10 Fun Things To Do In and Around Spartanburg, South Carolina
If you’re looking for a laid-back Southern getaway with just the right mix of history, food, and outdoor fun,
Spartanburg, South Carolina, deserves a spot on your list.
This friendly city in
Spartanburg County sits right in the Upstate region of South Carolina, about an hour from the Blue Ridge Mountains and a little over an hour from Charlotte. It’s easy to reach, easy to explore, and full of surprises.
Below are
10 of the best things to do in and near Spartanburg that work for couples, families, solo travelers, and weekend road-trippers.
1. Stroll, Shop, and Eat Your Way Through Downtown Spartanburg
If it’s your first time in Spartanburg, start downtown. It’s walkable, relaxed, and has that small-city charm the South does so well.
You’ll find:
- Locally owned restaurants serving everything from Carolina barbecue to tacos and farm‑to‑table dishes
- Coffee shops perfect for a slow morning
- Public art, murals, and sculptures on almost every block
- A steady calendar of festivals, live music, and community events
Grab a coffee, wander Main Street, and just soak it in. On my last visit, I ended up spending almost an hour looking at murals I hadn’t even planned to see. That’s the nice thing about Spartanburg—you don’t have to rush.
2. Explore the Hub City’s Murals and Public Art
Spartanburg is known as the
“Hub City”, and it’s also building a quiet reputation as a public art hub.
The city has an impressive collection of:
- Murals splashed across buildings and alleys
- Sculptures tucked into small parks and corners downtown
- Rotating art pieces tied to local festivals and events
You can:
- Take a self-guided walking tour and see how many murals you can find
- Use downtown as a giant backdrop for photos (perfect if you like snapping travel pics for Instagram)
- Stop into a local gallery or studio to see work from Upstate artists
If you like cities with creative energy, Spartanburg will surprise you.
3. Walk or Bike the Mary Black Rail Trail
Want something active but not too intense? Check out the
Mary Black Foundation Rail Trail, just a few minutes from downtown Spartanburg.
This former railroad line is now a paved trail that’s:
- About 2 miles long, flat, and easy to walk
- Great for biking, jogging, strollers, or walking the dog
- Often busy with locals, which makes it feel safe and friendly
Along the way you’ll find:
- Public art and fun signs
- Benches and shaded spots to take a break
- Easy access to nearby parks and green spaces
If you’re road-tripping through South Carolina and need to stretch your legs, this trail is an easy stop right in Spartanburg.
4. Step Back in Time at Walnut Grove Plantation
Just outside the city, in Roebuck, you’ll find
Walnut Grove Plantation, a historic site dating back to the 1700s. If you like early American history, this is a must.
Here you can:
- Walk through a preserved Revolutionary War–era home
- See outbuildings like kitchens and blacksmith shops
- Learn about life on a backcountry farm during the 18th century
The property is peaceful and shady, with big trees and open fields. It’s the kind of place where you can almost picture what life was like in the Upstate long before highways and smartphones.
Check the schedule for special events or living history demonstrations—these can be especially fun for kids.
5. Visit Glendale Shoals Preserve and Waterfall
Looking for something scenic without driving deep into the mountains? Head to
Glendale Shoals Preserve, only a short drive from downtown Spartanburg.
This hidden gem offers:
- A beautiful rocky shoal along Lawson’s Fork Creek
- A small waterfall area that’s great for photos
- Views of an old mill and a historic bridge
- Short walking paths and places to sit and relax
It’s especially nice in the spring and fall when the weather is comfortable and the trees change color. Pack a picnic, sit by the water, and enjoy a quiet break from the city.
6. Discover Local History at the Spartanburg Regional History Museum
If you’re curious about how Spartanburg became the city it is today, stop by the
Spartanburg Regional History Museum.
Inside, you’ll find:
- Exhibits about the region’s Cherokee history
- Stories from the Revolutionary and Civil War eras
- Displays on the rise of the textile mills that shaped Spartanburg County
- Everyday items that show what life was like here over the last few hundred years
It’s not overwhelming, and you can see most of it in an hour or two. If you like to understand the background of a place, this museum adds a lot of context to your Spartanburg trip.
7. Catch a Show at the Chapman Cultural Center
For arts and culture in Spartanburg, the
Chapman Cultural Center is the place to go.
This modern complex brings together:
- Live theater and performances
- Art galleries featuring local and regional artists
- Music, dance, and family-friendly events
On a rainy day, or after a full afternoon exploring downtown, catching a show here is a great way to unwind. Check their event calendar before your trip—you might find a play, concert, or exhibit that lines up perfectly with your visit.
8. Cheer On the Home Team at a Spartanburg Baseball Game
Nothing feels more “small American city in summer” than a night at the ballpark.
Spartanburg has a proud sports tradition, and
local baseball is a big part of that. Depending on the season, you can:
- Watch college or local league games
- Grab a hot dog and sit in the stands with locals
- Enjoy warm evenings under the lights
Even if you’re not a huge sports fan, the laid-back atmosphere and budget‑friendly tickets make it a fun outing—especially if you’re traveling with kids or friends.
9. Road Trip to Nearby Wineries, Breweries, and Farm Stands
One of the best parts of visiting Spartanburg is how easy it is to explore the wider
Upstate South Carolina area.
Within about a 30–45 minute drive, you can find:
- Local wineries with tastings and mountain views
- Craft breweries pouring small‑batch beers
- Farm stands and markets selling fresh peaches, berries, and veggies in season
A relaxed afternoon idea:
- Start your morning in downtown Spartanburg
- Head out after lunch to visit a winery or brewery
- Stop by a farm stand on the way back to the city
If you’re coming from larger cities like Charlotte, this slower pace can feel like a breath of fresh air.
10. Make a Day Trip to Croft State Park
If you love the outdoors, you’ll want to save time for
Croft State Park, just southeast of Spartanburg.
Once an Army training base, it’s now a large, wooded park with:
- Miles of hiking and biking trails
- Horseback riding opportunities
- A lake for boating and fishing
- Shaded picnic areas, perfect for a laid-back lunch
You can spend just a few hours on the trails, or plan a full day with a picnic, some fishing, and an easy hike. It’s close enough to the city that you can enjoy nature and still be back in Spartanburg in time for dinner downtown.
Planning Your Spartanburg Getaway
Here are a few simple tips to make your visit smoother:
- Best time to visit: Spring and fall bring comfortable temperatures and pretty foliage. Summers can be hot and humid, but evenings are nice for outdoor events and baseball games.
- Getting around: A car makes exploring Spartanburg County much easier, especially if you’re heading to Croft State Park, Walnut Grove Plantation, or wineries.
- Trip style: Spartanburg works well as a weekend getaway, a stop on a longer Southern road trip, or a base for exploring the wider Upstate region.
Is Spartanburg, SC Worth Visiting?
If you’re looking for:
- Authentic Southern charm without big‑city crowds
- A mix of history, outdoor fun, and local food
- Easy day trips around Upstate South Carolina
…then yes,
Spartanburg is absolutely worth a visit.
It’s the kind of place where you can slow down, walk around downtown, talk with locals at a coffee shop, then head out to a park or historic site—all in the same day.
Share Your Spartanburg Experience
Have you been to Spartanburg, South Carolina?
Do you have a favorite restaurant, park, or hidden gem in Spartanburg County?
I’d love to hear your tips and stories.
Drop a comment below and share:
- Your favorite thing to do in Spartanburg
- Any can’t‑miss local spots I should add next time
- Questions you have if you’re planning a trip
If you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends or family who are planning a South Carolina road trip or looking for new places to explore in the USA. Your shares and comments help more travelers discover what makes Spartanburg such a fun, underrated destination.
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