Day Trips from Greenville, South Carolina

Location:

Athens, GA

Highlights:

Planning a road trip from Greenville? Athens, GA is absolutely worth the drive—think history, arts, and Southern charm all in one walkable downtown.

We Recommend This For:

History buffs, music lovers, university-town explorers, and anyone craving a lively but laid-back weekend escape.

What We Love:

Charming antebellum architecture, an energized local arts scene, iconic live music venues, and a booming culinary culture fueled by students and locals alike.

• Explore the Victorian-era historic district, where antebellum buildings line the streets and you’ll stumble upon unique, locally owned cafes and boutiques.
• Visit the University of Georgia, one of the oldest public universities in the country, with a gorgeous campus and on-site museums.
• Experience Athens’ famous music legacy—don’t miss a show at the legendary Georgia Theater or the iconic 40 Watt Club.
• Eat your way through town at a mix of inventive bistros, soul food staples, and modern Southern cuisine hotspots.

Distance from Greenville:

About 1 hour and 45 minutes by car.

How to Get to Athens, GA:

Take I-85 South from Greenville, then exit onto GA-10 Loop E toward Athens. Follow signs into downtown—everything is close once you arrive!

Location:

Greer, SC

Highlights:

If you're into cars or just love seeing how things work, this one's a must. From Greenville, it's just a short drive to one of the most unique factory experiences in the South.

We Recommend This For:

Auto enthusiasts, engineering fans, families with teens, and anyone curious about modern manufacturing.

What We Love:

Access to a real working BMW factory, free entry to the futuristic BMW Zentrum Museum, and the jaw-dropping lineup of rare vehicles and concept models.

• Tour the BMW Factory and see the high-tech vehicle assembly process up close, guided by knowledgeable staff from the BMW Zentrum Museum.
• Explore the museum’s collection of classic and concept BMW vehicles—including the quirky Isetta “Bubblecar.”
• Visit Monday through Friday, but keep in mind that factory tours require advance reservations.
• Plan Ahead: Tours involve walking 1–2 miles, and closed-toe shoes are mandatory for safety reasons.

Distance from Greenville:

Just a 25-minute drive from downtown.

How to Get to BMW Zentrum Museum:

Take I-85 North to Exit 60 for SC-101. Head north on SC-101 and look for signage leading to the BMW complex at 1400 Highway 101 South, Greer, SC 29651.

Location:

Charlotte, NC

Highlights:

Headed north from Greenville? Charlotte's just a couple of hours away and packed with enough big-city energy, art, and eats to fill a weekend (or more).

We Recommend This For:

Urban explorers, culture lovers, foodies, NASCAR fans, and anyone craving a polished city break with Southern flair.

What We Love:

The sleek Uptown skyline, hidden gems in artsy neighborhoods like NoDa and Plaza Midwood, and a nonstop lineup of restaurants and attractions.

• Stroll through Uptown Charlotte, the city’s vibrant downtown core filled with soaring skyscrapers and must-sees like the NASCAR Hall of Fame and the Levine Museum of the New South.
• Dine at some of North Carolina’s top restaurants and browse unique local shops scattered throughout Uptown and surrounding districts.
• Explore the funky, creative energy of Plaza Midwood and NoDa (North Davidson), both hotspots for local art, craft breweries, murals, and eclectic boutiques.

Distance from Greenville:

About 1 hour and 45 minutes by car.

How to Get to Charlotte:

Hop on I-85 North from Greenville and drive straight into the heart of the Queen City. Follow signs for Uptown or specific neighborhoods like NoDa once you're in town.

Location:

Columbia, SC

Highlights:

Just over an hour from Greenville, Columbia lives up to its nickname—“The Real Southern Hot Spot”—with way more than just warm temps. It's got flavor, flair, and plenty for both couples and families to explore.

We Recommend This For:

Weekend adventurers, history lovers, foodies, families, and anyone wanting a mix of modern buzz and Southern tradition.

What We Love:

Historic architecture, lively dining and cocktail scenes, family-friendly attractions, and cultural gems that bring the city’s past to life.

• Explore the city's vibe through its buzzing restaurants, romantic hotels, chic bars, and stylish shops—all brimming with Southern energy.
• Step Back in time at Columbia’s historic house museums and the engaging South Carolina State Museum, which covers art, science, and state heritage.
• Bring the Kids to the wildly fun Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden, one of the Southeast’s top family attractions.

Distance from Greenville:

Roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes by car.

How to Get to Columbia:

Take I-385 South to I-26 East, and follow the signs straight into Columbia’s vibrant downtown. Parking is plentiful near all the major attractions.

Romantic Day Trips from Greenville:

Location:

Dacusville, SC

Highlights:

Want to take a breather from the city? Just 30 minutes from Greenville, Dacusville is a peaceful country escape filled with small-town charm, local history, and fun for families.

We Recommend This For:

Rural explorers, families with kids, history lovers, and anyone who enjoys community festivals or scenic weekend drives.

What We Love:

Old-timey vibes, friendly locals, the annual farm show, and low-key recreation options like lakeside fishing and playground picnics.

• Visit Dacusville, a tiny agricultural community nestled in Pickens County, with a quiet, laid-back atmosphere year-round.
• Don’t Miss the beloved Farm Show over Labor Day weekend, complete with antique tractor displays, hayrides, and old-fashioned fun.
• Play at several local parks with playgrounds that make it easy to bring the kids for a simple outdoor outing.
• Fish or boat at nearby Saluda Lake, a great spot to slow down and enjoy nature.
• Step into the past at the historic Hester Store, a general store dating back to 1893 that’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Distance from Greenville:

Only about 30 minutes by car.

How to Get to Dacusville:

Take SC-183 or US-123 northwest from Greenville, then follow signs into Pickens County. Dacusville is a small community, so everything is easy to find once you're there.

Location:

Western North Carolina

Highlights:

Want an easy nature escape from Greenville with movie-worthy views? DuPont State Forest is only about an hour away and packed with waterfalls, hiking, and forest magic.

We Recommend This For:

Outdoor adventurers, hikers, mountain bikers, waterfall chasers, and film fans seeking real-life landscapes from iconic movies.

What We Love:

Hollywood-level scenery, crowd-pleasing trails, secret peaceful routes, and endless chances to connect with nature.

• Explore over 10,000 acres of pristine forest featured in movies like The Last of the Mohicans and The Hunger Games. Learn more at the official site.
• Hike the Triple Falls Trail—a 2.2-mile round-trip route that shows off three stunning waterfalls and draws big summer crowds.
• Bike some of the best singletrack in the state with 86 miles of trails ranging from easy to challenging.
• Seek Solitude on one of the forest’s lesser-traveled paths for a more serene, off-the-beaten-track experience.

Distance from Greenville:

Roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes by car.

How to Get to DuPont State Forest:

Take US-25 North into North Carolina, then follow US-276 West to Staton Road. Park at the Hooker Falls Access Area for a great starting point.

Location:

Easley, SC

Highlights:

Need a low-key day trip from Greenville? Easley’s just 25 minutes away and full of small-town charm, weekend markets, and easy mountain access.

We Recommend This For:

Families, antique hunters, weekend wanderers, and anyone looking for a quick escape with mountain vibes and a community feel.

What We Love:

The cozy downtown packed with local shops, Saturday farmer’s markets, live music events, and the unbeatable proximity to outdoor adventures in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

• Stroll through Easley’s welcoming downtown, where you’ll find antique stores, specialty shops, and Saturday morning farmer’s markets full of local flavor.
• Bring the Kids to the children’s splash park for summertime fun or check out a concert or festival at the town’s outdoor amphitheater.
• Escape into nature with easy access to the Blue Ridge Mountains, where you’ll find lakes, waterfalls, and hiking trails all within a short drive.

Distance from Greenville:

Just 25 minutes by car.

How to Get to Easley:

Take US-123 North out of Greenville straight into the heart of Easley. Parking is available along downtown side streets and near the market pavilion.

Family Day Trips from Greenville:

Location:

Flat Rock, NC

Highlights:

If you're craving cooler temps and a quiet day steeped in history, Flat Rock is the perfect getaway—just over an hour from Greenville with stunning old homes and mountain air. It’s like stepping into “Little Charleston” without the humidity.

We Recommend This For:

History lovers, architecture buffs, theatergoers, and anyone looking for a peaceful, scenic escape with deep Southern roots.

What We Love:

Elegant historic homes, the legacy of Carl Sandburg, live performances at the Flat Rock Playhouse, and the town’s unique blend of Low Country heritage and mountain tranquility.

• Discover Flat Rock’s roots as a summer refuge for wealthy Charlestonians escaping the heat—hence its nickname: “The Little Charleston of the Mountains.”
• Stroll through the entire village district, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and admire its well-preserved 19th-century architecture.
• Visit the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site, a peaceful property celebrating the life and work of the Pulitzer Prize–winning poet.
• Catch a Show at the Flat Rock Playhouse, known for its top-tier theatrical productions in a charming mountain setting.
• Admire the beautiful stonework and design of the village’s historic Episcopal church, a cornerstone of local heritage.

Distance from Greenville:

About 1 hour and 10 minutes by car.

How to Get to Flat Rock:

Take US-25 North from Greenville straight into North Carolina. Follow signs to the Flat Rock historic district, located just south of Hendersonville.

Location:

Fountain Inn, SC

Highlights:

Looking for a quiet, easy day trip? Fountain Inn is just 30 minutes from Greenville and perfect when you want fresh air, small-town charm, and zero stress.

We Recommend This For:

Couples, families, nature lovers, and anyone seeking a slower-paced getaway with local flavor and peaceful surroundings.

What We Love:

Its historical roots, easygoing vibe, summer concerts in the park, and the scenic foothill setting that makes everything feel just a bit calmer.

• Discover the truth behind the name—Fountain Inn isn’t a bed and breakfast, but a peaceful city named after an old inn that once welcomed weary stagecoach travelers.
• Unwind in a town designed to help you slow down, with plenty of space to stretch your legs and enjoy the quiet.
• Explore nearby parks and trails that showcase the region’s natural beauty.
• Enjoy seasonal events like outdoor summer concerts at Commerce Park, a popular gathering spot for locals and visitors alike.

Distance from Greenville:

Roughly 30 minutes by car.

How to Get to Fountain Inn:

Take I-385 South from Greenville, then exit onto Main Street into the heart of Fountain Inn. Everything in town is easily accessible once you arrive.