How to Spend The Perfect Day in Greenville, South Carolina
Here for a good time, but not a long time? We’ve got you covered. If you’ve only got 24 hours to spend in Greenville, here’s an itinerary that will help you get the most out of your visit.
In This Article
8 a.m.
Starting bright and early, drop your bags at your hotel. Downtown Greenville has some excellent options – the Hyatt Regency Greenvilleis located directly on Main Street and has a restaurant and cafe attached, not to mention amenities galore. AC Hotel Greenville is also a fantastic option, with its rooftop bar and beautiful views.
8:30 a.m.
Let’s grab some breakfast! Roost Free Range Kitchen and Bar is great for a Southern, sit-down meal or you can grab something quick at Meeting Grounds Cafe, both located on the ground floor of the Hyatt Regency. Or, if you want something uniquely Greenville, grab a bagel sandwich from Sully’s Steamers, where the bagels are steamed, not toasted.
9:30 a.m.
It’s going to be an active morning, so be sure to lace up your walking shoes. Head on over to Falls Park on the Reedy, Greenville’s meticulously kept downtown park. While there, cross the iconic Liberty Bridge, which is suspended above Reedy River Falls. That’s right, there’s an actual waterfallsmack dab in the middle of downtown. Treat yourself to a lovely stroll and enjoy all the park has to offer.
10:30 a.m.
Now for a little shopping, because Main Street beckons. Stop into boutiques and unique stores like M. Judson Booksellers and Mast General Store, all while enjoying the beautiful weather and tree-lined streets. And while you’re downtown, keep an eye out for the beloved “Mice on Main,” which are tiny bronze mice strategically placed along Main Street.
12:30 p.m.
It’s lunchtime, and the options are plentiful. If you’re feeling like urban comfort food, NOSE DIVE is fantastic. For delicious Mexican food, you can’t go wrong with Matador. And if you want a more casual, sports bar setting, Carolina Ale House is the way to go.
2 p.m.
Now that you’ve fueled up with some delicious eats, it’s time to act like a local and hit the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail, which runs through downtown. There are several places to rent bikes – so grab one and follow the signs. Enjoy the scenic views and gorgeous greenery, and be sure to stop by Swamp Rabbit Cafe & Grocery. (Pro tip: try the Stecca bread!)
3:30 p.m.
Take the Swamp Rabbit Trail to Unity Park – grab a drink at The Commons if you’re thirsty – and then make your way to The Village of West Greenville arts district. There, you can browse galleries, artist studios and locally owned boutiques.
4:30 p.m.
Bike or grab a ride back to downtown Greenville so you can easily make it back to your hotel. Take a little break, recharge and then change into an outfit you love, because it’s about time to hit the town again for round two!
6 p.m.
Did we mention that Greenville has a nationally recognized food scene? There’s no shortage of amazing places you can go for dinner, many within easy walking distance from downtown. For a delectable cut of beef and top-notch service, try Halls Chophouse. Other upscale options include Jianna, The Lazy Goat and Paloma, each offering incredible bites and inviting atmospheres.
7:30 p.m.
Now, we’ve come to a crossroads, where you get to choose your own adventure. Depending on availability and your personal taste, you can get tickets to a show at the Peace Center Concert Hall, Centre Stage or Greenville Theatre, which regularly feature incredible performances. Or, if it’s baseball season, you could head on over to Fluor Field, which is also walkable in downtown Greenville, and cheer for the Greenville Drive. Fun fact: as a feeder team for the Red Sox, this stadium was designed to resemble Boston’s Fenway Park.
10 p.m.
Round out the evening with some late-night cocktails or a sweet treat. Rooftop bar Juniper and The Press Room speakeasy, both located in the same building, are local go-tos, not just for their drinks but also for their ambiance.
Stay out as long as you like and enjoy the safe, light-canopied Main Street as you walk back to your hotel for a well-earned rest.
Get to Know Greenville, SC
Want to learn more about living and working in Greenville, SC? Check out the latest edition of Greenville — Live here. Love here. Career here.