greenville sc bmw tour

Wander the Western Carolinas

Exploring The Blue Ridge & Beyond

Indoors , South Carolina · June 10, 2022

BMW Plant Tour and Museums

BMW has only one factory in the U.S., and it happens to be just outside of Greenville, SC. Located along I-85 in Greer, the BMW Spartanburg plant is where every one of its X series of SUVs and crossovers is made. And if you’ve ever wondered what goes into making one of these “Ultimate Driving Machines,” you can get a behind-the-scenes look by taking a BMW plant tour.

What to know about the BMW plant tours

Booking the tour.

BMW plant tours are only available during normal business hours Monday through Friday and you need to book your tour online in advance . I recommend booking early. We did our visit when our German friend was in town and even though we booked a few weeks out before his arrival, there weren’t many options left.

The plant offers 1-hour and 2-hour plant tours. The 1-hour tour takes you through the assembly hall, while the 2-hour one also includes the body shop. What’s the difference? The assembly hall is where you see the main pieces of the car come together. The body shop is where you get a glimpse into the car being made from scratch.

Trust me on this: you want to book the 2-hour tour. That additional 1 hour and the higher ticket price (a $10 difference) are worth it. When we went, the 2-hour tour was $25 per person, but there’s a $5 discount for students between the ages of 12 and 20, and BMW Car Club members. Children under the age of 12 are not allowed on tours. 

What to wear and bring

Make sure you wear closed-toed shoes and if you have a backpack, leave it in your car. Purses and handbags are okay to bring on the tour.

Before you head out for your tour they’ll give you safety glasses and a headpiece. They’ll also tell you to power off your cell phones and smartwatches. This is not a request. You can not use your phone or take photos on the tour. And they take it seriously. One guy took his phone out on the bus at the end of the tour and they threatened to call security. 

Check out the Zentrum

Before your tour, check out the Zentrum museum. The tour starts there and BMW asks that you arrive 30 minutes prior to your tour time, which is really about all the time you need to enjoy the museum. They have on display the famous Isetta “Bubble car,” a Formula 1 car from the 2000 season, and everything from their classics to modern electric models. 

What you see on the BMW plant tour

Since I can’t share photos from the tour, I’ll do my best to describe what you’ll see. First you’ll board a bus that takes you to the body shop, which is where you’ll see the nuts and bolts of the car come together. This is where sparks fly (literally) as high-tech robots piece the frame together. This is the most exciting part of the tour, which is why I recommend booking the 2-hour option.

That takes up about the first hour of the tour, and after you’ll board the bus again and they take you to the assembly hall. Doors are added to the car, the vehicle goes through a series of tests, and it’s all finished once that famous blue and white logo (which we learned is based on the Bavarian flag, not an airplane propeller against a blue sky) to the hood. The one part you don’t get to see is the paint job, which happens in between the two halls.

At the end of the tour you can take your ticket to the gift shop in Zentrum where you’ll receive a free magnetic BMW pin. If wearing it is not your thing, they also make decent fridge magnets.

After your tour, visit the Ultimate Driving Museum

If you didn’t get enough BMW from BMW, head around the corner to the Ultimate Driving Museum . Owned by the BMW Car Club of America Foundation, this museum curates a new exhibit of BMW cars (and sometimes motorcycles) every year. In 2022 it is “The Power of M: Celebrating 50 Years.” The exhibit has 25 BMW M cars and the first M motorcycle. Each display also has a QR code you can scan to listen to an audio description about the car. My personal favorites were the “Batmobile” 1973 E09 3.0 CSL and the F92 M8 GTE IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar, which won the 24 Hours of Daytona in 2019.

The museum is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $12 per adult and $6 for kids ages 6-17. Please note that their exhibits usually run from mid May through mid January. 

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BMW Plant Spartanburg Factory Tour, Greenville, S.C.

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Fred Rollison

Hey GVL, Grace here. 👋 Last week I had the pleasure of taking a tour of the BMW Manufacturing Plant Spartanburg .

As someone who doesn’t know anything about engineering or cars , this place was like a tech-y Disneyland . So here’s a little behind the scenes of what I saw plus some fun facts about BMW Plant Spartanburg. P.S. – they offer tours to the public, so if you’re interested in checking this out for yourself, you can click the link here to sign up for a tour.

Some fast facts:

The plant is huge – 7 million sq. ft. (I got in close to 5,000 steps that day during the tour). So large in fact that I got lost when I first got there.

There are 11,000 jobs onsite , making BMW a major + important Upstate employer.

Plant Spartanburg produces more than 1,500 cars every day – and ~70% of that production is exported to 125 different countries .

Plant Spartanburg has produced more than 4.7 million vehicles since production first began in 1994 .

Those are just a few of the big, impressive numbers.

What we saw:

Disclaimer – BMW has a strict no-photo policy, but made an exception for us since we’re media. Something to keep in mind if you plan on booking a tour for yourself (which we recommend).

Make sure you click on the image to be able to view the videos.

We’ll also be sharing behind-the-scenes content on our Instagram , if you want to go follow us there .

Find the correct answer in the wrap of today’s newsletter.

BMW Zentrum

BMW Zentrum is a state-of-the-art visitors center that highlights the company's commitment to engineering and its neighboring communities. Be sure to check out the Virtual Factory Tour.

Here the past, present and future of BMW come together in a one-of-a-kind building. See the cars, the speed, the innovation–all for free in the only BMW museum in North America. The Zentrum is more than just a museum; it's a meeting and events center, a cafe, a gallery and a history lesson–all wrapped into one ultimate experience. Located next to the only BMW manufacturing plant in the US, this unique place offers something for everyone.

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BMW Factory Tour - Cool Tour! - BMW Zentrum

• United States    
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• BMW Zentrum

Outstanding tour. The technology used in the factory is unbelievable. Guide was very informative... read more

The museum is worth a stop even without a tour, it's in a very nice setting on the campus and... read more

BMW Factory Tour - Cool Tour!

We went on the BMW Factory Tour and thought I'd post my experience. First - reservations are a MUST. I had no idea we had to make a reservation. Found this out when we went yesterday with family in from Montreal & FL. The gal at the desk said they had some spaces for the following day, but still, you had to call the reservation center to book the space & time. Of course, after coming home I looked at their website and down below, it mentions a reservation call center. Personally, I think they need to put it at the top, in bold colored letters that advance reservations are required. It's a lot of stuff to read and I'm sure I'm not the only one who doesn't read every single thing. Unfortunately, family from FL left before we went, but happily, they'll be back again soon, so they'll do it on the next trip out. If it's a busy time of year (like summer) you may have to book well in advance (but no more than 30 days it says). When making the reservation they ask how many in the party, and the names of those going. You then receive an email with a confirmation for each and every person in your party, along with a waiver each and every person needs to sign. When I opened my yahoo mail I did not see any attachment - if this happens to you, check the bottom of the email - that's where it was. Each person needs to sign their waiver and bring it with you in order for you to go on the tour. When you arrive at the Zentrum you give the form, and pay the tour fee of $7.00 per person upon arrival. We got in on the 9:15am tour, which they request that you be there a half-hour ahead of your tour time. Gives you a chance to walk around and see their museum of old BMW's on display-some very cool, and even cute cars. Before you can go on the tour they collect ALL cellphones and cameras. They are put in a plastic bag with a ticket and you are given the other half of the ticket so you can collect it at the end of the tour. It is locked away safely. Our tour guide was great, I think her name was Dagmar. It was DEFINITELY more than the approx. one hour time they estimate it to be. More like and hour and a half, hour forty-five minutes - maybe it was just our group's experience. You are given a pair of dorky looking clear safety glasses you have to wear for the majority of the tour, along with an individual (comfortable & lightweight) headset so you can easily hear the tour guide. Do note, the entire tour is done in English. There were 3 Russian guys, 2 who spoke no/little English it seems. The one who did understand was having to talk very loudly to translate to the other two what the tour guide was saying, and speak loud enough for them to hear over the factory noise. So you may find yourself being a translator who finds they have to speak quite loudly, or you may be next to someone speaking quite loudly. In which case, you can turn up the volumen on your headset, if needed. The tour is very interesting and I was very impressed. It's definitely a must-do for anyone coming to the Greenville area for a visit in my book. I would go again. It's not for kids under 12yrs old, so do take note of this if you have kids younger than 12 in your party. And no, there are no baby sitting services like Ikea! Last bit of advice, unlike me, read the whole page for the BMW tour on their website. If you're going to be anywhere in the Greenville area plan ahead if you can and take the tour.

No-one passing through upcountry South Carolina, even those rushing past on their way to Atlanta or Charlotte, should dream of not stopping to take a tour of the huge -- that's HUGE -- multi-billion-dollar BMW automobile manufacturing facility just outside the city of Spartanburg. The only one of its kind in North America, a visit to the plant is a fascinating and at times mind-blowing experience and an absolute "must" for an traveler. The company prefers reservations for the hour-and-a-half tours be made by phone before one visits but if that spoils the spontaneity of seeing the buildings and turning off the Interstate on a whim, the few extra moments of planning is well worth the effort. Most folks who visit the plant are probably like my wife and I were before we took a tour in mid-June, expecting mass production of cars ready for dealers' showrooms without regard for whether they can be sold or not. I think all of us, then, were shocked by the individualization of each specially ordered car as it slowly moved past us on the line. Cars intended for South Carolinians or other Americans were mixed with right-side steering models ready for shipment to various European markets. Our tour guide was not only knowledgeable about the manufacturing of these wonderful cars but he readily welcomed questions and answered them all carefully no matter how simplistic or complicated they might have been. I doubt that we will ever be able to afford any of the several BMW models that we watched being manufactured short of winning a lottery some day but that in no way took away from our pleasure of seeing the wondrously complicated process that is necessary to make each new car. Of all the often interesting sites to see in Upstate South Carolina, the BMW plant tour easily ranks #1. There is only one word of advice that needs to be given to anyone wondering whether to visit the plant: GO!

This was probably the most fun I have had in a long time...and its legal. I took advantage of the BMW Driving Experience and took my office as a "team building" trip. Great but small museum...GREAT tour of the BMW factory....and AWESOME BMW test drive and HOT LAP. We had fun driving the 5 chosen cars like we were told... "drive 'em like you stole 'em".... EVERYONE SHOULD GO!!!

You can view a wonderful, but small museum here. More importantly you can tour the factory. My wife and I were fascinated as our guide walked us around the factory floor right next to the production line. Even more fun - for $90 or so you can spend a couple of hours getting instruction and then driving a new BMW around their track. Not a race just some fun driving. You also get instructions on hard braking, skid control and you get to drive on an off-road course in a brand new X5. Then you drive it. All I can say is WOW! This driving experience is not well advertised and you need to call to find details. [------]

The make x5’s and x6’s here. Good tour, very complete lasting 1.5hrs even if you are not driving one home.

Greenville, S.C.   Tickets for the 2023 BMW Charity Pro-Am presented by TD SYNNEX are now available to the public at bmwcharitygolf.com. This year’s tournament, which will be held June 5-11, will return to  Thornblade Club in Greer and The Carolina Country Club in Spartanburg.

Spectators will once again enjoy seeing their favorite celebrities paired with professional golfers on the Korn Ferry Tour. The tournament will offer an elevated spectator experience including a variety of food and beverage options from local vendors; the First Tee – Upstate South Carolina Family Fun Zone at Thornblade Club; and interactive sustainability programming and educational opportunities through an onsite sustainability village. Additional  programming will include ForeK runs, junior golf clinics, e-waste drives and an online auction.

“We are gearing up for another memorable year of the BMW Charity Pro-Am and look forward to hosting locals and visitors for an exciting week of golf, entertainment and fun,” said Bob Nitto, president of South Carolina Charities. Inc. “Now is a great time to consider getting involved in the 2023 tournament, whether through one of our many  ticket options or by signing up to be an official tournament volunteer.”

Funds raised from tournament programs, including tickets sales, volunteer hours and Birdies for Charity, have allowed the BMW Charity Pro-Am to donate more than $15 million in funds to its featured beneficiaries and ancillary charities in the upstate community. This year, the popular Birdies for Charity program will continue to raise bonus dollars by enabling individual donors to make a one-time flat donation or pledge one cent or more per birdie during  the tournament.

According to Magna Group General Manager Steve Salvatore, “As a long-time supplier to BMW, we are proud to continue our sponsorship of this great upstate tradition. We have seen the BMW Charity Pro-Am presented by TD SYNNEX continue to grow and positively impact our communities, and it’s something we look forward to being  involved in every year.” 

2 023 BMW Charity Pro-Am ticket options include: 

Skybox Club presented by Gibbs Cancer Center & Research Institute: Thornblade Club: Thursday-Sunday – $175

• Situated on Thornblade’s 18th green, the hub of activity at the tournament’s four-day course, this package gives you a front row seat to all the action. Day-specific Skybox Club tickets include breakfast, lunch, and  snacks as well as a mix of complimentary and cash bar beverages.

Skybox Club presented by Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System: The Carolina Country Club: Thursday-Friday – $175

• Situated on The Carolina Country Club's 18th green, the hub of activity at the tournament’s two-day course, this package gives you a front row seat to all the action. Day-specific Skybox Club tickets include breakfast,  lunch, and snacks as well as a mix of complimentary and cash bar beverages.

Two-Meal Clubhouse Credentials – $130

• Grants the ticket holder grounds and clubhouse access all days of the tournament at both courses.  Includes two meals in the clubhouse each day.

Clubhouse Credentials – $80

• Grants the ticket holder grounds and clubhouse access at both courses all days of the tournament. 

Patron Credentials – $50

• Grants the ticket holder grounds access all days of the tournament at both courses.

Daily Credentials – $20

• Grants the ticket holder day-specific access one day at one course during tournament rounds.

Youth Ticket – Free

• Free grounds access to both courses any day of the tournament. Includes access to the First Tee – Upstate  South Carolina Family Fun Zone at Thornblade Club. 18 and under; must be accompanied by an adult.

Active Duty, Military Reserve, National Guard, Military Retirees, Military Spouses, Military Veterans, Police  Officers, Firefighters and EMTs: Receive up to four complimentary grounds passes plus two tickets to Carolina Handling's Military and First Responders Skybox located at Thornblade's 18th green. A valid ID is required.

All tickets must be purchased in advance including youth, military, and first responder tickets. Parking is included  with all tickets. 

Beneficiaries of the 2023 tournament include: Mobile Meals of Spartanburg, Roper Mountain Science Center, Cancer Society of Greenville County, Meyer Center for Special Children, and Gibbs Cancer Center & Research Institute. To learn more about volunteer opportunities, which are made possible by Pelham Medical Center, visit  here or email [email protected]. To purchase tickets to the 2023 tournament, visit  BMWCharityGolf.com .

ABOUT THE BMW CHARITY PRO-AM PRESENTED BY TD SYNNEX 

South Carolina Charities, Inc. (SCCI), the non-profit foundation of the BMW Charity Pro-Am presented by TD SYNNEX, was created in order to showcase the beauty of Upstate South Carolina and hospitality of its citizens to the world; to create an event that brings the upstate a fun and entertaining week centered around professional athletes and world-renowned celebrities; and raise money and awareness for South Carolina charities. Since 2001, the tournament has distributed more than $15 million to numerous Upstate SC non-profit organizations, part of the  PGA TOUR’s $3 billion plus raised for charity.

Please Note:

To the extent that historical press releases reference BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC as the manufacturer of certain X model vehicles, the referenced vehicles are manufactured in South Carolina with a combination of U.S. origin and imported parts and components.

BMW DRIVING EXPERIENCE LOCATIONS

Whichever BMW Driving School location you select, you’ll find beautiful surroundings, an attentive staff and of course, plenty of driving pleasure.

Spartanburg, South Carolina

Make a vacation out of your visit to the Performance Center in Greenville-Spartanburg. With numerous hotels, nearby golf courses and charming downtown Greenville a short drive away, there is plenty to explore when not behind the wheel of an Ultimate Driving Machine ® .

Fast turns, a back straight perfect for speed exercises and a polished wet concrete skid pad make our Spartanburg track the perfect place to hone your driving skills.

FACTORY TOUR

Located just across the street from the Performance Center is our manufacturing plant for the X3, X4, X5, X6 and X7. Schedule a tour and watch in amazement as over 1,500 vehicles are produced each day. Please visit the plant website for more information.

THE ZENTRUM

Explore BMW’s past while marveling at its future with a tour of the Zentrum Museum. Featuring many of BMW’s most famous models, you’ll get up close with our history and what makes a BMW so special. Open daily from 9 AM to 5:30 PM.

Thermal, California

With its year-round warm, sunny weather and vibrant nightlife, Thermal offers something for everyone to enjoy. The beautiful backdrop of snow-capped mountains prevail over much of the area, and its close proximity to numerous hotels, golf courses and resort-like Palm Springs offers a chance to relax.

The Track at Thermal Club

Set against the backdrop of a beautiful mountain range, The Thermal Club is an exclusive race track location that offers three unique layouts, plus our own challenge course to encourage maximum thrills.

Home to some of the most beautiful courses in the world, Palm Springs has plenty to offer the golfing enthusiast. You won’t know whether to swing or stare.

Joshua tree

Experience amazing natural beauty at Joshua Tree National Park located just outside of Palm Springs. Camp, hike, climb and take in a night sky like no other.

Indianapolis, Indiana

A beautiful and historic city, Indianapolis offers plenty of local eateries, breweries and family attractions to make your stay at this driving school location even more memorable.

Indy Motor Speedway

The third-oldest permanent automobile race track in the world, Indy has hosted everything from NASCAR to F1 In its over 100-year history. You’ll never experience another track like it.

RESTAURANTS AND BREWERIES

Foodies rejoice. Indy has dozens of restaurants and breweries that offer special takes on local and international cuisine. A day of speed will make you hungry.

HISTORIC SIGHTS

There are dozens of historical districts with unique experiences in the city, from children’s museums to Art Deco palaces.

BMW PERFORMANCE CENTER LOCATIONS AT A GLANCE

How many bmw driving school locations are there.

We currently have three locations in California, South Carolina and Indianapolis.

Where is the BMW Performance Center located?

Bmw performance center.

1155 SC-101, Greer, SC 29651 (888) 345-4269

BMW Performance Center West

86-050 Jasper Lane, Thermal, CA 92274 (888) 345-4269

Indianapolis Motor Speedway

4790 W 16th St, Indianapolis, IN 46222 (888) 345-4269

Is the BMW Performance Center affiliated with area hotels?

Please visit our Hotels Page for more information.

Can I pick up a new BMW at the BMW Performance Center?

Yes, we offer new vehicle delivery at our South Carolina location. Please visit our Delivery page and Delivery FAQ for more information.

Does the BMW Performance Center offer classes at other locations?

Each year, we travel abroad to famous locations such as the Nurburgring in Germany and the Arejeplog in Sweden for BMW Ice Training. Please contact us for more information about these programs.

How long are half-day driving classes?

Each morning and afternoon session takes approximately four hours to complete.

Wealth of Geeks

27 Riveting Things To Do in Greenville SC

Posted: March 12, 2024 | Last updated: March 12, 2024

One of the South’s most up-and-coming cities, Greenville is energetic and eclectic and has an urban area known for food. Its prime location to other Southern cities has recently added vitality to the city as it continues to grow into a vacation destination rather than a stop along the way. Whether you’re interested in trails or want a vibrant food scene, these are our picks for the 27 best things to do in Greenville SC.

27 Things To Do in Greenville SC

Greenville continues to celebrate its rich history while accepting progress and growth. The downtown area is unique, with waterfalls running through it, and the mountain vistas make a beautiful backdrop as the city sits at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Greenville is a city you’ll love for its urban feel but appreciate its smaller size. 

1. Upcountry History Museum

Greenville is a city comprised of generations of history. The  Upcountry History Museum  tells the stories of people who shaped the Upcountry region of South Carolina. Interactive permanent exhibits pair with limited-time traveling exhibits for a truly unique look at the region’s history. It’s a museum designed for all ages.

2. Fall Park on the Reedy

Downtown Greenville’s crown jewel is Fall Park on the Reedy. It’s a central attraction that acts as a navigational beacon. The park has flower beds and walking paths that meander serenely around the beloved Reedy River Falls. Those waterfalls in the downtown urban space make the city unique. It also doubles as an event space for festivals and outdoor movies.

3. Swamp Rabbit Trail

The  Swamp Rabbit Trail  runs between Greenville and Traveler’s Rest. At one point, the path was traversed by locomotives and train cars, but now you’ll see cyclists, runners, and skaters all day. It’s a 22-mile asphalt pathway that’s lined with gazebos and benches. Trailside restaurants and cafes offer plenty of spots to stop and refuel along your journey. 

4. Shoeless Joe Jackson Museum

Joe Jackson was one of America’s greatest baseball legends. The museum, located in the house where Jackson lived and died, follows his humble childhood working in a local textile mill through his years playing textile league ball, his extraordinary career in professional baseball, and his later years. The museum is full of artifacts that were a part of the player’s life. Nicknamed Shoeless Joe Jackson, he was a beloved baseball player, and the museum attracts a slew of visitors daily. 

5. Traveler’s Rest

Technically, Traveler’s Rest, South Carolina is located six miles from Greenville, but the two might as well be sister cities. You’d be doing yourself a disservice for not including a half-day in Traveler’s Rest when visiting Greenville. Small in size but filled with farm-to-table restaurants, it’s worth the trip. Take advantage of the restaurant Topsoil , where chef Adam Cooke was a James Beard Award semifinalist for Best Chef Southeast in 2020.

6. The Gorge Zipline

Swing along the Green River Gorge treetop to treetop on a tour that takes 3 1/2 hours from start to finish. Eleven zip lines, two rappels, and a sky bridge make the adventure unforgettable. Aptly named  The Gorge , this tour drops an unprecedented 1,100 vertical feet from start to finish. The tree-based platforms offer incredible views that you can’t experience elsewhere.

7. Chimney Rock State Park

Chimney Rock State Park is home to a monolith rock formation that guests can hike to. Walk the 499-stair trail to the top for a gorgeous 75-mile view. Even though that is the park’s main attraction, there are other trails to waterfalls and even an educational, family-friendly trail that showcases woodland creatures. It’s a great park for hiking lovers.

8. Flying Rabbit Adventures

Another great Greenville zipline is  Flying Rabbit Adventures . They offer outdoor tree canopy fun for all ages with 58 obstacles and a kid’s course. They also have a bike course for mountain bikers if you want to stay grounded. 

9. The Children’s Museum of the Upstate

The first children’s museum to become Smithsonian affiliated is  The Children’s Museum of the Upstate . At 80,000 square feet, it’s one of the largest children’s museums in the country. The museum houses thirty exhibits that offer hands-on learning through playtime. The interactive exhibits are thrilling for little travelers. 

10. Tour Lake Jocassee

Lake Jocassee is 7,500 acres and is known for the clean and cold Appalachian mountain rivers that flow into it. Tour the lake via kayak and see Oconee Bells blooming, a bald eagle soaring overhead, and waterfalls. Lake Jocassee has waterfalls you can swim under. During the fall, you’ll see the colorful leaf foliage; during summer, you’ll jump out of the kayak for a swim.

11. Greenville Zoo

Learn about conversation efforts while admiring the cute animals that call the  Greenville Zoo  home. The 14-acre zoo offers youth programs and animal encounters. Some of the most popular exhibits are the orangutans, red pandas, lions, and giraffes. Check the Greenville Zoo event calendar for special evening programs for adults that support the zoo and offer fun after-hours activities. 

12. Museum & Gallery

Museum & Gallery  is known as “one of America’s largest and most interesting collections of European Old Master paintings,” its Baroque paintings (from the 1600s) continue to awe visitors, and it’s one of the country’s best collections. Western European artists like Rubens, van Dyck, Reni, Tintoretto, Le Brun, Cranach, and Ribera are featured in the museum.

13. Roper Mountain Science Center

The  Roper Mountain Science Center  has many state-of-the-art educational facilities on its 62-acre campus. Visitors experience the latest in explorative STEM education through interactive exhibits and several hands-on activities. However, there’s a catch! They aren’t open to the public for regular business hours. Look at their event calendar for times when they’re open to the public; at other times, they only serve schools.

14. 7th Inning Splash Waterpark

One of the  coolest  things to do in Greenville SC, is the  7th Inning Splash Waterpark . The park has a 5,000 sq. ft. baseball-themed Splash ‘n Spray Pad, a traditional lap pool, a giant 36-ft high funnel slide, and smaller slides for those who want less thrills. It’s the perfect escape from the summer heat.

15. Bald Rock Heritage Preserve

If you want scenic views, head to Bald Rock Heritage Preserve. You’ll find a stunning view of Greenville’s surrounding mountains. A wooden footbridge leads to a huge rock outcropping the size of a football field. The summit is so prominent you can enjoy the panorama without feeling the slightest bit apprehensive, even if you have a fear of heights.

16. Alchemy Comedy Theater

Catch some laughs at the  Alchemy Comedy Theater , which produces stand-up, improv, and sketch comedy shows. Local performers and traveling guest artists appear weekly. The performance schedule includes adult-only shows and family-friendly options.

17. Blue Ridge Escarpment

The Escarpment is the line at which the Blue Ridge Mountain Range plunges towards the rolling foothills of Upstate South Carolina. This dramatic drop, created by the movement of tectonic plates and the erosive force of water, is home to a mountainous biome of unique nature. The 10,000-acre  Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area  encompasses the Escarpment’s array of waterfalls, hardwood forests, mountain streams, and a diversity of plant and animal life. Hikers love this area for its incredible views and majestic waterfalls. 

18. BMW Zentrum

Learn how the BMW brand was born and the innovative steps they’re taking to shape the future of the automotive industry at the  BMW Zentrum . Greenville is home to the only BMW museum in North America, and it’s free to experience. It’s a museum dedicated to the brand, but it also doubles as a boutique for gearheads who love BMW. 

19. Cedar Falls Park

Cedar Falls Park is the place to be if you’re looking for an easy-going outing. The 90-acre park has 2.2 miles of paved and nature trails for walking and mountain biking. It also has a playground with two play structures, a swing set, and plenty of benches. It’s called Cedar Falls Park because it’s home to a waterfall over 200 feet wide, creating a beautiful natural vista.

20. Devils Fork State Park

The Upstate area of South Carolina is known for its Oconee Bells blooming, and there’s no better place to see them than at  Devils Fork State Park  in the early spring. The park sits on Lake Jocassee’s edge and offers the only public spot to put into the lake. Trout anglers love the lake’s challenge and use the park for boat access. Overnight guests can stay in a fully furnished villa or one of two campgrounds near the lake. 

21. Take a Trolley Through Downtown

When the downtown electric Greenville trolley opened in 1901, it cost a nickel. Nowadays, passengers can take a ride for free! It runs on five routes around the downtown area from Thursday through Sunday year-round. The red and blue open-air vintage trolleys are the perfect way to discover the downtown Greenville food scene. 

22. Elf Leaf Farm

The Elf Leaf Farm is a family-owned lavender farm just outside of Greenville. The farm has a magnificent view of Hogback Mountain, and during the summer season, the farm is open for u-pick lavender. They offer several lavender varieties to pick from.

23. Greenville County Museum of Art

Focusing on American artists, the Greenville County Museum of Art features pieces by Andrew Wyeth, Georgia O’Keeffe, Andy Warhol, and Helen Turner, to name a few. Their “ Andrew Wyeth: The Greenville Collection ” is now the largest and the most complete collection of Andrew Wyeth watercolors owned by any public museum in the world. It’s one of the perfect things to do in Greenville, SC, on a rainy day. 

24. Jones Gap State Park

Escape to mountain tranquility when visiting Jones Gap State Park. It’s home to 3,000+ acres of pristine mountain woodlands. Enjoy winding forest trails, cascading waterfalls, and access to the Middle Saluda River. Fish for Brook, rainbow, and brown trout in the Middle Saluda River. Plus, the park has an impressive 60+ miles of easy-to-strenuous hiking trails.

25. Paris Mountain State Park

Do you know what a monadnock is? It’s a mountain that stands alone, precisely what Paris Mountain is. This small peak rises above the otherwise level land surrounding downtown Greenville, just 6 miles to the South. The 1,540-acre park has 15 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails and an 8-acre lake where visitors can swim, paddle, and fish. 

26. Cancer Survivors Park

Greenville’s newest downtown greenspace is to honor, celebrate, and promote healing for cancer survivors. The  Cancers Survivors Park  is a truly unique park that is a unique blend of gathering spaces and natural walkways. They provide a place of renewal and healing for anyone who visits. The park also offers community programs to help anyone learn to live with cancer. It might be the most touching attraction in Greenville that offers hope and purpose.

27. Walk up Main Street

Of all the things to do in Greenville SC, you’ve got to take a walk up Main Street. Hailed as a “ Great American Main Street ” by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, it’s ten blocks of shopping and dining. The street is lined with oaks that twinkle enchantingly at night. Eat your way through the Greenville food scene by checking out the chef-owned restaurants that are on Main Street. 

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