through the park. Or go for a run or bike ride on the six-mile paved trails.
If you’re traveling with kids to Lake Conestee Park, they’ll love feeding the ducks at the lake. Traveling with a furry friend? Take them to the dog park for a fun-filled day.
The Children’s Museum of the Upstate
Traveling to Greenville with children? Stop at The Children’s Museum of the Upstate. Located in downtown Greenville, it’s the biggest children’s museum in South Carolina and one of the biggest in the Southeast. First opened in 2009, the museum offers science, nature, arts, community, and technology knowledge.
At The Children’s Museum of the Upstate, your children can perform practical activities and learn simultaneously. Let them participate in plays, racing games, science experiments, and more. They’ll also have a blast playing in the water area and climbing on the three-story sky trail.
After the kids are tired from all the fun, take them to the on-site cafe for some snacks and refueling. You can also buy them presents from the on-site gift shops.
Linky Stone Park
Linky Stone Park is one of Greenville’s numerous parks dedicated to children. This lovely children’s garden, located along the Reedy River north of Liberty Bridge in Downtown Greenville, features several themed gardens.
At the park’s entrance, you’ll be greeted by a six-foot-tall Winnie the Pooh. The Five Senses Garden is the first attraction you’ll see. Five Senses Garden is designed to stimulate the senses of smell, touch, sight, taste, and hearing.
While your kids play and explore Linky Stone Park, you can sit in a quiet and calm area. Gaze at the wide variety of flora and fauna or take some selfies with the Native American statues. You can also bring some food and enjoy a little picnic alongside the river.
Jones Gap State Park
Are you a hinterlander? Grab your hiking equipment and get straight to Jones Gap State Park. Found in the middle of the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, the beautiful state park offers many hiking trails for epic outdoor adventures and is one of the most popular day trips from Greenville, SC.
Prepare to face challenges and begin hiking on trails that’ll lead you past beautiful, tumbling waterfalls and frothy streams. While hiking, gaze over the deep forests and towering cliffs overlooking lush meadows.
If you’re fond of fishing, head to the Cleveland Fish Hatchery’s Fish Pond. Learn about 90 different types of fish and trout.
When you’ve soaked it all in, bring your knowledge to practicality by fishing at the Coldbranch Spring, a tributary of the Middle Saluda River. You’ll find the river stocked and wild brook, rainbow, and brown trout.
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You can also enjoy geocaching and birdwatching at Jones Gap State Park or set up a trailside camp if you plan to stay overnight.
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