Top 12 Day Trips From Greenville, South Carolina

day trips from greenville sc
Mwongeli
Mwongeli  
Updated
| 5 min read

Sitting at the foothills of the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains in the heart of South Carolina, Greenville is a lovely city with a small-town feel and a palpable sense of community. Widely known for being a cultural and entertainment center for the upstate, this beautiful place is situated just about halfway between Charlotte, North Carolina, and Atlanta, Georgia. A vibrant and varied city where restoration and development intertwine with fascinating traditions, captivating history, and abundant natural attractions, Greenville is a must-visit destination. It features hotels and vacation rentals for your accommodation needs. So while its staycation spots are not to be missed, it’s better to explore the best places near and around Greenville. In case you’re planning to go on a captivating exploration adventure, scroll down for a list of the top day trips from Greenville, South Carolina.

1. Travelers Rest

Swamp Rabbit Trail, Travelers Rest, SC June 2019
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Thomson200 used under CC0

Travelers Rest is a charming town located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in South Carolina. The town is steeped in history and offers visitors a variety of cultural and outdoor activities to enjoy.

One of the top attractions in Travelers Rest is the Swamp Rabbit Trail, a 22-mile (35.41-kilometer) paved trail that runs through the town and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and countryside. Visitors can rent bikes or bring their own to explore the trail and stop at various parks, restaurants, and shops.

Travelers Rest is also home to several historic sites, including the Travelers Rest Historic District and Gateway Park, which features a restored train depot and museum.

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2. Pendleton

Pendleton, Oregon
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Visitor7 used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Pendleton is a picturesque town in Eastern Oregon boasting history and charm. When you’re here, explore the historic downtown area, lined with beautifully preserved brick buildings and unique shops.

Take the opportunity to join the famous Pendleton Underground Tours, which takes visitors through the town’s underground tunnels and tells the stories of its colorful past. Visitors can also visit the Pendleton Woolen Mills, which has produced high-quality woolen products for over 150 years.

For those who love the outdoors, Pendleton is surrounded by natural beauty and offers plenty of hiking, fishing, and camping opportunities in nearby parks and forests.

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3. Spartanburg

Spartanburg Historic District
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Bill Fitzpatrick used under CC BY-SA 3.0

If you’re looking to immerse yourself in authentic Native American art, culture, and history, the town of Spartanburg is the place to be. Due to its central location, rich heritage, and a wide array of exciting things to do and see, Spartanburg is one of the most visited cities in South Carolina. You can be lured by the city’s proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains and Croft State Park, where you can unwind and unplug from your routine life. Make your way to Greenville County Museum of Art and browse through the stunning exhibits, or visit Cowpens National Battlefield to learn about the city’s important role in the Revolutionary War.

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4. Fountain Inn

Cannon Building
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Bill Fitzpatrick used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Located in the rolling foothills of Upstate South Carolina lies this picturesque city named Fountain Inn. Deriving its name from an old historic inn that served as an overnight stop for exhausted stagecoach travelers, Fountain Inn is a close-knit town laden with fascinating landmarks, beautiful nature trails, and spectacular places to visit. About 20.4 miles (32.8 kilometers) away from Greenville, you can enjoy a relaxing hike at Cedar Falls Park. Artistic souls can also witness insightful performances at The Younts Center for Performing Arts, where they can learn about the town’s colorful history and culture.

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5. Flat Rock

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account


Flat Rock is only about 34 miles (54.7 kilometers) away. A weekend trip from Greenville to this to this charming district can make for an exhilarating day trip. If you’re looking for a great place to beat the scorching summer heat, Flat Rock is the place to be. Fondly referred to by the locals as “The Little Charleston of the Mountains,” this beautiful town was first built as a residential place for wealthy plantation farmers. A part of the National Register of Historic Places, this charming hamlet is worth a visit for its visually striking architecture alone. You can visit some of its most impressive buildings such as the beautiful Episcopal Church and Carl Sandburg Home.

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6. Columbia

Top Day Trips From Greenville, South Carolina
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Akhenaton06 used under CC BY-SA 3.0

With Greenville as your base, you can explore more of South Carolina by embarking on a day trip to Columbia, the city’s capital. Located only 103 mi (166 km) from Greenville, you can get to Columbia within an hour and a half by road. Affectionately referred to as “The Real Southern Hot Spot,” Columbia is famed for its scorching summer weather, offering outdoor adventures, exquisite culinary delights, and a magnificent array of elating cultural hotspots. Historic house museums dot the city, and a visit to South Carolina State Museum can allow you to learn more about the city’s inspiring history in a more ubiquitous sense.

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7. Charlotte

Charlotte
Source: Pixabay

Considered the largest city in North Carolina, Charlotte is a futuristic metropolis with no shortage of restaurants, shops, and exciting attractions for visitors of all ages. Named in honor of the wife of King George II, Charlotte of Mecklenburg, this rustic town lies approximately 101 miles (163 kilometers) from Greenville, and you can get here by either car or train. While in Charlotte, young adventurous souls can explore the inspiring Nascar Hall of Fame, which is a must-visit for anyone with a thing for fast cars and incredible racetrack performances. Feast your eyes on historic race cars including the 1952 Hudson Hornet, 1957 Chevelle, and Earnhardt Jr.’s 2008 Chevy Impala.

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8. Asheville

Asheville
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Michael Tracey used under CC0

A beautiful mountain community with a thriving restaurant scene, Asheville is a magnet for history and nature lovers. Dubbed “Paris of the South” for its rustic attractions that highlight its colorful cultural and artistic background, Asheville is a lovely destination filled with natural beauty, making it a great place to enjoy some outdoor activities such as hiking and trekking. This charming metropolis is also a magnet for art lovers as a plethora of art galleries and museums can be accessed downtown. Other notable attractions in this quaint town include the splendid Biltmore Estate and Basilica of St. Lawrence.

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9. Athens

Georgia Theater, Athens
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Michael Rivera used under CC BY-SA 3.0

You can hop on a car, bus, or train and travel a distance of 94 miles (151 kilometers) to the charming city of Athens. Home to the well-known University of Georgia, the lovely town of Athens houses beautiful Victorian-era historic districts filled with marvelous antebellum buildings and local cafes. This rustic city is also home to a lively art and music scene. If you happen to be here in the evenings, you can catch an electrifying performance at Georgia Theatre and bear witness to the city’s uplifting nightlife.

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10. Dacusville

Hester Store, Dacusville
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Upstateherd used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Located in the lush rural confines of Pickens County, Dacusville is a beautiful community with a profound sense of agriculture. Sitting approximately 13 miles (21 kilometers) from Greenville, this tranquil town receives most of its visitors during its annual farm show on Labor Day weekend. If you’re searching for a serene place where you and your loved ones can take in some peaceful vibes and enjoy the great outdoors, Dascusville is the place to be. A spectacle to behold, the Labor Day weekend event offers antique tractor shows and hayrides for the whole family to explore and enjoy, though it’s a lovely destination to visit during the rest of the year as well. The quaint town also offers several family-friendly parks with playgrounds, and the nearby Saluda Lake is an excellent spot for fishing and boating.

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11. Table Rock State Park

Table Rock State Park
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Bill Fitzpatrick used under CC BY-SA 3.0

If you’re up for an exciting day trip that can open your eyes to the beautiful outdoor scenery of South Carolina, make your way to Table Rock State Park, a journey that can take you about an hour. Encompassing an area of almost 3,100 acres (1,214 hectares), Table Rock State Park sits on the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains and is a remarkable destination for exciting outdoor adventures. A charming paradise for both nature and adventure seekers alike, this lovely park offers incredible lodging, trails, hiking, and picnic opportunities. To add to this, the scenery at the summit is breathtaking, and the old-fashioned swim holes can leave you rejuvenated.

Table Rock State Park

Address: 158 E Ellison Ln, Pickens, SC 29671, United States

Website: Table Rock State Park

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 7am - 7pm; Fri - Sat: 7am - 9pm

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12. Denver Downs

Denver downs cotton farm
Source: Denver Downs

From Greenville, you can travel roughly 29 miles (47 kilometers) to the splendid rural confines of Denver Downs Farm, which is a popular destination among the locals. Established first as a cotton farm, this scenic place is currently a working farm dedicated to agritourism and entertainment. It is also one of the best places to visit near Greenville as it plays host to many concerts and festivals annually, and the best part about the farm is the undeniably spectacular design of its corn maze.

Denver Downs

Address: 1515 Denver Rd, Anderson, SC 29625, United States

Website: Denver Downs

Opening hours: Wed - Thu: 10am - 5pm; Fri - Sat: 10am - 10pm; Sun: 1pm - 6pm (closed on Mon & Tue)

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Explore the beauty of South Carolina

Greenville offers a plethora of tourist attractions and dining options, including museums and kid-friendly restaurants. Visitors won’t easily run out of things to do. But your experience shouldn’t stop here. Make the most of your trip to South Carolina by embarking on either one or all of the top day trips from Greenville. Explore the tranquil countryside, historic places, and vibrant cities that South Carolina has to offer.

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Frequently asked questions about day trips from Greenville, South Carolina

1. What day trips from Greenville are ideal for families?

Located only 13.5 mi (21.7 km) from Greenville, Dacusville offers a fantastic getaway spot for families. Its family-friendly parks and playgrounds offer fun bonding moments. It also boasts the beautiful Saluda Lake, where the whole family can go fishing and boating together.

2. What are some things to do within one hour of Greenville?

Not too far away from Greenville await exciting adventures, such as biking through the Swamp Rabbit Trail in Travelers Rest, camping in Pendleton, browsing through the exhibits in a Spartanburg museum, and witnessing powerful performances in a Fountain Inn theater.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Equipped with a diploma in tourism, Mwongeli Munuve is passionate about visiting new places to learn, interacting with the locals, trying out some of their specialties and collecting souvenirs. She...Read more

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