15 Reasons Why You Should Visit
'America's Friendliest City'
Named the “#1 Friendliest City in the U.S.” by Condé Nast Traveler and one of The New York Times’ "52 Places to Go in 2023," Greenville, South Carolina, is a destination that delivers unforgettable experiences. Known for its Southern hospitality and vibrant culture, Greenville offers adventures for every type of traveler, from foodies and outdoor enthusiasts to art lovers and families.
Whether you’re strolling through the lively Downtown, exploring scenic trails, or savoring award-winning cuisine, there’s no shortage of reasons to visit. Ready to see what all the buzz is about? Here are 15 reasons to start planning your trip to Greenville, SC, today!
1. Visit our award-winning, walkable, tree-lined Main Street.
Greenville has become one of the Southeast’s fastest-growing urban areas because of its unique blend of traditional Southern charm and undeniably cosmopolitan cool. That engaging combination—along with an amazing collection of shops, restaurants, and amazing public art—has earned the city rave reviews and flattering accolades. This is a place where surprise and delight await you around every corner and down every block.
2. Discover our dazzling collection of waterfalls.
This is the perfect place to explore some of the region’s most picturesque waterfalls! From the most popular and well-known falls (like Raven Cliff and Rainbow) to those that are smaller or a little bit off-the-beaten-path (like Falls Creek Falls and Wildcat Wayside), we’ve got waterfalls that require strenuous hiking and falls that require no hiking whatsoever—like the set you’ll find Downtown beneath the Liberty Bridge.
3. Take your taste buds on a tour of Greenville's Food Scene.
Pull up a seat and savor the diverse and delicious flavors of Greenville, named one of the “Top New Foodie Cities in America” by People. There are countless reasons why we’re an emerging foodie city, beginning with nationally recognized chefs and ending with some of the best cocktails on the planet. And with more than a thousand menus to choose from, we’ve got whatever it is that you’re hungry for.

4. Try local craft beer at one of our 20+ breweries.
Greenville is 7th in the nation for the most craft beer breweries (per capita), so come and explore popular breweries & taprooms and discover a new local craft brew to try. Go ahead and draft the perfect beer tour, or let a Certified Cicerone® from The Brewery Experience guide you on an all-inclusive brewery tour.

5. Check out our coolest hidden gem attractions.
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 speeding around a racetrack or ziplining through the trees. Whatever you’re looking for, be it historical attractions or the best things to do with kids in tow, we’ve got it!

6. Plan a dog-friendly adventure.
It’s a fact: Greenville, SC, loves dogs and has plenty of attractions, shops, and events that make traveling with your pet possible. From breweries to gathering spaces, or even hanging out on the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail System or one of the nearby lakes, making plans for your pup means you can enjoy your visit to Greenville with a wagging tail by your side.
7. Watch top-notch theatrical performances.
Greenville's vibrant performing arts scene delights audiences year-round. There's no shortage of drama, comedy, and musicals with so many stages to choose from. Catch a touring Broadway company at the Peace Center or a local production at Centre Stage, The Warehouse, or Logos Theatre.
8. Explore 160+ pieces of public art.
Greenville is home to a stunning (and constantly growing) collection of original artworks along our streets, in parks, and on the sidewalks. Plan a self-guided walking tour of public art to see countless murals, sculptures, statues, plaques, fountains, and more. Artists range from the local to the acclaimed, including sculptors Yuri Tsuzuki (steel) and Dale Chihuly (glass).
9. Discover the Charming Towns of Greenville County.
Beyond the city of Greenville, there’s a whole lot more to find when you venture into neighboring towns. Surrounded by idyllic communities that focus on arts and historic charm, gathering spaces and parks, delicious dining, fabulous entertainment, and so much more, you'll enjoy exploring every corner of the County.
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10. Shop for local souvenirs.
Shop for local gifts and souvenirs to remember your Greenville visit by exploring the 700+ shops and artisan markets throughout Greenville County. You’ll discover upscale boutiques, unique specialty shops, and more—plenty to provide that retail therapy. For the ultimate keepsake, there are many shops that offer locally-made goods, like artwork, postcards, and apparel.

11. Explore nature one trail at a time.
Greenville is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, a Southern segment of the Appalachian Mountain range. Among those hills are 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. Book an adventure, tour, or activity.
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 classes, hiking and paddling expeditions, and more, these adventures are led by local experts.
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Explore Greenville's natural beauty during your visit!
13. Cheer on the home team at a sporting event.
Get your game on, no matter what your favorite sport may be. Catch some fútbol with our local soccer teams, the Greenville Triumph and Greenville Liberty, or experience a thrilling ice hockey game with the Greenville Swamp Rabbits. Summertime is a great time for a seventh-inning stretch at Fluor Field with the Greenville Drive baseball team, and multiple local colleges and universities also have ongoing games.
14. Satisfy your sweet tooth at a local dessert spot.
A trip to Greenville promises plenty of delicious confections. Indulge in a freshly baked pastry at a local bakery, or try a Southern staple like pecan pralines or locally-made ice cream. You'll find artisan shops with chocolates, donuts, and more!
15. Raise a glass at a winery, tasting room, or bottle shop.
Wine connoisseurs will be happily surprised at the area's vineyards, and outings can look like a winery tour, a tasting at an urban winery or meadery, and finish at a local wine shop to grab a bottle to commemorate your visit.
More to Explore
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 Greenville has something for every traveler.