Last Updated : Nov 12, 2025  |   Author : Tanya Parsad   |   View Count : 409   |   Read Time : 4 min

Top Things to Do in Greenville SC over a Weekend Trip

What makes Greenville, South Carolina a great weekend getaway?

This is a town that has the perfect balance of downtown & rejuvenation. The things to do in Greenville SC range from biking, enjoying incredible views of waterfalls, exploring its Main Street, dining at various restaurants & checking out its art scene. It’s great when you need something engaging but not exhausting at the same time.

Greenville South Carolina wasn’t on my radar for years, although I kept hearing people mention it in passing. I always thought of it as just another small Southern city without a lot going on. One fine day, a friend of mine convinced me to spend a weekend there, and I found out I was completely wrong. Greenville has the perfect mix of downtown charm, amazing food, gorgeous parks, and just enough to do without feeling overwhelming. 

It soon became one of my favourite weekend get away spots, especially when I want something relaxing, but not boring. If you too are planning this trip, here are a few recommendations on things to do in Greenville SC based on my own experience.

Table of Contents

1. Is the Swamp Rabbit Trail good for walking or biking?
2. How Do I Spend My Day at Falls Park on the Reedy?
3. What Can I Explore at Downtown Greenville's Main Street?
4. Where is the Best Place to Explore Art in Greenville?
5. Which are the Best Restaurants & Eateries in Greenville?

Is the Swamp Rabbit Trail good for walking or biking?

This is one of the things that sounds way less cool than it really is. A 22 mile multi use trail, the Swamp Rabbit trail runs from downtown Greenville to Travelers rest. It is honestly one of the best urban trails I’ve been on. Following an old railroad corridor, it’s mostly flat and easy to navigate too. The best part is you don’t have to do the whole thing. Most people just walk or bike a section of it. I recommend starting near Falls Park and heading north for a few miles. You can stop at coffee shops or breweries along the way. 

You’ll also find some really seen spots along the trail, including wooded areas and the Reedy River. If you don’t have your own, you can even rent bikes downtown, and there are plenty of access points if you want to hop on and off. This is one of the things that makes you feel like you got some exercise without actually working that hard, which happens to be my preferred pace on a vacation.

TL;DR: The Swamp Rabbit Trail is a 22 mile long urban trail, following an old rail road corridor from downtown to Travelers Rest.

Book Adventure Tours

How Do I Spend My Day at Falls Park on the Reedy?

The same park I mentioned above, it is probably one of the most iconic activities in Greenville SC. Located right in the middle of town, Falls Park is built around beautiful waterfalls that flow through the city. There is also a suspension bridge called the Liberty Bridge where you can enjoy an incredible view of the falls. It’s the kind of place that’s just as pretty in person as it looks in photos. While the park itself is small, it is definitely really well done– manicured gardens, walking parts and spots to simply sit and relax. 

You can go there in the morning with your coffee in the afternoon for a brisk walk and at night when everything is lit up. Depending on the time of the day, it hits differently but it’s always worth visiting. And if you’re there on the weekend, you will probably catch a few wedding photoshoots going on. It is that picturesque!

Reserve Your Backwaters Holiday

TL;DR: Falls Park is the most iconic spot in Greenville and it features stunning waterfalls right in the middle of the town as well as a suspension bridge called the Liberty Bridge. 

What Can I Explore at Downtown Greenville's Main Street?

The Main Street in Greenville is what every downtown area wishes it could be. Line with a multitude of shops and restaurants. It’s walkable and has an atmosphere that feels vibrant without being too much. One can easily spend a few hours here just wandering around, walking into boutiques or checking out the local art galleries.

You’ll also find a bunch of public art installations and sculptures along the street. So even in case you’re not shopping or visiting the galleries, there is plenty to look at. I am not usually a “let’s walk around downtown” person, but Greenville’s Main Street is quite enjoyable. It doesn’t feel overly touristy or manufactured. Also, the food here is amazing, and I’ll cover that too in a second.

 

Where is the Best Place to Explore Art in Greenville?

This is for art lovers, or perhaps travelers who have got an hour or two to spare. The Greenville County Museum of Art is definitely worth a visit. It’s free to enter and they have a really impressive collection of American art, including works by Andrew Wyeth and Jasper Johns. 

This is an especially good indoor activity if the weather is not cooperating. So even if you’re not a huge art person, it’s a nice way to spend some time around. The museum is small enough to not make you feel overwhelmed, but interesting enough for you to enjoy it. Besides that, it’s located near Main Street, which makes it easy to work into your itinerary. 

Which are the Best Restaurants & Eateries in Greenville?

For a city this size, the restaurant scene was a pleasant surprise to me. The food is surprisingly diverse and high-quality, and I had quite some memorable meals here. A few spots I recommend:

1. Soby’s: A Greenville staple, they serve upscale Southern cuisine in a gorgeous historical building. 

2. Jianna: A must for Italian food lovers you can find fresh pasta, a great wine list and cozy atmosphere here.

3. Methodical Coffee: They take their coffee seriously here, great for a morning start or an afternoon break.

4. Halls Chophouse: This is the perfect spot if you’re celebrating something or just want a really good steak.

Talk to Our Experts

FAQs

1. What's the best time of year to visit Greenville, SC?
Spring and fall are the best weather, perfect for outdoor activities in Greenville, SC. However, the city is enjoyable throughout the year with plenty of indoor options during summer and winter.

2. How many days do you need to explore Greenville?
A weekend trip about 2 to 3 days long is perfect to see all the landmarks without making it rest. But, you can easily fill a longer trip if you want a more relaxed pace.

3. Do I need a car to get around Greenville?
If you’re staying downtown, you can walk to most of the landmarks, but having a car is helpful for going to different parts of the Swamp Rabbit Trail and exploring the city center.