15 Reasons Why You Should Visit
'America's Friendliest City'
You may have heard that Condé Nast Traveler named Greenville, South Carolina the “#1 Friendliest City in the U.S.” and that we recently earned a coveted spot on The New York Times' annual travel list of "52 Places to Go in 2023." That’s big news in our Southern city (which we like to consider full of Southern hospitality), but it’s even bigger news for people looking to visit new and exciting places. No matter what kind of adventures you’re looking for, you’ll find them here. And we promise plenty of smiling faces and beautiful places along the way.
So, what are you waiting for? Because we’ve got a LOT waiting for you. Here are 15 reasons why you shouldn’t wait any longer to make your plans to visit Greenville, South Carolina.
By the pint or the pitcher, we know our beer. In fact, we’re 7th in the nation for the most craft beer breweries (per capita). Come and explore some of Greenville’s oldest breweries and discover which ones are new on the scene. Go ahead and map out the perfect beer tour on your own or blaze your own Beer Trail with a Certified Cicerone® from The Brewery Experience. “Hop” to it and get ready for an unbeerlievable experience! 🍺
When you come to Greenville, it’s tempting to stay on the beaten path and enjoy our crown jewel attractions—but there’s way more to Greenville than that! Take a chance on a new adventure—from zooming around a racetrack or heading into the trees—or seek out a favorite local hangout at which you can just chill and relax. Whatever you’re looking for, be it historical attractions or the best things to do with kids in tow, we’ve got it! 💎
It’s a fact: Greenville, SC loves dogs. LOVES them! So much so, that you’re likely to be able to have an entire vacation centered around your furry Fido! From breweries to gathering spaces, or even hanging out on the trail or the lake, make plans for your pup and enjoy the ride—you’ll both be glad you did. 🐶
Ready for some serious retail therapy? With 700+ shops throughout Greenville County, you’ll discover a mad cache of upscale boutiques, name-brand stores, quaint gift shops, and more—plenty to satisfy that shopping itch. And when it’s finally time to pack up and head home, leave a little extra room in that suitcase for your favorite #yeahTHATgreenville souvenirs. 🧳
Greenville is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, a Southern segment of the Appalachian Mountain range. Hidden among those hills are miles upon miles of beautiful and well-maintained trails just waiting to be hiked and biked. It’s easy to get started at one of our State Parks—Paris Mountain, Jones Gap, or Caesars Head, where you’ll quickly find the best path for you! 🥾
12. Easily book and enjoy Greenville adventures, tours, and activities!
Check out our curated collection of tours, adventures, and experiences designed to provide an up-close look at some of the distinctive and engaging aspects of the area. From walking and driving tours to culinary adventures to hiking and paddling expeditions and more—all of these adventures are led by local experts who bring personal passion, topical expertise, and intimate knowledge of the “stories behind the story.” 📖
An impressive list, we must admit, but it’s just a glimpse of everything that’s waiting for you in Greenville, SC. There’s so much to see and do here—so many experiences and adventures awaiting your discovery. We can’t wait to show you around and show you why this Greenville really is THAT Greenville!
Local lakes host a wide variety of water-based activities, from shoreline sunbathing to heart-pounding cliff-jumping. Some are small, day-use only destinations, while others to the west of Greenville are among the largest in the state and may take a few days to fully discover. Grab your towel and go!
Nothing beats the crystal, blue-green water of this 18,500-acre lake. Swimmers delight in bobbing on rafts at Waterfall Cove and flying through the air at Jumping Rock. Want a little privacy? Moor your boat at any of the lake's 71 islands.
Venture below the water-line of this pristine Appalachian-fed body of water for a surreal, other-worldly view. Divers can explore the old Mount Carmel Baptist Church cemetery, featured in the movie Deliverance, before the Keowee River tributaries were dammed in 1973.
Simply looking to dip your toes in the water and soak up some rays? Hop on I-85, and head for Sadlers Creek or Lake Hartwell State Parks, both on Lake Hartwell. This huge 56,000-acre lake and recreational wonderland forms part of the border between South Carolina and Georgia.
FISH
LAKE CUNNINGHAM
An abundance of fish, especially largemouth bass, fill this 376-acre beauty, three miles north of Greer. A public park off State Highway 101 has a fishing pier, playground equipment, and a boat ramp. (Boating permit required - 10 HP limit; no swimming allowed.)
