The Ultimate Greenville, SC, Weekend Travel Guide: Top Hotels, Dining, Attractions

The author traveled as a guest of Visit Greenville SC. All opinions are the author’s own, and Visit Greenville SC has no input in this article.

I visited Greenville, South Carolina, for the first time in summer 2024 and instantly fell in love. There was just something about this place that felt right to me. It had a small-town vibe but the amenities of a big city. Lots of green space surrounded a walkable downtown with shops and restaurants. Excellent hotels and fun special events rounded out the experience.

In this travel guide, I’ll show you around Greenville, including dining options, hotels, shopping, and activities, so that you can plan a fun weekend trip.

Why Greenville Should Be on Your U.S. Travel Bucket List

During my first visit, I fell in love with Greenville. On my second trip, in May 2025, I experienced more of what the city offers.

Greenville has something special that I can’t quite put my finger on. It feels like a delightful small town that’s not small. It has Southern charm, but still feels modern and progressive. It has a lively walkable downtown with shops, restaurants, and special events.

Greenville Location

Greenville is in northwest South Carolina, just over 1 hour and 30 minutes by car from Charlotte, North Carolina, and just over 2 hours from Atlanta, Georgia.

The Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) has over 100 daily nonstop flights to 25 destinations (some routes are seasonal) on all the major U.S. airlines, including Allegiant, American, Avelo, Breeze, Delta, Southwest, and United.

Hotels in Greenville

There are many great hotels in Greenville — here’s a quick look at the 3 I have stayed at, plus a list of hotels you can book with points.

Grand Bohemian Lodge Greenville, Autograph Collection

Last summer, I stayed at the Grand Bohemian Lodge Greenville, Autograph Collection, and I loved it. It’s part chic lodge and part art gallery with a central location within walking distance of everything you’ll want to do in downtown Greenville.

I’m a sucker for a hotel that embraces bold colors and design, and the Grand Bohemian Greenville did just that. Even better, there was an art gallery in the lobby and the most fabulous purple couch I have ever seen.

Rooms at the Grand Bohemian Lodge Greenville start around 44,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Hotel Hartness

If you’re looking for something with a more resort-like feel, check out Hotel Hartness. It’s about 20 minutes outside downtown Greenville and less than 15 minutes from the BMW Performance Driving Center.

I stayed 2 nights here on my most recent trip before heading into downtown Greenville and really enjoyed the beautiful setting and relaxed atmosphere.

My room was very comfortable, with a huge balcony overlooking the pool and green spaces.

We went for a bike ride around the property (complimentary for hotel guests), which included lots of trails and a planned community of new houses. We even stopped into the real estate office to tour some homes. I told you I fell in love with Greenville!

I also visited Spa H at Hotel Hartness and had one of the best massages I have had in recent years.

Hot Tip:

If you plan to visit the BMW Performance Driving Center, I recommend staying at Hotel Hartness, which is less than 15 minutes away.

AC Hotel Greenville

On my most recent trip, I spent the night at AC Hotel Greenville. It’s in the heart of downtown, within walking distance of the best shops and restaurants.

My room was modern, spacious, and clean. While not as eclectic or design-forward as the Grand Bohemian Lodge, it’s a good budget-friendly option when booking with points. Rooms are available for as low as 30,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Hotels in Greenville That Can Be Booked With Points

Here are some other hotel options in downtown Greenville that can be booked with points. The Marriott Bonvoy program offers the most options, so make sure you’re earning Marriott Bonvoy points now so you’re ready to book your trip!

Marriott Bonvoy

• AC Hotel Greenville
• Aloft Greenville Downtown
• Courtyard Greenville Downtown
• Grand Bohemian Lodge Greenville, Autograph Collection
• Residence Inn Greenville Downtown
• SpringHill Suites Greenville Downtown
• The Westin Poinsett, Greenville

Hilton Honors

• Embassy Suites by Hilton Greenville Downtown Riverplace
• Hampton Inn & Suites by Greenville-Downtown-Riverplace
• Home2Suites by Hilton Greenville Downtown
• Homewood Suites by Hilton Greenville Downtown

World of Hyatt

• Hyatt Place Greenville Downtown
• Hyatt Regency Greenville

IHG One Rewards

• Holiday Inn Express & Suites Greenville-Downtown

Things To Do in Greenville

Falls Park on the Reedy

No trip to Greenville is complete without a stop by Falls Park on the Reedy. The centerpiece of this downtown park is the Liberty Bridge, a 345-foot pedestrian bridge that crosses over the Reedy River waterfalls.

Special Events

Greenville has a great lineup of weekly and yearly special events worth checking out. Here’s a quick look at the ones I have experienced:

• TD Saturday Market: This weekly farmer’s market takes place on Saturday mornings from May to October across 2 blocks on Main Street in downtown Greenville. Over 75 vendors sell local produce, specialty foods, crafts, and more.
• Main Street Fridays: This weekly music series goes live each Friday night from March to September at Noma Square in downtown Greenville.
• Artisphere: This yearly arts festival is held every Mother’s Day weekend in downtown Greenville. It celebrates visual, performing, and culinary arts with live performances, national and local artists, local food vendors, a kids space, and more.

BMW Performance Diving Center

My husband has developed a bit of an obsession with BMWs over the last couple of years, and we now both drive BMW electric vehicles. We jumped at the chance to visit the BMW Performance Driving Center, 1 of only 2 locations in the country.

Our experience included driving a BMW X vehicle through a challenging off-road course. We went through a flooded river, up steep hills, and did 2-wheel shenanigans driving over boulders, which was crazy, but super fun.

We also had time to try out 5 different BMW models on a fast track. This is a must-try activity for anyone who loves driving fast cars.

Shopping

There are lots of fun shops in downtown Greenville, many of which are locally owned. Coffee lovers should definitely stop by Methodical Coffee (I always grab a bag of beans to take home), and foodies will love Oil & Vinegar. If you’re a fan of independent bookstores, check out M. Judson Booksellers.

Fans of Lily Pulitzer will want to head straight for Pink Bee GVL, and souvenir seekers should hit Samantha Grace Designs. If you’re traveling with kids (or adults who act like kids), check out the massive candy selection at Mast General Store, Poppington’s for unique popcorn flavors, and River Street Sweets for anything chocolate.

Swamp Rabbit Trail

The Swamp Rabbit Trail is a 28-mile greenway for walking and biking that runs through Greenville. We rented bikes from Reedy Rides and rode on the trail up to Furman University and back. While on the trail, be sure to stop by the Swamp Rabbit Cafe & Grocery for a drink or snack.

Group Therapy Pub & Playground

Group Therapy is a fun bar and indoor playground right in downtown Greenville. You can try out axe throwing, digital darts, duckpin bowling, and an 18-hole mini golf course.

Hot Tip:

Be sure to check out Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, right across from the Group Therapy Pub entrance. This Columbus, Ohio-based chain (aka my hometown) has the best ice cream you’ll ever taste! My favorite flavors include Savannah Buttermint, Brown Butter Almond Brittle, Goat Cheese with Red Cherries, and Sweet Cream Biscuits & Peach Jam (some flavors are seasonal).

Greenville History Tours

On my first trip to Greenville, we took the Carolina Countryside Tour from Greenville History Tours, which is locally owned and operated.

Greenville History Tours offers a variety of culinary and history-focused options, including a Falls Park Walking Tour, a Historical Neighborhoods and Architecture Driving Tour, a Greenville BBQ Trail Tour, and a Greenville Coffee Tour.

Restaurants in Greenville

Whether you’re in the mood for a quick meal or fine dining, Greenville has many great spots to eat. Here are some of my favorites:

• Jianna: My meal at this modern Italian restaurant was flawless. I also really enjoyed sitting on the balcony, which overlooked the park’s entrance — a perfect spot for people-watching on a warm summer evening.
• Scoundrel: This French restaurant served excellent food and had the service to match. It even had a fantastic nonalcoholic sparkling wine, which was a much-appreciated surprise.
• Up on the Roof: This rooftop bar and restaurant is at the Embassy Suites Riverplace. I loved its brunch, and the views of the city were the perfect backdrop.

• Between the Trees: This Grand Bohemian Lodge restaurant served a great breakfast.
• Camilla Kitchen: If you say “coffee and pastry,” I’m in. Before wandering through the farmer’s market, I grabbed a quick breakfast in this charming coffee shop, located inside an independent bookstore.

• Passerelle Bistro: I had a lovely lunch on the shady patio of this French cafe, which overlooks Falls Park on the Reedy
• Lewis Barbeque: At the suggestion of Upgraded Points Editor-in-Chief Keri Stooksbury, I tried this Texas-style barbecue spot. Arrive early for a shorter wait time — it’s popular for a reason!

Final Thoughts

I fell in love with Greenville, South Carolina, on my first trip in 2024 and again in spring 2025. This city has something special — a mix of Southern charm with a progressive attitude, a walkable downtown, and a small-town vibe with big-city amenities. If you’re looking for a fun weekend trip, consider Greenville. I hope you love it as much as I do.