Top 10 Fun Things to Do Within 40 Miles of Greenville, SC This Summer
We spend most of our time here talking about family portraits, heirloom wall art, and the stories behind the faces we photograph. And we will get back to all of that. But today we wanted to do something a little different. Summer in the Upstate is too good not to talk about, and if you live within 40 miles of Greenville, you are sitting on some of the best of it. So consider this our love letter to the place we call home, and a few ideas to help you make the most of the season before it slips away.
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Top 10 Fun Things to Do Within 40 Miles of Greenville, SC This Summer
Summer in the Upstate is something special. Between the mountains to the north, the rivers cutting through downtown, and more state parks than you can visit in a season, there is no shortage of ways to make memories with the people you love most. Whether you are looking for adventure, a slow afternoon, or something in between, here are ten of our favorites within easy reach of Greenville this summer.
Explore Falls Park on the Reedy
Right in the heart of downtown, Falls Park on the Reedy is one of those places that never gets old. Walk the Liberty Bridge over the falls, let the kids wade in the shallow water below, and slow down for a few minutes beside one of the most beautiful riverfront parks in the Southeast. On Wednesday evenings through the summer, they host free outdoor movie screenings at dusk. Pack a blanket, bring some snacks, and enjoy the night.
Ride the Swamp Rabbit Trail
The Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail stretches 28 miles from downtown Greenville all the way up to Travelers Rest, following the Reedy River along an old railroad corridor. You can rent bikes right downtown from Reedy Rides or pick up an e-bike at one of several local shops if you want a little assist on the way back. The trail weaves through Cleveland Park, Unity Park, the Furman University campus, and some genuinely beautiful stretches of river. It is one of those experiences that reminds you why you love living here.
Splash and Play at Unity Park
If you have young kids, Unity Park is a must this summer. The 60-acre park just west of downtown has a splash pad, playgrounds, basketball courts, and wide open green space along the Reedy River. It connects directly to the Swamp Rabbit Trail, so you can easily pair it with a short ride or walk. Admission is free, parking is easy, and the kids will sleep well that night.
Hike Paris Mountain State Park
Just ten minutes from downtown, Paris Mountain State Park feels like a world away. Four lakes, 15 miles of hiking and biking trails, a swimming area with kayaks and pedal boats for rent, a playground, and a campground all in 1,700 acres right on the edge of the city. The Sulphur Springs Trail is a favorite for families looking for a little more of a challenge, and the loop around Lake Placid is an easy, beautiful walk for all ages. Entry is just $6 for adults.
Climb Table Rock State Park
About 35 miles northwest of Greenville in Pickens County, Table Rock is one of those places you keep meaning to visit and then wonder why you waited so long once you do. The granite dome rises to over 3,100 feet, and the trails offer everything from waterfall walks to the full summit hike. The park has camping, fishing at Pinnacle Lake, and swimming. If you have older kids or teenagers who are ready for a real adventure, the hike to the top is a challenge they will talk about for a long time.
Cool Off at Jones Gap State Park and Rainbow Falls
About 30 miles north of Greenville, Jones Gap State Park sits in a stunning mountain cove with 30 miles of trails winding through forests and waterfalls. The trail to Rainbow Falls is the classic route and worth every step. The creek crossings keep things interesting, the canopy provides shade on hot days, and the waterfall at the end is genuinely breathtaking. Pack a lunch, bring plenty of water, and plan to spend most of a day out there.
Spend a Morning at the Children's Museum of the Upstate
On those days when the heat or an afternoon storm sends you indoors, the Children's Museum of the Upstate downtown is one of the best options in the region. It is among the top ten largest children's museums in the country, with 80,000 square feet of hands-on exhibits. The kids will be fully engaged, and you might learn something too. It is a good reminder that some of the best family days are the unplanned ones.
Watch the Greenville Drive Play Ball at Fluor Field
A summer evening at Fluor Field watching the Greenville Drive is one of those simple, good things that families remember. The ballpark is beautiful, the atmosphere is relaxed, tickets are affordable, and there is something about minor league baseball on a warm night that just feels right. Grab some food, settle into your seats, and enjoy a few hours with nowhere else to be.
Catch Live Music at NOMA Square on Main Street
All summer long, downtown Greenville comes alive on weeknights with free live music at NOMA Square. Downtown Alive kicks off every Thursday from late afternoon into the evening with local bands, food trucks, and an easy, community feel. Main Street Fridays brings jazz, blues, soul, and more genres to the same stage on Friday nights from spring through September. Both are free, family-friendly, and a wonderful way to end a weekday with something worth remembering.
Drive Hwy 11 and Stop Somewhere Beautiful
One of the most underrated summer drives in South Carolina starts right outside Greenville along Highway 11, the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway. The route winds through the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains with views of Table Rock, Caesars Head, and the surrounding ridgelines. Pull off at a trailhead, stop at a local farm stand, or just drive with the windows down. Sometimes the best summer memories are made when you have no particular destination in mind.
One More Thing Worth Holding Onto
Summer moves fast. The days feel long but the season slips by, and before you know it, the kids are back in school and the light has changed. If you want to hold onto this one a little longer, we would love to help. At Phil Hyman Portraits, we have spent over 54 years helping Greenville families create heirloom portraits that capture the people they love most right now, exactly as they are. If this summer feels like one worth remembering, we would be honored to help you make it permanent. Give us a call at 864-235-7864 or visit philhyman.com to learn more.
