25 Best Day Trips From Greenville, SC

There are so many things to do in Greenville, South Carolina, and the surrounding area. But sometimes you just need a change of scenery. If you’re looking for something to do outside of the city, there are plenty of options for day trips from Greenville, SC.

Just a short drive from Greenville, you can find hiking trails, waterfalls, historic sites, small towns, and more. So whether you’re looking for some outdoor adventure or want to explore the history of the area, there’s a day trip that’s perfect for you.

The day trip ideas in this article are arranged in order of distance from Greenville (closest to the farthest). All are a drive of 3 hours and 15 minutes or less (most much less). And distances are calculated from the center of downtown.

Listed drive times are approximations. The time it takes you to drive to the suggested day trip destination will depend upon several factors including your exact starting point, the time of day, weather, etc.

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Where to stay in Greenville, South Carolina

There are a lot of great places to stay in downtown Greenville.

• Try the classic, AAA Four Diamond Westin Poinsett in the center of Greenville.
• Grand Bohemian Lodge Greenville is one of the most recent additions to Greenville’s downtown hotel scene.
• Aloft Greenville Downtown is great for its location in the heart of downtown.
• Hampton Inn Greenville Downtown includes a free hot breakfast.

Jones Gap State Park is a perfect destination for a day trip from Greenville that’s full of natural beauty. It’s located in Marietta, South Carolina, about 26 miles north of Greenville.

The lush park is a great place to enjoy stunning the natural wonders of Upstate South Carolina. With over 60 miles of trails winding through pristine woodlands, it’s a great spot for outdoor recreational activities like hiking, camping, and picnicking.

Located less than 30 miles away from Greenville, Table Rock State Park is one of the most beloved outdoor hotspots in Upstate South Carolina. Boasting an extraordinary 3,000 acres of mountainous terrain, it’s no surprise that this stunning park remains so popular amongst locals and visitors alike.

From novices to experts, the park has a trail perfect for every level of hiker. The top things to do at Table Rock State Park include,

• Climbing Table Rock
• Hike Lakeside Trail
• Fishing
• Enjoy live bluegrass music at “Music on the Mountain”

Caesars Head State Park offers its visitors an exceptional outdoor experience. Whether you’re looking to go for a hike or enjoy breathtaking views, this park has it all.

The park offers several trails with varying levels of difficulty. You can choose from short one-mile hikes to more challenging six-mile treks. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just looking to explore, Caesars Head State Park has something for everyone.

Flat Rock, North Carolina, is a great day trip destination for those living in or visiting Greenville, South Carolina. Located just 35 miles from Greenville, Flat Rock is an easy drive and provides plenty of activities to enjoy.

Take in a show at the Flat Rock Playhouse. In the fall, visit Sky Top Orchard for the perfect place to pick apples for the entire family. Don’t forget to check out the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site for a glimpse into the life of one of America’s most fascinating poets and historians.

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Lake Keowee is located a short drive from Greenville, South Carolina. This 18,000-acre lake is quite popular with boating enthusiasts. Parking at the boat launches can fill up fast, so plan to get there early in the day. Bass fishing is also quite popular at Lake Keowee.

While swimming is permitted at Lake Keowee, there aren’t any designated swim areas with lifeguards on duty. Swimming at Keowee will be at your own risk.

Cowpens National Battlefield is a great day trip destination from Greenville, South Carolina. The park commemorates the Battle of Cowpens, one of the decisive battles that led to American independence.

Visitors will have the chance to explore battlefield trails, participate in interpretive programs, and learn about the American Revolution’s Southern Campaign. Stop at the Visitor Center to watch a film about the battle, enjoy the museum exhibits, and browse the bookstore.

Francis Marion & Sumter National Forests is a great destination for anyone looking to explore the great outdoors near Greenville, South Carolina.

This stunning national forest boasts over 200,000 acres of rolling hills and lush woodlands. Enjoy mountain biking, hiking, paddling, fishing, horseback riding, four OHV trails, and much more.

Asheville, North Carolina, is one of the best places to enjoy a day trip from Greenville. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina, Asheville is home to great dining and the world-famous Biltmore Estate.

Plan the perfect day trip with my one-day Biltmore itinerary.

A retreat to Asheville is an enjoyable experience in any season, but it’s an especially beautiful place during the autumn. Supposedly, the range of deciduous trees located in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge mountains contributes to the particularly long fall colors season you can enjoy in this part of the country.

Explore Asheville’s street art with this group tour.

Or paddle the French Broad River with this guided kayak trip.

If you have the time, turn your Asheville adventure into a weekend getaway at one of the city’s lovely hotels. Hubby and I especially love the Inn on Biltmore Estate.

Ninety Six National Historic Site is a great day trip destination for those living near or visiting Greenville, South Carolina. This historic site commemorates the Revolutionary War battle that took place at Ninety Six in 1781. It was also the site of the first land battle in the American Revolution south of New England (in 1775).

Visitors can explore the museum and bookstore, take a guided tour of the battle site, and view the full-size replica of a Revolutionary War earthwork.

See the original Star Fort completed in early 1781. The Star Fort is a remarkable example of an 18th-century fortification, and its earthen walls remain well-preserved.

Visiting Lake Hartwell in South Carolina is an excellent way to enjoy the great outdoors in Upstate South Carolina. This large reservoir on the Savannah River offers something for everyone.

Lake Hartwell provides plenty of opportunities for fishing, boating, skiing, swimming, and more. Keep in mind that while swimming is permitted here, there are no designated swimming areas. So, swimming needs to be undertaken at your own risk.

Kings Mountain National Military Park preserves the site of an important battle in the American Revolution. Following the British invasion of Charleston in mid-May 1780, the patriots achieved their first major victory at Kings Mountain.

Stop at the Visitor Center to see the half-hour film about the battle and a museum featuring various weapons. You’ll also want to see the bookstore of course.

Explore the battlefield through a 1.5-mile walking trail. There are also hiking trails and horse trails.

The Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail is a key component of the Southern Campaign of the American Revolution Parks in South Carolina, which also includes Cowpens National Battlefield, Kings Mountain National Military Park, and Ninety Six National Historic Site (read more about all of these in this article).

These parks not only tell their own unique stories but also how these events in the Carolinas were key to America’s success in the Revolution.

The Overmountain Victory Commemorative Motor Trail starts in Abingdon, Virginia, and follows a mostly rural route to Kings Mountain National Military Park (see above). I’m not suggesting that you could do the entire route as a day trip, but you could certainly do some of it.

Mountain Waters Scenic Byway is a stunning stretch of road that winds for 61 miles mainly through Nantahala National Forest from Highlands to Almond, North Carolina. Points of interest along the way include Dry Falls and Bridal Veil Falls.

I wouldn’t recommend attempting this drive in the height of winter. And exercise caution anytime of year you drive this route as portions of the roadway are narrow and curvy.

This charming alpine village in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains offers plenty of outdoor activities, unique shopping opportunities, and delicious food. From exploring fun family activities to tubing on the Chattahoochee River, there’s no shortage of things to do in Helen.

Helen is also celebrated for its Oktoberfest celebration and is lauded as a top Christmas town in the United States.

Those looking for a big city fix should consider driving up to Charlotte, North Carolina. There really is a lot to do in the Queen City.

Enjoy a stroll around the city’s beautiful Romare Bearden Park or take a trip to the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Children might enjoy the SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord aquarium or an afternoon at the Carowinds amusement park.

Explore Uptown’s Liberty Walk, or walk through UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens. Or pay a visit to the Billy Graham Library.

For some extra fun, explore Charlotte’s Uptown with this guided Segway tour.

Or learn more about the city with this small group tour aboard a 7-person golf cart.

Those “collecting” state capitals shouldn’t pass up the opportunity to explore Columbia, South Carolina.

From the South Carolina State Museum with its interactive exhibits to the Riverbanks Zoo & Garden and Columbia Museum of Art, there are many attractions to explore. You can even take a free self-guided or guided tour of the state capitol building.

Although not a quick day trip from Greenville, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is worth considering. The scenery is stunning and there are so many great things to do there: hikes, scenic drives, etc.

Every year, millions of people visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The park covers a wide expanse of land in both North Carolina and Tennessee.

If you are considering a day trip to this National Park, read more about how to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic drive that stretches 469 miles from Virginia to North Carolina. To fully appreciate the beauty of this magnificent road, you should dedicate multiple days to exploring it. But if your schedule is tight, a day trip down its winding path can be just as rewarding and memorable.

To ensure a safe drive, the roadway mandates that traffic keep to 45 miles per hour or lower, so you’ll need to take your time.

Read more about the best national parks on the East Coast.

Augusta, Georgia, is a lovely city to explore with its walkable downtown area and Riverwalk area. Although it’s most renowned for hosting the Masters golf tournament, there is more to Augusta than its famously private golf club.

The Augusta Riverwalk features a children’s playground, gardens, the Jessye Norman Amphitheater, and the Augusta Saturday Market at the River (closed in winter).

Top things to do in Augusta include the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area, the Augusta Museum of History, the Morris Museum of Art, Woodrow Wilson’s boyhood home, popular restaurants, shopping, and more. 

This charming town offers plenty of outdoor activities such as hiking in the nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park and rafting down the Nantahala River. For railfans, a ride on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is a must.

For those who want to learn more about the history of the region, Swain County History Museum and Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Museum are good choices.

And Bryson City is a great place to stay in the Smokies if you’re looking for a getaway.

Dahlonega, Georgia, is a charming town that is perfect for a day trip from Greenville. It has an abundance of history, beautiful scenery, and a variety of activities to enjoy.

The town was the site of the first major gold rush in the United States, in 1829. Visitors can still explore some of these gold mines at Consolidated Gold Mine or visit the Dahlonega Gold Museum.

You can also visit the Red Oak Lavender Farm, which grows and harvests approximately 4,000 lavender plants each year. They have a gift shop with many lavender products and offer “U-pick” opportunities and how-to classes.

Congaree National Park is a really fun day trip. This national park spans over 26,000 acres and is best known for its old-growth hardwood forest, which is the largest in the United States.

There are plenty of things to do at Congaree National Park, including hiking, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, camping, and ranger-led programs.

If you’re an outdoorsy type, hiking Congaree National Park is the perfect way to spend a day. From Weston Lake Loop Trail and Boardwalk Trail to River Trail and Oakridge Trail, there are miles of winding trails waiting to be explored, all providing a different perspective on the park’s magnificent landscape.

Read about more of the best national parks in the Southern U.S.

If you’re looking for a fun and exciting city to explore, look no further than Atlanta. There is so much to see and do in this vibrant Southern city.

Atlanta was founded in 1837 as a railroad terminus. It quickly grew into a major commercial and transportation center, and by the early 20th century had become one of the South’s most important cities.

Whether you’re a history buff or into sports or pop culture, Atlanta has something for everyone. In one day, you can explore the city’s rich history and culture, or take in the natural beauty of the area. And don’t miss the Georgia Aquarium.

To get a good overview of the city, try this 90-minute guided sightseeing tour by E-Car.

Take a small group Black History and Civil Rights Tour.

Or add a layer of fun to your tour and explore the city on a Segway.

Check out our guide on the things you can do with one day in Atlanta.

The town of Boone, North Carolina, is best known for its stunning mountain views and outdoor activities. The Blue Ridge Parkway comes through here (see above).

Check out Grandfather Mountain, explore the Hickory Ridge Living History Museum, and Daniel Boone Native Gardens. Take a journey to The Blowing Rock, North Carolina’s iconic tourist destination since 1933. Enjoy the views of Grandfather Mountain, Table Rock, and Hawksbill.

The Boone area is also known for its high concentration of ski resorts, perfect for the outdoor adventurer.

While it’s a bit of a hike for a one-day trip, I think that making the drive down to Charleston is well worth it. And it’s a day trip I’ve done many times. In fact, I’ve done a Charleston day trip more frequently than spending a few days in Charleston.

Charleston, in the heart of South Carolina’s Lowcountry, is full of rich history and wonderful food. It’s the largest city in South Carolina, and there are so many things to see.

Explore local Civil War history by touring Fort Sumter, and take in the preserved beauty of Aiken-Rhett House. 

Try the ever-popular historic horse and carriage tour.

Or learn more about Charleston from the water with this Charleston Harbor boat cruise.

And of course you can miss Charleston’s famous Lowcountry cuisine. Sample some of this region’s most famous dishes with this Charleston walking food tour.

Final thoughts on taking day trips from Greenville, South Carolina

Taking day trips from Greenville, South Carolina, can be a great way to explore the area. Whether you are looking for outdoor adventure or want to learn more about the history of the region, there is something nearby that will fit your needs.

From hiking trails and waterfalls to historic sites and national parks, these places offer plenty of options for an enjoyable day trip with friends or family.

So take advantage of all that this region has to offer by planning one (or several!) day trips from Greenville.

More articles to help you plan your visit to Greenville

• The top things to do in Greenville, South Carolina
• How to spend one day in Greenville
• Itinerary for a perfect Greenville, SC, weekend getaway
• Enchanting weekend getaways from Greenville, SC

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