Featured image of post Our Favorite Things to Do, Eat, and See around Greenville, SC

Our Favorite Things to Do, Eat, and See around Greenville, SC

Discover our favorite things to do in Greenville, SC. We share our top picks for local food, peach picking, and scenic overlooks around the Upstate.

The map contains our favorite things to do in the area. Expand the Google My Maps then click on the place icon to see pictures and a detailed description. It is also helpful to bring up the photos and description.

Our Favorite Things to Do in and around Greenville, SC

Outdoor & Adventure

  • Jumping Off Rock Overlook
    • Description: One of my favorite views in the state! Be prepared to drive miles of gravel road to get there.
    • Google Maps Location: Link
  • The Pretty Place
    • Description: The Pretty Place (Symmes Chapel) * Description: A breathtaking open-air chapel perched on the edge of a cliff, offering one of the most iconic sunrise views in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Part of YMCA Camp Greenville.
    • Google Maps Location: Link
  • Max Patch
    • Description: A famous “bald” mountain on the Appalachian Trail providing 360-degree views of the Smokies and Blue Ridge. It is a premier spot for picnics and stargazing.
    • Google Maps Location: Link
  • Table Rock Reservoir Overlook Hike
    • Description: 8 Miles RT. ~3hr
    • Google Maps Location: Link
  • Jocassee Pontoon Boat Rental Waterfall Tour
    • Description: Great way to enjoy a lake day and to get to see the many waterfalls that empty into the lake. $550/day
    • Google Maps Location: Link
  • Turtleback Falls
    • Description: Jump off
    • Google Maps Location: Link
  • Rainbow Falls
    • Description: A stunning 150-foot waterfall in Jones Gap State Park. The trail is strenuous but rewards hikers with mist and frequent rainbows in the afternoon sun.
    • Google Maps Location: Link
  • Bike or Walk the Swamp Rabbit trail from Unity Park
    • Description: Free Parking, easy walk into downtown
    • Google Maps Location: Link
  • Mountain Bike DuPont State Forest
    • Description: This is the parking lot for Ridgeline trail
    • Google Maps Location: Link
  • Ride Kanuga Bike Park
    • Description: A premier destination for mountain bikers featuring downhill trails, skills parks, and jump lines designed for all levels, located just outside Hendersonville.
    • Google Maps Location: Link
  • Sliding Rock
    • Description: A natural 60-foot mountain water slide that ends in an 8-foot deep pool. A classic Pisgah National Forest summer tradition for families and thrill-seekers.
    • Google Maps Location: Link
  • Tubing Green River
    • Description: Enjoy a relaxing or adventurous float down the Green River. Options range from calm family floats to sections with small rapids for a bit of excitement.
    • Google Maps Location: Link
  • Tube the Saluda
    • Description: No Description
    • Google Maps Location: Link
  • Tubing Loop on Saluda
    • Description: No Description
    • Google Maps Location: Link
  • Helen
    • Description: Tube Chattahoochee and visit town
    • Google Maps Location: Link
  • Long Shoals Roadside Park
    • Description: Swim and Picnic and slide down rocks
    • Google Maps Location: Link
  • Duckies/Raft Chattooga River
    • Description: Experience the “Wild and Scenic” Chattooga River. Choose between guided whitewater rafting or inflatable kayaks (duckies) for a more personal challenge.
    • Google Maps Location: Link
  • The Gorge Zipline
    • Description: Best Zipline we’ve done
    • Google Maps Location: Link
  • U.S. National Whitewater Center
    • Description: Lots of outdoor activities
    • Google Maps Location: Link
  • Sugar Mountain Ski Resort
    • Description: Rent skis from one of the places in Banner Elk, like Highland Mountain. Much cheaper than at the mountain and you won’t spend time waiting in line.
    • Google Maps Location: Link
  • Stone Mountain
    • Description: Features a massive granite dome, a 600-foot waterfall, and a historic homestead. The loop trail offers incredible views from the summit of the mountain.
    • Google Maps Location: Link
  • Tallulah Gorge State Park
    • Description: One of the most spectacular canyons in the Eastern US. Walk across the suspension bridge 80 feet above the rocky bottom or hike down to the gorge floor with a permit.
    • Google Maps Location: Link
  • Paris Mountain State Park
    • Description: Hiking and Mountain Biking
    • Google Maps Location: Link
  • Whitewater Falls
    • Description: Walk down the first set of stairs to the viewing landing
    • Google Maps Location: Link
  • Scenic Overlook
    • Description: Overlooks Lake Jocassee in the distance
    • Google Maps Location: Link
  • Stumphouse Tunnel
    • Description: An incomplete 19th-century railroad tunnel that stays 50 degrees year-round. Explore the dark passage and visit the nearby Isaqueena Falls.
    • Google Maps Location: Link
  • Bull Sluice Rapid and Beach
    • Description: There is a beach just downstream of the rapid which is accessible from the same parking lot
    • Google Maps Location: Link
  • Silver Run Falls Trailhead
    • Description: A short, easy walk leads to a beautiful 25-foot waterfall with a large sandy beach and a calm pool perfect for wading and swimming.
    • Google Maps Location: Link
  • Cashiers Sliding Rock
    • Description: A smaller, more secluded natural water slide than its Pisgah counterpart. Great for kids and families looking for a quick dip in the mountains.
    • Google Maps Location: Link
  • Chau Ram County Park
    • Description: Great tubing run, float spots, picnic locations
    • Google Maps Location: Link
  • Blueridge Parkway to Omni Grove Inn
    • Description: A scenic drive along America’s favorite Parkway leading to the historic Grove Park Inn. Perfect for leaf-peeping in the fall or enjoying mountain vistas.
    • Google Maps Location: Link
  • National Forest Rd, Horse Shoe, NC 28742, USA
    • Description: No Description
    • Google Maps Location: Link

Landmarks & Attractions

  • Campbells Covered Bridge
    • Description: This historic red structure and the surrounding park offer a picturesque spot for photos and picnics.
    • Google Maps Location: Link
  • Liberty Bridge
    • Description: A unique curved suspension bridge in Falls Park on the Reedy. It offers an amazing view of the waterfalls in the heart of downtown Greenville.
    • Google Maps Location: Link
  • Klickety-Klack Covered Bridge
    • Description: A charming, privately owned covered bridge located in the Cliffs communities, known for its rustic look and the sound it makes when driven over.
    • Google Maps Location: Link
  • Poinsett Bridge
    • Description: Oldest bridge in SC
    • Google Maps Location: Link
  • Ballenger’s Covered Bridge
    • Description: A beautiful historic landmark nestled in the Upstate. While privately owned, it remains a favorite subject for local photographers and history buffs.
    • Google Maps Location: Link
  • Biltmore
    • Description: Explore George Vanderbilt’s 8,000-acre estate in Asheville, featuring America’s largest home, stunning gardens, and a world-class winery.
    • Google Maps Location: Link
  • NASCAR Hall of Fame
    • Description: Located in Charlotte, this high-tech venue honors the history and heritage of NASCAR through interactive exhibits and historic racing simulators.
    • Google Maps Location: Link
  • World of Coca-Cola
    • Description: An Atlanta staple where you can learn the history of the world’s most famous beverage and sample over 100 different drinks from around the globe.
    • Google Maps Location: Link
  • Georgia Aquarium
    • Description: One of the largest aquariums in the world, featuring whale sharks, manta rays, and thousands of other marine species in massive, immersive galleries.
    • Google Maps Location: Link
  • South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum
    • Description: No Description
    • Google Maps Location: Link
  • 110 Grovewood Rd, Asheville, NC 28804, USA
    • Description: No Description
    • Google Maps Location: Link

Family Fun & Entertainment

  • M.Judson Booksellers
    • Description: A community hub in Greenville’s historic courthouse building. Browse a curated selection of books while enjoying a treat from the in-house cafe.
    • Google Maps Location: Link
  • BMW Tour
    • Description: o behind the scenes at the only BMW factory in the US. Watch the “Ultimate Driving Machine” come to life during a guided tour of the high-tech facility.
    • Google Maps Location: Link
  • Fishers Orchard - Peach Picking July
    • Description: No Description
    • Google Maps Location: Link
  • Minor League Baseball - Fluor Field
    • Description: Home of the Greenville Drive. This mini-Fenway Park is a staple of downtown life, offering affordable family fun and great views of the game.
    • Google Maps Location: Link
  • Artisphere - May
    • Description: Street Art Fair
    • Google Maps Location: Link
  • Anderson Motor Speedway Inc
    • Description: Bring chairs, cooler, ear protection
    • Google Maps Location: Link
  • The Oasis Ranch Mini Golf
    • Description: A beautifully landscaped 18-hole miniature golf course in Seneca, featuring botanical gardens and challenging holes for the whole family.
    • Google Maps Location: Link
  • Grandad’s Apples - Fall Apple Picking
    • Description: A 100-acre family farm featuring a pumpkin patch, corn maze, and plenty of pre-picked or U-pick apples. Don’t miss the apple cider donuts!
    • Google Maps Location: Link
  • Denver Downs - Corn Maze
    • Description: premier fall destination featuring a massive corn maze, pumpkin patches, live music, and over 30 fun activities for kids and adults alike.
    • Google Maps Location: Link
  • Hollywild Animal Preserve - Christmas Lights
    • Description: A drive-through holiday tradition featuring millions of lights and the “Enchanted Deer Forest” where you can feed animals from your car.
    • Google Maps Location: Link
  • Breakout Games - Escape Room
    • Description: No Description
    • Google Maps Location: Link
  • Greenville Zoo
    • Description: A 14-acre zoo located in Cleveland Park. It is home to giraffes, lions, primates, and reptiles, making it a perfect manageable outing for families.
    • Google Maps Location: Link
  • Roper Mountain Science Center
    • Description: An educational destination featuring a planetarium, arboretum, and living history farm.
    • Google Maps Location: Link
  • Big Air Trampoline Park
    • Description: A high-energy indoor park featuring wall-to-wall trampolines, foam pits, ninja courses, and dodgeball for kids of all ages.
    • Google Maps Location: Link

Food, Drinks & Breweries

  • Soby’s
    • Description: A cornerstone of Greenville’s dining scene, serving modern Southern cuisine with local ingredients in a vibrant, renovated cotton warehouse.
    • Google Maps Location: Link
  • New Belgium Brewing Company
    • Description: Situated along the French Broad River in Asheville, this brewery offers amazing liquid center tours, a huge lawn, and plenty of Fat Tire ale.
    • Google Maps Location: Link
  • The Community Tap Trailside
    • Description: Located right on the Swamp Rabbit Trail, this spot offers a curated selection of craft beers and wines in a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.
    • Google Maps Location: Link
  • Napoli Pizzeria
    • Description: Best lasagna, manicotti, soups
    • Google Maps Location: Link
  • The Beacon Drive-in
    • Description: A Spartanburg legend known for its “A-Plenty” meals (piles of onion rings and fries) and world-famous iced tea. A true Southern landmark.
    • Google Maps Location: Link
  • The Omni Grove Park Inn
    • Description: Have a drink and relax while taking in the views of Asheville. Winter has the gingerbread houses competition.
    • Google Maps Location: Link
  • Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
    • Description: More than just a brewery; it’s a “Malt Disney” experience with incredible architecture, a full restaurant, a forest amphitheater, and tours.
    • Google Maps Location: Link
  • French Broad Chocolate Lounge
    • Description: A must-visit in Asheville for dessert lovers. Indulge in artisanal truffles, liquid truffles, and incredible cakes in their cozy blue lounge.
    • Google Maps Location: Link
  • La Taverna - Italian
    • Description: An intimate spot serving authentic, traditional Italian dishes. Known for its warm atmosphere and high-quality ingredients in the heart of the Upstate.
    • Google Maps Location: Link
  • Lewis Barbecue Greenville
    • Description: Legendary Texas-style BBQ comes to the Upstate. Famous for its melt-in-your-mouth brisket and industrial-chic outdoor seating area.
    • Google Maps Location: Link
  • Sweet Basil Thai Cuisine
    • Description: A local favorite for authentic Thai flavors, offering everything from spicy curries to classic Pad Thai in a welcoming, modern setting.
    • Google Maps Location: Link
  • Sushi Masa Japanese Restaurant
    • Description: A go-to spot for fresh sushi and traditional Japanese fare. Known for its consistent quality and friendly service among Greenville locals.
    • Google Maps Location: Link
  • Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
    • Description: Located in downtown Greenville, Jeni’s is famous for its unique, artisanal flavors and smooth, buttercream-like texture.
    • Google Maps Location: Link
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