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If you’re on this page, congratulations—you’ve found one of the most impressive small towns in America. Not only does Greenville have a massive waterfall coursing through its center, but it’s home to more than 100 restaurants and a buzzing downtown area. Broadway shows such as Hamilton clamor to be here, and trails galore offer a wealth of outdoor things to do (after all, it is called Greenville). Halfway between the mountains and the sea, halfway between Atlanta and Charlotte, this 72,000-person town hit the jackpot. And you’re welcome to partake in the riches.
There’s no bad time to visit Greenville, South Carolina—but locals agree that fall is the best time to experience the town. You’ll get smaller crowds, lower prices, and milder daytime temperatures than in summer, and you can see the city’s superb green spaces light up with orange and gold leaves. It’s also when the exciting Fall for Greenville festival takes place, which combines food stalls with music and craft beer and wine.
Getting to and around Greenville in your own vehicle is definitely easiest if you want to hit up spots such as Caesar’s Head State Park. But if you’re here to experience the city proper, downtown is petite and walkable, and free trolleys course throughout much of town from Thursday through Sunday. There are also excellent bike trails throughout the city.
From Falls Park on the Reedy—aka the waterfall in downtown—don’t miss the awkwardly named but fantastic Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail, a fabulous 22-mile (35-kilometer) multi-use greenway that runs through downtown Greenville to Travelers Rest, a great spot for ice cream and a drink. For wilder outdoor adventures, consider ziplining at The Gorge, one of the highest and steepest canopy-based ziplines in the United States.
Local Currency US Dollar ($) | Time Zone EDT (UTC -5) | Country Code +1 | Language(s) English | Attractions 2 | Tours 22 | Reviews 399 |
Greenville, South Carolina, is famous for its incredible downtown revitalization. Once deep in an economic downturn, the city invested in its beautiful scenery; deconstructed the highway obstructing its waterfall; rebuilt Main Street with trees, lights, and wide sidewalks; and prioritized planning a liveable city. It’s now one of the fastest-growing cities in the US.
...MoreYes, Greenville, South Carolina is worth visiting—it’s one of the best small towns in the USA. As well as boasting a waterfall in its downtown, it’s also the main cultural hub between Atlanta and Charlotte, with great theater, museums, and more than 100 restaurants. Plus, the mountains and the ocean are just a couple hours away.
...MoreDowntown Greenville wasn’t always the glittering cultural hub it is today. In fact, it was in such decline, a highway was built over its waterfall in 1960. Lucky for future visitors, it was deconstructed in 2002, and by 2006, the incredible scenery started drawing equally incredible restaurants, cafes, museums, and more.
...MoreYes, Greenville, South Carolina, is good for families. There’s so much to do: four state parks are an easy drive away, downtown and its beautiful waterfall (Falls Park on the Reedy) provide endless exploration, and public art and museums such as The Children’s Museum of The Upstate—not to mention the Greenville Zoo—keep little ones entertained.
...MoreYes, Greenville SC is a foodie town. Even though only 72,000 residents call this place home, there are more than 100 restaurants downtown alone—serving every cuisine imaginable. Local favorites include The Lost Cajun, Smoke On The Water, Maple Street Biscuit Company, and Kitchen Sync.
...MoreYou should aim to spend at least three days in Greenville—more if you have the time. With three full days, you’ll be able to leisurely explore downtown and its shops and restaurants and trails, wander to nearby towns such as Travelers Rest, and get out to the nearby state parks and forests to see what puts the “green” in Greenville.
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