10 Top Tourist Attractions in Greenville, SC
If you are searching for a small yet thriving southern city in the southeast of the USA with friendly folks, great dining, and lots of things to do, look no further than Greenville. Over the past two decades, this former textile hub has undergone a remarkable transformation, turning its architectural gems, waterways, and green spaces into a truly splendid place to reside and explore.
Easily walkable and bikeable, the city has a whole host of things to entertain you, and in the nearby state parks nestled in the rolling hills of the Piedmont just outside the city limits a world of outdoor adventure awaits. Layer on top of that, a thriving nightlife and dining scene, and there's much to draw you in and make you linger.
Here are our picks for the top attractions in Greenville, SC.
Downtown Greenville
Greenville's tree-lined Main Street is a delightful area to stroll around, do a bit of shopping, meet up with friends, or enjoy a fine meal. Over 10 blocks of this well-kept street, you'll find more than 115 stores offering a wide variety of goods. As you walk along, keep an eye out for the public art displays; kids will want to see if they can spot all of the nine brass mice along the way. The street is lined by tall trees and has plenty of pleasant sitting areas.
Shopping: Greenville has some interesting shops that you won't find in other towns, and many sell local offerings. For example, at the Savannah Bee Company, you'll find local honey in a dizzying array of flavors and all kinds of interesting home décor items. Another interesting place worth seeing is the M. Judson Booksellers located in a historic courthouse building. Pop in here for a latte or espresso shot and browse through the extensive selection of books.
Along Main Street and the cross streets, you'll also find a full array of women's clothing stores, jewelry stores, a hand-poured candle shop, and high-end men's clothing at places like Rush Wilson, and you can even do an oil or vinegar tasting at Oil and Vinegar.
Dining: You don't need to walk far to find tasty food in downtown Greenville. Outdoor patios abound and elegant indoor spaces offer fine dining.
For a taste of authentic Southern cooking look no further than Soby's located right on Main Street in a charming historic building. If you've never tried Shrimp and Grits or fried green tomatoes, this is the place to do it. For something a bit lighter with a twist of innovation, head over to CAMP Modern American Eatery for fantastic and sophisticated sharing plates. For more traditional tapas and tunes, swing on over to Abanico. An extensive menu of authentic Mediterranean dishes makes for a fun night out.
Swamp Rabbit Trail
The Swamp Rabbit Trail is one of the great rail-to-trail projects in the state. Once a rough industrial throughway, the route today leads through the city and out into the country, where it's shady, quiet, and full of birdlife. Thoughtful urban planning has created a wonderful 28-mile trail that locals and visitors love.
Walking, jogging, regular biking, and, for those looking for an easier ride, e-biking are all popular pursuits along the trail's most popular section from downtown Greenville to Travelers Rest. The trail is paved and mostly level with a slight incline as you head towards Travelers Rest.
Along the way, users are tempted at multiple locations by food and drink options including The Commons at Unity Park, the giant sunny patio at Southernside, and the Swamp Rabbit Café and Grocery, a local favorite where you can buy food and drinks and sit outside on their picnic tables.
Another popular stop along the Swamp Rabbit is a side trip to Furman University. A trail leads off the main path and takes you to another trail that circles the lake on the property for beautiful views of this stunning campus.
If you don't have your own bike you can rent one. In downtown Greenville, we rented from Reedy Rides, which has good quality traditional pedal bikes or much more luxurious and enjoyable e-bikes.
Official site: https://www.greenvillesc.gov/316/Swamp-Rabbit-Trail
Falls Park on the Reedy River
Few cities can boast of a beautiful waterfall in the heart of downtown like the one located just a short stroll from Main Street in Greenville. Tumbling 28 feet down a series of ledges, this impressive sight is accessible for viewing on all sides, but the best spot is from the spectacular curved bridge in front of the falls. The Liberty Bridge is a one-of-a-kind suspension bridge supported, amazingly, by only one cable. You can feel it move as you walk across.
In and around Reedy Falls are walking trails, benches, lovely gardens, and green spaces perfect for a picnic or just relaxing and soaking up the peaceful atmosphere. If you'd like to enjoy an elegant lunch with a view of the falls, pop into the Grand Bohemian Lodge and head directly to the patio of Between the Trees.
Table Rock State Park & Caesars Head State Park
A visit to Greeneville isn't all about urban pursuits, the city's enviable location in the Piedmont region of the Blue Ridge Mountains means that nature is close at hand. One of the best spots to see that first-hand is at Table Rock State Park. This iconic outcropping is visible from miles around and is a must-do light adventure activity when visiting.
On hot days the small beach here is a pleasant place for a swim. Hiking trails of various difficulty leave from the main lake area and pass through dense forests and past tumbling waterfalls. Spring is a beautiful time to hike here. In April the rhododendrons will be in full bloom, and in May, the Mountain Laurels will put on a show.
If you're less inclined to hike but still want to see Table Rock, the best view is from the visitor center just off Highway 11. An admission fee to the park is charged on a per-person basis.
Just down the road from Table Rock is Caesars Head State Park. The park is perched on a 3,200-foot high point and provides incredible views out over the rolling hills of the Piedmont back towards Greenville. Most people just stop in and check out the view, (see if you can spot Paris Mountain State Park). However, the park has over 60 miles of hiking trails. Admission to the park is free.
Visit Furman University Grounds
Some former students claim that Furman University has one of the most beautiful campuses in the United States. A grand claim for sure, but they might not be too far off. This well-regarded liberal arts and sciences university, founded in 1826, is worth a visit if you are biking the Swamp Rabbit Trail.
A lovely lake is surrounded by a circular walking trail, large trees, and expansive lawns. Set on a peninsula is a replica clock tower of the original dating from 1854. You can climb to the top for views over the lake and the surrounding area.
Address: 3300 Poinsett Highway Greenville, SC
Official Site: https://www.furman.edu/
Paris Mountain State Park
Rounding out the recreational opportunities near Greenville is Paris Mountain State Park. It's only 15 minutes from downtown, making it ideal for an easy jaunt to get your daily dose of nature. This 1,700-acre park is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna and is crisscrossed with 17 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails.
In addition to the trails, Paris Mountain State Park also boasts of four lakes, the most popular of which is Lake Placid with its easy shoreline walk and swimming beach. To fully immerse yourself in the park, consider setting up camp at one of the 39 car-accessible campsites (complete with electricity) or at one of the five more remote trailside locations.
Mountain bikers should be aware that cycling on the trails is not allowed on Saturdays. A fee is charged to enter the park.
Official site: https://southcarolinaparks.com/paris-mountain
Greenville Zoo
No family trip to Greenville would be complete without a stop at the Greenville Zoo. It's been delighting visitors of all ages for over 50 years and currently has over 90 species of animals in residence. A highlight of a visit is meeting the Masai giraffes, these towering beasts top out at nearly 20 feet in height.
The zoo is laid out with animals from each continent in their own area, including ones from South America, Asia, and Africa. Primates, reptiles, and birds also have their own sections and you'll also find a lagoon complete with pink flamingos.
The Greenville Zoo is located near downtown and is accessible off the downtown portion of the Swamp Rabbit Trail.
Official site: https://www.greenvillezoo.com/
Address: 150 Cleveland Park Drive Greenville, SC 29601
Catch a performance at The Peace Center
Greenville has a lively arts and cultural scene and the nexus of this is The Peace Center. Located downtown, this wonderful facility hosts performances across the entertainment spectrum. Plays, concerts, Broadway shows, comedians, and many other entertainers grace the stage on a regular basis.
There's always something going on at the Peace Center, the facility generally has over 300 shows a year. A great night out can start and end at one of the nearby restaurants. If you are from out of town and want to stay nearby, the modern and luxe AC Hotel is directly across the street.
Address: 101 West Broad Street Greenville, SC
Official site: https://www.peacecenter.org/
Day Trip to Travelers Rest
The town of Travelers Rest has been a stopping point for over 300 years. Home to a great variety of restaurants and eclectic shops, it's a good place to spend a leisurely morning or afternoon. Located about 20 minutes north of Greenville, it's an easy drive or if you have an e-bike, a quick scoot on the Swamp Rabbit Trail. Combine a bike trip here with a stop at Furman University as you'll pass right by it.
If you're out this way for breakfast or lunch, the Tandem Creperie and Coffeehouse is a tasty and cute stop. Order from the van and sit inside the main restaurant or out on a patio as you enjoy sweet and savory options. Other things to do in Travelers Rest include strolling the main street and finding something unique at the locally owned and operated shops. Planning an outdoor adventure? The town has one of the oldest outfitting stores in the state, Sunrift Adventures.
Official site: https://travelersrestsc.com/
Day Trip to Lake Hartwell
One of the largest lakes in the southeast, Lake Hartwell is a popular destination for the residents of Greenville. Only a 45-minute drive from downtown to the Portman Marina and nearby restaurants, the lake is easily accessible as a daytrip destination. The lake's massive size makes it the perfect destination for pleasure boaters, sailors, and even houseboats.
It's a lively scene on the weekend with boats zipping in every direction, some towing water skiers, tubes, or wakeboarders. Others prefer to drive slowly and find a calm, shallow spot to hang out, listen to music, and go swimming.
A popular destination for fun and exceptional Mexican cuisine on the lake is El Arriero at the Shores. The restaurant is set on a hill with good views out over the lake, and there is a small beach with sunshades. Just offshore is a huge floating play park with slides and climbing structures that the kids will love.
