• What is the largest city in Greenville County?
    • Greenville is the largest city in Greenville County, and although it offers its fair share of attractions, you might find yourself wanting to head out of town on a day trip.
  • What nearby states can you visit from Greenville?
    • If this is the case, you're in luck; the states of Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina are all within driving distance, and you have your pick of big cities, rural agricultural counties, and historic villages.
  • How easy is it to visit the Blue Ridge Mountains from Greenville?
    • It's also relatively easy to get to the Blue Ridge Mountains, where you can explore charming mountain cities, enjoy the beauty of pristine lakes and waterfalls, and hike to your heart's content.

Best Time for Day Trips from Greenville, South Carolina:

  • March to May – Enjoy blooming gardens, waterfalls, and ideal hiking weather in the Blue Ridge foothills.
  • June to August – Warm summer days perfect for lake adventures, mountain drives, and family-friendly attractions.
  • September to October – Experience vibrant fall foliage, apple orchards, and scenic trails.
  • November – Crisp air and fewer crowds make it great for exploring historic towns and local culture.
  • December to February – Mild winters allow for cozy mountain getaways and festive holiday events.

⮕ Athens, GA from Greenville

Visit historic sites and walk along a vibrant college town’s downtown streets.

Athens, GA from Greenville

© SeanPavonePhoto/stock.adobe.com

  • What is Athens, GA known for?
    • Home to the historic University of Georgia, the town of Athens, GA boasts a beautiful Victorian-era historic district filled with antebellum buildings, an incredible assortment of locally owned cafes and restaurants, and a healthy dose of southern-style charm that makes visitors want to extend their stay.
  • Does Athens, GA have a strong arts and music scene?
    • The city also has a lively arts and music scene that has given birth to the likes of R.E.M. and the B-52s, so if you're here in the evening, do your best to catch a performance at the Georgia Theater, the 40 Watt Club, or one of the other highly-acclaimed venues in town.

⮕ BMW Factory Tour

See high-tech car manufacturing and explore interactive exhibits at the BMW Zentrum Museum.

BMW Factory Tour

© BMW Zentrum Museum

  • What is the BMW Factory Tour?
    • Offered by the BMW Zentrum Museum, the BMW Factory Tour offers the unique opportunity to step inside a working BMW factory and learn about the automobile manufacturing process firsthand.
  • What can visitors see at the BMW Zentrum Museum?
    • Tour guests can also check out the museum free of charge; highlights of the exhibits here include state-of-the-art concept vehicles and rare, historic BMW vehicles like the Isetta “Bubblecar”.
  • When is the BMW Zentrum Museum open?
    • The museum is open to visitors Monday through Friday, but factory tours are only available by advance reservation.
  • What should visitors know before taking the BMW Factory Tour?
    • The tour involves between one and two miles of walking, and all visitors must wear completely enclosed shoes to comply with safety guidelines.
  • Where is the BMW Zentrum Museum located?
    • 1400 Highway 101 South, Greer, SC 29651,
      Phone: 864-802-6000

⮕ Charlotte from Greenville

Explore a thriving city and admire its modern skyline on a quick trip.

Charlotte from Greenville

© Jill Lang/stock.adobe.com

  • What is the largest city in North Carolina?
    • The largest city in North Carolina, Charlotte, is an ever-expanding metropolis with no shortage of restaurants, shops, and attractions for visitors to enjoy.
  • What is unique about Charlotte’s downtown area?
    • The modern downtown core is confusingly known by locals as Uptown, and it's dotted with soaring skyscrapers and high-profile attractions like the NASCAR Hall of Fame and the Levine Museum of the New South.
  • Where can visitors find the best restaurants and stores in Charlotte?
    • This is also where you'll find the bulk of the city's best restaurants and stores.
  • Where should visitors go for art and culture in Charlotte?
    • If you're looking to immerse yourself in art and culture, head to the funky neighborhoods of Plaza Midwood and North Davidson, known to locals as NoDa.

⮕ Columbia from Greenville

Walk along the scenic riverfront and visit fascinating museums in South Carolina’s capital.

Columbia from Greenville

© csfotoimages/stock.adobe.com

  • Why is Columbia known as "The Real Southern Hot Spot"?
    • Columbia is known for its scorching summer weather, but that's not the only reason this state capital is referred to as "The Real Southern Hot Spot".
  • What attractions can visitors enjoy in Columbia?
    • The city is home to an incredible array of buzzing restaurants, romantic hotels, sophisticated cocktail bars, and trendy stores, but it also offers a welcome glimpse at the city's rich heritage.
  • Where can visitors learn about Columbia’s history?
    • Historic house museums can be found dotted throughout the city, and the South Carolina State Museum is the perfect place to learn about history in a broader sense.
  • What family-friendly attractions are there in Columbia?

⮕ Dacusville

Discover peaceful countryside landscapes and explore charming small-town attractions.

Dacusville

© iPixel Studio/stock.adobe.com

  • Where is Dacusville located?
    • Tucked away in rural Pickens County, Dacusville is a tiny community with a decidedly agricultural feel.
  • What is the most popular event in Dacusville?
    • The community sees most of its visitors during its annual Farm Show on Labor Day weekend, which offers antique tractor shows and hayrides, but it's a charming place to visit during the rest of the year as well.
  • What family-friendly activities are available in Dacusville?
    • There are several family-friendly parks with playgrounds in the town, and the nearby Saluda Lake is excellent for fishing and boating.
  • What historic site can visitors see in Dacusville?
    • Visitors can also stop by the historic Hester Store, a general store built in 1893 that's listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

⮕ DuPont State Forest

Hike scenic trails and admire stunning waterfalls in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains.

DuPont State Forest

© Jill Lang/stock.adobe.com

  • What is DuPont State Forest?
    • Encompassing more than 10,000 acres in western North Carolina, the DuPont State Forest has famously served as the backdrop for movies like The Last of the Mohicans and The Hunger Games.
  • What outdoor activities is DuPont State Forest known for?
    • It's known as one of the best mountain biking destinations in the state, but the forest is also home to 86 miles of hiking trails and all sorts of waterfalls.
  • What is the most popular hike in DuPont State Forest?
    • Three of these falls can be accessed via the park's most popular hike, a 2.2-mile round-trip trail that tends to draw crowds of visitors during the summer months.
  • Are there quieter trails in DuPont State Forest?
    • Yes, there are also plenty of other trails if you're seeking a bit of solitude.

⮕ Easley

Walk along charming downtown streets and visit lively local festivals.

Easley

© Kevin Ruck/stock.adobe.com

  • Where is Easley located?
    • Set at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Easley is the biggest city in Pickens County and an excellent day trip destination.
  • What can visitors do in downtown Easley?
    • The welcoming downtown streets host a weekly farmer's market on Saturday mornings, and they offer a good selection of restaurants, antique shops, and specialty stores that are open all throughout the week.
  • What other amenities does Easley offer?
    • Other town amenities include a children's splash park and an outdoor amphitheater that often hosts festivals, live music, and other special events.
  • What outdoor activities are available near Easley?
    • Visitors will also enjoy easy access to the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains, where they can explore the many lakes, waterfalls, and scenic hiking trails.

⮕ Flat Rock

Explore historic sites and visit the Carl Sandburg Home for a literary experience.

Flat Rock

© Zack Frank/stock.adobe.com

  • What is the history of Flat Rock?
    • Originally built as a place for wealthy plantation owners and Charlestonians to escape the scorching heat of the Low Country, Flat Rock is a historic village fondly nicknamed "The Little Charleston of the Mountains."
  • Why should visitors go to Flat Rock?
    • The town is still a great place to beat the summer heat, but it's worth a visit for the architecture alone.
  • What makes Flat Rock historically significant?
    • The entire village district holds a place on the National Register of Historic Places.
  • What are some of the most notable landmarks in Flat Rock?
    • Some of the most impressive buildings include the Carl Sandburg Home, the beautiful Episcopal church, and the Flat Rock Playhouse, which still hosts high-quality theater productions today.

⮕ Fountain Inn

Discover quaint shops and explore a charming small-town atmosphere.

Fountain Inn

© SFIO CRACHO/stock.adobe.com

  • What is Fountain Inn?
    • Don’t be fooled by the name; Fountain Inn is not the charming bed and breakfast you might expect, but rather a peaceful city tucked among the rolling foothills of South Carolina.
  • How did Fountain Inn get its name?
    • The town received its name from a historic inn that served as an overnight stop for weary stagecoach travelers.
  • Why do visitors come to Fountain Inn?
    • Today, it welcomes visitors who want a break from the hustle and bustle of city life.
  • What outdoor activities are available in and around Fountain Inn?
    • Plenty of beautiful parks and trails can be found in the surrounding area, but if you'd rather stay in town, try to catch one of the outdoor concerts that are held at Commerce Park in the summer.

Plan Your Trip


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