Things to Do in Downtown Greenville
Downtown Greenville, South Carolina is a world-class destination -- a hub of art, dining, shopping, entertainment, and community. Locals and visitors alike convene downtown, chatting on the wide sidewalks or hanging out in the plazas simply because they can. Whether you're looking to soak up the sounds of local musicians or indulge in a plateful of Southern favorites, this is the perfect place for, well, everything.
Check out this list of the best things to do in downtown Greenville and start making your ideal itinerary (and your travel plans) ASAP. Greenville and its parks, event centers, restaurants, and friendly people are waiting to welcome you.
For the Foodies
Visit The Lazy Goat for a culinary trip around the world courtesy of an expansive "made from scratch" menu influenced by the cuisine of Spain, Morocco, France, Africa, Greece, Italy, and the Middle East. Embrace tapas-style eats and graze on tasty offerings like fried goat cheese with pistachio dust, pepper, and vanilla honey or brussels sprouts with jamon serrano, shaved Manchego, and sherry glace. There are full-sized entrees too, plus an impressive slate of wine, spirits, and cocktails -- just right for sipping on the patio that overlooks the Reedy River.
For a true taste of the South, head over to Reid's Fine Foods' Greenville location. There are separate menus for breakfast, lunch, brunch, and dinner, all full of fun twists on southern classics. Think blackened chicken alfredo, kale Caesar salad, and burrata bruschetta with macerated strawberries, basil, and prosciutto.
Brunch is an event at Reid's. On beautiful Sunday or Saturday mornings, toast the weekend with a smoked salmon bagel plate -- all the fixin's included -- or berry French toast casserole served with pecans, maple syrup, and applewood bacon. After your meal, visit Reid's gourmet marketplace to stock up on essentials for your hotel room or grab a gift basket as a surprise for your Airbnb hosts.
For the Artsy
If performing arts and live music get your heart racing, snag tickets for a concert by the Greenville Symphony Orchestra. The orchestra kicks off their 75th anniversary season in September 2022, with a calendar full of memorable events like Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (featuring legendary composer John William's original score) and concerts featuring works by Haydn, Tchaikovsky, and more.
Ticket holders at the Peace Center can get front row seats for newer Broadway musicals like Hamilton and Dear Evan Hansen as well as revisiting classics like To Kill a Mockingbird and Cats. The venue's busy calendar -- they host 300+ events per year -- also features popular entertainers like Anastasia, Boz Skaggs, and David Copperfield. Visiting the Peace Center is also an experience in of itself. This six-acre destination sits on the former site of a textile manufacturing industrial complex, although the current architecture is decidedly modern, as are the light and sound systems that help transport eager audiences.
Bon Secours Wellness Arena may sound like the home of an NFL or MLB team, but this Greenville landmark is a powerhouse of entertainment as well as a community meeting point. Join the Well Walkers to meet your fitness goals, see musical acts like Brooks & Dunn and New Kids on the Block, laugh at headlining comedians, or enjoy a cornucopia of talent with festivals that celebrate some of the best acts in the biz.
For the Sporty
Greenville makes a wonderful home base or vacation spot for outdoor enthusiasts and athletes looking to work up a sweat in between brunch reservations and museum outings. Outdoor activities range from casual hikes to well-planned endeavors like a zipline tour, stop at Fluor field, or whitewater rafting trip.
For a casual jaunt, check out Swamp Rabbit Trail. This 22-mile-long greenway is available for walking or biking, with plenty of interesting spots to rest and relax along the way. The south side of the trail starts at Greenville Technical College then traverses the city to end at Travelers Rest. Run, walk, skate, cycle -- it's up to you, but leave plenty of time to appreciate the scenery and sneak a break in one of the gazebos or benches you'll find along the way. Check out Reedy Rides for bike rentals!
Cleveland Park is the result of 122 acres of land donated by the Cleveland family way back in 1922. The area is incredibly scenic -- it borders the Reedy River -- but there are also dedicated spots for tennis, volleyball courts, and softball, as well as playground areas and a fitness trail with workout along the way. When you're ready to take a break from athletic adventures, check out the park's Rock Quarry Garden, complete with manicured gardens and its own waterfall and footbridge, and the touching Vietnam Veterans Memorial that pays tribute to 14,000 Grenville natives who lost their lives while serving their country.
If it's a rainy day, you can still feel connected to your sporty side by visiting the Shoeless Joe Jackson Museum. Visit the house of the famous Joe Jackson and admire all the cool baseball memorabilia.
For the Family
Greensville's nature lovers convene at Falls Park, an urban oasis that serves multiple purposes, including offering families a chance to have some fun outdoors. Use the downloadable Falls Park Guide and Activity Book to plan out an all-day adventure that includes park-related activities, puzzles, and educational opportunities or put together your own scavenger hunt that includes searching out the nine bronze mice hidden around the nearby downtown area. An attraction within an attraction, Liberty Bridge is a 345-foot-long suspension bridge that crosses the Reedy River and gives onlookers a chance to peer over at the gardens and waterfall below.
It's only a hop, skip, and a kangaroo's jump from Falls Park to Greenville Zoo. The zoo is an integral part of the Greenville experience. Locals take advantage of the zoo's discovery programs to beef up homeschool curriculum and liven up the school day with seriously exhilarating field trips. There are free programs throughout the year that give those with zoo tickets a chance to learn in-depth about residents like the Aldabra tortoise and spider monkeys. Short-term visitors will have just as much fun exploring the zoo's habitats and participating in the Secret Safari, a game that encourages youngsters to look for clues hidden around the sprawling 13-acre property.
Don't forget to stop by the Children's Museum of the Upstate with the kiddos. There are plenty of hands on activities for you and the kids to enjoy. By the end of the visit, the children will definitely be ready for a nap and some ice cream.
For the Fashionistas
Forget Paris and Milan, or even North Carolina -- Greenville is a haven for fashion designers with a strong point of view and sense of style influenced by both the past and future of this growing southern metropolis Make Made Jewelry is an artisan-owned boutique that provides a "creative jewelry experience." The shop is all about one-of-a-kind pieces and distinctive limited-edition designs offered by indie artists from the Greenville area. In addition to gorgeous versions of traditional pieces like necklaces and rings, the boutique's resident artists also produce unique gifts and accessories like leather bowties, handcrafted cutting boards, handmade copper mugs, and even pocketknives, and there are classes for those looking to hone their own jewelry making skills.
Tara Kirkland, owner of Custard Boutique, turned her passion for fashion into an inclusive shop that offers fashion-forward and unique clothing to people of all shapes and sizes. There's a major focus on local and eco-friendly creations, with products spanning shoe, bag, jewelry, clothes, and gift categories. Treat yourself to something special to wear on a night out or find a bag or piece of jewelry that will become part of your signature style. You can also order online -- Custard's Curated Curiosities Box is full of surprises that come straight from small-batch makers and other special sources handpicked by Kirkland and her team.
For the History Lovers
Main Street in Greenville is both a place and an organization working tirelessly to promote local culture and preserve the area's history. Established in 1834, Main Street has long been the heartbeat of the city, giving tourists and locals alike a place to shop, eat, and chat at their leisure. You can take a self-guided walking tour and check out the fascinating interplay of nostalgia and modern amenities, grab some produce and flowers from the farmer's market, get a jolt of caffeine from one of downtown Greenville's charming coffee shops, or duck into a gift shop to tick off souvenirs for friends and family back at home.
First Fridays are a chance to enjoy Main Street and Greensville's top artists at the same time. This series of evening events gives vendors an audience for their wares, which run the gamut from paintings and ceramics to jewelry and repurposed home décor. There are also demonstrations and live music held at multiple locations throughout the downtown Greenville area, so people can stroll around and make purchases, dance, and visit with neighbors for the duration of the three-hour event.
Learn more about South Carolina's past at the Upcountry History Museum, where curators tell the story of some 300 years of local history using interactive exhibits suitable for all ages. These tech-driven displays are designed to "engage the senses, ignite the imagination and transport visitors back in time."
The downtown area of Greenville SC is a wonderful example of how history and contemporary interests come together to create a city that's full of life, culture, and adventure.
Whether you come for a day, a week, or the rest of your life, Greenville will make its mark, delivering memories to last a lifetime.