Looking for a little Upstate, SC day trip? The town of Simpsonville, SC is a great place to spend the day with great parks, cute downtown area and excellent restaurant options. We have a suggested itinerary for a day in Simpsonville, plus a list of things to do, places to eat and even places to stay if you’re staying longer than a day.
The residents of Simpsonville, SC are in a great location for getting around the Upstate. Located near both major highways and one of Greenville’s major retail hubs, Simpsonville is the perfect place for busy families to settle down. With an abundance of places to dine and things to do, it’s no wonder new communities are sprouting up all over Simpsonville.
Looking for more places to spend the day with your family? Here’s our list of Day Trip Towns, just a short drive from the Upstate.
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Spend A Day In Simpsonville
With all the entertainment, shopping and dining options in Simpsonville it’s easy to spend the day in this town and not have a need to leave. If you aren’t sure where to start the day, we have a sample itinerary to get you started!
Starting the day : We suggest grabbing breakfast at a favorite of one of our readers:
Authentique French Creperie, 107 West Curtis Street
OMG! Authentique French Creperie. SO GOOD. I don’t like crepes, but theirs are AMAZING. I always take out of town visitors there. They have weird hours though, so make sure you check online before you drive over!
Carolina R.After breakfast: Head over to the zip line & playground at City Park, or enjoy the seasonal farmers market!
If the weather isn’t cooperative, you can enjoy a matinee showing at the local IMAX theater.
For lunch: Stroll up the street to all the restaurants and shops of Main Street, and grab a frozen treat afterward at the Ice Cream Station.
If you are enjoying a day out without the kids a stop at a Sweet Sippin’ event would be a great way to end the day. They offer all kinds of different food and drink pairing events, live music events, game nights and more.
Things To Do In Simpsonville, SC
Upstate Pinball & Arcade Museum: Play 50+ nostalgic pinball and arcade games for one low price- no coins needed! Family fun for all ages.
Head to one of the Simpsonville Parks: Simpsonville has a bunch of parks that offer everything from zip-lines to Frisbee golf and even a train ride!
During summer months you can participate in the Park Hop Scavenger Hunt that includes area parks. Kids have the chance to earn prizes with this free program.
- Heritage Park | 861 Southeast Main Street
This park is part of the Heritage Park Amphitheater that hosts festivals, concerts and other events throughout the year. We also like this park because of all the shady seating options for parents to sit in while the kids play on the large playground. There is also a a miniature steam engine train that guests of the park can enjoy for just $3 per ticket (kids under 2 ride free with a paying adult).
- City Park | 100 Park Drive
City park is a favorite among locals for its large ADA compliant playground and all the seating it provides parents. There’s a Frisbee golf course, restrooms, picnic shelters, a special sensory playground and more.
- College Street Park | 330 West College Street
This small neighborhood park offers guests a merry-go-round, swing set, jungle gym and baseball and basketball facilities.
- Southside Park & Discovery Island Water Park | 417 Baldwin Road
Southside park offers multiple playgrounds, picnic shelters and is home to the seasonal water park. Open Memorial day through Labor day.
Regal Simpsonville IMAX Theater | 780 South Street | 864.462.7342
Simpsonville Farmers Market | 405 East Curtis Street (temporarily located at Simpsonville City Hall, 118 NE Main Street)
Held every Saturday from mid May through the end of September, 8 Am – Noon. In the past there have been 30 plus local vendors at the market, selling everything from seasonal produce, locally roasted coffee, artisan cheese, soaps and more.
Five Forks Branch Library | 104 Sunnydale Drive | 864.234.4904
One of the newest library branches in The Greenville Library system, this location has it all. The kids area is enclosed and even has it’s own covered outdoor play area. Teens have there own space and grownups can check-up on their email with the free WIFI. Patrons with a valid library card can even check out a laptop for use on site.
Where Are The Best Places To Eat In Simpsonville
Check out the new and super cool Scuffletown Food Truck Park
Stella’s Southern Bistro | 684 Fairview Road | 864.757.1212
A favorite of our readers, Stella’s is a great place to grab a gourmet meal.
Upscale, Stella’s Bistro is some of the best door I’ve ever put in my mouth. The service is beyond excellent and the seasonal menu means there are always new things to try.
Elyse M.G.Sidewall Pizza | 117 Southeast Main Street | 864.757.9191
Greenville’s most popular locally owned pizza chain has another location in Simpsonville. Be sure to sign up for their awesome birthday club. It’s free and you receive a free pizza on your birthday!
Love Sidewall Pizza Company!
Heather H.Maple Street Biscuit Company | 2815 Woodruff Road | 864.283.0946
Delicious biscuit sandwiches, fresh squeezed orange juice and more are on the menu.
Come hungry because the portions are huge! Go early, because they can get really busy on the weekends.
Unterhausen – The Castle Cellar Pub | 103 East Curtis Street | 864.757.8801
This hidden gem of Simpsonville is tucked away in the basement of a castle. OK, maybe not really a castle, but pretending is fun right? Once you enter, you’ll forget that you didn’t cross a moat to get in. The intimate size of Unterhausen. the German beer and the delicious Bavarian food will have you wondering how it took you so long to discover this place.
Bobby’s BBQ and All Purpose Seasoning | 1301 North Main Street, Fountain Inn | 864.409.2379
I’d be doing you a great disservice if I didn’t include one of the Upstate’s best places for BBQ, just because it sits a few feet outside the town limits. Located across from Heritage park, Bobby’s BBQ is a family owned restaurant that is unique for a few reasons. They pride themselves on the quality of their food. But that’s not why I find them especially unique. One visit to this place and you will see, that everything they do is done with love and care for the community they feed. Let me ask you, how many BBQ places have you seen offer a vegan option? That’s right, I said Vegan, at a BBQ place. For most Pit-masters that would be blasphemy. Bobby’s offers guests a vegan jack fruit “pulled pork” style sandwich, because they know that not everyone eats meat. And that’s OK at Bobby’s.
Something else I love the Nelson family for, is not even on the menu.
How many times have you been caught out and your infant has a wardrobe emergency that threatens to ruin your trip out? Like a messy bathroom-type emergency. Most parents have experienced that type of “what do I do now?” moment. Owner Sarah Nelson had this happen and decided if she ever owned a business she’d do something to help parents. In each restroom at Bobby’s is a cart, stocked with zip-lock bags separated by size with a diaper and a change of clothes.
Any place can serve food.
Most places can serve good food.
But when a place shows patrons it cares about people to the extent that the Nelson family does… Well, they’ve found a customer for life in me. The fact that they serve up pulled pork tacos doesn’t hurt either.
Where To Stay In Simpsonville
Use this map from STAY22 below to find hotels and vacation rental homes available in Simpsonville, SC.
This section contains affiliate links from STAY22.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites – Greenville SE / Simpsonville
642 Fairview Road | 864.962.3228
- Free Breakfast
- Free WIFI
- Pool (seasonal) & fitness center
- Service animals only
Days Inn by Wyndham
45 Ray East Talley Court | 864.963.7701
- Free Breakfast
- Free WIFI
- Pool (seasonal) & fitness center
- Pet Friendly
WoodSpring Suites – Greenville/Simpsonville
3025 Grandview Drive | 864.962.9500
- In-room kitchen
- Free WIFI
- Pool (seasonal) & fitness center
- Pet friendly
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott
3821 Grandview Drive | 864.962.8500
- Free Breakfast
- Free WIFI
- Pool (seasonal) & fitness center
- Service animals only
Seasonal Fun In Simpsonville
Here are some of the common seasonal events that happen annually in Simpsonville:
- Fair at Heritage Park | May
This 11 day county style fair includes rides, food, live music and other attractions. - Simpsonville Independance Day Celebration | June
A free celebration with live music and fireworks at Heritage Park - Simpsonville Labor Day Festival | September
- Halloween at Heritage Park | October
A free and safe way to celebrate Halloween for thousands of kids in the Upstate. The event offers kids candy, inflatables, games, performances and special visits from kid’s characters.
