Spartanburg, a city located in the upstate region of South Carolina, is known for its history, culture, and outdoor recreation opportunities. The city’s close proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains provides breathtaking views and makes it an excellent starting point for exploring the region’s natural beauty.
If you’re planning to visit Spartanburg but not sure where to begin? That’s why we’ve compiled this list of the top things to do in Spartanburg, SC. This list contains everything from touring local landmarks and exploring nature preserves to enjoying craft beer and cider or visiting an animal park. Start planning your trip today!
Located in Spartanburg, SC, Hatcher Garden, and Woodland Preserve is a stunning public garden that boasts over 2,000 species of trees, flowers, and shrubs. One of the highlights of this beautiful garden is its nature trail, which offers visitors the chance to immerse themselves in the area’s natural beauty while strolling along its scenic trails.
Address: 832 John B White Sr Blvd, Spartanburg, SC 29306 ➡️ Direction
The BMW Zentrum is an excellent museum that should be on every automotive enthusiast’s must-see list. This museum has an incredible collection of cars that reflect the growth of BMW automobiles, from historical models to the most recent releases.
Furthermore, the museum’s cafe is a terrific spot to get a snack or a meal, and the gift store has many souvenirs and mementos to take home. The museum is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; entrance is $10 for adults and $5 for children aged 3 to 12.
Address: 1400 SC-101, Greer, SC 29651 ➡️ Direction
The RJ Rockers Taproom and The Silo is a microbrewery open to the public from Friday through Sunday and provides a welcoming and exciting setting for beer fans to enjoy. If you can’t make it during those times, you may still find their award-winning craft beers in bars and restaurants nationwide.
Visit the taproom to relax and sample their numerous beers, from traditional IPAs to seasonal specials. The Silo, a delightful outdoor patio area, is ideal for unwinding, taking in the scenery, and sipping your favorite beer.
Official Website: https://rjrockers.com/
Address: 226-A W Main St, Spartanburg, SC 29306 ➡️ Google Map
Throwing offers a unique experience that’s perfect for a group outing or a fun date night. Like darts or golf, but with a twist, you’ll throw axes at wooden targets to see who can hit the bullseye. Here’s what you should expect when visiting Craft Axe Throwing:
Official Website: https://craftaxethrowing.com/
Address: Address: 226 W Main St Suite D, Spartanburg, SC 29306 ➡️ Google Map
The Chapman Cultural Center is a museum that showcases the rich history of Spartanburg and the surrounding area. In addition to a gallery and theater, it also houses a gift shop. The museum’s exhibits are diverse and informative, including:
Official Website: https://www.chapmanculturalcenter.org/
Address: 200 E St John St, Spartanburg, SC 29306 ➡️ Google Map
Croft State Park is a lovely Spartanburg County, South Carolina, state park. It was named after the previous governor James F. F. Croft. Lake Bowen, one of the park’s principal attractions, is one of South Carolina’s largest artificial lakes, with nearly 8 miles (13 km) of gorgeous shoreline. The lake was formed by damming the Broad River near its confluence with Tyger Creek, also the source of Lake Murray, which is located upstream.
Official Website: https://southcarolinaparks.com/croft
Address: 450 Croft State Park Rd, Spartanburg, SC 29302 ➡️ Google Map
You can climb at the Climb Upstate climbing gym in downtown Spartanburg. It’s an excellent spot for beginners and experienced climbers, with top-of-the-line equipment and friendly staff ready to help you get started on your first visit. The facility features over 20,000 square feet of climbing walls (including an auto belay) and an outdoor boulder field that offers challenging climbs for all skill levels. There are also classes available to learn more about climbing or improving your technique!
What should you wear for rock climbing? We recommend comfortable clothing that allows for freedom of movement, such as jeans and sneakers. If you have them, shoes with sticky rubber soles will better grip the wall surface. However, if you don’t have such shoes, don’t worry; most rental shoes come equipped with this feature. Staying hydrated is also essential, especially when engaging in high-intensity activities like rock climbing. So, bring water bottles along to avoid dehydration.
Address: 301 Bulls Rd, Taylors, SC 29687 ➡️ Google Map
Cyclops Cyderi & Brewery is a multi-faceted establishment in Spartanburg, SC, that offers craft beer, cider, and wine. It boasts a tasting room, beer garden, and outdoor patio for patrons to enjoy. T
The tasting room features more than 20 taps of their brews and guest taps from other breweries nationwide. The menu includes appetizers like wings with various sauces like buffalo wing sauce or honey mustard; burgers made with local grass-fed beef served on brioche buns; salads topped off with homemade dressings such as ranch dressing or Caesar salad dressing; sandwiches made with bread from nearby bakeries including Carolina Bread Co., Mother Earth Bread Co., Sweetwater Baking Co., or La Brioche Bakery (select locations).
Official Website: https://www.ciclopscyderiandbrewery.com/
Address: 197 E St John St, Spartanburg, SC 29306 ➡️ Google Map
The Spartanburg County Public Libraries are a valuable resource for residents and tourists alike. The library system offers many services and resources to support and promote lifelong learning, literacy, and community engagement.
The headquarters branch in downtown Spartanburg is a great place to start your visit. It houses an extensive collection of books, magazines, multimedia materials, public computers, and free Wi-Fi access. Additionally, the headquarters branch features a beautiful art gallery showcasing local artists’ work.
Official Website: https://www.spartanburglibraries.org/
Address: 151 S Church St, Spartanburg, SC 29306 ➡️ Google Map
The Hub City Railroad Museum is a museum of the railroad industry. It’s located in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and is open to the public. There’s a gift shop that sells toys and souvenirs related to trains and model train layouts by local artists.
The museum has an extensive collection of old train cars from all over North America, including steam engines from the 1800s and 1900s that were used during World War II when supplies were needed at home rather than being shipped overseas for soldiers’ use abroad (which was common practice before). You can also participate in one of their train rides or visit their model railroad layout exhibit featuring over 100 feet of track!
Official Website: https://hubcityrrmuseum.org/
Address: 298 Magnolia St, Spartanburg, SC 29303 ➡️ Google Map
Hollywild Animal Park, located in South Carolina, is an entertaining and family-friendly attraction. With over 500 animals, visitors can get up and personal with a diverse range of critters. The park is open all year and features a variety of activities, such as a petting zoo where people may engage with friendly animals, pony rides for children, and a thrilling carousel ride.
Hollywild also features an on-site animal hospital that provides medical care and treatment for wounded or unwell animals.
Official Website: https://www.hollywild.org/
Address: 2325 Hampton Rd, Wellford, SC 29385 ➡️ Google Map
Barnet Park is a lovely public park in the center of Spartanburg, South Carolina. This park, named for Dr. Barnet, Spartanburg’s first mayor and a vital player in the city’s incorporation in 1854, provides a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
The park’s amphitheater holds live music concerts throughout the summer, making it a lovely setting for an evening out. There are also various picnic sites with tables and grills for people who wish to bring food and enjoy lunch outdoors.
Official Website: https://spartanburgparks.org/
Address: 248 E St John St, Spartanburg, SC 29306 ➡️ Google Map
This is a historic gristmill and national historic district located in Spartanburg County, South Carolina. Constructed in 1891, this two-story frame building stands on a brick pier foundation. The mill was initially powered by water from the nearby Pacolet River.
Address: 5255 Anderson Mill Rd, Moore, SC 29369 ➡️ Google Map
The Glendale Shoals Preserve is a 1,000-acre nature preserve in Spartanburg County, SC. The preserve includes the Glendale Shoals Nature Center and features 2.5 miles of hiking trails that wind through hardwood forests and wetlands. A boardwalk overlooks the marshes where you can watch birds as they fly overhead or fish from below.
Address: Emma Cudd Rd, Spartanburg, SC 29302 ➡️ Google Map
A well-known sight in Gaffney, South Carolina, is called The Peachoid. It is the only peach-shaped water tower in the globe, standing 55 feet tall and weighing more than 40 tons. After two textile factories closed in 1991, the building was commissioned to support the local economy and tourism.
It now serves as the city’s cherished emblem and can even be seen on the official flag of Gaffney.
Address: Peachoid Rd, Gaffney, SC 29341 ➡️ Google Map
We hope you found our top Spartanburg, SC attractions helpful list. Of course, there are several more things to see and do in this bustling city, which we invite you to explore and discover on your own. Spartanburg has something for everyone, from historic sites to picturesque parks.
