15+ Great Things To Do in Spartanburg SC You Can’t Miss (2024)

South Carolina is a beautiful state with so much to offer tourists. However, they often overlook destinations like Spartanburg, located in the state’s northwest corner. This is a city with a lot of history and culture, so there are plenty of things to do.

With outdoor adventures, museums, historic districts, and plenty of family-friendly activities, you’ll never run out of things to do in Spartanburg South Carolina!

Ready to learn more about this charming town? Here are 15+ things to do in Spartanburg SC that you can’t miss!

COOLEST PLACES TO STAY IN SPARTANBURG SC

• Downtown Luxury. AC Hotel by Marriott Spartanburg is an architecturally beautiful downtown option with great city views. The scenic outdoor (and seasonal) pool is a great place to hang out between site seeing for couples and families.

• Upscale Home Rental. Boiling Spring Luxury Home sleeps six and features a relaxing patio with pristine lake views. This is a 3-bedroom, 2-bath home only 9 miles from downtown.

• Best Budget Option. Tru By Hilton Spartanburg is priced right and well below other nearby upscale options, but still highly rated for location and cleanliness. Continental and buffet breakfast options are available every morning.

CROFT STATE PARK

The rolling hills of Croft State Park make it a local hotspot and a great place to get some exercise while enjoying the outdoors. The park also has a playground and picnic areas, attracting many families.

Explore over 7,000 acres of forest on foot, by mountain bike, or even by horseback. The wildlife in the park includes deer, wild turkeys, and many different types of birds. Croft State Park is a nature lover’s paradise with two lakes ripe for fishing and boating.

Camping is also available in the park. There are over 25 campsites that come with water and electrical hookups. You’ll have hot showers and flush toilets available, so you can enjoy a little luxury while roughing it.

HATCHER GARDEN AND WOODLAND PRESERVE

Keeping with the theme of outdoorsy activities, Hatcher Garden and Woodland Preserve is a must-see. This hidden gem features peaceful walking trails over 10 acres of gardens.

The nursery has a wide selection of perennials, trees, shrubs, flowers, and grass if you’re looking to buy plants. These sales occur in the spring and fall, so check the website for specific dates.

The preserve also offers educational programs throughout the year, including wildflower walks, birding classes, and gardening seminars. The Hatcher Garden and Woodland Preserve is open daily from sunrise to sunset, so plan your visit accordingly.

SPARTANBURG ART MUSEUM

The Spartanburg Art Museum is the place to be if you’re looking to learn about the local culture and history.

The contemporary art museum features rotating exhibitions, so there’s always something new to see. Some of the past showings have included photography, paintings, and sculptures, while their permanent art galleries contain work by local artists.

You can also experience a unique blend of wine and art at their regular “The Taste” event. Pairings are selected by a local sommelier and change every time, so it’s a great way to try something new.

The Spartanburg Art Museum also offers educational programs, such as art classes and workshops for all ages. Their art classes are especially popular, with options like pottery, painting, and drawing.

BMW ZENTRUM

The Bavarian titan of the motor industry, or BMW, has a strong presence in Spartanburg. The BMW Zentrum is a 28,000-square-foot facility that celebrates the company’s history.

This museum tells the story of how the company started in 1916, and has since become a global leader in luxury automobiles. The museum is full of interactive exhibits that showcase the different models produced by BMW over the years.

You can also take a 90-minute tour of the plant to see how these beautiful machines are made. The tour gives you an inside look at the production process, from start to finish. You’ll see how the different parts are assembled and how the final product is tested before it hits the streets.

BMW Zentrum also takes the time to showcase BMW’s other exploits, which include planes, motorcycles, and top-of-the-line race cars.

TJC GALLERY

The Johnson Collection, or TJC Gallery, is a private art museum featuring 18th and 19th-century American paintings and furniture. Overseen by Susu Johnson, the collection displays Southern history and cultural themes.

The artwork in the TJC Gallery is rotated seasonally, so there’s always something new to see. In addition to the paintings, the gallery also contains a library with over thousands of books on American art and history.

Their M.O. is ‘For the public,’ so they offer education programs and tours throughout the year. They also host a variety of events, such as fundraisers and concerts.

CHAPMAN CULTURAL CENTER

The Chapman Cultural Center is a gathering place for the arts in Spartanburg. It’s home to the Spartanburg Art Museum, the Spartanburg Little Theatre, the Spartanburg Philharmonic Orchestra, and the John F. Green Spartanburg Science Center.

So whether you’re looking to catch a play, listen to some music or learn about science, the Chapman Cultural Center has you covered. The organization provides sponsorship for the city’s public art, offers educational opportunities, and hosts events like “Youth Art Month,” a month-long celebration of the arts.

GLENDALE SHOALS PRESERVE & WATERFALLS

Next, we have Glendale Shoals. This 13-acre preserve is home to two waterfalls, the upper Glendale Falls and the lower Glendale Falls. The shoals are located at the old Glendale Mill on Lawson’s Fork Creek, and the spot is perfect for a picnic or a hike. The preserve has a loop trail that takes you along beautiful sights like the waterfalls, a former mill, and a dam.

If you’re in the mood for a picnic, there are a few picnic tables near the parking lot. And if you want to go for a swim, there’s a swimming hole at the base of the lower falls. Just be careful, as the rocks can be slippery.

There’s also a beautiful bridge that spans the river. From here, you get a great view of the surrounding area.

SPARTANBURG SCIENCE CENTER

Those traveling with kids will want to check out the Spartanburg Science Center. This hands-on museum is perfect for little ones. It exhibits different scientific concepts, like animals, planets, and the human body.

They also have a popular robotics program, where kids can learn about coding and robotics with LEGO models. During a rainy day, the Spartanburg Science Center play area is the perfect place to let kids burn off some energy.

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF THE UPSTATE

Another magical place for children, The Children’s Museum of the Upstate, is an interactive museum for kids under 12 nearby Greenville, SC. The organization focuses on hands-on learning, with 21 unique exhibits touching on topics like literacy, art, science, nutrition, and health.

The studios are an excellent place for kids to explore their creativity. They can make art, music, and even movies. The museum has a preschool where kids can learn and play. Also, many structures are made from recyclable materials, like the tire tower kids can play in. This visit teaches them the importance of sustainability from a young age.

WALNUT GROVE PLANTATION

History buffs will want to stop by Walnut Grove Plantation. This plantation was built in 1765 and is the oldest standing structure in Spartanburg County. Built on land given to Charles and Mary Moore by King George III, the plantation was home to a dozen generations of Moores.

The plantation sits on 3,000 acres of land and has a variety of buildings, including the main house, a kitchen, slave quarters, and a graveyard. You can tour the main home to see how the Moores lived over 200 years ago.

There’s also a bloodstain on the top floor that has triggered the imagination of many. Some say it’s from a Union soldier killed during the Civil War. Others say it’s from a servant who was mistreated. No one knows for sure.

HUB CITY RAILROAD MUSEUM

Spartanburg is sometimes called ‘Hub City’ due to the many railroad lines that pass through the city. The Hub City Railroad Museum celebrates this rich history with exhibits and displays on the city’s railway past.

Learn how peaches and textiles were transported by rail and see some of the restored locomotives. The museum also offers model train shows and other events throughout the year. The museum is housed in an old freight depot: The Southern Railways Depot.

During the Christmas Season, the Hub City Railroad Museum is a must-see. They turn the freight depot into a winter wonderland, with trains zipping through a delightful holiday scene. Father and Mother Christmas are also on hand to take pictures with the kiddos.

Don’t forget to stop by the gift shop to collect vintage memorabilia and souvenirs!

HOLLYWILD ANIMAL PARK

Hollywild Animal Park is a nonprofit zoo that’s home to over 500 animals, including alpacas, rhinos, emus, camels, and more. You can take a safari tour through the park to see the animals up close, and you can even pet some of them.

This family-friendly outing allows you to stay in the comfort of your vehicle while enjoying the animals. The park also offers educational opportunities, like behind-the-scenes tours, where you can learn about animal care and enrichment.

SPARTANBURG HISTORIC DISTRICT

If you’re more of a city person, you’ll want to check out the Spartanburg Historic District. This area is home to various shops, restaurants, and businesses. You can find everything from antique stores to art galleries.

Located in the heart of downtown Spartanburg, the district was registered on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. The area includes the original town square, which was the site of the county courthouse until 1881.

The district is also home to several significant buildings in the Italianate commercial, Richardson Romanesque commercial, and early 20th-century architecture styles.

When you’re done exploring the district, grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants.

R.J. ROCKERS BREWING COMPANY

Speaking of restaurants in downtown Spartanburg, you can’t miss RJ Rockers Brewing Company. This local brewery is known for its delicious beer and pub food. You can tour the iconic red brewing tanks and learn about the brewing process.

After the tour, relax in the taproom with a pint of your favorite beer. The brewery has a rotating selection of beers, so there’s always something new to try. If you’re feeling adventurous, order a flight to sample a variety of beers.

R.J. Rockers is also a popular spot for live music, open mic nights, and other events, so if you’re looking for a wild night out on the town, this is the place to be. They also pride themselves on being eco-friendly. Solar panels on the brewery roof help supply 60% of the energy used to power production.

CLEVELAND PARK

Cleveland Park in Spartanburg, South Carolina is a beautiful spot to relax or take a stroll. The park is home to a number of walking trails, a playground, a pond, and an amphitheater.

The park is also adjacent to the Cottonwood Trail, part of the Palmetto Trail system. The trail offers stunning views of the Upstate landscape. Located next to a lake, Cleveland Park is a fantastic spot to catch the summer sun.

Cleveland Park is a place to bring the whole family. The playground has a variety of play structures for kids of all ages, and the walking trails are perfect for a leisurely stroll or a vigorous hike.

SPARTANBURG COUNTY REGIONAL MUSEUM OF HISTORY

Last but not least, we have the Spartanburg County Regional Museum of History. This museum is dedicated to preserving the history of Spartanburg County and the surrounding area. The timeline exhibit traces the county’s history from the pre-Columbian era to the present day.

The museum offers a variety of exhibits, including one on the Revolutionary War. The county was a hotbed of activity during the war, and the museum tells the story of this turbulent time. The tourist attraction also has a research center where you can access documents and records relating to the county’s history.

MORE INFORMATION FOR YOUR TRIP TO SOUTH CAROLINA

• YOUR SOUTH CAROLINA VACATION
• LAKES:Deciphering The Best Lakes In South Carolina For Your Visit
• BEACHES:17 Alluring South Carolina Beaches Begging You To Visit
• THE BEAUFORT INN:Your Best Family Option When Exploring Beaufort, SC [Video]
• DAUFUSKIE ISLAND:A Complete Daufuskie Island, SC Visitor’s Guide

WHERE TO STAY IN SPARTANBURG SC