and you’re itching to get out of town for a day, you’re in a sweet spot. Within about an hour or so, you can hit waterfalls, mountain towns, historic main streets, and fun lake spots—all
1. Historic Hendersonville, NC – Apples, Main Street, and Mountain Air
Drive about 1 hour north, and you’ll reach
Hendersonville in Henderson County, NC. It feels like a classic small mountain town, but with plenty to do.
Why go:
You get cooler temps, mountain views, and a walkable downtown full of shops and restaurants.
What to do:
- Stroll Main Street – Browse local boutiques, toy stores, and old-school shops. It’s a great place to wander with coffee in hand.
- Visit an apple orchard (in season) – Henderson County is famous for apples. In late summer and fall, you can pick your own, sip cider, and try apple doughnuts.
- Check out the hands-on children’s museum if you’re traveling with kids.
On my last visit, I “just stopped for lunch” and ended up staying all afternoon. That’s the kind of place Hendersonville is—it keeps you around longer than you planned.
2. Saluda, NC – Tiny Mountain Town With Big Charm
A little farther up into Polk County, NC, lies
Saluda, about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Simpsonville. It’s small, quiet, and packed with character.
Why go:
Saluda is perfect when you want a slower pace, scenic drives, and a simple day out of town.
What to do:
- Walk historic Main Street – Old railroad history, cozy cafes, and local art galleries.
- Grab lunch on a porch at a local restaurant and just watch the world go by.
- Go tubing or kayaking on the Green River nearby if you’re up for some outdoor fun.
It’s the kind of place where you’ll actually hear yourself think—and maybe finally finish that book you keep meaning to read.
3. Tryon, NC – Horses, Wineries, and Rolling Hills
Still in Polk County,
Tryon has a long history with horse culture and an artsy vibe. It’s around 1 hour and 10 minutes from Simpsonville.
Why go:
If you like wineries, scenic drives, and a relaxed, artsy feel, this is your spot.
What to do:
- Explore the small downtown with galleries, shops, and sidewalk art.
- Visit nearby wineries for tastings with mountain views.
- Check the calendar for horse shows or events at the Tryon International Equestrian Center.
Tryon feels like a quiet retreat without being boring—a nice mix of culture and countryside.
4. Brevard, NC – Waterfalls and White Squirrels in Transylvania County
Head about 1 hour and 20 minutes north to
Brevard in Transylvania County, NC, also known as the “Land of Waterfalls.”
Why go:
This is a dream day trip if you love hiking, waterfalls, or just driving through Pisgah National Forest.
What to do:
- Chase waterfalls – Popular spots include Looking Glass Falls and Sliding Rock (a natural waterslide). Many are right off the road, so you don’t have to be a hardcore hiker.
- Walk downtown Brevard – Look for the famous white squirrels and check out local shops and cafes.
- Pack a picnic and enjoy the forest. There are plenty of pull-offs with views.
If you’ve been wanting a low-pressure “outdoorsy” day without roughing it, Brevard is a great start.
5. Abbeville, SC – A Little Slice of Old-South Theater and History
About 1 hour and 15 minutes south of Simpsonville,
Abbeville in Abbeville County, SC, feels like stepping back in time—in a good way.
Why go:
It’s a charming historic town with beautiful architecture and a classic town square.
What to do:
- Visit the historic square – Colorful buildings, shops, and local restaurants wrap around the old courthouse.
- Catch a show at the Abbeville Opera House if your timing is right.
- Learn some local history by walking the downtown and reading the historic markers.
If you like small-town charm, this one deserves a spot on your day-trip list.
6. Anderson, SC – Lake Life and a Laid-Back Downtown
About 45–50 minutes from Simpsonville,
Anderson in Anderson County, SC, makes for an easy half-day or full-day trip.
Why go:
You get a bit of everything—lake access, a walkable downtown, and plenty of places to eat.
What to do:
- Head toward Lake Hartwell – Pack a cooler, find a lakeside park or marina, and enjoy time by the water.
- Stroll downtown Anderson – Murals, local shops, coffee spots, and restaurants make it fun to explore on foot.
- Plan a sunset by the lake; the sky can be incredible on clear evenings.
If you’re craving water views without going all the way to the coast, Anderson is a great compromise.
7. Clinton & Laurens, SC – Small-Town South Carolina Vibes
Drive about 40 minutes southeast and you’ll reach
Laurens County, SC, home to towns like
Laurens and
Clinton. These are easy, low-stress road trips.
Why go:
They’re close, quiet, and perfect for a relaxed Saturday when you don’t want to drive far.
What to do:
- Check out the town squares – Both Laurens and Clinton have historic downtown areas with older buildings and local businesses.
- Grab a local lunch at a diner or small café.
- Drive the back roads and enjoy the countryside. Sometimes the journey really is the best part.
This is a nice choice when you want a change of scenery without planning an “epic” adventure.
8. Table Rock & Pickens, SC – Classic Upstate Mountain Views
Head about 50–60 minutes west from Simpsonville into
Pickens County, SC, and you’ll hit the edge of the mountains near
Table Rock State Park and the town of
Pickens.
Why go:
If you want a taste of the mountains without a long drive, this is one of the best options near Simpsonville.
What to do:
- Visit Table Rock State Park – Hike, have a picnic, or just enjoy the view of the massive rock face from the lake.
- Explore downtown Pickens – Small but friendly, with local spots to grab a bite.
- Drive the scenic roads around the area, especially in the fall when the leaves change color.
If you’ve ever looked at photos of “Upstate SC mountains” and wondered where they were taken, chances are this area is one of them.
9. Easley & Liberty, SC – Casual Day Out in Pickens County
Also in
Pickens County, the towns of
Easley and
Liberty are only about 45–50 minutes from Simpsonville, depending on your route.
Why go:
They make for an easy, no-fuss day trip with local flavor but without crowds.
What to do:
- Shop and eat around Easley – Check out local restaurants and shops.
- Visit parks or green spaces around town for a simple outdoor break.
- Use it as a “base” and drive a bit farther toward the mountains afterward.
Think of Easley and Liberty as your “low-key Saturday” road trip when you just want to be somewhere that’s not home.
10. Spartanburg, SC – Art, Food, and a Rising Downtown Scene
About 45 minutes northeast of Simpsonville,
Spartanburg in Spartanburg County, SC, has quietly grown into a fun day-trip destination.
Why go:
It has a lively downtown, public art, bike-friendly routes, and more restaurants than you might expect.
What to do:
- Walk downtown Spartanburg – Murals, sculptures, coffee shops, and a growing food scene.
- Check out local breweries or dessert spots for an evening outing.
- Look for events like outdoor concerts, festivals, or markets.
If you want a city feel without going all the way to a huge metro area, Spartanburg is a great pick.
Tips for Planning Your Simpsonville Road Trips
A few quick pointers to make your out-of-county trips smoother:
- Keep it simple – Choose 1 main stop and maybe 1 backup stop. You don’t need to cram in everything in one day.
- Check hours ahead of time – Small-town shops and museums sometimes close earlier than big-city spots.
- Pack for changes – In the mountains, weather can shift fast. Toss a light jacket and an extra pair of socks in the car.
- Bring snacks and water – Especially if you’re hiking or exploring parks.
The best road trips from Simpsonville don’t have to be complicated. Many of these spots are under an hour and a half away and offer just enough adventure to reset your mind.
Where Will You Drive Next?
Living near
Simpsonville, SC means you’re surrounded by great day-trip options—mountain towns in North Carolina, historic squares in South Carolina, lakes, waterfalls, and quiet back roads.
Which of these road trips are you thinking about trying first?
- Hendersonville for apples and mountain air?
- Brevard for waterfalls and white squirrels?
- Abbeville for history and theater?
- Spartanburg for a downtown night out?
I’d love to hear your ideas. Have you taken any of these drives from Simpsonville? Did I miss one of your favorite out-of-county spots?
Drop a comment and share your go-to road trip near Simpsonville.
And if you found this helpful,
share this post with friends or family who are always asking, “What can we do this weekend?” – maybe it’ll be the nudge they need to hit the road with you.
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