If you’re searching for “inexpensive day trips near me” or are looking for cheap day trips near Greenville, SC, and the surrounding area, we have a list for you. This list of 10 fun day trips includes only destinations that are budget-friendly, with an approximate cost of $40 or less for a family of four.
All of these inexpensive day trips are less than two hours from Greenville, SC. Save time. Save money. Have fun.
Excellent Cheap Day Trips Near Me: Greenville, SC
Sliding Rock, NC
Pisgah Highway, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768
Distance: 1 hour and 15 minutes from Upstate, SC
Cost: $5/person
Read our Kidding Around® review of Sliding Rock
This waterfall in Pisgah National Forest (Western North Carolina/ Blue Ridge Parkway area) is a natural water slide that has become a day-trip destination for families all over the Carolinas. The slow sloping waterfall is 60 feet, and the pool at the bottom is 8-10 feet deep. Lifeguards are on duty seven days a week during peak times in the summer (Memorial Day through Labor Day, 9 am – 6 pm), and restrooms are available at this time. There is no cost to watch people slide.
Swimmers should wear old clothes, including shorts and closed toed shoes. Due to the depth at the bottom, you’ll want to bring life vests for anyone in your group who can’t swim.
Learn more about Sliding Rock, NC.
If you want another option, Cashiers Sliding Rock is about the same distance from Greenville. It’s in Cashiers, NC, and you can slide down the smaller waterfall for free! You’ll also find a swimming hole at Graveyard Fields close by in Pisgah National Forest.
Hendersonville, NC
Distance from Greenville: Around 40 minutes to an hour.
Read our: Kidding Around® guide to Free and Cheap Things to do in Hendersonville, NC
Hendersonville is full of low-cost, family fun, making it a perfect day trip from the Upstate. You’ll be busy the whole day. We have a huge list in the guide linked above, but here are a few of our favorites to get you started.
Team ECCO Aquarium
511 North Main Street, Hendersonville, NC
Hours: Wednesday – Saturday, 1 – 4 pm (check before visiting, hours can change)
General admission is $8.50 for ages 5-65. Discounts available for teachers and service personnel.
Read our Kidding Around® review of Team ECCO
Hands On! Children’s Museum
318 N. Main Street, Hendersonville, NC
Admission: $12/ticket for adults and children, infants are $4
Read our Kidding Around® review of Hands On! Children’s Museum
Fairy Trail
95 Upper Red Oak Trail, Hendersonville, NC
Admission: Free
The Fairy Trail is one of our favorite free things to do in Hendersonville over the summer. It’s at Bullington Gardens and just so much fun and a touch magical.
Other Affordable Places to Visit in Hendersonville, NC
In downtown Hendersonville, you’ll find the Western NC Air Museum, Mineral Museum, Henderson County Heritage Museum, and a Train Depot. These smaller attractions all charge either a nominal entry fee or accept donations only.
Just a couple miles from downtown is Jump Off Rock. This historic look-out point isn’t too difficult of a hike. But be aware that it’s steep, and the hikes along the sides of the lookout aren’t fully fenced.
You can also drive around 20 minutes east to Dupont State Forest and check out the waterfalls and biking trails!
Be sure to check out our guide on Free Things to Do in Hendersonville, NC.
Carl Sandburg Home
81 Carl Sandburg Lane, Flat Rock, NC
Distance: One hour from Greenville/Travelers Rest
Admission: Free to enter the park, access the bookstore and information on the ground floor of the Sandburg Home, walk the trails, and visit the barn.
Guided house tours are $6/visitors 62+, $10/visitors 16 and above. Kids 15 and under are free.
Hours: The Sandburg Home & Goat Barn is open daily 10 am – 4 pm.
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
Read our review of Carl Sandburg’s home and why we love visiting the home and farm.
Devil’s Fork State Park
161 Holcombe CIR, Salem, SC
Distance: One hour from Greenville
Admission: $8/adults, $5/SC seniors 65+, $4/children 6-15, Ages 5 and under free. Free admission for all every Tuesday.
This scenic state park offers gorgeous views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and is one of the most inexpensive day trips near Greenville, SC. We highly recommend you visit at least once. The park includes two trails, camping, and access to the popular Lake Jocassee for swimming, fishing, and boating. The area is a nature lover’s paradise!
Similar parks worth a visit include Table Rock State Park in Pickens County and Paris Mountain State Park in Greenville. Both have affordable entry fees and offer lake swimming.
Learn why Devil’s Fork State Park is one of our absolute favorite places to visit!
The South Carolina Botanical Gardens & Bob Campbell Geology Museum
150 Discovery Lane, Clemson SC
Distance: 45 minutes from Greenville
Admission: Free for grounds, geology museum, and visitor center. The area is super family-friendly.
Visit the Bob Campbell Geology Museum site and the SC Botanical Gardens site for more details.
Read a full list of fun things to do with your kids in Clemson, SC.
Stumphouse Tunnel Park and Issaqueena Falls
About seven miles northwest of Walhalla on Highway 28
Distance: Approximately 90 minutes from Greenville
Admission: $5 parking fee per passenger car
Read our full review of Stumphouse Tunnel Park and Issaqueena Falls. For more options, see our list of places to hike near Greenville or our list of waterfalls Near Greenville.
Spartanburg Science Center
200 E St John St, Spartanburg, SC
Distance: Around 40 minutes from Greenville
Admission: $5 (ages 5+)
This science center is small but includes animals and interactive exhibits. Other nearby inexpensive attractions in downtown Spartanburg include a free splash pad at the adjoining Barnet Park or free mini-golf (E. Main Street) at Sparkle City Mini Putt.
While you’re in Spartanburg don’t miss:
- Hatcher Gardens, a totally free garden to explore. It’s gorgeous!
- Airport Park, an airplane-themed park beside the Spartanburg airport, complete with a splash pad
Tubing the Saluda or Green River
Most of the outfitters on the Green River in Saluda, NC are pretty cheap. You can tube for around $10/person. This isn’t a lazy river as it has lots of rapids. We thought it was really fun though! It’s an hour from Greenville.
Please note: The river was greatly impacted by Hurricane Helene, and water levels are not the same as they were before.
If you have your own tubes, you can float for free on the Saluda River in Powdersville at Dolly Cooper Park.
The Children’s Museum of the Upstate Spartanburg
130 Magnolia Street, Spartanburg SC
Distance: Around 45 minutes from Greenville
Admission: $15 ($20 if you’re visiting from outside SC)
Hours: Monday – Saturday (9 am to 4:30 pm) and Sunday (11 am to 4:30 pm)
TCMU’s Spartanburg location is specifically designed for children five and under. The museum has eight exhibits, including areas for two and under and a water table. This location does accept TCMU Greenville memberships as reciprocal.
Anne Springs Close Greenway
2573 Lake Haigler Drive, Fort Mill SC
Distance: Approx 1 hour 45 mins from Greenville
Admission: $17 per adult (age 13+) | $8 per child (ages 5-12)
Read our review of The Anne Springs Close Greenway, and Our Guide to Spending a Day in York County, SC
Athens, Georgia
Athens, Georgia is only 1 hour 45 minutes away from Greenville and is packed with fun things to do with your family. You could make it a day trip or even a weekend away.
Check out our full guide on where to stay, things to do, places to eat, and more during your trip to Athens.
Mile Creek County Park
Swim in Lake Keowee, play in the small sandy area, string a hammock in the trees, play on the playground, or have a picnic. Whatever you choose, you can do it all for one $5 per car admission fee.
Mile Creek County Park
757 Keowee Baptist Church Road, Six Mile, SC
What are your favorite inexpensive day trips near Greenville, SC? Let us know!
Wanting to get away without breaking the bank? These 10 cheap day trips near Greenville, SC are full of adventure and fun. And you don’t have to spend a lot of money! Pack and picnic and head out.
Looking for more day trip ideas near Upstate, South Carolina? We’ve got your Ultimate Guide to Day Trips.
