10 Enchanting Weekend Getaways from Greenville, SC
Are you looking for the perfect weekend trip from Greenville, South Carolina? I’ve got you covered. Here are the top weekend getaways from Greenville, SC.
From beachside escapes to mountain hideaways, there are plenty of great destinations within driving distance of Greenville that will make your weekend feel like a mini-vacation.
Whether you’re looking for adventure and outdoor activities or just some time to relax and rejuvenate, these fantastic weekend trips from Greenville will give you exactly what you’re looking for.
The list below is organized based on distance from Greenville, starting with the closest to the farthest. The drive times listed are approximations. The length of time it takes you to drive to each destination will of course depend on several things such as the time of day, your exact starting and ending point, and the weather, etc.
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Asheville, North Carolina
Distance from Greenville: 65 miles
Approximate drive time: 1 hour, 20 minutes
Asheville, North Carolina, is my top choice among possible romantic getaways from Greenville, SC. It’s not a long drive at all, and it’s a pretty easy and relaxing one.
Surrounded by the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains in Western North Carolina, Asheville is a must-visit destination with its relaxed vibe, amazing restaurants, and famous Biltmore Estate.
Asheville is the perfect destination for a romantic escape any time of year, but it’s particularly stunning in autumn. The area is famous for its remarkably lengthy fall color season. Hubby and I have spent four wedding anniversaries at Biltmore Estate, three at the Inn on Biltmore Estate and one at the Village Hotel.
Because we got engaged at Biltmore, it holds a special place in our hearts. Read more about how to spend a weekend at Biltmore Estate.
The Inn on Biltmore Estate: A Must-Stay
Where to stay in Asheville, North Carolina
There are many wonderful places to stay in Asheville, North Carolina.
For the ultimate luxurious spa weekend try the Omni Grove Park Inn – Asheville.
For stays on the Biltmore property, The Inn on Biltmore Estate is our top choice, but we also loved staying at the Village Hotel.
And we love all the restaurants at Biltmore. I’ve never had a bad meal there, and they’re happy to help with dietary restrictions.
DoubleTree by Hilton Biltmore/Asheville is conveniently located close to the Biltmore Estate and the stores at Biltmore Village.
The Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites – Asheville-Biltmore Village Area is conveniently located only a short distance away from the entrance to Biltmore Estate. This one is a more budget-friendly option.
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Charlotte, North Carolina
Distance from Greenville: 105 miles
Approximate drive time: 1 hour, 45 minutes
Those looking for a city break should consider driving up to Charlotte, North Carolina, for a weekend. There is so much to do in the Queen City.
From the vibrant Uptown district to beautiful greenspaces to historic sites, there’s something for everyone in Charlotte. Immerse yourself in the stunning Romare Bearden Park or explore the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Enjoy Uptown’s Liberty Walk, walk through UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens, pay a visit to the Billy Graham Library, or take in a concert at PNC Music Pavilion.
Where to stay in Charlotte, North Carolina
The Ivey’s Hotel is located in the heart of Charlotte. It’s just steps from The Mint Museum Uptown.
The Kimpton Tryon Park Hotel is located right next to Romare Bearden Park in the center of Uptown Charlotte and offers boutique-style accommodations with modern amenities.
For a budget-friendly option, the Holiday Inn Charlotte Center City is worth checking out. This hotel is located close to all the attractions in Uptown Charlotte, but it won’t break the bank.
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Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Distance from Greenville: 106 miles to Oconaluftee Visitor Center
Approximate drive time: 2 hours, 40 minutes
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the best southern national parks. It’s located in eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina, and it’s home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the U.S.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most popular of all 63 U.S. national parks, with a remarkable 14 million visitors in 2021 alone.
One of the things I love most about this park is that you don’t have to be all that adventurous to enjoy it. There are two wonderful scenic drives: Cades Cove and Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.
Plus there are lots of beautiful scenic overlooks. In other words, it’s perfect for people who want to just drive and look at stuff. Of course, the park is noted for its popular hikes like Laurel Falls, Alum Bluff Cave, and Abram Falls. The Appalachian Trail also winds its way through the park.
For more information about this park, see my Great Smoky Mountains National Park itinerary and travel guide.
Where to stay in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
For a complete discussion of where to stay on your trip, see my article all about where to stay in the Smokies.
Camping
For the more outdoorsy types, camping is a great way to experience Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There are 10 frontcountry campgrounds in the park which offer a variety of amenities including restrooms (with cold running water and flush toilets), fire grates, and picnic tables.
Hotels in Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Great Smoky Mountains National Park does not really offer any traditional lodging options. LeConte Lodge is the only accommodation available and can be reached only after hiking at least five miles.
If you prefer to stay in hotels, your best option will be to stay in one of the gateway towns at the major entrances to the Park. Gatlinburg is the most popular (it’s busy!), but other options include Cherokee, North Carolina, and Townsend, Tennessee.
Here are a few highly rated hotel options in Gatlinburg:
The Park Vista offers beautiful views of the Smoky Mountains, and every room has its own balcony.
Margaritaville Resort is a 4-star hotel cram-packed with amenities and just a short drive from Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Fairfield Inn and Suites has long been one of our go-to hotels when looking for an economical and comfortable stay. Their downtown Gatlinburg location is mere moments away from the beginning of the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.
Congaree National Park
Distance from Greenville: 125 miles
Approximate drive time: 2 hours
Another great National Park weekend getaway from Greenville is Congaree National Park. Although it’s quite a lot smaller than Great Smoky Mountains National Park, it also boasts beautiful and unique scenery.
Although less popular among tourists, Congaree is absolutely one of the best national parks on the East Coast.
You’ll find the beautiful Congaree National Park near Columbia, South Carolina. According to the National Park Service, this Park preserves the largest intact expanse of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern United States.
Hiking Congaree National Park is easy and enjoyable. The most popular walk/hike in Congaree is probably the Boardwalk Trail. Other easy hikes include Bluff Trail, Sims Trail, Bates Ferry Trail, Longleaf Trail, and Spur Trail. Or take a canoe or kayak out on the Cedar Creek Canoe Trail.
Where to stay in Congaree National Park
There are no hotels or lodges available at Congaree National Park, so camping is the only way to sleep within the park. My recommendation is that you plan to stay in a hotel in the Columbia, South Carolina, area. Here are a few recommended options:
Residence Inn Columbia Northeast/Fort Jackson Area—The rooms are great here and the staff was quite helpful. For the money, we love how much space you get at Residence Inn hotels. They also offer a free breakfast.
Courtyard by Marriott Columbia Cayce—We love Marriott hotels, and I’ve never had a bad stay at a Courtyard. This particular Courtyard is only a few miles from the closest airport and it’s just about a 20-minute drive from Congaree.
TownePlace Suites Columbia Southeast/Fort Jackson—Situated a modest distance away from the nearby airport, this hotel is a good option for your stay. It’s conveniently located within 20 minutes of the Park and offers complimentary breakfast daily.
Atlanta, Georgia
Distance from Greenville: 145 miles
Approximate drive time: 2 hours, 30 minutes
There are so many things to do in Atlanta. “The Big A” offers visitors an exciting mix of history, culture, and entertainment. With its world-class museums, fun attractions, and endless shopping opportunities, there’s something for everyone in Atlanta.
Top sites include the Martin Luther King Jr National Historic Site, the World of Coca-Cola, professional sports events, and the world-famous Georgia Aquarium.
Where to stay in Atlanta, Georgia
There are many hotels in Atlanta you can choose from. Here are some of the top-rated options:
A mere nine minutes of walking can take you to Centennial Olympic Park from the 4-star Candler Hotel Atlanta. It’s also quite close to the College Football Hall of Fame.
Hampton Inn & Suites Atlanta-Midtown is just about a 6-minute walk from the High Museum of Art and a couple of miles from Centennial Olympic Park.
Omni Hotel at the Battery Atlanta is at Truist Park, making it a great place if you’re going to an Atlanta Braves game during your getaway.
Charleston, South Carolina
Distance from Greenville: 215 miles
Approximate drive time: 3 hours, 10 minutes
Charleston, South Carolina, is steeped in history and Southern charm, so it makes a great weekend trip from Greenville. Combine Charleston with a visit to Savannah (below) for the perfect Lowcountry road trip.
Top sites to visit during your Charleston getaway include Fort Sumter, Aiken-Rhett House, Historic Charleston City Market, and The Battery.
If you’re a fan of seafood and elevated Southern cuisine, then Charleston should be your next foodie destination. And don’t forget to try hushpuppies. They are quite simply the greatest thing ever.
For those looking for a less expensive way to stay in Charleston, choosing a hotel in Mount Pleasant or North Charleston will likely save you significantly compared to city-center hotel rates. While there might be a bit of travel time involved each day, the travel budget savings might be worth it to you.
Where to stay in Charleston
Charleston has a lot of wonderful places to stay. Here are a few top-rated options:
Andrew Pinckney Inn—This lovely 41-room boutique hotel is only a few blocks from the popular Charleston City Market.
The Dewberry—Enjoy beautiful accommodations near the top fine dining and shopping in the city (on King Street).
Budget-friendly Option: Doubletree Mount Pleasant—we had a lovely and budget-friendly stay at this hotel just a few minutes outside Charleston. It’s also close to two scrumptious breakfast places: Vicious Biscuit and Page’s Okra Grill.
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Distance from Greenville: 250 miles
Approximate drive time: 4 hours, 30 minutes
Chattanooga has been ranked by Lonely Planet as one of the top destinations in the U.S., and praised by The New York Times as a must-visit spot in the whole wide world.
The city offers plenty of attractions such as the Tennessee Aquarium and Hunter Museum of American Art. Take a stroll across the Tennessee River on the renowned Walnut Street Pedestrian Bridge, one of the world’s longest pedestrian bridges. Discover Chattanooga Market or the famous Chattanooga Choo Choo.
Where to stay in Chattanooga, Tennessee
Hotel Indigo Chattanooga – Downtown is just half a mile from the Tennessee Aquarium and the Walnut Street Bridge. It’s steps from the city center and offers on-site dining.
The Read House offers 4-star accommodations in the heart of Chattanooga.
Check out Moxy Chattanooga Downtown which is just steps from dining and entertainment at the Chattanooga Choo Choo.
Or try one of the most unique experiences in the city and stay in a Pullman car at the Chattanooga Choo Choo.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Distance from Greenville: 255 miles
Approximate drive time: 4 hours, 15 minutes
Myrtle Beach is one of the most popular beaches in South Carolina. And while there are tons of things to do, the beach is just a great place to slow down and enjoy some relaxation.
The Beach enjoys 215 days of sun a year, so your chances of finding great weather during your getaway are pretty good. Golf junkies will be pleased to know there are 90 courses in the “Grand Strand.”
For adventurers, Myrtle Beach offers a variety of activities, including parasailing, jet skiing, and kayaking. Or drive over to Murrells Inlet to enjoy Brookgreen Gardens and the MarshWalk.
Where to stay at Myrtle Beach
Vacation condos and beach house rentals are great options for Myrtle Beach. If a hotel is more what you’re looking for, here are a couple of top options:
Stay in the heart of Myrtle Beach at Hilton Grand Vacations Club Ocean Enclave. This beachfront property offers suites with kitchens just steps from the Boardwalk and Promenade.
Check out the SpringHill Suites Myrtle Beach Oceanfront. This is a newer property that offers an outdoor pool with a sun deck and a lazy river.
Savannah, Georgia
Distance from Greenville: 260 miles
Approximate drive time: 4 hours
For the perfect Southern getaway, look no further than a weekend in Savannah, Georgia.
The atmosphere and food make it a southern destination that’s pretty hard to beat. The locals will tell you that Savannah is the most haunted city in America.
And the food. Oh, the food. Even if you go to Savannah only for the food, I think you’ll be happy with your weekend trip.
Don’t miss the Waving Girl Statue, River Street, Leopold’s Ice Cream, or Forsyth Park. And Savannah is one town where I would definitely recommend a walking history tour.
Savannah pairs well with Charleston for a lovely short road trip. And there are a lot of great things to do between Savannah and Charleston.
Where to stay in Savannah
Savannah is full of wonderful hotels and inns. Here are a few highly rated options:
The Marshall House is one of the most highly rated places to stay in Savannah. Enjoy the location in the heart of Savannah.
The Eliza Thompson House is an inn rich in history that’s situated near Forsyth Park and its well-known fountain.
If you’re looking for a great view of both the historic Savannah Riverfront and the boats that travel along it, look no further than Marriott Savannah Riverfront. We had a great stay there and love that it’s just steps from the famous Waving Girl Statue.
Holiday Inn Express Savannah – Historic District offers comfortable and affordable rooms just steps from historic River Street.
Hilton Head Island
Distance from Greenville: 260 miles
Approximate drive time: 4 hours, 15 minutes
Hilton Head Island is one of my favorite places and makes for a perfect weekend getaway from Greenville. It’s one of my top picks for romantic getaways in the South.
Hilton Head is one of the best beaches in the U.S., and Travel + Leisure has named it one of the best islands in the continental U.S. I completely agree.
Coligny Beach Park is perfect for public beach access and a designated swim area with free parking. The small park there is also quite charming. If biking is your thing, you’ll love the miles of beaches and recreational paths to explore. And don’t forget about all the delicious food there is to try.
A Lowcountry Backyard is famous for its shrimp and grits and the Lowcountry boil. When we ate there, they gladly helped Hubby find something delicious and gluten-free to eat.
Where to stay on Hilton Head Island
Inn & Club at Harbour Town is the only Forbes four-star hotel on Hilton Head Island. Enjoy luxurious amenities and world-class golf.
Marriott Hilton Head Resort & Spa offers great beach views and has a great pool area.
For a more budget-friendly option try Home2 Suites by Hilton which offers free breakfast.
The bottom line
Greenville is an ideal starting point for weekend getaways, as it’s close to some of the best destinations in the Southeast.
Whether you want a beach escape or a mountain adventure, there are plenty of enchanting options within driving distance from Greenville that will make your weekend feel like the perfect mini-vacation.
More articles about Greenville, SC
- How to spend one day in Greenville, SC
- The perfect Greenville weekend itinerary
- The best day trips from Greenville, SC
- The best things to do in Greenville
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