Last Updated on December 1, 2023
With more than 31 Greenville cities in the U.S., Greenville, South Carolina quickly rose to popularity thanks to it’s small town vibe with big personality.
Recently moving up the @condenasttraveller Reader’s Choice Best Small Cities list from #6 to #4, visitors love the perfect pairing of “dynamic urban spaces and abundant natural resources.” Looking for things to do in Greenville, SC? Here are our top picks.
Get lost at Paris Mountain State Park
Located just five miles north of Greenville, Paris Mountain State Park is a quiet sanctuary perfect for exploring the great outdoors. Nature lovers will enjoy the plentiful hiking opportunities at this outdoor oasis, and with more than 10 trails to choose from, all ranging in difficulty and time required, there’s plenty of ground to cover here.
Beyond breaking in your hiking boots, Paris Mountain is also a great spot to mountain bike, fish and paddle. There’s also a on-going scavenger hunt, which is perfect for getting the kids outdoors. In the fall, Music in the Woods is a popular event and takes place on Saturdays in the afternoon.
hose new to Paris Mountain State Park can get their feet wet by walking around Lake Placid, which is less than a mile and allows you to see wildlife and the historic spillway.
Take a ride with Pedego Greenville
When weather permits, the best way to see Greenville is on an electric bike! Grab some friends or the family and ride the 28-mile Swamp Rabbit Trail as you journey from Travelers Rest through downtown Greenville. Pedego Greenville is located right on Swamp Rabbit Trail so you can easily ride right out the door. View Greenville on your own, or sign up for one of their many guided tours, like the Bike and Brunch tour!
Stroll on the Liberty Bridge
One of the best known spots in Greenville, SC is the Liberty Bridge, located right in the heart of downtown Greenville. Overlooking Reedy River Falls, the Liberty Bridge is the only single-suspension bridge in the Western Hemisphere. Once you get off the bridge, you can get your steps in wondering through the picturesque Falls Park.
Unity Park
Unity Park is Greenville’s newest park featuring a 4,100 square foot spalsh pad, playgrounds, green spaces, covered picnic tables and event spaces.
Get wild at the Greenville Zoo
Home to over 90 species, The Greenville Zoo is the perfect destination for families. With interactive exhibits, a gift shop, beautiful grounds and even live animal shows, you can be sure to have a roar of a time at the Greenville Zoo. Don’t forget to check out the zoo’s special events for fun at the zoo after hours–from their highly anticipated Boo in the Zoo, to Sippin Safari, Zoo Fest and more, the zoo is a great spot to frequent.
Head to Camperdown Plaza
Completed in late 2021, Camperdown Plaza is the place to be if you’re looking for amazing food, drink and entertainment. Camperdown Plaza is home to some of Greenville’s best dining options and thanks to the bevy of choices, this is the perfect spot for a crowd or to bring out-of-town guests. Here’s a breakdown of the Plaza’s retailers:
- Paloma
- Larkin’s
- CAMP
- Juniper
- Perfect Buns
- The Press Room
- Insomnia Cookies
- Jeni’s Ice Cream
- Starbucks
- Group Therapy
- Southern Tide
Take in a show at the Peace Center
See your favorite artist live in concert, catch a broadway show, take in a famous ballet, or even laugh it up watching your favorite comedian, all at the Peace Center.
Visit Downtown
Recently ranked as one of the top 10 best downtowns in the country and dubbed as a “national model for a pedestrian-friendly city center,” by the New York Times, Downtown Greenville is quite the destination. This pedestrian-friendly downtown features wider sidewalks and ample shops, restaurants and entertainment, and even a farmer’s market all in close proximity. From the tree-lined Main Street to the gorgeous views from Liberty Bridge and featuring over 115 retail shops and 110 independent restaurants, you can easily spend many days exploring Downtown Greenville.
Watch a ball game at Flour Field
Take me out to the ball game! There’s not a bad seat in the house at Flour Field. A mini replica of Boston’s Fenway Park, the farthest seats in the stadium are only 15 seats away from the field. Come cheer on the Greenville Drive at Flour Field.
Have drinks on the balcony at The Grand Bohemian
Situated right on the banks of the picturesque Reedy River, you don’t have to be staying at The Grand Bohemian to appreciate its beauty. Stop for drinks or dinner and relax in a beautiful setting as you dine on the balcony at the Between the Trees restaurant located in the hotel.
Go back in time at Vault & Vator
Transport yourself back to the 1920s when you step inside the Vault & Vator. Greenville’s first and only speakeasy-style modern cocktail lounge offers hand-crafted drinks inspired by the Golden Age of cocktails.
This roaring 20s throwback occupies the space Dr. Pepper Cola Co. once did during the turn of the century and features the original vault and elevator of the historic building; thus, Vault & Vator was born.
Have some floral fun at Juniper
Described as an “intoxicating garden rooftop for drinks and dining,” Juniper is the prettiest spot in Greenville. A true feast for the senses, Juniper is the perfect spot to visit when you have something or someone to celebrate.
Have brunch at Fork and Plough
If you’re seeking a true farm-to-table experience, dine at Fork and Plough. Featuring only seasonal items from local and regional growers, and easily one of the best restaurants in Greenville, you’ll be eating fresher than fresh here. Don’t have time to sit for brunch? No problem! Shop the market and take home grab-and-go meals, local honey, cheeses and produce.
Have the best pizza of your life at SideWall
Sidewall Pizza may very well be the best pizza you’ll ever have in your life. Besides their insanely good pizza, this company also has a mission: donating a portion of every sale into the SideWall Community fund. Good food with a purpose!
Have dinner at the NoseDive
Searching for comfort food in a cool location? You’ll find urban comfort food classics, just like mama made them at NoseDive. Located right in the hustle and bustle of downtown Greenville, NoseDive is known for its iconic dishes like chicken-n-waffles and fish and chips.
Cool off at Jeni’s Ice Cream
Located in Greenville’s newest live, work and play space, Camperdown Plaza, Jeni’s Ice Cream is the cherry on top of a great night. With unique flavors like Brown Butter Almond Brittle and Middle West Whiskey and Pecans, plus tons of seasonal flavors, visitors give this place two scoops up!
Play a round of putt-putt at Group Therapy
If you’ve ever wished you could be a kid again, Group Therapy needs to be on your to-do list. A play place for grown ups is what you’ll find at Group Therapy, complete with mini golf, axe throwing, karaoke, food and drinks–what more could you want?
Ready to call Greenville, SC home?
Established after the Revolutionary War in 1795, Greenville is the third-largest municipality in South Carolina, and is located about halfway between Atlanta and Charlotte. More recently, Greenville has been named among the fastest growing cities in the country due to its high concentration of international powerhouse companies. The city is a thriving center for museums, sports, cultural event venues, and annual festivals. Outdoor enthusiasts have plenty of options for adventure in and around town, especially the 32-acre Falls Park located on the Reedy River. Not convinced? Here are 10 reasons why you should move to Greenville, SC.
Does that sound like the perfect lifestyle for you? Find homes for sale in Greenville, SC now!
About Allen Tate Realtors
Allen Tate Realtors has been helping our clients achieve their real estate goals since 1957 and is the #1 real estate company in the Carolinas. With local roots and global connections, thanks to our partnership with Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, our real estate agents can provide their customers with superior service, unparalleled connections, and vast market knowledge. Allen Tate provides real estate, mortgage, insurance, and relocation services throughout the entire homeownership lifecycle.
Allen Tate Companies is a proud partner of Howard Hanna Real Estate Services, the largest independent, family-owned real estate company in the country. With more than 13,000 sales associates and staff members across the combined companies, our agents are the best of the best.
