Did you know that you could take free lessons in Salsa dancing in Greenville, SC. Local mom Kristina shares her favorite places to Salsa dance in Greenville, the perfect romantic date night.
Salsa dancing is quite close to my heart, and it’s pretty awesome that we can do it in Greenville, SC! Despite my current last name, I have zero Latin blood in me; rather, I’m the typical American mix of European ancestry, one that arguably isn’t known for its superb dancing styles.
So when I had the chance to take salsa dancing lessons back when I lived near Washington, DC, I jumped at the opportunity. I had seen a beautiful couple at the bar/restaurant where the lessons occurred, twirling, laughing, and swaying their hips with the Latin beats. I wanted to be that girl, and I wanted to learn how to dance like that.
And I did.
Salsa dancing at Camperdown Plaza
This was before marriage and kids, so I had time to go several times a week to lessons and dancing. But I got more out of it than I ever expected. I met my husband during one of those early classes. He had been taking lessons for a few months and easily impressed me. We went dancing together for nearly three years before we started dating and then got married.
We don’t go as often as we’d like to now, but when I heard about dancing salsa in the plaza at the Peace Center last summer, I got a babysitter and made plans to go. After all, when does the chance come up to dance at sunset? Not often enough.
Salsa at Sunset Event in Greenville
On select Fridays throughout the summer, Upstate International hosts the amazing Salsa at Sunset event at Camperdown Plaza in downtown Greenville. It’s a free outdoor event that features free group salsa lessons, a live band that plays salsa, merengue, and bachata (other Latin dance styles), and a beer and wine cash bar.
The event is family-friendly as well. We saw lots of kids there getting their groove on. There were dancers of every age and ability.
All of the events are from 6 pm to 10 pm and include free dance lessons and lots of dancing. The free dance lessons start around 6:15, so we recommend them if you want to learn before taking the dance floor.
Upcoming Salsa at Sunset Events
Salsa at Sunset – May 22, 2026 | 6:15-10 pm | Camperdown Plaza, 20 E Broad St, Greenville | Free
Salsa at Sunset – June 26, 2026 | 6:15-10 pm | Camperdown Plaza, 20 E Broad St, Greenville | Free
Salsa at Sunset – July 24, 2026 | 6:15-10 pm | Camperdown Plaza, 20 E Broad St, Greenville | Free
Salsa at Sunset – August 28, 2026 | 6:15-10 pm | Camperdown Plaza, 20 E Broad St, Greenville | Free
In my experience of Latin dancing, it really doesn’t matter your age or ability or anything else you’re nervous about, and that may be holding you back. Everyone just wants to have fun.
Dancing is a great equalizer. Most dancers are patient and eager to teach and learn. Dancing is a wonderful activity to let your body take over and move with the music, and give your brain a break from doing any thinking. It’s relaxing and a great date activity.
Other Places for Salsa Dancing: Greenville, SC
Greenville has an active little salsa dancing community.
Salsa Greenville regularly hosts salsa dancing events at local clubs and organizations. Many of these events come along with fun themes, like Bachata Under the Stars and Pasion Thursdays. Social Latitude regularly hosts events with Salsa Greenville called during their Latin Dance Nights.
For women, a shoe with a smooth bottom and a heel not more than two inches is preferable (tennis shoes aren’t the best because they stick to the floor, but I’ve seen women wear them and do fine). At Salsa at Sunset, I usually just use sneakers, and it’s fine.
Dresses are enjoyable to wear, but just be sure they either don’t fly all the way up when you spin or wear shorts underneath. Be comfortable because you’ll be moving around a lot.
For men, shoes with smooth bottoms are ideal as well. And just dress comfortably.
You don’t need a partner for lessons. You rotate around and get to dance with everyone there, so it’s not necessary to come with anyone.
When the temperatures heat up in the summer or drop to freezing in the winter, you can still have a really fun date night indoors in Greenville, SC. We’ve got the best ideas for indoor dates, from axe throwing to seeing a play to dancing and rock climbing.
If the idea of feeling sweat drip down your back while on a date outdoors this summer doesn’t sound romantic, we can sympathize. Summers, while fun in South Carolina, can be brutally hot, and planning a fun date together where you aren’t melting may take some creativity – and that’s where we can help you out. And on cold winter nights, you can stay warm indoors while having fun together, too!
Fortunately, there are lots of fantastic places in the Upstate to have a memorable and cool date night in the AC besides the standard dinner and a movie. You can enjoy some quality time together while also maybe even checking off some bucket list items. No matter your interests, we think you’ll find something on this list where you can plan a great summer or winter date night together.
Best Indoor Date Night Ideas for Playing
Group Therapy Pub & Playground
Located in Camperdown Plaza in downtown Greenville, Group Therapy has an 18-hole mini-golf course, axe throwing, curling, ping pong, and tons more, plus an extensive bar and food menu. You must make reservations to play the games.
Throw it back to the 90s with an awesome arcade that has more than a dozen pinball machines, but old school games like Nintendo, Paper Boy, and Pac-Man. It’s $10/person for all-day play. Vaughn’s Food Hall is right next door, where you can grab dinner together.
Double Stamp Brewery
Play Nintendo together at the bar while enjoying delicious craft beer or sodas made right in-house at Double Stamp Brewery in Greenville.
Pinky’s Revenge
Play lots of fun arcade or video games together at Pinky’s Revenge. They have a new location in downtown Greer on Trade Street, go check them out there!
Best Indoor Date Nights for Busting Stress
Break some stuff
Take a bat to some glass, an old car, or windows at Mad Smash Rage Room in Taylors Mill. You’ll absolutely love breaking stuff, we promise!
Best Indoor Date Nights for Making Something Together
Maybe you’re trying to have a cozy, rainy day date that goes beyond the living room or playing board games. Go out and make something together! These make for a great romantic indoor date!
These shows are a great way to enjoy time with each other, and are also the perfect excuse to catch your favorite comedy show, a tour through outer space, or even a rock concert.
Starry Nights
Relax in the planetarium at Roper Mountain Science Center and gaze up at the stars and learn about our magnificent solar system at Friday Starry Nights. They also offer the Laser Days of Summer shows that feature rock music and lasers (in the winter, Holiday laser shows are quite fun too). You must buy tickets online ahead of time.
If you love to dance – or want to learn – there are some great spots to do so. Check out country line dancing at Cowboy Up Greenville. Landmark Hall in Greer and the Blue Ridge Dance Lab in TR have different dance nights, so check their website. There is also Salsa at Sunset in the summertime for a more romantic fee.
You can also dance the night away with some live music at one of these local music venues (many of which are breweries, so you can grab a drink and relax or dance!)
Indoor Rock Climbing
Challenge your partner to see who can climb an indoor mountain at Climb at Blue Ridge in Taylors and BlocHaven in Greenville.
Are you ready to plan a few unique date nights in or around Greenville, SC with your significant other? When it comes to hanging out with my significant other, I tend to shy away from the dinner and a movie typical date night because it’s just too much of been there, done that. In an effort to be creative and create awesome memories together, here are 15 unique date nights within a two-hour drive of the Upstate.
Skip the dinner-and-a-movie rut: These 15 date ideas within two hours of the Upstate are the kind of dates you’ll actually remember From chasing rare Blue Ghost fireflies to rappelling a waterfall, there’s something here for every couple, whether you’re thrill-seekers or just ready for something new Local favorites included: Real recommendations from couples who’ve actually done these dates, plus tips on what to book before it sells out
Inside: A curated list of great summer date ideas in Greenville, SC. We think they are great, anyway. Tell us what you think.
Planning a date night and looking for date night ideas in the summer? Greenville, SC makes date nights easy. There are so many options! If you are tired of going on the same old dates, use this list to spice things up this summer.
Summer is the perfect time to get back into date night with your significant other. There are so many more options for having fun together over the summer compared to other times of year because you can get outside. Although you totally don’t have to be outside – sometimes the air conditioning feels divine.
So, get to planning on that date night, or date day as we have those ideas as well. Can you try for three dates this summer – one for June, July and August? We have plenty of options for you, just pick a few!
An hour or two browsing the farmers markets on a Saturday morning is an easy way to squeeze in some time together while supporting local. Grab a coffee and pastry and check out all the local produce, cheeses, and freshly made bread and pasta that Greenville has to offer. This list showcases the best farmers markets in and around Greenville.
Go Hiking
If you and your significant other love nature, take a hike together. There are plenty of hiking trails in and around Greenville, from an easy hike at Conestee to the more difficult summit at Table Rock.
Go Tubing
This is one of those activities perfect for a lazy, hot day. If the grandparents can watch the kids, go on a date with your bathing suit, some snacks, and expectations of doing absolutely nothing with your love other than chilling in a giant tube on a lake. Our giant list of river tubing spots has several places to choose from.
Tubing down the river makes an excellent, relaxing date day. We’ll help you find a river tubing spot for your next date!
Take in a Ballgame
This would be a longer date night but a chill one for sure. Take in a Greenville Drive baseball game at Fluor Field any time this summer. Tickets start at $11 and you can see the schedule here.
Grab Ice Cream
A cone piled high with your favorite ice cream flavors and toppings is hard to beat in the summer heat. This is a cheap date too – you can grab ice cream and pay the sitter for about $20 total. Here is where we love to grab ice cream in Greenville.
While you can most certainly stargaze outside on a clear night, you can also take advantage of the state-of-the-art planetarium (air-conditioned as well) at the Roper Mountain Science Center. They have new shows at the planetarium every few months and take place every Friday night. There are three showtimes (4:30, 6, and 7:30). Be sure to get tickets online, which are $8 for adults. Afterwards, head over to the Daniel Observatory right next door to look at Saturn’s rings!
Take a Culinary Tour
We recommend the At the Chef’s Table culinary tour in pretty much every date night article we write because it’s just that good. Led by local historian and foodie John Nolan, the culinary tour is a treat for the senses. You get VIP treatment at four restaurants in Greenville within walking distance with specially-made dishes just for the tour group. Drinks are included at each stop as well. This is by far one of the best date night ideas in all of Greenville. Tickets start at $79/person and you can reserve them online here.
Get on the Water: Go Kayaking
There are several amazing lakes in the Greenville area that offer kayak rentals. My personal favorite is Lake Jocassee, a pristine lake about an hour and twenty minutes from Greenville where you can paddle all day, sneaking into little coves, seeing waterfalls, and picnicking on islands. This is a great date to get away from everything for a bit. You can rent a tandem kayak (a two-seater) all day for around $85. Bring a lunch and snacks, and have a fun and romantic time.
See a Concert
Many towns in and around Greenville offer free concerts, which is ideal for date nights because who doesn’t like free? Here’s the list of free live music around town. You will also find concerts and Broadway shows at the Peace Center in Downtown Greenville, and you can plan ahead so you have something to look forward to.
Catch a Summer Movie Outside
There are plenty of places showing free summer movies outside. Bring lawn chairs, a picnic blanket, and some snacks for a wonderful, cozy summer date. Check out our list of free outdoor movies here.
Go Dancing
Dancing is a great way to be social, meet friends, get exercise, enjoy music, and have a great connection with your love all at the same time! Summertime means you can fill your fridays with salsa dancing at Camperdown Plaza! You can also take west coast swing classes at Spare Time Greenville on Tuesday nights and east coast swing classes with Upstate Swing.
Get a Brew
Greenville has exploded with breweries in the past couple of years. There is no shortage of places to grab a cold one on a hot night.13 Stripes, Other Lands,Bridgeway Brewing Co, and Southern Growl are all great places to check out for a relaxed date night. We personally love taking a board game with us to play while we sip on our drinks. Check out our full list of breweries in the area.
These local breweries are a great option for a relaxed date night!
Visit a Winery
Relax with your loved one at City Scape Winery over a glass of wine and a locally sourced cheese plate.
Head to a Pottery Studio
There is something special about doing a hobby together, so why not make it a date night! Hollowed Earth Pottery is a great place at Hampton Station to try your hand at throwing pottery on the wheel in their Beginner Pottery Class. Classes are $75 per person, and after class, you can grab some food from one of the dining spots at Hampton Station.
Experience Glow Golf
Go to Takeoff Mini Golf for Glow Golf. You’ll play with glowing golf balls to a DJ cranking out some seriously good music. You must purchase tickets in advance at $15 per person.
2026 Summer Glow Golf Dates: May 16 July 25 August 8 September 5 September 19 October 10
Watch!
Do you have any date ideas in the summer in Greenville, SC that are special to you? Share it in the comments!
Looking for a free date night near Greenville, SC? Budget dates in Greenville are totally possible. We get that parents don’t always have the money for extravagant date nights, but still want to get away and reconnect away from the kids. You don’t need a lot of money to do that! In fact, there are lots of dates that are totally free.
If you can find a friend, grandparent, or other family member to watch the kids, you don’t even have to pay for a sitter.
Questions About Free Date Nights Near Greenville, SC
What are some free date ideas in Greenville, SC? Some of the best free date ideas near Greenville include visiting Falls Park, hiking local trails, attending outdoor movies or concerts, touring murals, exploring gardens, and walking through art galleries during First Fridays.
Are there free outdoor activities for couples near Greenville? Yes! Couples can enjoy free outdoor activities like hiking, biking the Swamp Rabbit Trail, swimming at natural swimming holes, visiting waterfalls, strolling through gardens, or watching Shakespeare in Falls Park during the summer.
Where can couples go for a cheap or free date night near Greenville? Greenville offers plenty of budget-friendly date night options including free concerts, museum visits, mini golf at McPherson Park, volunteer opportunities, and scenic parks perfect for a picnic or sunset walk.
Free Summer Date Ideas Near Greenville, SC
Go Swimming
Grab your bathing suit, towel, and map and head out to any one of these natural swimming holes for a few hours away. Soak up the sun, and enjoy the cool mountain waters that surround Greenville.
Sliding Rock in Cashiers, NC
Help Others
Volunteering is a great way to learn how to be grateful for what we have, and who we have in our lives. By volunteering together as a couple, you can enjoy a shared experience that will not only bring you closer but positively touch the lives of others. Here are several places to volunteer in the area.
Go Miniature Golfing
You can mini-golf for free at McPherson Park in Greenville. Just bring your own putter and balls (we’ve seen them for cheap at local thrift shops).
McPherson Park
See an Outdoor Movie
Greenville has lot of places to see free movies outside during the summer. Bring a blanket and food, and enjoy the big screen.
Bike Around Town
If you have a bike, use it. There are many trails in the area where you can ride your bikes together, and they’re all free.
Falls Park in Greenville is probably the most iconic and recognizable part of town. There are plenty of benches and swings and trails in the park to enjoy during a stroll. Take the time to check it all out, just like the tourists do. Bring a picnic and extend that date a bit longer.
Liberty Bridge at Falls Park
Tour Local Murals
Love art? Take a driving tour of local murals around town. Kick it up a notch with your significant other, and bring along some snacks and/or chocolate.
Enjoy a Free Concert
Live music is back! Several local venues offer free concerts over the summer.
Learn About History
I personally love history, and strolling through a battlefield is actually my idea of an interesting time. If you and your date are history buffs, try the Kings Mountain Battlefield Trail, a 1.5-mile paved path that takes you through the Revolutionary War battle on October 7, 1780.
Get Cultured
First Fridays in Greenville are all about art. You can tour area art galleries for free, and many places serve complimentary adult beverages. Win-win. And the Greenville County Museum of Art houses some amazing exhibits/ Admission is free.
Take a Hike
There is no shortage of hiking trails in and near the Upstate, including several with waterfalls and swimming holes. They’re perfect for summer. Lots of parks in the area are free to enter, so grab your partner, a picnic lunch, and water, and have an adventure together.
The annual Chautauqua Festival features historical figures telling their stories in front of a live audience. It’s a popular and fun way to experience history, all for free. The festival is in June and features over 25 live shows.
Enjoy Some Shakespeare
From May 21 – July 25, 2026, you can check out the free Upstate Shakespeare Festival in Falls Park. Shows begin at 7:00 pm and run Thursday through Sunday each week. Arrive early to get a spot!
Do you have a free date night idea to add to our list?
Discover some of the prettiest flowers in Spartanburg County at The Peony Fields in Inman, SC. Every spring, you can watch new varieties bloom, capture breathtaking photos, and experience unique events year after year. Many of us have made a point to check out this gorgeous place, and we’re sharing everything you need to visit The Peony Fields!
Quick Look at The Peony Fields (2026)
🌸 What to Expect: Over 6,000 gorgeous peonies, pre-cut flowers for sale, a bouquet bar for DIY arrangements, plus special scavenger hunts NEW in 2026
🎟️ Admission: $10 / person OR $25 / season pass, which allows you to return week after week as different varieties bloom!
⏰ Hours: 10 am – 4 pm, 7 days / week from April 16th, 2026 through May, while blooms last!
📍 Address: 379 Red Maple Road, Inman, SC 29349 — This is a private family home, so please only visit during open hours.
⛔️ NOTE: U-Pick is CLOSED in 2026! Expected to return in 2027.
The Peony Fields is a vibrant, family-rooted peony farm located in northern Spartanburg County, South Carolina, near the North Carolina border. Founded in 2015 by Erin, the farm began as a small flower-growing endeavor on an 11-acre former peach orchard.
While it originally featured a variety of flowers, it quickly blossomed into a full-fledged peony farm thanks to Erin’s love for the bloom and the emotional connection many visitors shared! Touched by the beautiful sight and fragrance, many visitors associate these peonies with cherished memories of grandmothers, mothers, and other loved ones.
In 2024, The Peony Fields officially opened its gates to the public for the first time, creating a welcoming space for guests to explore rows upon rows of breathtaking peonies in bloom.
What started as a family project — with Erin’s five children pitching in during the early, labor-intensive days — has evolved into a beloved local destination. Although most of her children have moved on to “air-conditioned” careers, their contributions helped shape the farm’s strong foundation. In recent years, friends, family, and loyal visitors have joined the team to support the farm’s growth and operations.
From a humble start of 200 peony roots, the farm now boasts over 6,000 plants from over 50 varieties. Erin uses special growing techniques, planting peonies in elevated mounds to avoid soggy roots and ensure they receive the right amount of chill hours and soil conditions to thrive.
The Peony Fields in Inman, SC
Why Visit The Peony Fields
When you visit The Peony Fields, you are in for a treat! Several of us at Kidding Around have visited this gorgeous flower farm in Spartanburg County, and there’s a reason we keep sharing it: These full, fragrant flowers create an experience unlike any other.
You’ll find a wide, flat field of blushing flowers in shades like coral, bright pink, and white in front of a pretty farmhouse overlooking a private pond. You’ll want to wear closed-toed shoes for navigating the uneven ground, and keep your eyes open for the occasional anthill. The fields are in full sun, so we recommend packing some sunscreen or even a sun hat, too!
Farm tours are available from 9 am to 10 am on weekdays only, and require a special ticket to participate. These tours are a wonderful way to get acquainted with the property, and your knowledgable guide will tell you all about the newest peony varieties on the farm and even how to plant your own!
Plan to take lots of pictures of both the flowers and your family against this rare spring backdrop. Grab a guest guide when you arrive for a map of the flower fields, details on the different varieties, and brand new photo scavenger hunts to guide your visit. New in 2026, you can also participate in a scent scavenger hunt, and help The Peony Fields capture the unique fragrance beloved by so many visitors.
If you’re planning a proposal or celebrating a special milestone, this is a stunning spot to capture that magic moment! You can book The Peony Fields as a professional photography venue, or take as many photos as you want on your mobile phone. Consider packing a picnic lunch when your visit, too, or book a private date night with The Peony Field’s evening picnic packages.
Need a break? There are places to sit around the field, and more benches down by the pond. Restrooms are available, as well, so you don’t have to worry about any potty emergencies with little ones! Visit the gift shop for pre-cut flowers, a DIY bouquet bar, and more souvenirs to take home with you, too.
No pets are allowed, so be sure to leave those furry friends at home.
⛔️ NOTE: U-Pick is CLOSED in 2026 and expected to return in 2027.
Open Sign at The Peony Fields in inman, SC
When to Visit The Peony Fields
Each spring, the peony fields start to bloom in mid-April and last through May. Different varieties bloom at different times, but usually you can expect the peak blooms right around the middle of the season.
Admission costs $10 per person in 2026, or you can buy a season pass for $25 per person. We highly recommend the season pass so you can visit week after week as the different varieties bloom! It’s incredible to see the fields transform over just a few weeks, and you’ll love having access to this dazzling escape in the great outdoors.
If you’d like to take advantage of special events at The Peony Fields, then plan ahead to purchase those tickets separately. Farm tours make a great field tripoption for kids and adult gardeners alike, accommodating up to 30 people at a time. Evening picnics are a wonderful way for couples and families to make cozy memories amongst the flowers together, and are available for groups of 2-4 people.
We’re keeping our eyes open for other special events, too, like watercolor classes and more that may be announced as the season goes on! Follow The Peony Fields on Facebook and Instagram for the latest announcements.
And don’t forget to check back in fall, when you might get to experience Ugly Season at The Peony Fields! In previous years, The Peony Fields has hosted special events for aspiring gardeners to shop their root collection and take workshops on dividing and planting roots.
Flower Arrangements at The Peony Fields in Inman, SC
Meet Erin: The Peony Fields Founder
Q: What inspired you to start The Peony Fields?
A: I started with a variety of flowers, but peonies always held a special place in my heart. I noticed that many people connected with them too — they’d often share stories about a grandmother or mother who grew peonies. There’s something deeply nostalgic and comforting about them.
Q: How did your family get involved in the farm?
A: It started as a family project. I have five kids — four grown now, and one still at home. In the early years, they helped a lot with planting and weeding. It was a ton of hard work, and now that they have more “cushy” indoor jobs, they’ve stepped back. But their help was a huge part of how we got started.
Q: What makes peonies so special to grow?
A: They’re a bit picky! You have to plant them with the “eyes” just right — not too deep. They need cold weather to bloom properly and don’t like being overwatered. That’s why we plant in raised mounds to keep them happy and thriving.
Q: Are there new plans for the future?
A: We’re excited to keep growing! Over the years, we have added family, friends and followers to work with us to expand
Are you looking for inexpensive date night ideas or cheap dates near Greenville, SC? Don’t worry. You don’t have to spend a ton of money to enjoy time with your loved one. Here’s a list of inexpensive dates in Greenville.
Dates nights can get pricey with dinner, a babysitter, and entertainment. But they don’t have to be expensive or fancy. You can still keep grown-up date night high on your priority list with creative and inexpensive date ideas.
Date Ideas That Won’t Break the Bank
There are tons of things couples can do around the area that won’t wipe out the month’s entertainment budget. Here are great opportunities to spend quality time with your loved one and even try something new together.
Falls Park
Falls Park is the gem of downtown Greenville. A walk around this beautiful park, over Liberty Bridge, and along the river is romantic and a perfect opportunity to talk, hold hands, and your loved one’s company. Grab an ice cream or coffee from Spill the Beans near the bridge, or pack a picnic and enjoy the view.
Bike Ride on the Swamp Rabbit Trail
Rent bikes or bring your own for a ride along the Swamp Rabbit Trail. Stop at the Swamp Rabbit Cafe for incredible baked goods and coffee or hot chocolate.
Take a Hike
No, not that kind of hike. This is supposed to be a fun day with your partner. The Greenville and Spartanburg areas have numerous natural parks with dozens of hiking trails ranging from easy to intermediate to difficult. Pack a lunch and make your escape.
Or, check out Hatcher Gardens in Spartanburg. It’s totally free to visit and a fabulous place for couples to walk and chat.
Dance Together
Salsa at Sunset is available at Camperdown Plaza over the summer and features a live band and dance lessons, all for free. The Foundry hosts line dancing every week with a minimal cover charge.
Take a Class at the Library
The Greenville Library System has so many cool classes for adults that include everything from art to knitting to music trivia to games. And it’s all free.
See a Planetarium Show
Tickets to Friday’s Starry Nights at the Roper Mountain Science Center are just $8 per adult (or free if you’re a member!). This is a lot of fun to do together. Be sure to see the night sky at the Observatory afterwards.
Try a Trivia Night
Many local breweries and entertainment facilities, like New Realm Brewing, Vaughn’s Food Hall, and Group Therapy, host weekly trivia nights. They usually don’t have a charge, and you can buy a drink to keep costs down instead of a full dinner.
Take a Stroll Downtown
If hiking isn’t your thing, consider a walk with more urban scenery. Downtown Greer is a fabulous place to take a walk, do a little window shopping, visit the park, or grab a coffee.
GVLtoday put together this great list of places to have lunch under $10 in Greenville. Plus, lunch is usually cheaper than dinner at most places.
See the Swamp Rabbits or Greenville Drive in Action
Watching a live sporting event is a fun way to spend quality time together. Tickets to see the Greenville Swamp Rabbits play hockey or the Greenville Drive play baseball are pretty cheap and a great way to do date night.
Coffee/Hot Chocolate Date
Instead of going out for a pricey dinner, consider taking a couple of hours in the morning to relax with a great cup of coffee. Here is a list of some great coffee shops in the area (or go with hot chocolate if that’s your thing). A breakfast date is also a cheaper alternative to a dinner night out.
The sunrises at Pretty Place at YMCA Camp Greenville are incredible. Get up early and go see for yourself. Bring hot coffee and muffins to make it extra special. Be sure to check the chapel’s calendar before you go to make sure there aren’t any private events.
Get a Drink
Grabbing a great drink with your significant other in a cozy setting can be reminiscent of those first months of dating. Southern Growl in Greer has an extensive craft beer list and incredible food.
First Fridays
The art scene is vibrant at First Friday events in downtown Greenville, the Village of West Greenville, and Taylors Mill. Patrons can roam from gallery to gallery for free and enjoy the art.
Check Out Some Art
The Greenville County Museum of Art is always free. They are open Wednesday – Sunday and also have special events that are often free so check out their website before heading out.
Try Discount Ticket Sites
Groupon and Living Social are great places to find inexpensive tickets to area attractions. There are tons of restaurants, events, and activities available for discounted prices that make for fun and inexpensive date nights.
Are you planning your next date night in Greenville, SC? If you’re looking for new ideas for places to go on a date and things to do, our readers have voted on their favorites as part of our 2025 KABOOM Awards. These are our readers’ top date night activities in Greenville, SC.
Top Date Night Activities in Greenville, SC (2026)
Hollowed Earth is a hands-on creative studio that turns date night into an experience worth remembering. Instead of the usual dinner-and-a-movie routine, couples are invited to slow down, get a little messy, and create something meaningful together. From wheel throwing to hand-building classes, Hollowed Earth offers guided pottery experiences that are welcoming to beginners and fun for all skill levels. The relaxed atmosphere encourages conversation, laughter, and connection—making it the perfect setting for first dates, anniversaries, or just a night out together.
Guests leave not only with memories, but with handmade pieces that serve as lasting reminders of time well spent. It’s intimate, creative, and refreshingly different—everything a great date night should be. Hollowed Earth is more than a studio—it’s a place where connection happens naturally. Its hands-on classes make it an ideal date night spot for couples looking to unplug and spend quality time together. Creating together fosters conversation and creativity, all within a welcoming space. The result is an experience that feels both intimate and fun, leaving couples with meaningful keepsakes and a unique, shared memory.
BridgeWay Station is a vibrant, all-ages destination for families, friends, and fun — and we’re thrilled to be named Best Date Night Activity by Kidding Around SC! This immersive town center blends stunning architecture with a lively culinary and lifestyle scene, anchored by 12 locally owned eateries.
Whether it’s grabbing a beer and playing pinball bowling at the brewery, enjoying an upscale dinner at Tavola, Rotie by Stella’s, or Restaurant Rocco, dancing the night away at salsa night on Cabanas’ rooftop, or savoring a late-night dessert and glass of champagne at Old Europe Desserts — there’s always something in store for a memorable date night here.
Visitors can explore diverse dining, shop local boutiques, hit the gym or nail salon, and even work or live right on site — all in a seamlessly integrated community setting. With a year-round lineup of farmers markets, live music, and family events, BridgeWay Station has quickly become one of Upstate South Carolina’s favorite places to dine, shop, work, live, play, and relax.
Roper Mountain is the place to bring your families for a hands-on and engaging experience whether it’s during the school year for field trips or during the summer for Summer Adventure and Summer Camps. Just ask other families in the area about their experiences and you’ll see why Roper Mountain continues to be a “must-see” experience in the upstate and beyond.
The beautiful 62-acre campus contains an array of state-of-the-art educational facilities including a Planetarium and Observatory, Marine and Ecology labs, a Rainforest, a Living History Farm, Dinosaur Adventure trail and a new Environmental Science and Sustainability Center.
Families can attend numerous events throughout the year including Friday Starry Nights, Afternoon Explorations, Summer Adventure, Laser Days of Summer, Summer Exploration Camps, and seasonal holiday laser shows. Regardless of age, you’ll surely find a plethora of engaging activities and fun for everyone to enjoy.
Looking for things to do for a romantic date in Greenville, SC? Here’s our list of the 14 most romantic dates in Greenville! We’ve included date ideas that all couples will love. We also asked our readers for their thoughts and included reader-recommended ideas for great dates in Greenville.
Want to plan a romantic date, but you’re not sure where to start? Start here! Relax, take a look at these ideas, and plan a great date for your significant other for Valentine’s Day or another special date in the near future.
Top Ideas for a Romantic Date Night: Greenville, SC
Romantic Dining in Greenville
To go with an obvious first choice, lovebirds can gaze at each other over an indulgent meal at a romantic restaurant and enjoy a memorable evening together.
Looking for something a little different, don’t miss our new list of Locally Sourced Restaurants in Greenville! Their menus will surely have something a little different, perfect for a special night out.
If dining in is not for you, many restaurants have expanded their options for dining to include some combination of dining room seating (with and/or without reservations), outdoor seating, take-out, contact-free curbside delivery, and/or home delivery.
Usually our date nights are centered around a special occasion. We like Saskatoon Fish and Wild Game and The Melting Pot for dinner. Both places make you slow down and enjoy the evening. You don’t feel rushed or crowded. Saskatoon requires a reservation most weekend nights.
Amanda
Giovanni’s Italian Restaurant on Woodruff Rd. Authentic and delish! Get there early for seats…but if not, it really is worth the wait!
Meredith
Our go-to restaurant for date night is Jianna in Downtown Greenville. The food is fantastic, and the vibe of the restaurant is relaxed but still upscale.
Erin
Musical Journey: Romance Through Music
Greenville Symphony Orchestra
If you’ve never attended a Greenville Symphony Orchestra performance, you are in for a treat! One time is all it takes to be hooked. During the current season, GSO will carry you beyond your expectations.
Go ahead, soar away with your partner into the magic of live classical music.
The full schedule is listed below, with most tickets beginning at $20.
You don’t need to go far to have a romantic overnight stay at Hotel Hartness in Greenville. Not only does Hotel Harness have luxurious guest room, Patterson Kitchen + Bar, and fabulous accommodations, they also have an on site spa, Spa H, where you can enjoy a relaxing getaway for two. With their package deals, you can book a Spa Day Package or a Stay and Dine Package.
Hotel Hartness 120 Halston Avenue, Greenville 864.686.8900
Hotel Hartness
The Red Horse Inn
If you can convince grandma to take the kids for a couple of nights or find an awesome babysitter, drive just 40 minutes north to Landrum for a cozy bed-and-breakfast experience at The Red Horse Inn. The Inn can customize your experience to include a romantic dozen roses, champagne, and chocolate-covered strawberries.
If you are looking for additional places to travel near Greenville, be sure to check out our list of great day trip ideas for couples.
Cooking Class
Kill two birds with one stone by going to a cooking class – do something fun with your loved one and eat tasty food. The Truist Culinary & Hospitality Culinary Center offers lots of options for cooking and baking classes.
Reconnect over a waffle cone and your favorite ice cream by heading to Spill the Beans in downtown Greenville. Stroll across Liberty Bridge, admire the falls hand-in-hand, and take the time to enjoy your treat and the time spent with your loved one. Don’t forget the hat and gloves if it’s chilly!
Spill the Beans 531 South Main Street, Greenville | 864.242.6355
Bring out your inner child as you spend time with mini-golf, ping pong, curling, or even axe throwing. You can do all that and more at Group Therapy, an indoor playground for grown-ups. Find out more about this unique date night spot: Group Therapy Indoor Playground in Greenville, SC.
If there was ever a year in which couples feel the need to blow off some steam, this is it! Kick, smash, and jump your stress away together. We’ve put together this list of stress-busting date ideas to help you to get a little physical and just let go.
Paint and Sip
There’s something about drinking wine and painting that frees the mind from the pressures of the world. Sharing that experience with your beloved is a great way to enjoy each other and maybe even learn that your partner has some serious art skills – or maybe it just looks that way thanks to the vino. Here are several places to paint and sip.
Vino & Van Gogh 1818 August Street, Suite 112, Greenville | 864.434.3054
Hot air balloon ride
Major props for the man who surprises his girlfriend/wife with a hot air balloon ride since it seems like something that only happens in movies. But hey, it could be a reality in Greenville, too, with Carolina Balloon Fantasies, which operates out of Anderson. We took a ride with them and it was just incredible. Plus, it is certainly an unforgettable and romantic adventure to share with your loved one (and Instagram)!
Hey ladies, your knight in shining armor waits to take you on a romantic trail ride. At the same time, men don’t have to dress up as knights (if they do, it wasn’t my idea…), a romantic ride with your loved one on a well-trained horse at Black Horse Run is a break from the ordinary.
The Upstate has so many gorgeous places, and exploring on horseback is a great way to see them and revel in that necessary couple of time together.
Black Horse Run 2245 Fair View Road, Fountain Inn | 864.505.7920
Culinary Tour
When it comes to sampling Greenville’s culinary delights, there is no equal to John Nolan at Greenville History Tours. His Chef’s Table Culinary Tour is quite possibly one of the coolest date ideas in town. Guests go to five restaurants in downtown Greenville, get VIP treatment with small plates and a drink at each location, and learn about the city’s fascinating history.
Every Friday night is date night at Color Clay Cafe from 5-7 pm. An adult couple can paint two pieces for a combined studio fee of $6 (plus whatever your piece costs). Reservations are required, so make sure you book ahead!
Color Clay Cafe 2518 East North Street, Greenville | 864.244.3445
Hollowed Earth Pottery
Sign up for an introduction class together and learn how to throw on a pottery wheel. It’s tons of fun! Hollowed Earth Pottery is located in Hampton Station.
Hollowed Earth Pottery Class
Hollowed Earth 1320 Hampton Avenue, Extension Bay 7, Greenville
Sunset Cruise at Lake Joccassee
Book two to three hours of quiet with a pontoon ride tour of the waterfalls of Lake Jocassee completed with sunset. Want even more beauty? You can also book a full moon tour. Jocasse Lake Tours does tours all year long!
You will laugh so hard that you are crying at Alchemy Comedy at Coffee Underground in downtown Greenville. These comedians are absolutely hilarious as they perform improv. Grab dinner at any of the great downtown restaurants and you’ve got a unique and memorable date night.
Reader-Recommended Romantic Date Night: Greenville, SC
Bonus! We asked our readers for fun and romantic date ideas and they, as usual, had some fantastic suggestions.
Falls Park in Downtown Greenville
Explore the Downtown Areas of the Upstate
The local downtown areas are walkable with great restaurants, shopping, and more. Enjoy golf? Grab dinner in downtown Travelers Rest and then visit the driving range right across from Farmhouse Taco. If books are more your thing, browse M. Judson Booksellers in downtown Greenville.
Our Guide to Greer has restaurant recommendations located in the totally walkable and recently renovated historic downtown.
I love walking around downtown Greenville checking out whatever shops and cafes catch my eye.
Downtown Greer, Downtown Spartanburg and Main Street in Traveler’s Rest also are awesome spots.
The Greenville scene loves Axe Throwing. Our readers recommend it as a great date night. You can try your hand at some ax throwing at Group Therapy and Craft Axe Throwing.
There are usually several venues that regularly offer Parents’ Night Out Events in the Greenville area where your kids will have fun and you can enjoy your night out.
If you need childcare for a romantic date night, Greenville, SC has Drop-In childcare facilities like Giggles Drop-In if you need care during the day!
Want a date and stress-busting activity all at the same time? Sometimes we need physical ways to get out pent-up frustration and stress. And doing that with our significant other could be fun. Here are some Greenville date ideas that are great for busting stress and relieving frustration.
Numerous studies point to pent up anger, stress, and frustration leading to physical problems like depression, gastrointestinal issues, headaches, insomnia, and aches and pains in joints. For me, exercise is a huge help in dealing with stress, but I also like more enjoyable physical activities. I’ve done everything in this list except for the last one!
I think these would be awesome date night activities as well since you can bond with your significant other while smashing a car or throwing a few punches at a bag. If you want more normal date night activities, we do have a big list of date night ideas in Greenville, SC!
Mad Smash
You can quite literally smash up a car or take swings at glass, plates, or anything else that can be destroyed with a bat or golf club. It feels really, really good to do this. Mad Smash is by appointment only.
250 Mill Street, 2nd Floor, Taylors
Axe Throwing
Grabbing an axe and chucking it at a target is a fantastic stress reliever. Craft Axe Throwing and Group Therapyare local places where you can do just that.
Kickboxing
While kickboxing is an awesome workout, it’s also a great way to release frustration. Mad about work? Punch that bag. Stressed about your kids and school? Kick the bag. Just irritated in general? Let. It. Out. For kickboxing here in Greenville, try 9Round. They have multiple locations around town.
Spinning
Spinning is basically biking except on a stationary bike that you can adjust to different levels to make your ride harder or easier. These bikes aren’t from the 80s. They’re slick, durable, and deliver a great sweat session. Bring your partner, water, a towel, and get spinning. You’ll feel awesome afterwards (if you can stand up). CycleBar® offers spinning lessons here in town.
307 East McBee Ave, Suite B, Greenville
Jump Around
While you’re not necessarily hitting things or trying to seriously tire out your body, you’ll definitely have the opportunity to feel like a carefree kid at a trampoline park. It makes for a fun date, jumping around, doing flips or swinging off a trapeze bar if you’re really adventurous. Here’s a list oftrampoline parks in Greenville.
Sky Diving
This is the only thing on this list I haven’t done personally. And I won’t. But one of our writers who has gone skydiving suggested it. I imagine it’s because when you’re about to jump out of a perfectly good airplane by your own free will, you are literally thinking of nothing else and just letting the adrenaline take over. Good luck.
