Planning a trip to Greenville, South Carolina? Get ready for one of the South’s most delightful surprises! Nestled in the scenic foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Greenville offers the perfect blend of Southern hospitality, outdoor adventure, and modern charm.
Whether you’re into shopping, dining, art, or nature, this first-timer’s guide will help you plan a perfect day in Greenville—one that you’ll want to relive again and again.
Start Your Day in Downtown Greenville
Begin your Greenville adventure on Main Street, the heartbeat of the city. Lined with leafy trees, cozy cafes, local shops, and public art, this walkable downtown is consistently ranked among the best in the U.S.
Don’t Miss:
- M. Judson Booksellers – A charming indie bookstore with coffee, wine, and gifts.
- Mast General Store – A 100+-year-old treasure trove for nostalgic toys, candy, apparel, and outdoor gear.
- Bluemercury — Top of the line skin care, cosmetics, and candles.
- O.P. Taylor’s – A quirky toy store for kids and grown-ups alike.
Add more fun to your Greenville visit by checking out neighboring Seneca, Walhalla, and the unique, charming towns of Oconee County, just minutes away. Find all our favorite things here: Discover the Best of Oconee County, SC – 34 Must-Do Adventures.
Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth
Greenville is a sugar lover’s paradise. Swing by:
- River Street Sweets – Fudge, pralines, and nostalgic candy.
- Poppington’s Gourmet Popcorn – Over 75 flavors of handcrafted popcorn.
- The Bakery Off Augusta – Locals rave about their cupcakes and cookies.
Find the Mice on Main
Add a little whimsy to your walk with Greenville’s family-friendly “Mice on Main” scavenger hunt. Nine tiny bronze mice are hiding along Main Street—fun for all ages!
Dive Into Greenville’s Food Scene
Foodies, rejoice! Greenville is a hidden gem for Southern cuisine with a global twist.
Local Favorites You’ll Love:
- Nose Dive – Elevated gastropub with a killer brunch and daily lunch specials.
- Oak & Honey – A trendy spot for shareable apps and craft cocktails.
- Pomegranate on Main — Superb Persian cuisine in a bistro-style artsy setting.
Pro Tip: Book a guided food tour with Greenville History Tours. You’ll sample everything from prosciutto-wrapped scallops to Persian rice (shown below) and Mediterranean bites. It’s a delicious way to experience the city’s culinary scene in one swoop!
Where to Eat Breakfast in Greenville
Kick off your morning with:
- Stax Omega Diner – Home to legendary Benedicts and brunch bowls. Dare you to leave without a slice of cake or pie.
- Biscuit Head – Southern biscuits piled high with delicious toppings. You’ll find one in Asheville, too.
Where to Stay in Greenville
Your stay matters, and Greenville has stylish, centrally-located options:
SpringHill Suites Greenville Downtown — Modern suites, fire pits, and a dreamy outdoor pool. Bonus: Free bike rentals—perfect for exploring the Swamp Rabbit Trail, a 18.7-mile scenic biking and walking path that connects downtown to nearby communities like Travelers Rest.
Embassy Suites Greenville Downtown Riverplace — Offers gorgeous riverfront location with rooftop bar views. It is steps away from dining, shopping, and the Reedy River.
Explore the Great Outdoors
You don’t have to leave the city for nature escapes.
Must-See Spots:
- Falls Park on the Reedy – A lush downtown park with a stunning waterfall and the iconic Liberty Bridge.
- Reedy River Falls – Magical at night with the city lights reflecting on the water.
- Paris Mountain State Park – Just a 20-minute drive for hiking, kayaking, and mountain biking.
Experience Local Culture
Greenville’s arts and events scene is thriving:
- Check the Peace Center calendar for Broadway shows and live concerts.
- Catch outdoor performances or seasonal festivals in the park.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with Greenville
Greenville, SC, offers big-city experiences in a small-town package—walkable, friendly, and full of surprises. From downtown discoveries to outdoor escapes, it’s the kind of place that turns a one-day visit into a must-return destination.
Read more about South Carolina:
Kevin | Caffeinated Excursions
Friday 29th of March 2019
Ugh, I lived in Columbia SC for over a year and spent a lot of time in Charlotte... I also visited Charleston, Savannah GA, and a few other areas nearby but never Greenville unfortunately! I'll have to live vicariously through your post until I have the chance to go back! Many people have told me how lovely it is, but your post really proves it. Finding the mice on Main Street sounds like a fun activity even as an adult! Thanks for sharing, Melody!
MelodyPittman
Saturday 30th of March 2019
Thanks for reading! I really love Charlotte and Savannah, too. Haven't spent much time in Columbia or Charleston, but I'm sure they are great, too.
The Travel Bunny
Thursday 28th of March 2019
This post began with a visit to a distillery, followed by one to a bookshop. That's my kind of travel! Great suggestions for spending a day in Greenville. Haven't been yet, but it seems like my cup of tea.
Michael Hodgson
Thursday 28th of March 2019
Absolutely LOVE Greenville and have been there a number of times ... for conferences and also to visit Mast General when I wore another hat as a journalist, reporting on the outdoor trade. ;-) Know the town well and you did it up absolutely superbly and deliciously. ;-) And you are right ... locals LOVE their city, as well they should.
MelodyPittman
Thursday 28th of March 2019
That's so exciting! What a cool town. I'll bet you had a blast, too. ;) Thanks for reading.
Marvi
Monday 25th of March 2019
You have definitely seen plenty of Greenville in just 24 hours :). The shops look charming and the food looks delicious. Joining a food tour sounds like a great way to do if you are there for 24 hours. It looks like Greenville’s food scene is thriving and very interesting!
Jenn and Ed Coleman
Sunday 24th of March 2019
I have always wanted to go to Greenville. My sister lives down the road in Columbia and the family homestead is in Lancaster SC. I love it that Springhill Suites offers free bike rentals. Greenville looks like it is a very bikeable town. I always wanted to play disc golf in Greenville. One of my old cubemates swore that Greenville had the best courses he had ever played.
MelodyPittman
Sunday 24th of March 2019
Awesome! I think you would really like it there. ;)