2-Day Relaxing Family Staycation Guide in Greenville, SC
Greenville, South Carolina
2 days
About Greenville, South Carolina
Experience the charm of the South in Greenville, South Carolina. This vibrant city offers a blend of urban sophistication and southern tradition. Explore the downtown area, filled with local boutiques, art galleries, and a variety of dining options. Visit Falls Park on the Reedy, a stunning nature park in the heart of the city. Enjoy a bike ride on the Swamp Rabbit Trail, or take a hike in the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains. Greenville's rich history can be discovered at the Upcountry History Museum. For art enthusiasts, the Greenville County Museum of Art houses an impressive collection. Don't miss the Peace Center for performing arts and the Bon Secours Wellness Arena for sporting events. Greenville, SC is a destination that offers something for everyone.
2-Day Itinerary
Day 2
Exploring Nature and Science in Greenville
Morning
Start your second day with a visit to the Greenville Zoo. This small but well-maintained zoo is home to a variety of animals, and it's a great place for families to learn about wildlife.
Lunch
Have lunch at a restaurant in the Haywood Mall area. This area has a variety of dining options, and it's a convenient place to eat before your afternoon activities.
Afternoon
Spend the afternoon exploring the Roper Mountain Science Center. This educational center has interactive exhibits on a variety of scientific topics, and it's a fun and educational experience for kids.
Dinner
Enjoy dinner at a restaurant in the West End Historic District. This area has a variety of dining options, and it's a great place to experience the city's historic charm.
Evening
End your day with a walk along the Swamp Rabbit Trail. This trail runs along the Reedy River, and it's a beautiful place for an evening stroll.
Attractions in Itinerary (7)
1Falls Park on the Reedy
A beautiful urban park that features a waterfall, scenic overlooks, and a pedestrian suspension bridge.
2Greenville County Museum of Art
Home to an impressive collection of American art, with a particular focus on Southern art and artists.
3Peace Center
A performing arts center that hosts a variety of shows, including Broadway productions, concerts, and comedy shows.
4Greenville Zoo
A small but well-kept zoo featuring a variety of animals from around the world.
5Haywood Mall
Haywood Mall is the premier shopping destination in Greenville, South Carolina. It boasts over 150 stores, including high-end retailers and popular chains, as well as a variety of dining options, making it a one-stop-shop for all your shopping needs.
6Roper Mountain Science Center
A science center offering hands-on exhibits, planetarium shows, and educational programs.
7Swamp Rabbit Trail
A 22-mile multi-use greenway system that runs along the Reedy River connecting Greenville County with schools, parks, and local businesses.
Local Food and Drinks (12)
Shrimp and Grits
A classic southern dish popular in Greenville, South Carolina. It consists of shrimp served with a sauce on top of creamy grits.
Pimento Cheese
A staple in Greenville, South Carolina, Pimento Cheese is a spread made with cheese, mayonnaise, and pimentos. It's often served with crackers or bread.
Carolina BBQ
Greenville, South Carolina is known for its Carolina-style barbecue, which is slow-cooked pork with a tangy, mustard-based sauce.
Fried Green Tomatoes
A popular southern dish in Greenville, South Carolina. The tomatoes are sliced, breaded, and fried until crispy.
Chicken Bog
A traditional dish in Greenville, South Carolina, made with chicken, rice, and sausage, all cooked together in a savory broth.
Sweet Tea
A popular drink in Greenville, South Carolina. It's a refreshing iced tea sweetened with sugar.
Boiled Peanuts
A popular snack in Greenville, South Carolina. The peanuts are boiled in salt water until they become soft and flavorful.
Collard Greens
A traditional side dish in Greenville, South Carolina. The greens are slow-cooked with ham hocks or bacon for a rich, smoky flavor.
Peach Cobbler
A popular dessert in Greenville, South Carolina, made with fresh peaches and a sweet, buttery crust.
Hoppin' John
A traditional dish in Greenville, South Carolina, made with black-eyed peas, rice, and pork. It's often eaten on New Year's Day for good luck.
Chow Chow
A pickled relish made from a mix of vegetables. It's a traditional condiment in Greenville, South Carolina, often served with meats and beans.
Cheerwine
A cherry-flavored soft drink that's popular in Greenville, South Carolina. It's known for its sweet taste and burgundy color.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Greenville, South Carolina as a tourist is during the spring and fall seasons. The months from April to June and September to November offer the most pleasant weather. During these periods, you can enjoy outdoor activities and festivals without the extreme heat of the summer or the chill of winter. The city's beautiful parks and gardens are in full bloom in spring, while fall offers stunning foliage views.
National holidays
Here you can find the national calendar of all public holidays for the year. These dates are subject to change as official changes are announced, so check back regularly for updates.
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
January 1 | Mon | New Year's Day |
January 15 | Mon | Martin Luther King Jr. Day |
February 19 | Mon | Presidents' Day |
May 27 | Mon | Memorial Day |
June 19 | Wed | Juneteenth |
July 4 | Thu | Independence Day |
September 2 | Mon | Labor Day |
October 14 | Mon | Columbus Day |
November 11 | Mon | Veterans Day |
November 28 | Thu | Thanksgiving Day |
December 25 | Wed | Christmas Day |
How to get around
Car Rental
Renting a car is a convenient way to get around Greenville, especially if you plan on visiting areas outside of the city center. There are several car rental companies available at the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport and throughout the city.
Ridesharing
Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft are widely available in Greenville. This can be a convenient option if you prefer not to drive yourself. Simply download the app, request a ride, and wait for your driver to arrive.
Public Transportation
Greenville's public transportation system, Greenlink, offers bus service throughout the city. Buses run Monday through Saturday and cover most of the city. This can be a cost-effective way to get around, especially if you're staying within the city limits.
Biking
Greenville is a bike-friendly city with numerous bike lanes and trails. The city's bike share program, B-Cycle, allows you to rent a bike for a short period of time. This can be a fun and healthy way to explore the city.
Walking
Downtown Greenville is very walkable, with many attractions, restaurants, and shops within a short distance of each other. The city also has a beautiful network of walking trails, including the Swamp Rabbit Trail, which is a great way to see the city and enjoy the outdoors.
Taxis
Taxis are available in Greenville, although they may not be as readily available as ridesharing services. You can usually find taxis at the airport, hotels, and major attractions.
Airport Shuttle
Several hotels in Greenville offer shuttle services to and from the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport. This can be a convenient option if you're staying at one of these hotels.
Driving
If you're comfortable driving, Greenville is easy to navigate by car. There's plenty of parking available downtown, and the city is served by several major highways, making it easy to get to other parts of South Carolina.
Important information
Currency$ USD
Time zoneUTC-5
Driving sideRight
Emergency phone911
Drinking waterYes
Power sockets
Voltage120 V
Things to know about Greenville, South Carolina as a first time visitor
1
Greenville is located in the Upstate region of South Carolina, which is in the northwest part of the state.
2
The city experiences a humid subtropical climate, with hot and humid summers and cool to cold winters.
3
The average high temperature in summer is around 89°F (32°C), while the average low in winter can drop to 34°F (1°C).
4
Greenville is a very walkable city, especially downtown, which is filled with shops, restaurants, and parks.
5
Public transportation is available through the Greenville Transit Authority, which operates a bus system throughout the city.
6
Taxis and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are also readily available.
7
Greenville is known for its Southern hospitality, so don't hesitate to ask locals for directions or recommendations.
8
The city is home to a diverse culinary scene, with a focus on farm-to-table dining and Southern cuisine.
9
There are several farmers markets in the area where you can buy fresh, local produce.
10
Greenville is a bike-friendly city, with numerous bike lanes and trails, and a bike share program.
11
The city has a vibrant arts scene, with many galleries, theaters, and music venues.
12
Greenville is home to several colleges and universities, including Furman University and Greenville Technical College.
13
The city is in the Eastern Time Zone and observes daylight saving time.
14
Greenville has a strong economy, with a focus on manufacturing, healthcare, and education.
15
The city is known for its high quality of life, with a low cost of living and a strong sense of community.
16
Greenville is a green city, with numerous parks and green spaces, and a strong commitment to sustainability.
17
The city is home to several major festivals throughout the year, including Artisphere and Fall for Greenville.
18
Greenville has a rich history, with many historic buildings and sites throughout the city.
19
The city is located near the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering opportunities for hiking and outdoor activities.
20
Greenville has a small but growing craft beer scene, with several local breweries in the area.
Packing List
Clothing
Underwear
Socks
T-shirts
Pants/Shorts
Comfortable walking shoes
Sleepwear
Light jacket or sweater
Swimwear (if your hotel has a pool)
Toiletries
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Floss
Deodorant
Razor
Shaving cream
Shampoo and conditioner
Body wash
Face wash
Moisturizer
Sunscreen
Makeup (if applicable)
Hairbrush or comb
Travel documents and essentials
Driver's license or ID card
Credit and debit cards
Cash
Health insurance card
Hotel reservation confirmation
Car rental confirmation (if applicable)
Electronics and gadgets
Smartphone
Charger for smartphone
Headphones
Camera (if not using smartphone)
Charger for camera (if applicable)
Portable power bank
Miscellaneous items
Snacks
Water bottle
Travel pillow
Travel guidebook for Greenville
Notepad and pen
Umbrella
Sunglasses
Reusable shopping bag
Weather Conditions
Greenville, South Carolina is known for its mild and pleasant climate, but it's still important to be prepared for the weather when you visit. In the summer months, from June to August, Greenville can get quite hot, with temperatures often reaching up to 90°F (32°C). It's advisable to pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunscreen, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun. Also, remember to stay hydrated, especially if you're planning on outdoor activities. Spring and fall are generally mild and comfortable, with temperatures ranging from 60°F to 80°F (15°C to 27°C). These seasons are perfect for exploring the city's parks and outdoor attractions. Pack layers, as the mornings can be cool but the afternoons can get quite warm. Winter, from December to February, is relatively mild compared to many parts of the U.S., with temperatures usually ranging from 30°F to 50°F (-1°C to 10°C). However, it can occasionally get colder, and there's a chance of snow, so it's a good idea to pack a warm jacket, gloves, and a hat. Rain can occur throughout the year in Greenville, but the city sees the most rainfall in the winter and spring months. It's always a good idea to check the forecast before your trip and pack an umbrella or raincoat just in case. Remember, weather can be unpredictable, so it's always best to be prepared for a variety of conditions. Enjoy your visit to Greenville!
| Month | Hi / Lo (°C) | Weather Overview |
|---|---|---|
January | 15° / 1° | January is the coldest month in Greenville with temperatures ranging from 1 to 15 degrees Celsius. It's also the month with the highest snowfall, so pack warm clothes and enjoy the winter scenery. |
February | 18° / 2° | February sees a slight increase in temperatures, ranging from 2 to 18 degrees Celsius. The weather is still chilly, but the snowfall decreases, making it a good time for outdoor activities. |
March | 22° / 6° | March marks the beginning of spring with temperatures ranging from 6 to 22 degrees Celsius. The weather is pleasant, and the city starts to bloom, offering beautiful landscapes. |
April | 26° / 10° | April is a warm month with temperatures ranging from 10 to 26 degrees Celsius. The weather is perfect for exploring the city and its surroundings. |
May | 30° / 15° | May brings summer to Greenville with temperatures ranging from 15 to 30 degrees Celsius. It's a great time to visit the city's parks and enjoy outdoor activities. |
June | 34° / 20° | June is a hot month with temperatures ranging from 20 to 34 degrees Celsius. It's the perfect time to enjoy the city's water parks and cool off in the Reedy River. |
July | 36° / 22° | July is the hottest month in Greenville with temperatures ranging from 22 to 36 degrees Celsius. Make sure to stay hydrated and take advantage of the city's indoor attractions. |
August | 35° / 22° | August continues the summer heat with temperatures ranging from 22 to 35 degrees Celsius. It's a great time to visit the city's lakes and enjoy water sports. |
September | 30° / 18° | September marks the beginning of fall with temperatures ranging from 18 to 30 degrees Celsius. The weather is pleasant, and the city's fall foliage starts to appear. |
October | 24° / 12° | October offers cooler temperatures ranging from 12 to 24 degrees Celsius. It's the perfect time to explore the city's trails and enjoy the fall colors. |
November | 19° / 7° | November is a cool month with temperatures ranging from 7 to 19 degrees Celsius. The weather is perfect for exploring the city's historic sites and museums. |
December | 14° / 2° | December brings winter back to Greenville with temperatures ranging from 2 to 14 degrees Celsius. It's a great time to enjoy the city's holiday festivities and winter activities. |
Did you know?
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