28 Best Things to Do in Spartanburg, SC: Fun Activities (2023)

Spartanburg is close to mountains, national parks, and many other outdoor activities. Whether you want excitement or relaxation, there is something for everyone!

Here are the 27 best things to do in Spartanburg, SC and the surrounding areas! From the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains to historic military parks, you can find fun things to do for all ages. Let’s explore Spartanburg’s activities and rich history at all the destinations below (all are

BMW Zentrum 

The BMW Zentrum Museum is the only BMW Museum in North America. See rare vehicles from the past like the “Bubblecar.” With restored classic BMWs through the years to current state-of-the-art models. Get ready for an interactive experience!

In this one-of-a-kind experience, you and your family can tour a BMW Factory in Greer, South Carolina. You can see the production of the X line of cars in the manufacturing plant.

Tours are typically:

• Monday-Friday: 9:30 am-5:30 PM
• Ages 12 and older 

BMW Zentrum’s Website for Tour Information here

Location: BMW Zentrum is 16.1 miles from downtown Spartanburg, SC, which is a 25-minute drive.

Address: 1400 SC-101, Greer, SC 29651.

Chapman Cultural Center 

The Chapman Cultural Center is dedicated to promoting the arts, humanities, and sciences in the Spartanburg community.

Among the arts supported by the Center are:

• The Artists’ Guild Spartanburg sponsors an ArtWalk every Thursday from 5-8 pm. The Center displays adult and student artwork Tuesday-Friday from 9 am- 5 pm and Saturday from 11 am-4 pm.
• Ballet Spartanburg puts on several shows throughout the year, including Cinderella and the Wizard of Oz. 
• The Spartanburg Science Center inspires a love of science through interactive exhibits and interaction with live animals. The hands-on exhibits feature twenty-three opportunities for all ages to get up-close-and-personal with science, animals, and fossils. 

Location: Chapman Cultural Center is in downtown Spartanburg at 200 E St John St, Spartanburg, SC 29306.

Cleveland Park

With an amphitheater, an event site, picnic shelters, a green space, and walking trails, Cleveland Park is home to multiple community events and for-rent events.

They host a Daddy-Daughter dance, Special Olympics, and an Easter Egg Scramble, among other events at the park. 

Drive Time: Cleveland Park is 30 miles from downtown Spartanburg, SC, which is a 40-minute drive.

Address: Cleveland Park Dr & East Washington, Greenville, SC 29601

Cowpens National Battlefield 

This Revolutionary War battlefield is one of the few places where you can walk a battlefield trail. Inside the museum are photos and a multi-media presentation familiarizing you with the battle.

You can listen to presentations about the British Units during the Revolutionary War, how they fed the armies, and what happened in the area following the Battle of Cowpens. 

Cowpens National Battlefield has walking tours and many activities for educational field trips. 

Drive Time: Cowpens National Battlefield is 17.5 miles from downtown Spartanburg, SC, which is a 30-minute drive.

Address: 4001 Chesnee Hwy, Gaffney, SC 29341

Croft State Park

Wade in Fairforest Creek, cross the Advance America expansion bridge, and ride bikes on over twenty miles of trails. Croft State Park is a great place to spend the day or the weekend!

Croft State Park is one of the highest ranked South Carolina Parks. It sits on over 7,000 acres and offers:

• hiking and biking trails
• horseback riding
• camping
• picnic areas and picnicking
• boating
• fishing spots
• also, the park hosts horse competitions and shows in its equestrian facilities

Drive Time: Croft State Park is 9.2 miles from downtown Spartanburg, SC, which is a 20-minute drive.

Address: 450 Croft State Park Rd, Spartanburg, SC 29302

Glendale Shoals Preserve

At Glendale Shoals Preserve you can enjoy almost two miles of walking trails following along a gorgeous creek. 

Established in 1993 at the Old Glendale Mill on Lawson’s Creek, the Glendale Shoals Preserve encompasses a scenic waterfall with abundant wildlife and indigenous plants to observe.

Drive Time: Glendale Shoals Preserve is 6.3 miles from downtown Spartanburg, SC, which is a 13-minute drive.

Address: Emma Cudd Rd, Spartanburg, SC 29302

Greenville County Museum of Art

Art lovers will be amazed at the various collections, while kids’ activities are more interactive, at the Greenville County Museum of Art.

The Greenville County Museum of Art is home to the most extensive collection of American artist Andrew Wyeth’s works, as well as a large collection of Jasper John’s. On Sundays at 2 pm, the gallery hosts gallery talks, musical performances, art lectures, and hands-on art.

• Kids Art Camp is an action-packed three-day camp that allows kids ages 5-11+ to discover their favorite art forms. Fun, interactive, and designed to ignite curiosity. 

Best of all, Admission is free, and the Museum is open Wednesday through Sunday.

Drive Time: The Greenville County Museum of Art is 31 miles from downtown Spartanburg, SC, which is a 40-minute drive.

Address: 420 College St, Greenville, SC 29601

Foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, North Carolina 

From hiking and zip line adventures to apple orchards, the Foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains have so many places to see and things to do! Most destinations are only an hour away from Spartanburg, making them an ideal day trip for an adventure not too far from home. 

Soime of the popular activities we’ve previously covered include things like:

• Gem Mining
• Zip Lining Tours
• Golfing
• River Tubing near Blue Ridge or Ellijay, GA
• Snow Tubing: Ellijay or Blue Ridge
• Breweries and wineries
• Fly Fishing in the Mountains
• Visiting the community of Big Canoe
• Unique stays at treehouses and pet-friendly cabins or ones near waterfalls

Apple Hill Orchard and Cider Mill 

You can pick your own apples or buy bags of pre-picked varieties here!

• The Farmhouse Bakery sells doughnuts, breads, cakes, pies, and more. 
• You can purchase cider, honey, gifts, and many other foods and crafts in the Farm Market.

Situated in the South Mountains, Apple Hill Orchard and Cider Mill has a history dating back to 1930 and is open from mid-August through the end of December.

If you’re interested in other orchards, there are quite a few worth visiting in North Georgia as well!

Drive Time: Apple Hill Orchard and Cider Mill is 69 miles from downtown Spartanburg, SC, which is a 1 hour and 30-minute drive.

Address: 2075 Pleasant Hill Ave, Morganton, NC 28655

Asheville Gem Mine

Mine for gems in downtown Asheville at the Asheville Gem Mine! There is fun for the whole family at the Gem Mine. Mine for gems and peruse the gemstones for sale from all over the world. They are open daily from 10 am-6 pm.

Drive Time: Asheville Gem Mine is 70 miles from downtown Spartanburg, SC, which is a 1 hour and 15-minute drive.

Address: 55 Broadway St, Asheville, NC 28801

Asheville Outlets

Everyone loves to shop at the Asheville Outlets on Interstate 26 in Asheville! 

• Vera Bradley Outlet
• Restoration Hardware Outlet
• Dillards Outlet 
• And more!

Drive Time: The Asheville Outlets are 65 miles from downtown Spartanburg, SC, which is a 1-hour and 10-minute drive.

Address: 800 Brevard Rd, Asheville, NC 28806

Burnsville Anglers, Burnsville, NC 

Take a day and learn to fly fish in the rushing waters as your Burnsville Anglers guide teaches you to cast for fish in the mountain waters!

They offer:

• Fly Fishing Classes for ages seven and up
• Guided Fly Fishing Trips
• Back Country Fishing Trips
• Trout Wade Trips
• Smallmouth Fishing Guides

Their fly fishing guides have decades of experience fishing the North Toe, South Toe, and French Broad Rivers, as well as multiple Backwoods Creeks. 

Chimney Rock, NC

Visiting Chimney Rock Park combines a nature lover’s paradise with unmatched views from the top of the rock. Hike to Devils Head, but stop by the Opera Box along the way. This natural rock ledge gives you views of the surrounding gorge and panoramic views of the mountains. 

You can access Chimney Rock by climbing stairs or by elevator. Take the kids to the Animal Discovery Den, where the Park ambassadors will explain the animals there. 

Once you finish exploring the park, stay and have lunch in the charming Chimney Rock town with multiple restaurants, ice cream, coffee, and plenty of shops for browsing!

Drive Time: Chimney Rock is 48 miles from downtown Spartanburg, SC, which is a 1-hour drive.

Address: 431 Main St, Chimney Rock, NC 28720

Davidson River Campground, Brevard, NC

The Davidson River Campground runs along the breathtaking Davidson River just outside Brevard. You can camp, fish, swim, tube!

They have tent camping sites and hookups for campers and RVs. The town of Brevard is only twenty minutes away with charming shops and plenty of restaurants. 

• Sliding Rock is nearby in the Pisgah Forest. This sixty-foot mountain water slide spills into a natural pool at the bottom. You can watch from an observation platform if you don’t want to slide. 

Drive Time: Davidson River Campround is 70 miles from downtown Spartanburg, SC, which is a 1-hour and 20-minute drive.

Address: 1 Davidson River Cir, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768

Pisgah Glamping at Lake Powhatan 

If you want to try glamping since rustic camping is not your thing, Pisgah Glamping is just the place! You will stay in one of the twelve custom-designed tents with all the comforts of a hotel. You can charge your phone, build a fire in the fire ring, and explore the Bentcreek Forest nearby. 

Drive Time: Pisgah Glamping at Lake Powhatan is 70 miles from downtown Spartanburg, SC, which is a 1-hour and 20-minute drive.

Address: 1 Davidson River Circle, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768

The Gorge Zipline

If thrills and excitement are what you seek, head to The Gorge Zipline in Saluda. Have a treetop zipline experience as you descend over 1100 feet into the Saluda Gorge. Experience 14,000 acres of forest and listen to the sounds of the Green River below as you zoom over the trees.

The Gorge Zipline is family-friendly, open seven days a week from 8 am-5 pm. 

You can also raft the Green River, too!

Drive Time: The Gorge Zipline is 37 miles from downtown Spartanburg, SC, which is a 40-minute drive.

Address: 166 Honey Bee Dr, Saluda, NC 28773

Hatcher Garden and Woodland Preserve

Hatcher Garden is one of the top places to visit in Spartanburg. This free garden and wildlife sanctuary displays all the trees, shrubs, and plants native to the Upstate of South Carolina. It is open every day of the year from dawn until dusk. 

The Butterfly Garden is a delight with its flowers and plants that attract Monarch, Gulf Fritillary, and Red-spotted Purple butterflies.

The Garden of Hope and Healing is an oasis of quiet and calm to soothe those struggling to relax

The multi-bed Water Wise Garden showcases a drought-resistant, low-maintenance garden with many native varieties. 

Drive Time: Hatcher Garden and Woodland Preserve is 2.3 miles from downtown Spartanburg, SC, which is a 5-minute drive.

Address: 832 John B White Sr Blvd, Spartanburg, SC 29306

Hollywild Animal Park

Hollywild Animal Park is a nonprofit animal sanctuary. At this preserve, you’ll see deer, emus, alpaca, sheep, donkeys, and more!

Don’t miss the highlight of a Sirian bear and her two cubs. Feed the camels and other animals that come to the car windows as you drive through the park. 

In November, Hollywild Animal Park hosts the Holiday Lights Safari. Holiday displays, music, and other decorations will adorn the one-hundred-acre park for the holidays!

You can drive through the Enchanted Deer Forest, visit the Life-sized Nativity, and see Mr. and Mrs. Claus at the end. With over 350 animals, Hollywild Animal Park is a can’t-miss attraction. 

Drive Time: Hollywild Animal Park is 17 miles from downtown Spartanburg, SC, which is a 27-minute drive.

Address: 2325 Hampton Rd, Wellford, SC 29385

Hub City Railroad Museum 

Located at the Southern Railway Spartanburg Union Depot, the Hub City Railroad Museum highlights the history of how the railroad connected to the peach and textile industries for many years.

Fun and educational for all ages, you can board the Southern Railway Caboose to watch the Norfolk Southern trains as they pass through Spartanburg.

You can try your hand at being a telegrapher on the telegraph machine, ring the 1940 locomotive bell, and visit the gift shop to peruse the model trains and other items for sale. The museum is open Wednesday and Saturday from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. 

Location: Hub City Railroad Museum is in downtown Spartanburg at 298 Magnolia St, Spartanburg, SC 29303.

Kings Mountain National Military Park

Located minutes from downtown Spartanburg, South Carolina, is Kings Mountain Military Park in Blacksburg. At Kings Mountain, the Patriots secured a significant victory after the British invasion of Charleston in 1780. 

Over four thousand acres of native plants and animals make the hikes in the park special. Here, they have over five hundred species of endangered plants. 

In October, the local militia hosts an Anniversary Commemoration of the Battle at Kings Mountain. They have living history interpreters, children’s activities, guided tours, weapons demonstrations, and more throughout the day. 

Drive Time: Kings Mountain National Military Park is 40 miles from downtown Spartanburg, SC, which is a 48-minute drive.

Address: 2625 Park Rd, Blacksburg, SC 29702

Lawson’s Fork Creek 

The Lawson’s Fork Creek Blueway begins in downtown Spartanburg and travels over fifty miles to the town of Lockhart, South Carolina. You can paddle down the creek and see unique plants and animals, but they also offer guided tours highlighting the various creek historic mills. 

Morgan Square 

Morgan Square, in the middle of downtown Spartanburg, is home to many restaurants and free activities throughout the year.

Here are just some of the things to do.

• Music on Main happens Thursdays from 5:30 pm-8:30 pm, April through July. This Summer concert series of live music is popular and well-attended. 
• Spring Fling is Spartanburg’s favorite street festival. With four stages for performances, street foods, and the Family Fun Zone for the kids, this three-day festival is not something to miss!
• Red, White, and Boom happens in July to celebrate Independence Day. Expect food, fireworks, and lots of patriotic music!
• The International Festival celebrates the diverse people of Spartanburg with food and beverages in Barnet Park. There is a Kids Zone and lots of other fun events!
• Dickens of a Christmas happens on the first Tuesday in December from 6 pm-9 pm. This free Victorian Holiday festival is Spartanburg’s Yuletide celebration.

OnAgain OffAgain Farm

OnAgain OffAgain Farm is home to alpacas! Lots and lots of them! They breed alpacas and sell raw yarn along with other alpaca items. Visit their online shop to buy dryer balls, yarn, hand-knitted hats, scarves, and toys. They have felt sheets, too! They also sell the poo for gardens and the like. 

You can make an appointment to visit the farm and learn about these unique animals. 

Drive Time: OnAgain OffAgain Farms is 5 miles from downtown Spartanburg, SC, which is a 12-minute drive.

Address: 262 Hollis Dr, Spartanburg, SC 29307

RJ Rockers Brewing Company

RJ Rockers anchors downtown Spartanburg in the Grain district. Established in 1997, this brewery was one of the first in the local craft beer scene. They host live music weekly and keep the TVs on sports games as you snack on their shareable menu. 

When you want to have fun later at night, join them for Open Mic night, Trivia night, or College night. 

Location: RJ Rockers is located in downtown Spartanburg at 226-A W Main St, Spartanburg, SC 29306

The Edwin M. Griffin Nature Preserve

This urban green space of over 5 miles of trails offers those in downtown Spartanburg a place to run, bike, and canoe. Throughout the Edwin M. Griffin Nature Preserve, you will see wetlands, geological formations, and a habitat for deer, raccoons, beavers, and wild turkeys, along with native shrubs and flowers. 

Drive Time: The Edwin M. Griffin Nature Preserve is 2.4 miles from downtown Spartanburg, SC, which is a 7-minute drive.

Address: Beechwood Dr, Spartanburg, SC 29307

Under Pin Lanes and Lounge

Under Pin Lanes and Lounge is a boutique bowling alley with eight lanes and an extensive bar and dining area.

It is an ideal Spartanburg location for a birthday party, bachelor or bachelorette party, or corporate event. Situated right downtown Spartanburg, Under Pins Lanes and Lounge is an upscale bowling and cocktail lounge. 

• Join them on Wednesday nights, from 7 pm-9 pm, for Trivia Night 

Location: Under Pin Lanes and Lounge is located in downtown Spartanburg at 127 W Main St, Spartanburg, SC 29306

Walnut Grove Plantation 

This plantation was built in 1757 by Charles and Mary Moore. Throughout the years, the Walnut Grove Plantation saw history unfold during the Revolutionary War, the Battle at Cowpens, and more. Walnut Grove Plantation is on the National Register of Historic Places. 

The museum is open on Saturdays from 11 am-5 pm and Sundays from 12 pm-5 pm.

Admission is $10 and free for those under four years old. 

Drive Time: Walnut Grove Plantation is 9.7 miles from downtown Spartanburg, SC, which is a 15-minute drive.

Address: 1200 Otts Shoals Rd, Roebuck, SC 29376

West Main Artists Co-op

The West Main Artists Co-op is an artists’ collective that boasts over thirty-two booths in a 20,000-foot warehouse.

Over fifty local artists display art for sale here and host workshops. Their hours are Tuesday-Saturday from 10 am-4 pm, where you can browse and buy unique art til your heart’s content. 

Location: West Main Artists Co-Op is located in downtown Spartanburg at 578 W Main St, Spartanburg, SC 29301