In the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, conveniently perched between Charlotte and Atlanta, the city of Greenville, South Carolina, offers both the charm of a small town and the convenience of a big city. With its one-of-a-kind boutiques, unique museums, fun seasonal events, and beautiful parks, Greenville has something to offer visitors of all ages and interests. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or a new home, don’t count out this lively little city. Scroll down to learn about some of the fun things to do in Greenville, South Carolina.
Things to Do in Greenville, South Carolina
NOTE: Please keep in mind that some of the attractions listed below are currently closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We look forward to visiting them again when the situation has improved.
Parks & Trails
Nature lovers adore Greenville. Not only does it have a lot of great parks in town, but also if you’re willing to drive 30 or 45 minutes, you’ll find some breathtaking state parks. The following are a few of our favorites:
- Falls Park on the Reedy: An oasis in downtown Greenville, Falls Park features the gorgeous Liberty Bridge and many pieces of public art.
- Caesars Head State Park: Visit the (easily accessible) overlook on the Blue Ridge Escarpment for an amazing view that stretches into both North Carolina and Georgia.
- McPherson Park: Any mini golf fans? This park has a free mini golf course!
- Cedar Falls Park: This park gets its name from a 200-foot-wide waterfall on the Reedy River. Back in the 1820s, the gorgeous cascade powered three mills!
- Swamp Rabbit Trail: This 22-mile trail, which traverses the Reedy River, is a favorite of walkers and bikers in the region.
- Jones Gap State Park: In this park’s 13,000 acres of pristine mountain woodlands, there are two scenic waterfalls, over 60 miles of hiking trails, and a traversing river (the Middle Saluda) that offers excellent trout fishing.
Museums
When the weather’s not ideal but you’re itching to explore new attractions, check out one of Greenville’s museums. Visitors with an eye for art will love the Greenville County Museum of Art, which includes the largest public collection of paintings by artist Andrew Wyeth. Baseball fans will adore the Shoeless Joe Jackson Museum & Baseball Library, which is located in the former home of the actual Shoeless Joe Jackson (and as of July 2020, temporarily closed due to a move). Finally, anyone interested in historical architecture should check out the Kilgore-Lewis House, an 1830s home that offers docent-led tours and features beautiful gardens and an arboretum.
Sports
Want to root for the home team? You have three options:
- Greenville Triumph Soccer Club: Greenville’s new professional soccer team has only been playing since 2019. Get in at the ground level and support this up-and-coming club.
- Greenville Swamp Rabbits: Greenville’s hockey team plays in the South Division of the Eastern Conference of the ECHL. They’re currently affiliated with the Carolina Hurricanes and Charlotte Checkers.
- Greenville Drive: This Minor League Baseball team is a Class A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox. The Drive moved to Greenville from Columbia in 2005 and won the division title in 2017.
Events
If you’re lucky enough to be in town during one of Greenville’s seasonal events, don’t miss out! The following are a few of our favorites:
- TD Saturday Market: Every Saturday morning from May until October, you can visit this bustling farmers’ market that takes over two blocks of Main Street in downtown Greenville.
- Moonlight Movie Series: On Wednesday evenings in May and September, catch a flick at this movie series. Although a local food truck and Poppington’s Popcorn will be on site, you can also bring your own picnic if you like.
- Fall for Greenville: Occurring in October, this delectable event includes 45 local restaurants showcasing their best dishes, free live entertainment, and over 50 beer taps and wine vendors.
- Poinsettia Christmas Parade: This festive parade has ushered in the holiday season for more than 75 years and attracts thousands of visitors annually.
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There are so many fantastic things to do in Greenville, South Carolina, we couldn’t possibly list them all. From gorgeous parks and trendy new restaurants to relaxing weekend getaways, this cozy southern city has it all.
Are you planning to retire in Greenville? Be sure to check out The Gables on Pelham, a continuing care retirement community that welcomes seniors from all walks of life. We offer flexible and personalized care, including assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation. You’ll love our cozy accommodations, fun-filled events calendar, and welcoming community atmosphere. To learn more, please schedule a tour or give us a call at 864-286-6600.