A Local’s Guide to Travelers Rest, SC
When we first moved to Greenville back in the fall of 2020, everyone kept telling us, “You have to check out Travelers Rest.” And they weren’t wrong. Just a short drive north of downtown Greenville, this small mountain town feels like the kind of place you stumble upon and never want to leave.
Travelers Rest (or “TR,” as locals call it) is where the Swamp Rabbit Trail winds past a Gilmore Girls coded main street — set against a backdrop of rolling hills that lead straight into the Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s the perfect jumping-off point for hiking, mountain biking, and exploring the scenic drives that make up the heart of Upstate South Carolina.
If you’re planning a weekend getaway or looking for the best things to do in Travelers Rest SC, this Travelers Rest travel guide covers it all—where to eat, stay, and adventure, plus the local spots that make this little town feel so special.
What To Do in Travelers Rest, SC
Stroll Main Street
Travelers Rest’s Main Street feels a little bit like if Gilmore Girls was transported to the south, complete with its own gazebo. Visitors will enjoy locally owned restaurants, breweries and boutique shops. Some of my favorite shops to pop in include:
Wilder - As their Instagram headline says, ‘welcome to the jungle.’ This shop is filled to the brim with a wide variety of plants waiting to find their forever home.
Sunrift Outfitters - Your first stop for adventure in Travelers Rest - find everything you could need to venture outside. Outdoor gear, apparel, boats and bikes. It’s worth a stop, even if you don’t need anything because lets face it, you can always use more outdoor gear.
AM PM Farms - AM PM Farms is a butcher and market specializing in locally sourced meats (they produce all of their own beef!) and grocery items. It’s a great spot to stock up on unique souvenirs if you’re looking for something to take home to mom - that she’ll actually use.
Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail
Outdoor Adventures in Travelers Rest, SC
One of the draws to Travelers Rest is its proximity to a multitude of outdoor adventures - whether you are looking to hike, road bike, mountain bike or kayak. Here’s some of the top outdoor activities in Travelers Rest:
Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail:
The Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail is a 28-mile multi-use greenway connecting Travelers Rest and Greenville, SC. No bike? No problem! There are several shops that rent bikes in Travelers Rest or you can just enjoy it on foot.
Paris Mountain:
Located about 10 minutes east is Paris Mountain State Park. There are tons of hiking and mountain bike trails to explore here. My favorites for hiking are the Sulphur Springs Loop (3.8 Miles) and Lake Placid Loop (.75 mi)
Click Here for current hours and admission information.
Other Nearby State Parks
Jones Gap State Park - 30 minutes, 17 miles away
Don’t sleep on this smaller state park. Jones Gap State Park is a great spot for chasing waterfalls and because it is smaller, it tends to be a great place to escape the crowds of other larger state parks.
Table Rock State Park - 30 minutes, 19 miles away
Table Rock State Park offers hiking, paddle sports and camping.
Caesars Head State Park - 35 minutes, 23 miles away
Located near the South Carolina / North Carolina boarder, Caesers Head State Park is perched along the top of the Blue Ridge Escarpment. A short walk serves up stunning views of the Upstate’s foothills.
Devils Fork State Park - 46 minutes, 33 miles away
This is where you’ll find the stunning clear waters of Lake Jocassee. Enjoy flat water kayaking, paddle boarding and scuba diving.
Admission for each state park varies from $6 - $8 per adult. If you’re planning to visit more than one state park during your visit, consider purchasing a SC State park passport. They are $99 and valid for unlimited admission for a full calendar year.
Saluda Confluence Recreation Area (SCRA)
This new recreation area just 10 minutes from Downtown Travelers Rest features over 20 miles of trails for mountain biking and hiking. If you’re a hiker that is looking for a big payoff in the from or sweeping, long range views or waterfalls, this probably isn’t your best bet - but it is a great walk in the woods.
Falls Park, Greenville, SC
Spend a Day in Greenville, SC
Greenville, SC is located just 15 minutes from Travelers Rest. This popular destination feels like you’ve just stepped into a Hallmark Movie - with it’s idyllic Main Street and a stunning waterfall in the heart of downtown.
Click here for a complete guide to visiting Greenville.
Where To Stay in Travelers Rest, SC
💸 💸 💸 Hotel Domestique - Founded by legedary cyclist George Hincapie, Hotel Domestque is an intimate 13-room boutique hotel offers a unique blend of upscale service with athletic adventure. Think world class dining paired with guided bike rides and hikes.
💸 Hampton Inn - Conveniently located in walking distance of Travelers Rest’s main street and the Swamp Rabbit Trail.
Where to Eat in Travelers Rest, SC
Topsoil - Helmed by Chef Adam Cooke, a 2020 James Beard semifinalist for Best Chef Southeast and the SCRLA Best Restaurant Chef of 2022, Topsoil serves seasonal farm-to-table dishes. Dinner is phenomenal but don’t skip Bluegrass Brunch every Sunday.
Sushi Yama - This is my go-to for sushi cravings - I just can’t get enough of the Phish Sandwich. If you have someone in your group who is less than enthusiastic about raw fish, they also serve great hibachi.
Upcountry Provisions - This local bakers offer breakfast and lunch (and early dinner!) focusing on locally sourced ingredients and fresh, baked in-house focaccia. It’s the perfect pre-hike meal. My go-to for lunch is the Upcountry Homebody or Poinsett Club.
Coastal Crust - I get it, the name is weird for a very much landlocked city, but the original Coastal Crust is located in Charleston, SC. Their TR location serves up delicious pizza - and will even deliver to their next door neighbor, Community Tap.
Chicora Alley - Located in an old firehouse, Chicora Alley offers a unique spin on classic bar food. You’ll find amazing wings alongside jerk chicken.
Bridge City Coffee - Locally roasted to perfection - this is the spot for coffee in TR.
Tandem Creperie - Place your order at their retrofitted VW Bus, then head inside this adorable cafe. I’m personally a savory crepe kind of gal and go for the Lumberjack.
About Travelers Rest, SC
How to get to Travelers Rest, SC
Travelers Rest is conveniently located off HWY 25 - easily accessed from I-26 and I-85 - making it a quick trip from other Southeast cities including:
Atlanta, GA: 2 hours, 45 minutes (154 miles)
Charlotte, NC: 2 hours (110 miles)
Asheville, NC: 1 hour (55 miles)
If you are considering flying, the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) is just 25 minutes from Travelers Rest and has direct flights from nearly 30 US cities including New York, DC, Chicago, Dallas and more.
Do You Need A Rental Car?
Yes, I would recommend a rental car if you are flying to Travelers Rest, SC. Points of interest can be spread out and public transportation is not a viable way to get around here.
What Is the Best Time To Visit Travelers Rest, SC?
There’s really no “bad” time to visit Travelers Rest, SC. With four distinct seasons, each offers visitors unique opportunities and expereiences.
Spring and fall are temperate and pleasant - these are my favorite seasons in the upstate.
Summers in Travelers Rest, SC are hot and humid - and while this may be a turn off to some, it’s when I find the most joy in exploring the nearby mountains and rivers to find the perfect swimming hole to cool off in.
Winters in Travelers Rest, SC are mild. Snow is rare, we’ve only seen one snowfall that lasted more than 12 hours in the 5-years we’ve lived here BUT rain certainly isn’t out of the question in the winter months.
Want more tips, personalized recommendations and access to perks such as complimentary upgrades and spa credits?
I would love to help you book your Travelers Rest getaway!
