Greenville

Day Trips

Start your morning with a freshly brewed coffee and a pastry at Spill the Beans, soaking up the small-town vibe. Wander down Main Street to admire the brick storefronts and quirky boutiques. Pop into local galleries to get a taste of Greenville’s burgeoning art scene.

Grab a leisurely lunch at Tupelo Honey, sampling Southern comfort food with a modern twist. Stroll through the Peace Center plaza and take in the architecture that defines Greenville’s cultural heart. Browse the collection at the Upcountry History Museum to uncover local stories and heritage.

Dine at Soby’s where farm-to-table ingredients shine in creative Southern dishes. Take in live music at The Radio Room or catch a show at the Peace Center for an unforgettable night of entertainment. Cap off the evening with a twilight walk along the lit-up Reedy River.

Head to Falls Park on the Reedy to marvel at the cascading waterfalls and the iconic Liberty Bridge. Listen to the soothing rush of water as you stroll through the lush, landscaped gardens. Pause for photos at the scenic overlooks framing the heart of downtown.

Enjoy a gourmet picnic on the grassy banks of the river, surrounded by colorful flora and chirping birds. Rent a kayak or paddleboard for a blissful glide beneath the falls and around the gentle bends. Visit the onsite visitor center to learn about the park’s history and conservation efforts.

As the sun dips, find a seat at one of the riverfront cafes to watch the water glow in twilight. Savor a locally sourced dinner at The Trappe Door, indulging in Belgian beers and mussels by candlelight. End the night with a leisurely walk across Liberty Bridge under the starry sky.

Begin with fresh produce and baked goods at the TD Saturday Market, mingling with friendly vendors and artisanal farmers. Sample seasonal berries and homemade jams while exploring the bustling stalls. Pick up local flowers to brighten your room for the day ahead.

Embark on a guided brewery tour that features Birds Fly South, Brewery 85, and Swamp Rabbit Brewery, tasting craft beers infused with Southern flavors. Chat with brewers about the inspirations behind their small-batch creations and savor a flight of IPAs and stouts. Grab a gourmet food truck lunch on the brewery patio for a laid-back midday feast.

Reserve a table at a renowned gastropub like Husk Greenville for a tasting menu that highlights regional produce and heritage recipes. Pair your meal with a select wine or mixologist-crafted cocktail for a memorable culinary finale. Unwind with live music in an intimate taproom, tapping into Greenville’s eclectic nightlife.

Drive to Paris Mountain State Park for an invigorating sunrise hike along the Lake Placid Trail, breathing in crisp forest air. Spot songbirds and deer peeking through the pines as you traverse winding paths. Pause at overlooks for panoramic views of Greenville basking in morning light.

Refuel with a riverside picnic lunch at Tall Pines Picnic Area, surrounded by towering trees and the gentle murmur of a stream. Rent a paddleboat or fish at Bad Creek Lake for an afternoon of peaceful recreation. Explore additional trails for mountain biking, immersing yourself in the park’s rugged beauty.

Return to downtown Greenville and treat yourself to a hearty dinner at The Anchorage, where wood-fired dishes celebrate the mountains-to-table ethos. Swap stories of your park adventure over house-made cocktails. Cap the night with a relaxing soak in your hotel’s hot tub or pool, readying yourself for tomorrow’s journey.

Spend the morning at the Greenville County Museum of Art, discovering works by Southern artists and iconic American masters. Engage with interactive exhibits that highlight Greenville’s role in regional art movements. Reflect on thought-provoking installations as soft light filters through the skylights.

Stroll through the nearby Center for Contemporary Art to experience cutting-edge shows and local artist features. Enjoy a light lunch at a café overlooking downtown, savoring artisan sandwiches and craft sodas. Pop into Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art for rotating exhibitions that challenge and inspire.

Attend a performance at the Peace Center, whether it’s a Broadway touring show, symphony concert, or jazz ensemble. Dress up for a glamorous night out in Greenville’s cultural crown jewel. End the evening with dessert at Cafe Aion, indulging in creative pastries and espresso.

Kick off the day at the Greenville Zoo, where playful primates, roaring lions, and colorful birds greet visitors from around the globe. Participate in a keeper talk or feeding demonstration for an up-close animal encounter. Explore the winding pathways shaded by magnolia trees.

Wander through nearby Cleveland Park, where the large playground and sprayground offer cool relief from the South Carolina sun. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy under the pavilion or grab burgers from a park-side vendor. Let the kids race on the running track or ride the miniature train around the green space.

Head back downtown for a family-friendly dinner at Grill Marks, enjoying gourmet burgers and shakes. Treat everyone to a scoop (or two) at Kilwins for a sweet finish. Take a moonlit stroll by the river, letting the kids skip stones on the gentle waters.

Rent bicycles at a local shop and set out on the Swamp Rabbit Trail, a 22-mile greenway weaving along the Reedy River. Glide past lush parks, hidden gardens, and picturesque bridges as morning light bathes the trail. Stop at Greenville Technical College station for a quick coffee break.

Continue north to Travelers Rest, exploring the revitalized downtown filled with shops and brewpubs. Refuel with gourmet crepes and coffee at Tandem Creperie & Coffeehouse. Browse artisan boutiques and catch a live outdoor performance if luck is on your side.

Cycle back as the sun sets, watching the trail light up with soft lamplight. Celebrate your ride with dinner at The Green Room on Main, offering farm-fresh supper club classics in a cozy spot. Savor a locally brewed beer on the patio overlooking the river.

Embark on a scenic 45-minute drive to Caesars Head State Park, winding through Foothills Parkway with soaring mountain views. Begin the day with the majestic overlook at Drawer’s Creek Falls, where you can see distant ridges blanketed in mist. Breathe deeply as you stand above the North Carolina border.

Hike the waterfalls trail to Raven Cliff Falls, passing cascading streams and lush fern grottos. Enjoy a picnic lunch with panoramic vistas at the falls’ base, feeling the cool spray of water misting your face. Keep an eye out for peregrine falcons nesting on the rocky cliffs.

Return to Greenville for a riverside dinner at Jianna, where contemporary Italian cuisine meets Southern hospitality. Toast to your adventure with a glass of local wine while dining on fresh pasta and oysters. Conclude the day with a leisurely walk on the illuminated Main Street.

Discover the creative hub of the Village of West Greenville, browsing artisan shops, colorful murals, and vintage stores. Sample freshly baked goods at Tandem Creperie’s outpost or sip a nitro latte at Spillers Cafe. Chat with local artists working in open studios.

Enjoy a farm-fresh lunch at Southern Pressed Juicery’s organic eatery before heading to the Greenville Center for Creative Arts. Peruse contemporary galleries and catch a live demonstration or art class. Pop into Slow Play to relax over board games and specialty coffee.

Embark on a cocktail tour of West Greenville’s emerging bar scene, hitting spots like The Slippery Mermaid and Community Tap. Savor craft cocktails infused with local ingredients and chat with bartenders about their signature syrups and bitters. End the night with small-plate bites and live tunes in this up-and-coming neighborhood.

Indulge in a leisurely brunch at Sunnyside Café, where rooftop tables offer panoramic city views. Try their signature avocado toast topped with poached eggs and local microgreens. Reflect on your trip while savoring velvety lattes and homemade pastries.

Take one last stroll through Falls Park, pausing at your favorite breeze-blown bench to soak in river sounds. Browse downtown shops for souvenirs, from sweetgrass baskets to artisanal spices. Capture final photos on Liberty Bridge before bidding farewell to Greenville.

Reserve a table at Rick Erwin’s East Bay Deli for a sumptuous seafood feast to cap off your visit. Sip a nightcap at 88 West rooftop bar, where city lights twinkle below. Toast to new memories under the stars, promising to return soon.