What To Do in Greenville, SC: A Furman Guide


Last updated September 25, 2024



If you’ve never explored Greenville before, we’ve got you covered. Here’s our guide to Greenville!

Explore downtown

From local boutiques to award-winning museums, downtown Greenville has a lot to explore. 

  • Shopping: If you’re looking to shop around, Main Street should be your first stop. It’s home to both national brands like Southern Tide and regional shops like Monkee’s of the West End and the Mast General Store. 
  • Activities: Looking for something a little more engaging? Play indoor mini golf at Group Therapy or ice skate outdoors during the winter season. For those traveling with kids, The Children’s Museum of the Upstate was the first children’s museum to be named a Smithsonian Affiliate and is the perfect mix of fun and educational.
  • Falls Park: If you only have time for one thing, you can’t miss Falls Park on the Reedy. It’s one of Greenville’s greatest treasures with views of the waterfall right in the heart of downtown.

Get outdoors

Whether you’re an avid hiker or just a fan of nature – there’s somewhere with a beautiful view for everyone near Greenville. 

  • Paris Mountain State Park features 15 miles of trails and is only six miles from Downtown Greenville. With easy and strenuous hikes, there’s something for everyone! It also has over 30 campsites and six picnic areas that you can reserve ahead of time.
  • The Swamp Rabbit Trail is 28 miles of paved trail that stretches from downtown Greenville on through Travelers Rest and invites runners, walkers and bikers alike. Make sure to stop in the Swamp Rabbit Cafe & Grocery for lunch and check out Greenville’s newest greenspace, Unity Park.

Entertainment

From theater to music to minor league sports teams, Greenville has it all. 

  • Music: You can enjoy classical music at the Greenville Symphony Orchestra or see big names at Bon Secours Wellness Arena.
  • Theater: Are you a big theater fan? Catch a Broadway show at The Peace Center or see a local production at Centre Stage.
  • Art: If you’re looking to admire work by local artists, head to the Greenville Center for Creative Arts or the Artists Guild.
  • Sports: Greenville is home to three minor league sports teams! If you’re a sports lover, go to a Greenville Drive baseball game right downtown at Fluor Field, cheer on the Greenville Triumph and Liberty soccer teams at Furman University, or scream your heart out at a Swamp Rabbits Ice Hockey game at Bon Secours.

Places to eat

Greenville’s especially known for its food scene. From award-winning food halls to southern food with a twist, Greenville has it all.

  • Gather GVL: A food hall made out of old shipping containers, GatherGVL has a great atmosphere with a ton of food options. It’s right downtown, so it’s the perfect spot for big groups when you don’t feel like making a reservation.
  • Lewis BBQ: For a taste of BBQ in South Carolina, check out Lewis BBQ. The brisket is a must-try.
  • Soby’s: If you’re looking for southern cuisine, Soby’s is a Greenville classic. It’s been serving up classic southern dishes with a modern twist for more than 20 years. 
  • Sidewall Pizza Kitchen: Whether you’re looking to take pizza to go for a picnic in Falls Park or dine-in, Sidewall Pizza has some of the best pizza in Greenville. Pro-tip: their seasonal salads are also delicious and packed with fresh veggies and fruit.
  • The Commons: Located right on The Swamp Rabbit Trail in the West End of Greenville, The Commons is home to multiple restaurants and businesses. It’s the perfect place to get lunch or dinner after enjoying a ride on the trail or exploring Unity Park.

Start planning your visit