15 Best Things To Do In Greenville SC
There are many activities to enjoy in Greenville, South Carolina, also known as The Upstate. The popular location is a welcoming retreat from large cities for visitors of all ages.
The Upstate has much to offer. If you’re looking for shopping, restaurants, nature, and fun activities, this city is the right place to be. Here are the 15 best things to do in Greenville SC.
Best Things to Do in Greenville
1. Falls Park on the Reedy
One of Greenville’s best attractions is its system of city parks. Greenville is home to 46 city parks occupying more than 400 acres of land. One of the most popular Greenville parks is Falls Park on The Reedy.
Considered a must-see when visiting Greenville, Falls Park on the Reedy is a favorite of locals. It’s located in the heart of downtown. The park features beautiful stonework, walking trails, waterfalls, lush gardens, and so much more. Falls Park is one of many reasons Greenville, SC is a good place to live.
2. Liberty Bridge
Falls Park on the Reedy is complemented by the graceful architecture of the Liberty Bridge. Similar bridges have been built in Europe, but this bridge is unique in its geometry. There are few others like it in the US.
The Liberty Bridge is a fantastic location for history-buffs, architects, and outdoors lovers alike. Underneath the bridge is the Reedy River Falls.
That is where Greenville’s first European settler, Richard Pearis, established his trading post in 1768. Later, he built grist and sawmills at this location. It was the hub of early industry in Greenville until the 1920s.
Both Falls Park and Liberty Bridge are popular places for families and pet lovers. Kids enjoy watching the ducks, and dogs enjoy the walking trails. Many visitors bring picnics as well to enjoy the gardens.
The park has two on-site restaurants and is close to popular downtown eateries. Falls Park and Liberty Bridge are open daily and accessible to the public.
The easy access makes it an excellent activity for the budget-conscious traveler. Check out the official Greenville Falls Park website for a park map, pet regulations and additional details.
3. Prism Health Swamp Rabbit Trail
Explore the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail for some quality time in nature. It’s a 22-mile trail system that runs along the Reedy River. It connects Greenville County with schools, parks, and local businesses.
The Swamp Rabbit continues to grow throughout the county. It offers you a great place to get in a good walk.
Swamp Rabbit Trail is a nice location to try out geocaching. Your kids will potentially really like it. Geocaching is a treasure hunting activity where you use GPS equipment.
Participants move to a set of GPS coordinates and attempt to find the geocache (container) that’s hidden. There are lots of them located near the trail. Check out the official Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail website for trail maps and all the information you need for a fun visit.
4. Cleveland Park
Cleveland Park features tennis courts, a volleyball court, a softball field, and much more. The park also has a fitness trail equipped with workout stations, playground areas, and picnic shelters.
Cleveland Park is also the site of the Rock Quarry Garden, the Fernwood Nature Trail, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the Greenville Zoo. Needless to say, there is much to enjoy there.
Other Greenville parks worth visiting include Legacy Park, McPherson Park, Gower Park, Timmons Park, and more. All of these parks are family-friendly and free to the public.
- New York City’s Central Park inspired the design of Legacy Park. Located in a residential area, the park includes colorful landscaping, playgrounds and paved pathways ideal for walking, jogging and biking.
- McPherson Park is recognized as the oldest park in Greenville. Established in 1884, its home to the Sears Recreation Center and Log Cabin.
This 12.5-acre park includes tennis courts, shelters, and an 18-hole miniature golf course. It also features a playground and walking trail with bridges that cross a small creek. It’s another great Greenville park perfect for families.
- Gower Park is for the active traveler who loves recreational sports of all types. This park contains 21 acres of recreational facilities. Among the facilities include basketball courts, lighted softball fields, a horseshoe pit, tennis/pickleball courts, a 9-hole disc golf course, playgrounds, and a one-mile paved walking trail.
- Timmons Park is similar to Gower Park, but contains a well-known mountain bike course and a larger disc golf course. Timmons Park is a neighboorhood park located on Greenville’s northeast side.
It is known for both its disc golf course and mountain bike trail. This 26.6 acre park is home to a lighted baseball field, lighted pickleball courts, a playground, picnic shelter, mountain bike trail and 18-hole disc golf course.
5. Greenville Zoo
Another popular downtown Greenville attraction perfect for children and families is the Greenville Zoo. At the 14-acre Greenville Zoo, animal lovers can visit wildlife from around the world any day of the week.
Open throughout most of the year; the zoo offers special rates for children and free admission for members. You can see curious orangutans, cuddly red pandas, majestic lions, and many other animals.
Every visitor has their favorite animal, but the giraffe exhibit is special to locals. You can view the Greenville Zoo’s Giraffe Cam on their website for a preview of the beloved giants that call this place their home.
The Greenville Zoo cares about wildlife and is among only 10% of United States exhibitors to be AZA-accredited. That means they display a steady commitment to animal welfare. During your visit, stop by and say hello to the newest calf, Providence, born February 21, 2021!
The attentive staff is also dedicated to promoting conservation through youth education programs during the summer and school year. Check out the official Greenville Zoo website for tickets, rates, hours, directions, parking, and more information to help plan your visit.
6. Upcountry History Museum
Museums are also popular and budget-friendly attractions for visitors of all ages. The Upcountry History Museum is one of the most well-known museums in Greenville.
It’s the perfect spot for those who want to learn more about the history of Greenville. Check out the official UpCountry History Museum website for more information.
7. The Children’s Museum of the Upstate
Another museum conveniently located in downtown Greenville is The Children’s Museum of the Upstate (TCMU). It offers 80,000 square feet for fun and learning. TCMU provides an experience like no other for hands-on engagement for all families.
It’s one of the nation’s largest children’s museums and one of the first to become Smithsonian-affiliated. There are over 21 unique exhibit galleries, including programs in areas of arts, humanities, sciences, health, nutrition, the environment, and community engagement.
TCMU is one of South Carolina’s best places for families to discover, learn, imagine and play! Families can climb to the top of Bib’s World (the museum’s outdoor playground), analyze and build in the Construction Zone, or explore Grandma Betty’s farm (an exhibit specifically dedicated to children five and under.) Check out the official Children’s Museum of the Upstate website for tickets, rates, exhibits, directions, hours, and more information to help plan your visit.
8. Greenville County Museum of Art
The Greenville County Museum of Art (GCMA) is also a popular museum in downtown Greenville. It attracts artists and art enthusiasts alike.
This museum is recognized as the premier American art museum located in the Southeastern United States. The GCMA has the world’s most extensive public collection of watercolors by artist Andrew Wyeth.
The museum’s acclaimed Southern Collection invites viewers to survey American art history through works tied to the South. There are also a collection of artist Jasper Johns paintings and prints. They range from contemporary abstractions to federal portraits.
The GCMA is the most budget-friendly museum amongst others in downtown Greenville due to its free admission for all. Check out the official Greenville County Museum of Art website for hours, exhibits, directions, parking, and more information to help plan your visit.
9. Bon Secours Wellness Arena
Greenville is also home to unique arts and cultural entertainment opportunities. The Bon Secours Wellness Arena is a 15,000-seat arena located in downtown Greenville.
The Well, as it’s affectionately called, is the Upstate region’s most prominent entertainment destination. It’s recognized as one of the top 50 venues in the world. Experience the ultimate atmosphere for stadium concerts, family shows, sporting events, nontraditional performances, and corporate and community events. Check out the official Bon Secours Wellness Arena website for a complete list of upcoming events.
10. Peace Center
Visitors and locals can enjoy musicals, concerts, shows, and other events at the famous Peace Center. Upcoming events in 2022 at the Peace Concert Hall include Frozen The Musical, Mean Girls, Hamilton, and more! You can view all scheduled events and buy tickets on the official Peace Center website.
11. Centre Stage
Another part of Downtown Greenville’s thriving nightlife is Centre Stage. This year-round, 285-seat professional theater offers a wide range of entertainment. You can enjoy comedy, drama, musicals, plays, concerts, and much more.
Centre Stage’s goal is to create an atmosphere that energizes each person who encounters their production. Check out the Centre Stage website for events, tickets, and more information.
12. Greenville Glides Segway Tour
The Greenville Glides Segway Tour is one of many tours available in the city. You can drift through the streets and discover what makes this city unique.
Greenville Glides offers several different types of exciting tours with experienced guides and bike rentals. Check out the official Greenville Glides website to book a tour or rental.
13. Winery and brewery tours
Winery and brewery tours are popular adult-only attractions in Greenville. You and some friends can sit back, relax, and enjoy the local beverage selection the city has to offer.
Van in Black is the perfect chauffeur company if you want to choose from a variety of fun tours. They’ll even help you plan things! Check out the official Van In Black website for all tour options and booking.
14. Shop and Dine out in Downtown
Greenville is perhaps most well-known for its downtown restaurants. It has many different cuisines that you can try, from Jamaican to Italian.
Downtown Greenville has become a favorite place not just for dining but shopping as well. Here’s a shortlist of some of the most popular shops in the area:
15. Visit Magnolia Park
Magnolia Park features 800,000 square feet of retail and restaurants. It is one of Greenville’s largest and most popular retail, dining and entertainment destinations.
The Regal Cinema and Cabela’s, an outdoor gear store, are among many businesses located at Magnolia Park. It also features Dave and Buster’s, Nordstrom Rack, and Costco.
If you’re interested in more shopping areas, you can check out the promenade at Haywood. Nearby you’ll find the largest mall in the state, Haywood Mall.
Whether it’s visiting a park, shopping, dining, or viewing a show, there are many exciting activities to discover. Feel free to share how you enjoy your time in Greenville, South Carolina!
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