What are Some of the Best Things to Do in Greenville, SC?

Are you thinking of relocating to Greenville, SC? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Cothran Homes has over 30 years of experience building new homes in Greenville and the South Carolina upstate. Our experience and expertise mean we know what you can expect with a move to Greenville and all of the exciting adventures to look forward to. Plus, with the superior quality and high style of our homes, you’ll not only love the location you live in but the home too! And once you’ve settled into your new Cothran home, you can explore this list of fun things to do in Greenville, SC that everyone in the family will enjoy.

For Everyone!

Falls Park

Sometimes the simplest things like a walk in the park can make for the best experience. Falls Park on the Reedy is a local favorite located in the heart of downtown Greenville. Whether a romantic picnic near a waterfall for two or an afternoon lunch and duck-watching with the kids, this park has something for everyone.

As soon as you enter, you’re greeted by the gorgeous 2-acre Pedrick’s Garden which was created to honor a former community leader. You’ll find two on-site restaurants, beautiful stonework, waterfalls, walking trails, picnic areas, and public art installations. Be sure to download the Falls Park Guide and Activity Book on their website to add a bit more fun to your itinerary.

Paris Mountain State Park

The great outdoors awaits you and your family at Paris Mountain State Park. This historic site was originally built during the Great Depression and maintains its heritage with preserved stone and timber and the renovated bathhouse (now Park Center). It’s great for camping and enjoying a range of outdoor activities. Paris Mountain State Park features multiple hiking trails, campsites, historical exhibits, picnic areas, a playground, a camp store, a swimming area with a lifeguard, and a 15-acre fishing lake with kayaks, canoes, and pedal boat rentals. Though there’s a small fee, it’s well worth it for a full day of adventure.

For Cyclists!

Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail

Residents know there are tons of things to do in Greenville, SC to stay healthy and active, but if biking is your preferred exercise, the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail is for you! This 25-mile trail system has been growing since its opening in 2009 with the network going throughout Greenville County along the Reedy River. Rent a bike at Reedy Rides or bring your own and enter through any one of the four entry points in downtown Greenville. If you need a break, need to use the restrooms, grab a bite, or want to explore another adventure along the way, the website and site map does a great job of helping you find whatever you need to plan your trip.

For Art & Culture Enthusiasts!

Greenville County Museum of Art

If you prefer arts and culture over being outdoors after a long week of work, Greenville, SC has some incredible places to spend your weekend. Located on the Heritage Green cultural campus in the heart of downtown, the Greenville County Museum of Art offers a world of beauty from the building itself to the art collections within. It includes the world’s largest public collection of watercolors by Andrew Wyeth and impressive collections of paintings, prints, and pottery that capture the Southern experience from the colonial period to the present

Bob Jones University Museum & Gallery

You can’t live in Greenville, have a love for the arts, and not tour Bob Jones University Museum & Gallery. Considered a “must-see” by locals, this incredible museum hosts one of the largest collections of European Old Masters paintings in the US. You can explore works by Tintoretto, Rubens, and Van Dyck dating back from the 14th to the 19th century. It also includes the Bowen Collection of Antiquities featuring Roman, Egyptian, and Hebrew artifacts. Check out their website to see what more there is to explore at Bob Jones University Museum & Gallery.

Centre Stage Theater

Centre Stage hosts a range of entertainment year-round including comedy, drama, music, independent film screenings, art exhibitions, special events, and more within its 285-seat theater. It’s located within walking distance of the historic Falls Park, so you can easily accommodate everyone’s activity preference in a day. Check out the upcoming events and ticket prices to see if anything is happening after your move to Greenville.

For the Kids!

The Children’s Museum of the Upstate

If you have little ones in your family, be sure to add The Children’s Museum of the Upstate to the top of your list of fun things to do in Greenville, SC. Young children ages 0-12 will have endless fun exploring the three floors of play-based learning exhibits. It’s one of the largest children’s museums in the world and was the first one to be recognized as a Smithsonian Affiliate. Within the 80,000+ square feet of the Greenville location, you and your family can enjoy 30 unique exhibits and learn about arts, health, science, the environment, transportation, and more. From playing guitar in the Garage Rock exhibit to building skyscrapers in the Construction Zone and an on-site cafeteria, there’s nothing missing from this playful museum experience.

Runway Park

Runway Park is the perfect staycation before your vacation as it’s located at the Greenville Downtown Airport. The family-friendly aviation-themed park was ranked #4 in Best Things to Do in Greenville, SC and it’s not hard to see why. It features two playgrounds with grassy areas, play structures and walking “runways”, the Runway Cafe, and the Perimeter Taxiway which provides a walking/jogging trail around the park. There’s also a picnic hangar available to rent out for parties. There’s no doubt your kids will love spending time watching the planes land and take off while learning about the history and science of aviation from the park’s educational displays.

For Current & Future Scientists!

Roper Mountain Science Center

Learn everything you could possibly imagine about the sciences at the Roper Mountain Science Center. This premier facility invites residents and visitors of all ages to enjoy hands-on experiences and discover the many wonders of our planet. From the Dinosaur Adventure Trail to Afternoon Explorations and year-round special events, this is a great way to spend your free time while living in Greenville, SC. There are endless programs, summer camps, and learning opportunities that solidify Roper Mountain Science Center’s commitment to its vision to be a leader in science education.

For Foodies!

No matter what type of cuisine you’re craving, Greenville is sure to have something you’ll love. The food is as diverse as the population with dozens of incredible restaurants and eateries serving anything from seafood delights to homestyle cooking. After relocating to Greenville, you’ll quickly discover iconic local spots like Passerelle Bistro, OJ's Diner, Duke Sandwich Company, Brick Street Cafe, Bucky's BBQ, and many more. While we’re at it, we might as well tell you that Greenville is home to some amazing distilleries, breweries, and wineries too. Enjoy top choices like Six & Twenty, Birds Fly South Ale Project, and Taxi House Wines the next time you’re looking for a good time and good wine…or beer… or spirits!

Now that you’ve learned about a few things to do in Greenville, SC, we invite you to browse our communities and available homes here so you can start enjoying them sooner rather than later. We have a range of unique floor plan designs and unlimited ways to personalize the home of your dreams. When you’re ready to make the move, get in touch with us online and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you have!