On a recent girls’ getaway weekend to Lake Keowee in South Carolina, we decided to take a day trip to nearby Greenville, an hour’s drive away. It was my first visit to Greenville, and instantly, I fell in love. Within just a few minutes of walking the paths in Falls Park on the Reedy in the heart of downtown, I knew Greenville was a special place. I have traveled to over 50 countries and 40 US states and have happily been on countless trips with friends, family, and couples. I found Greenville to offer the perfect blend of outdoor, arts, culture, and culinary appeal for a weekend getaway.
Based on my experience, I share how you can make the most of a visit by sharing top things to do, places to eat, where to stay, and recommendations for exploring nearby areas to extend your getaway.
How to get to Greenville, SC.
In the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Greenville is easily accessible by car or plane. If driving, Greenville is conveniently off I-85, making it a quick trip from nearby cities like:
- Atlanta, GA: 2 hours, 15 minutes (145 miles)
- Charlotte, NC: 1 hour, 45 minutes (100 miles)
- Asheville, NC: 1 hour (65 miles)
If you live too far away to drive, I have happy news. The Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP), just 15 minutes from downtown, offers direct flights from nearly 30 US cities, including New York, Chicago, and Dallas. Conveniently, renting a car is optional since so many top attractions are within walking distance in the lively downtown area—a benefit for travelers who want to keep costs down and logistics simple.
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Where to stay in Greenville, SC.
For a luxurious and memorable experience, consider staying at the Grand Bohemian Lodge. Adjacent to the Reedy River in Falls Park, this boutique lodge radiates rustic charm and modern elegance. Included with a stay? Stunning views from rooms and balconies, a gorgeous lobby, a gourmet riverside restaurant, and easy access to downtown Greenville. If you do not plan to book a room, detour while wandering Falls Park to walk through its picture-perfect lobby like we did.
The AC Hotel Greenville is another fantastic option for a more contemporary vibe. Right on Main Street, this sleek hotel has stylish rooms and one of the best rooftop bars in town. Come to Juniper to sip cocktails while taking in panoramic views of the city skyline, which is exactly what we did. Just be sure to book a reservation for this popular spot.
For a more affordable alternative, the Hyatt Place Greenville Downtown offers clean, comfortable rooms in a central location. It’s just steps from many of the city’s attractions, making it an excellent option for exploring on foot.
For groups, search for top-ranking downtown and riverside rentals on VRBO that best fit your size, budget, and location needs.
What to do in Greenville, SC.
Greenville offers an impressive range of activities sure to please outdoor lovers, shopping enthusiasts, foodies, and culture seekers. I know this because, as a traveler, I check each of these boxes. Here are some top highlights to make the most of a weekend visit.
Explore Falls Park on the Reedy.
Start your Greenville experience like we did by visiting Falls Park on the Reedy, in the heart of downtown Greenville. The park is home to the stunning Liberty Bridge, a pedestrian suspension bridge that curves gracefully over the Reedy River, and the waterfalls that cascade below.
Explore the park by following the 1.0-mile Reedy Fiver Falls Loop Trail to enjoy the park’s pretty gardens, hear the rushing water, and take in the picture-perfect blend of urban and nature. This area is ideal for a leisurely morning stroll or afternoon spent picnicking, people-watching, or relaxing and soaking in the scene.
See my AllTrails map recording of our walk—along the way, we stopped to visit the Art Crossing galleries and admire the interior of the Grand Bohemian Lodge. I accidentally forgot to turn off the recording once we left the park and hit Augusta Street to start shopping.
Shopping on Augusta & S. Main Street.
Greenville has some seriously stylish boutiques, especially on Augusta Street. There, you’ll find stores like Augusta Twenty offering contemporary, fashion-forward labels and Copper Penny delivering modern Southern chic dresses and separates. Northeast along Main Street find more options, like Vintage Now Modern, for eye-catching home decor and collectible treasures. Then, where Main Street crosses the river, hang left at Halls Chophouse to browse the artist studios at Art Crossing at Riverplace.
Rooftop drinks at Juniper.
Cap off a day spent exploring with rooftop drinks at Juniper, located atop the AC Hotel, which is what we did. This uber-chic spot serves craft cocktails and small plates with views of downtown Greenville. We loved our zero-proof Root for Me cocktail, a refreshing blackberry, lime, and ginger beer blend. We paired this with rosemary focaccia served with spreads—the olive tapenade was our favorite—and the garden crudité plate.
Outdoor adventures.
For those who love the outdoors like I do—Greenville delivers with its natural beauty. To experience more adventure, consider a hike at Paris Mountain State Park, just a 15-minute drive from downtown. The park offers hiking trails for all skill levels. The 4.0-mile Sulphur Springs Loop Trail is a challenging favorite. For a more moderate experience, try the Brissy Ridge or Lake Placid Loop trails. Park visitors can also picnic and rent kayaks and canoes (on Saturdays and Sundays) to explore the lake.
If you are up for a slightly longer drive, visit Caesar’s Head State Park, which is about an hour north. Explore routes like the Raven Cliff Falls Trail, a 3.8-mile moderate out-and-back hike to a 420-foot waterfall.
If cycling is more your speed, rent bikes and ride along the Swamp Rabbit Trail, a 22-mile greenway from downtown Greenville to nearby Travelers Rest. It’s a great way to explore more ground while getting some exercise.
Guided activities.
If you love getting the lay of the land for a new place with a guided walking tour or group activity, check out these three top Greenville options:
- Small-group breakfast walking tour: Start your day by sampling breakfast snacks at top Greenville eateries.
- Craft cocktail tour: Experience cocktails and apps at four venues in the heart of downtown Greenville.
- Guided e-bike tour with brunch: Join a group with an expert guide to explore the Swamp Rabbit Trail and enjoy brunch.
In town on a Saturday? Stop by the Greenville Farmers’ Market, which spans two blocks on Main Street and features over 70 produce and craft vendors.
Where to eat in Greenville, SC.
Greenville is home to a thriving food scene that will satisfy discriminating palates. Here are some top dining spots for your trip:
Papi’s Tacos.
For casual, authentic Mexican fare and a perfect break while shopping on Augusta Street, head to Papi’s Tacos. On the banks of the Reedy River, this laid-back eatery serves some of the best street tacos in the city. Enjoy its spacious outdoor area by grabbing a picnic table and ordering tacos and a refreshing margarita.
Passerelle Bistro.
For French-inspired cuisine within Falls Park, include a meal at Passerelle Bistro. This open-air restaurant offers dishes like mussels, ratatouille, and steak frites, all served with peaceful wooded and river views. It’s an ideal spot for brunch, a leisurely lunch, and some welcome vacation relaxation.
Between the Trees.
Perfect for a celebration, book a reservation at Between the Trees, an upscale dining experience in the Grand Bohemian Lodge. With its menu focusing on locally sourced ingredients, the restaurant offers elevated Southern cuisine in a refined atmosphere. Secure a table on the outdoor deck for tranquil views of Falls Park and the Reedy River while savoring regionally inspired dishes.
Jianna.
If you’re craving Italian cuisine, book a meal at Jianna. This modern restaurant on Main Street offers handmade pastas, fresh oysters, and an extensive wine list. Its open-air balcony overlooks Falls Park, making it a desirable spot for a night out.
The Anchorage.
A short 5-minute drive from downtown, head to The Anchorage, an intimate restaurant in the Village of West Greenville. Get locally sourced and seasonal ingredients and inventive fare. Sample their four-course tasting menu or order seafood and vegetarian-friendly dishes ala carte.
Plan your trip around these festivals.
Want to make your trip extra special? Plan your visit around these annual major Greenville festivals:
- Fall for Greenville (October): a huge three-day food and music festival.
- Artisphere (May), a three-day premier fine arts festival
- Euphoria (September): a four-day food, wine, and music festival.
On my visit to Greenville, I traveled with my Atlanta-based friend, Juli Hall, a bespoke travel advisor at Celebrate and Explore. She says attending Fall for Greenville is a wonderful experience and worth the trip alone.
Extend your trip: day trips from Greenville.
If you want to extend your trip, add a few days in these nearby destinations:
Asheville, NC.
Just an hour away, Asheville is known for its vibrant arts scene, historic Biltmore Estate, and craft beer. Spend a day exploring the city’s downtown or drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway for breathtaking mountain views. Get ideas for a girls’ trip based on a group getaway that includes hiking, rooftop bars, and gallery visits I did with friends in this guide.
Lake Jocassee, SC.
For an even more outdoorsy and relaxing adventure, head to Lake Jocassee, a getaway gem about 1.5 hours northwest of Greenville. Declared by National Geographic as one of the world’s 50 last great places, the largely undeveloped lake is known for its crystal-clear waters and picturesque waterfalls. It is perfect for swimming, kayaking, and hiking. You can also take a guided boat tour to learn more about the area’s history and geology. Find places to stay lakeside or in nearby locations on VRBO.
Highlands, NC.
Just under two hours from Greenville, Highlands, NC, is a charming mountain town ideal for a relaxing day trip or an overnight stay. Known for its cool temperatures, cascading waterfalls, and luxe resorts, the Highlands offers an upscale escape into nature. We visited the Highlands for a rainy-day trip on our girls’ getaway. See how we enjoyed the town in the clip below and get tips for visiting in its caption.
Related reading.
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Feedback & questions.
Did this article help? Do you have questions about an upcoming visit? Or updates to the information shared? Please post in the comments below, and I will respond.
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