Summary
Downtown Greenville in South Carolina is arguably one of the greenest urban areas in the United States. Few downtown districts can claim to feature such natural beauty within their core, yet Downtown Greenville stands out in this regard. The area has a greater number of parks than high-rises, and one notable park, Falls Park, is intersected by the Reedy River, showcasing a striking forty-foot waterfall.
The temperate climate of Downtown Greenville creates a perfect environment for outdoor pursuits nearly year-round; however, there is an abundance of activities available beyond cycling and hiking. With over one hundred dining establishments within a ten-block span, Downtown Greenville truly caters to culinary enthusiasts. Furthermore, the district is celebrated throughout South Carolina for its diverse retail offerings, an impressive cultural scene, numerous pubs and bars, and outstanding event venues.
To fully immerse yourself in this vibrant area, consider incorporating these 14 top attractions into your itinerary for Downtown Greenville.
1. Downtown Trolley
The Downtown Trolley service represents an excellent means of exploring Downtown Greenville. Characterized by vintage-style red and blue trolleys, the service operates a loop route seven days a week.
With numerous stops along Main Street and throughout the downtown area, the Trolley stops are clearly marked. No tickets are necessary for the trolley as rides are complimentary. Feel free to disembark and reboard as desired; however, remaining on the trolley for more than one complete loop is not permitted.
Be sure to pull the yellow cord when preparing to alight; it signals the driver to stop at the next designated location.
An additional enjoyable method of navigating the city is through the Greenville City Segway Tour.
2. Greenville County Museum of Art
The Greenville County Museum of Art, located on College Street in Downtown Greenville, boasts remarkable collections of American art.
Spanning over seventy thousand square feet of exhibition space, the museum showcases masterpieces by American luminaries such as Andrew Wyeth and Jasper Johns.
Additionally, the Greenville County Museum of Art features an extensive assortment of contemporary and abstract works, along with the Southern Collection, which encompasses artworks from colonial times to the present.
3. Up On The Roof
Indulge in pre-dinner cocktails on the terrace of Up On The Roof while watching the sunset over Downtown Greenville. Following cocktails, enjoy dinner indoors, and conclude the evening with coffee and liqueurs under the stars.
This elegant restaurant and cocktail bar offers stunning views from its outdoor terrace, an extensive drinks menu, and a culinary selection that caters to even the most discerning palates.
As Up On The Roof is a favored relaxing venue, it is advisable to secure a reservation in advance.
4. Greenville History Tour
Explore the rich history of Downtown Greenville and the surrounding area through a Greenville History Tour.
Meet your guide at Falls Park, the site of the city’s origin, and learn about its establishment in the late 18th century. Afterward, stroll across Liberty Bridge to observe other notable historical structures.
Architecture enthusiasts may appreciate the Historic Neighborhoods and Architecture Tour, while those preferring a more relaxed pace might opt for the Downtown Driving Tour.
5. Falls Park
Reconnect with nature at Falls Park in Downtown Greenville. This scenic park in the Historic West End spans over thirty acres in the city’s heart.
Featuring beautifully manicured landscapes filled with mature trees, gardens, and winding paths along the Reedy River, the park is also home to numerous public artworks, including the distinctive Rose Crystal Tower, which is a monolith composed of pink crystals.
Do not overlook the mesmerizing waterfalls visible from Liberty Bridge. The elegantly curved cantilever bridge is illuminated with blue lights at night, enhancing the park’s enchanting atmosphere.
6. The Comedy Zone
For an entertaining evening filled with laughter, visit The Comedy Zone on North Main Street in Downtown Greenville.
This venue hosts nightly performances featuring top stand-up comedians from across the United States, in addition to weekly open mic events for aspiring comedians.
The menu is modest yet delightful, offering humor-themed cocktails such as The Punch Line, The One-Liner, and The Heckler.
7. Peace Center for Performing Arts
Situated on South Main Street, the Peace Center for Performing Arts serves as a multipurpose events venue, hosting significant musical and theatrical presentations in its theater, concert hall, and amphitheater.
With a combined seating capacity exceeding four thousand, the center is the home of the Greenville Symphony Orchestra and Ballet, both of which perform regularly throughout the year, presenting a variety of classical and contemporary pieces.
Guests can enjoy pre-show drinks or dinner at the venue’s glass-walled restaurant, Genevieve’s Lounge.
8. Haywood Mall
Shop at Haywood Mall, the largest commercial center in South Carolina, located on Haywood Road in Downtown Greenville.
This two-story shopping destination encompasses over one million square feet of retail space, featuring well-known chain stores, independent boutiques, cafés, and restaurants.
For additional shopping opportunities, venture outside the mall and stroll down Haywood Road, which offers a lively retail atmosphere distinct from that of the mall.
9. Greenville Glides
Explore Downtown Greenville on a guided Segway tour. Begin by picking up a Segway on Main Street and participate in a brief instructional session on operating the device before embarking on a tour led by a qualified guide.
Select from a two-hour historical tour that traverses the Historic West End and Falls Park, or choose a shorter ride that includes all the sights without the historical narration. For a unique experience, try the Haunted Segway Tour of Greenville or the Taste and Glide Segway Tour featuring food samples.
10. Larkin’s On The River
Experience genuine southern hospitality and savor a classic steak lunch or dinner with waterfront views at Larkin’s On The River, located on South Main Street.
This acclaimed restaurant is known for its exquisite seafood starters and its signature dry-aged steak. Larkin’s also boasts a well-curated wine selection, offering superior labels by the glass.
Conclude your visit to Falls Park with a refreshing glass of Californian Chardonnay and Larkin’s Signature Parmesan Truffle Fries on the terrace.
11. Mice On Main
Engage in a fun scavenger hunt by searching for the Mice On Main Street throughout the downtown area.
These small bronze rodent sculptures were inspired by the book “Goodnight Moon” by Margaret Wise Brown and are found between the Hyatt Regency and the Westin Poinsett.
All nine mice have plaques with hints to assist in locating the others.
12. Blind Horse Saloon
Don your Stetson, dust off your cowboy boots, and get ready for an energetic evening at the Blind Horse Saloon.
Billed as South Carolina’s premier country venue, the Blind Horse Saloon has hosted top country music stars, including the legendary Garth Brooks and the Bellamy Brothers, over its twenty-five-year history.
Prepare to hit the dance floor, as the Blind Horse Saloon features a lively country party four nights a week, complete with the house band, One-Eyed Jack, and the resident DJ, Pirate Cowboy Line Dancing.
13. Bon Secours Wellness Arena
The Bon Secours Wellness Arena serves as a premier venue for major sporting events and live concerts.
This expansive indoor arena, located on North Academy Street, accommodates nearly twenty thousand spectators and is home to the Greenville Swamp Rabbits ice hockey team. Expect to see well-known artists such as Alan Jackson, Kelly Clarkson, and Paul McCartney topping the concert lineup.
The arena’s ice rink is available for public skating from late December through mid-February.
14. Frankie’s Fun Park
Visit Frankie’s Fun Park on Park Woodruff Drive in Downtown Greenville for an enjoyable day or evening filled with amusement park-style entertainment.
Engage in Laser Tag battles, hit balls in the batting cage, enjoy a round of miniature golf, or take an exhilarating ride on the thrilling Discovery ride.
Frankie’s features an expansive outdoor go-kart circuit, an arcade with over one hundred games, and two snack bars offering burgers and other fast food selections.
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