Nashville is an iconic city full of amazing eats, even better drinks, music venues galore, and plenty of Southern charm. We’ve got all the city staples, plus a few local hidden gems listed here, so you’ll definitely find something that piques your interest!
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Landmarks — The “Must-See” Sights
Every destination has a few spots that are “must-see,” meaning there’s no way you can visit that city without someone asking, “Oh did you see ___?” In Paris, it’s the Eiffel Tower. In Rome, there’s the Colosseum. Well, Nashville has a few must-see spots of its own!
Grand Ole Opry
First up is The Grand Ole Opry, the most famous stage in Nashville, and one of the most well-known and historical venues in the world!
Here you can immerse yourself in the world of music, catch an epic performance, or take a backstage tour!
The Opry has been historically influential and is largely responsible for modern FM radio broadcasting. Hey, it’s called Music City for a reason!
The Grand Ole Opry stage was previously in the Ryman Auditorium, but is now located on the Opryland Hotel and Opry Mills Mall campus.
Whether you’re a tourist or a local, go ahead and take a stroll to look at the guitars on the front lawn, do some shopping, grab a bite, and then enjoy an unforgettable show!
The Parthenon In Centennial Park
Just because you’re stateside doesn’t mean you can’t convince your friends that you took a trip to Greece! Well, maybe not, but you can get a little taste of Europe right here in Nashville! An exact replica of the Athenian architecture, Nashville’s Parthenon matches Greece’s inch for inch. The molds for the sculptural casings were even taken from the original!
We know what you’re thinking. Why build a Greek look-alike in Tennessee? Well, before it was known as Music City, 1800s Nashville was called the Athens of the South because it has so many universities! For a period of time, the USA Parthenon also served as Nashville’s only real art museum, housing original 19th and 20th century paintings.
Whether you take a look around inside, or just enjoy the view from the rest of Centennial Park, this area of Nashville is a picture-perfect place to visit!
The Walking Bridge
How about a view of Nashville from the water? The John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge, or what’s commonly called the walking bridge, crosses the Cumberland River in downtown Nashville. You can enter on either side from Broadway or the Titans stadium to easily cross back and forth, get some exercise, or snap a pic of the sunset across the Nashville skyline.
Gaylord Opryland Hotel
If you can swing a booking here, do it! More than just a collection of overnight rooms, this iconic hotel looks like a picturesque indoor European village of sorts.
The Gaylord is also an arboretum. Inside, you’ll find enchanting gardens, waterfalls, and even boat rides! The surrounding area has an aesthetic collections village of shops and restaurants to enjoy.
For a truly magical sight, visit during the holiday season and marvel at the winter wonderland the Gaylord creates! That is a definite must-see!
If you want to experience a bit of this luxury hotel without actually staying overnight, that’s okay! The Gaylord is conveniently open to the public for walking around and enjoying the space during the day.
Third Man Records
Part record shop and part recording studio, Third Man Records is a Nashville landmark owned and operated by music legend, Jack White (yes, of The White Stripes and The Raconteurs!). Stop by to grab some rare vinyls, talk music with the seasoned staff, or even book a recording session! If you’re in luck, maybe the illusive rock star owner will make an appearance!
Entertainment — Nashville Style Fun
Between the bars, bowling alleys, and sports games downtown, you will never run out of fun options or things to do in Nashville!
The Escape Game Nashville
At The Escape Game Nashville, each game opens a new world packed with exciting adventure. To complete your mission and escape in 60 minutes, you’ll need to team up, think fast, and expect the unexpected!
With three locations in the city, there really is adventure around every corner. Better yet, Nashville is where The Escape Game first started! What better place to play than in the OG city?
Great Big Game Show Nashville
Ever wanted to try being on a game show? Here's your chance!
Great Big Game Show is an immersive game show experience. Two teams will face off in a battle for points and glory! Each round of Great Big Game Show features a different mini-game. Their line-up of rotating mini-games includes strategy, trivia, speed tests, and more!
Pinewood Social
When’s the last time you went to a restaurant that had premium coffee, craft cocktails, a bowling alley, and a swimming pool? Oh, never?
Well, that can be taken care of in Nashville at Pinewood Social!
In this magical formula of fun and food, guests can spend an entertaining and unforgettable time together. But don’t restrict yourself to just one part of the day! Pinewood Social is the kind of place that offers endless entertainment at any hour.
We know it sounds too good to be true, but it’s not! Stop in for a drink or book a table/lane and enjoy!
Broadway
If you’re planning a trip to Nashville, you’re probably familiar with Broadway – it might even be the reason for your trip! The famed strip has been a hub of the country's nightlife and entertainment scenes for as long as it’s been around.
Those one-of-a-kind, neon lights are truly a sight to behold — pretty much anywhere you stand looks like a postcard! Here’s a quick guide to get you started – buy some hand-made cowboy boots, hit literally any of the spots on the Honky Tonk Highway (lower Broadway), take in the history of Printer’s Alley, and check out a Preds game if you can.
If you’re here to dance, drink, eat, or just people-watch, you should definitely head to Broadway!
Catch A Sports Game
Nashville is a great city if you’re a sports fan! From the Tennessee Titans to the Nashville Predators, you can easily catch a game or two in person, rather than on the TV screen. Once the game is over, you can walk over to a bar on Broadway for a drink or to Fifth + B for a bite to eat!
Peerspace
If you know anything about Nashville, you're well aware of its lively bar scene, world-famous music, and status as a bachelor and bachelorette party destination. However, Nashville's got so many hidden gems and unique spaces tucked within its city limits, and Peerspace has the key to unlock them. Book a sun-drenched loft, artsy gallery, lush rooftop, or backyard garden through Peerspace and escape the crowds during your Nashville stay. Whether you're throwing a dinner party or looking for a team-building activity, Peerspace boasts a bunch of unique Nashville spaces to meet, create, and celebrate. Communicate directly with your host and book your space by the hour—a feature you can't get on other rental platforms.
House Of Cards
If you have a free evening in Nashville and are feeling a little whimsical, you should check out House of Cards!
One of the city’s most unique entertainment experiences, House of Cards elegantly combines fine dining, craft cocktails, and magic performed by some of the nation’s top magicians.
Don’t get so dazzled by the illusions that you forget to observe the decor and extensive collection of vintage magic memorabilia!
This place is popular, so reservations are highly encouraged. Also, be aware that there is a dress code (a sport coat or cocktail dress), but that only enhances the one-of-a-kind experience!
Game Point Cafe
This hangout spot is unlike any other. We’re talkin' wall-to-wall board games and an amazing cafe menu. The brainchild of two board game lovers (one being the founder of the local coffee shop, Bongo Java), Game Point Cafe offers an extensive game collection from classic staples to modern strategy and goofy, get-to-know-you options.
The location is also killer! It’s right in the super hip Five Points section of the ever-trendy East Nashville. Kick back, grab some food, and start playing! We’ve all gotta unplug sometimes!
Madame Tussaud’s Nashville
Your chances of meeting Taylor Swift or Blake Shelton aren’t very high. But that doesn’t mean you can’t see them up close!
Check out the incredible wax sculptures at Madame Tussaud’s Nashville, where you’ll find uncanny depictions of your favorite country stars.
However, country crooners aren’t all Madame Tussaud’s has to offer. Music legends of all genres are available to see!
Plugged right into Music City’s heritage, you’ll find this location next to the round stage inside Opry Mills Mall, on the Opry campus that’s home to both the Opryland Resort and the Grand Ole Opry.
Get A Bird’s Eye View At The Nashville Adventure Park
Why walk when you can fly? Go on a thrilling zip-line adventure through the trees at The Nashville Adventure Park. This place is excellent if you’re looking for things to do in Nashville with kids. The park also had ax-throwing, rope and cable bridges, and glow-in-the-dark zip-line courses.
You can explore the park at your own pace or opt for a guide to lead you through the adventure.
Get Saucy At The Tomato Art Fest
Have you ever seen a tomato bobbing contest? East Nashville’s annual Tomato Art Fest is the only yearly event where you’ll see attendees clad in red & green tomato suits paying homage to the fruit.
Nashville’s biggest tomato-themed block party takes place over a weekend in August each year. Tomato lovers line the streets to showcase their tomato art, compete for the best amateur Bloody Mary, challenge their best recipes, and even enter a contest to see who has the most tomato yard decor in their yard.
This wonderfully weird festival is totally worth visiting!
Check Out The Old Tennessee State Prison
If you haven’t seen the old-fashioned, fortress-like prison in person, you’ve probably seen it on the big screen. Tennessee State Prison has been the setting for several movies, including The Green Mile, Ernest Goes to Jail, Walk the Line, Framed, and Nashville. The prison’s most well-known inmate was none other than James Earl Ray, who was convicted of assassinating Martin Luther King Jr.
You will have to take in the view from outside. The building is deteriorating, and there’s no public access, but you can still see the exterior of the Gothic-style structure.
Address: Bomar Blvd. Nashville, TN 37209
Climb Nashville
Founded by two guys with an unbridled passion for rock climbing, Climb Nashville takes a community-driven approach to the sport of climbing. The gyms are modern and massive. The staff is helpful and caring. The atmosphere is welcoming and encouraging. Nashville may not be abundant in natural cliffs, but it is overflowing with hospitality. There’s no better environment for a good workout. Oh, and you get to CLIMB GIANT WALLS.
Catch Some Good Old Medieval Fantasy At Elmington Park
Every Sunday afternoon, from noon until dark, Elmington Park is turned into a medieval battleground where the swords, javelins, arrows, and maces are made out of foam. Participants are clad in medieval costumes and wield their fake foam weapons. The event is hosted by Dur Demarion, Nashville’s medieval combat society.
You can sit back and watch or suit up and get in on the action. Dozens of people participate in the well-organized event, and there’s a strict playbook to follow. You’ll have to sign a waiver if you want to join the fight. Dur Demarion encourages inexperienced players and spectators to join.
Food — Amazing Eats In Nashville
Let’s face it. Nothing is more important than delicious food in a city! From upscale restaurants to down-home cookin’, Nashville offers plenty of options for all kinds of diners. Keep reading for some mouthwatering options.
Fifth + Broadway
Nashville’s newest downtown eatery is a massive cafeteria and fine dining conglomeration. With over 20 delicious food options, there is something for everyone here!
While there are individual, sit-down restaurants, The Assembly Food Hall is the place to go with a group! From tacos and pasta to sushi and burgers, all of your favorite foods and restaurants can be found.
Once you’re finished eating (good luck deciding where, because you’ll want everything) there’s still more to do at Fifth + B!
Grab a latte from Elixr, stroll through a few art galleries, shop in a boutique, and snap an Insta pic with one of the painted murals!
Hot Chicken Tour
Nashville hot chicken is a Southern staple and one of the true delights of this city. It’s made its way into the trendy American food sphere, but no one else really gets it quite right!
Who is the true OG of Nashville Hot Chicken? While this might still be up for debate, you can crown your own hot chicken king by sampling a few of the city’s most well-known chicken joints.
You definitely don’t want to miss out on the fiery poultry at Prince’s Hot Chicken. Rumor has it Prince’s is the original. The recipe has been used for over a century, and spice levels go from a boring ‘plain’ to XXX HOT, which only the bravest of eaters should dare try.
Up next on your things to do in Nashville list, sample the chicken at 400 Degrees. The owner of this popular spot actually grew up eating at Prince’s! Today, she’s crafted her own unique hot chicken recipe packed with cayenne and paprika.
If you want a really scrumptious Southern meal, hit up Hattie B’s for Sunday brunch when they offer hot chicken on fluffy Belgian waffles with a side of southern grits. If you’re dubious about your spice tolerance, fear not! Hattie B’s offers a range of approachable heat to absolutely insane fire.
Edley’s Bar-B-Que
The barbecue options in Nashville can be a bit overwhelming, but one place any BBQ lover should sample is Edley’s Bar-B-Que. As a tribute to all the best elements of Southern cooking, Edley’s combines down South hospitality with the classic Tennessee meat-and-three dining style.
Dining options include high-grade meats, smoked low and slow, and prepared with generational family recipes. The place is named after the founder’s grandfather, who inspired the restaurant and kicked off the lineage of family-secret recipes. If you’re in town and looking for BBQ, you can’t go wrong with Edley’s!
The Catbird Seat
Their description says it best – The Catbird Seat is a “Buzzy, upscale new American mecca serving a changing tasting menu in a U-shaped open kitchen.” The Catbird Seat is absolutely fine dining. The experience here is that of the world-renowned restaurants and celebrity chefs you see on TV and think, “Where the heck is that place?” It’s here, in Nashville! By reservation only, this is one for true aficionados of the culinary arts. The counter seating provides guests the opportunity to view the inner workings of an active kitchen, and the ever-evolving tasting menu celebrates ingredients with an emphasis on those sourced at the peak of the season. If you can swing it, I recommend getting your reservation now.
Husk
Interested in southern cuisine but fine dining is more your style? Look no further. Husk is a Nashville treasure – exploring and celebrating southern cuisine with a menu curated to utilize strictly local ingredients. That’s to say, even though the menu is evolving and ingredient-driven, if it’s not from the South, it’s not touching your plate.
Seed-saving, heirloom husbandry, in-house pickling, and charcuterie programs by Executive Chef Katie Coss and her culinary team are the basis of Husk’s cuisine.
If you want to experience uniquely southern food in the heart of Nashville, we highly recommend checking out Husk.
Arnold’s Country Kitchen
Arnold’s is a mom-and-pop restaurant, opened almost 30 years ago by the Arnold family, and you’ll still find two or three of them there on any given day! This place is impossible to resist — everything is made from scratch! You’ll come for the signature roast beef and stay for the unbelievable pie.
A favorite dining locale for Nashville natives and visitors alike, Arnold’s is not just legendary, it’s award-winning! Recipient of the 2009 James Beard American Classics Award, and featured in publications like Bon Appétit, and shows like Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, this is a can’t-miss in Nashville. And after you leave, if you just can’t get that pie off your mind, you can have one shipped to anywhere in the US!
Pfunky Griddle
This is a pretty easy sell. Sit down and prepare your own fluffy pancakes while enjoying some southern comfort. In the heart of historic Berry Hill (right outside of the city), the Pfunky Griddle offers an all-you-can-eat experience where every party gets a personal griddle to craft unique pancake creations with a bevy of toppings and add-ons at your disposal. Heck, throw some French toast on there while you’re at it! Not sold on the idea of cooking your own food at a restaurant? Go off the griddle and try some of their decadent sandwiches and salads. Either way, you’re gonna be glad you went. The coffee is fresh, and you can take the experience home with a bag of Pfunky batter on your way out!
Dessert — Nashville’s Sweetest Treats
After sampling some of Nashville’s yummy savory options, why not top off your meal with something sweet? From donuts to cupcakes and everything in between, you’ll want a bite of all these treats.
Legendairy Milkshake Bar
Legendairy (yes, that’s spelled correctly) Milkshake Bar has been blessing Nashville with their signature Blue Bell ice cream shakes for a while. It has even been featured on The Cooking Channel’s “The Best Thing I Ever Ate”!
That may seem like outrageous praise, but once you taste a custom milkshake for yourself, you’ll get it!
Each signature shake comes piled high with an entire dessert on top! That’s right – it’s treats on treats.
Of course, it doesn’t hurt that The Escape Game’s downtown location is also right across the street!
Five Daughters Bakery
A sweet local gem with locations scattered throughout greater Nashville, Five Daughters Bakery was founded in Franklin, TN, by a third-generation baker, his wife, and their five daughters.
Offering fresh-baked comforts like their famous doughnuts and cookies, Five Daughters is committed to serving only the best ingredients along with a warm smile and welcoming atmosphere.
The trouble, though, is actually getting a treat before they sell out! But don’t worry. You can reserve your treats in advance, or pop in for some glazed goodness on the go!
The Baked Bear
Can’t decide if you’d rather have ice cream or cookies? At The Baked Bear, you don’t have to!
This dessert diner serves up the best ice cream sandwiches available in Nashville.
From classic favorites, like chocolate chip and snickerdoodle, to fun variations, like red velvet and toasted s’mores, there’s an endless array of sweet flavors to choose from. They also have some vegan and gluten-free options!
The best part? YOU get to choose and customize exactly what you want on your sandwich!
Museums — A Little Music City History
From musical legends to Civil War battles, Nashville has been home to several significant historical happenings. Check out the museums where you can see how it all unfolded!
Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage
This 1,120-acre National Historic Landmark was once home to former President Andrew Jackson and his family. Now, it’s one of the most visited presidential homes in the United States!
The former president and his family used the expansive property as a mix of living quarters, office space, and entertainment area. The home has actually been restored with most of Jackson’s original belongings — the mansion is considered the most accurately preserved early presidential home in the country!
The Country Music Hall Of Fame And Museum
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is home to more than 2.5 million priceless artifacts related to country music legends. Through in-person exhibits, digital content, publications, and educational initiatives, the museum teaches the enduring beauty and cultural importance of American country music.
Gallery collections include countless recordings, photographs, stage costumes, musical instruments, and more. This is a must-see for any country music lover, whether you’re a fan of the classic artists or the more modern country crowd!
Adventure Science Center
The iconic glowing pyramid architecture makes the Adventure Science Center unmistakable, even from a distance across the skyline. Even if you don’t actually visit the museum, make sure you try to spot it when driving around Nashville!
Offering educational entertainment for adults and kids alike, the Adventure Science Center is a great excursion for anyone with a curious mind.
The museum also has a domed planetarium with light shows and virtual journeys into the final frontier!
Cheekwood Estate And Gardens
This 1930s estate is a favorite locale for Nashville natives and tourists alike. Cheekwood serves as a botanical garden and arboretum, over 55 acres of land. The property includes 12 gardens and a 1.5-mile woodland trail with modern and contemporary outdoor sculptures. Inside the mansion is a museum featuring historic rooms and art galleries, with over 7,000 works in the permanent collection!
Johnny Cash Museum
Nestled in the heart of Nashville, this massive museum boasts the world’s most complete collection of Johnny Cash artifacts and memorabilia.
While this museum is an awesome tribute to the music history icon, you don’t even have to know much about Johnny Cash to appreciate this shrine of Americana!
Click the button below for even more Nashville museums worth a visit!
The Frist
The Frist Art Museum is a world-class art museum located in downtown Nashville. Presenting an extensive collection of exhibits from both local and international artists, The Frist is a great place for any art appreciator to spend an afternoon!
If you want to do more than look at art, why not create some? Inside The Frist is the award-winning Martin ArtQuest Gallery, an interactive learning environment with 30 art-making stations. Aspiring artists of all ages can dabble and learn more about drawing, animation, printmaking, and painting.
Make sure to check out the free live music on Thursday and Friday evenings!
Musicians Hall Of Fame And Museum
The Musicians Hall of Fame honors musicians of all instruments and genres who have accomplished notable milestones in the music industry. Located within the museum and included in the admission price is the immersive GRAMMY Museum Gallery. Guests can see for themselves what goes on behind-the-scenes in a recording studio, from songwriting and recording to engineering and producing!
Tennessee State Museum
The Tennessee State Museum is home to 13,000 years of Tennessee art and history. If you’re a tri-star state fan or just a history buff, this is the museum for you!
The museum features a “Tennessee Time Tunnel,” six permanent exhibitions, a hands-on Children’s Gallery, and a digital learning center.
National Museum Of African American Music
There’s no shortage of music museums and memorabilia in Nashville! For more cultural enrichment, check out the National Museum of African American Music. From classical to country, jazz, and hip hop, the museum exhibits share the untold story of more than 50 music genres, as well as the role black artists played in shaping American music.
Hatch Show Print
Hatch Show Print is one of America’s oldest letterpress poster shops, operating since 1879. The shop produces original art, creating posters for entertainers and sports teams. Check out their stuff and maybe purchase a print of your own! It may be smaller than other Nashville museums, but it’s definitely worth a visit!
Lane Motor Museum
If you’re a car lover, this place is heaven on earth. The museum is home to the largest collection of European cars and motorbikes in the nation. Along with an extensive collection of rides, rev-heads can explore quirky cars like propeller-driven vehicles, fabric-covered cars, and unusual amphibious vehicles. The offbeat cars and fun exhibits will keep you entertained for an afternoon.
Tennessee Sports Hall Of Fame
Established in 1966, the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of Tennessee’s sports heritage. With vintage uniforms and artifacts, the museum honors athletes, coaches, sportswriters, and administrators who have made an impact on Tennessee sports history. The Hall is located in Bridgestone Arena, where the Nashville Predators hockey team plays.
The Patsy Cline Museum
Though she passed away at 30 years old in 1963, Patsy Cline left a lasting imprint on country history. This Nashville museum celebrates the life of the legendary singer and features hundreds of exclusive artifacts and personal belongings.
Take A Tour Of The Jack Daniel’s Distillery
If you need something to wash down all that hot chicken, whiskey probably isn’t the best choice, but hey, you only live once! You can organize a 90-minute tour of the world-famous distillery. There are plenty of taste tests while you’re there, and you can buy an exclusive bottle of Tennessee-only Jack.
The distiller has a couple of different tours to choose from where you can sample whiskey from exclusive collections and learn all about the history of the world’s favorite whiskey.
Venues — Music City’s Finest
Catch some tunes at one of the many music venues in Nashville. No matter your preferred genre, there will definitely be a show for you.
The Ryman Auditorium
The Ryman needs no introduction, but we’ll give it one anyway! As the original Grand Ole Opry venue until 1974, Ryman Auditorium is an essential part of Nashville music history.
From this building, FM radio broadcasts reached listeners that traditional AM (the standard at the time) couldn’t. This revolutionary creation established Nashville as Music City because it’s the place people were able to hear music, even from far away!
The tours at The Ryman are worth checking out, but we also recommend catching a concert if you can! The Ryman’s musical significance (and killer acoustics) have been host to countless musicians and entertainers throughout the years. This place is a must-visit stop for any music lover!
Exit/In
Exit/In is a venue, but not just ANY venue. It may not appear on many tourist blogs since it doesn’t offer tours and seems pretty unassuming.
But what Exit/In lacks in frills, it more than makes up for in independent music history. Take a closer look at the black brick wall of fame exterior and you’ll appreciate the significance of this place!
Mercy Lounge/Cannery Ballroom
Nashville’s historic Cannery building, built in 1883 for food manufacturing, was transformed into a live music club in 2003, aka The Mercy Lounge. Its central location, relaxed atmosphere, and uncanny ability to attract heavy-hitting talent make this a great place to see a show. The more spacious area, called the Cannery Ballroom, accommodates larger concerts, while the more intimate setting for emerging artists is called the High Watt. With almost nightly shows and great drinks, it’s not hard to find a reason to drop in!
Belcourt Theatre
The Belcourt is as iconic and important to the arts as any stage, hall, or venue in Nashville. This place has been here (in the SAME location) for almost 100 years. It’s been in many hands throughout the previous decades, but the current state of the Theatre is an amazing non-profit institution dedicated to the education of guests and the celebration of cinema. Check out indie productions, documentaries, cult classics, and oddities in this historic southern film Mecca. Though upgrading to some pretty sweet 4K digital projectors during recent renovations, you can still catch some occasional gems on the original 35mm projectors rolling traditional film stock.
Coffee — All The Local Favorites
Nashville is a great coffee city with a fantastic mix of established local shops as well as new spots popping up all the time.
Frothy Monkey
Frothy Monkey has been a Nashville staple since 2004. Voted “Best Coffee Shop,” they know how to serve a good cup of joe. From specialty lattes to a variety of teas, they’ve got you covered!
But Frothy is known for more than just their drinks! They also serve delicious brunch and dinner options, wine and cocktails, and they even host social events like Wine Down Wednesdays!
Some especially yummy menu items include the huevos rolandos, the farm burger, and the Peanut butter brownie cheesecake for dessert! They also feature a seasonal menu, so don’t forget to check that out for a limited time dining experience.
With multiple locations around the city, there’s likely a Frothy Monkey close by you!
The Well Coffeehouse
If you’re looking for a drink that goes beyond just that one cup, The Well is the place for you. This shop has a mission to make their coffee count — to “love coffee and love people.” First, they ensure the farmers from whom they source their beans earn a living wage. Secondly, they work to bridge the gap between these communities that often struggle with access to safe water by partnering with local organizations to bring clean water.
Kettner Coffee
This java gem in East Nashville serves up delicious coffee in a comfy chic atmosphere. You can spot this shop by the quirky and one-of-a-kind line sketches they use in their decorating.
Fun fact: The shop is named after one of the owner’s favorite street’s in her hometown, San Diego! If you go, don’t forget to snap a pic with their signature cup!
Outdoors — Nashville Nature
Just because Nashville is a city doesn’t mean it doesn’t offer some awesome outdoor fun!
Radnor Lake State Park
Take a hike! No, seriously! Even in the city you can catch a breath of fresh air. Radnor Lake State Park (https://tnstateparks.com/parks/radnor-lake) is actually one of the most scenic spots in Middle Tennessee.
Radnor offers miles of unpaved hiking trails, with varying difficulty levels, and native wildlife displays. With year-round events, festivals, and even art shows, the 1,300+ acre preserve is both entertaining and refreshing!
Percy Priest Lake
About 10 miles east of downtown Nashville lies Percy Priest Lake. Surrounding the water are various recreation areas, state parks, and camping sites!
Nashville Shores
Nashville Shores is a huge waterpark built right on the stunning local Percy Priest Lake. Grab a float, hit an intimidatingly tall slide, get dumped on by the comically oversized, but endlessly fun timed water bucket pool, or hop on a banana boat in the lake. If it’s hot outside, you probably wanna be at Nashville Shores.
Visit The Zoo
Located just 6 miles southeast of downtown, the Nashville Zoo is a wonderful outdoor activity the entire family will enjoy. Here, you can find alligators, bears, cougars, and all sorts of different lemurs. There’s also a gigantic aquatic section with stingrays, piranhas, and countless examples of fresh- and saltwater fish. Those feeling extra eager can also book backstage passes, animal encounters, and keeper talks, depending on the season. In addition to all of that, there are numerous rides and experiences available at the zoo, including a zip line, carousel, and train.
You don’t even have to worry about packing a lunch because the Nashville Zoo has you covered with tons of different food options. From classics like burgers and pizza to BBQ and seasonal food carts, there’s guaranteed to be something for everyone!
Take A Stroll Downtown
It may sound cliché, but one of the most enjoyable pastimes in Nashville is just walking around downtown and soaking it all in. This is the best way to experience the food, people, and environment that Nashville has to offer. For families, Cumberland Park is a great place to begin your adventure. It’s an innovative play space located right on the riverfront and offers free parking, a splash pad, and direct access to the Shelby Street Pedestrian Bridge. Tip: The view of Nashville from the bridge is incredible.
Or, consider beginning at the Riverfront Park, across from First Avenue, where you’ll find a scenic view of the river and access to the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge.
Experience The River Firsthand
Tired of just staring at the Cumberland River all the time? Plenty of opportunities in Nashville are available that allow you to experience it firsthand! Kayaking, for example, is an extremely popular activity on the river. This gives you the ability to experience Nashville like never before. Float by the bridges, sightseers, and businesses as you enjoy the Nashville weather and beauty. And, the great thing about the Cumberland River is that it’s so slow-moving that there is no need to concern yourself with rapid waters or falling in the river. You can even paddle your way back to the starting point if you don’t mind a little work. There are lots of companies that offer kayak tours in the area as well.
7. Cool Off In The Water
As mentioned above, the temperatures stay relatively warm in Nashville. Thankfully, there are some great water parks and attractions where you can cool down. The Brentwood Splash Park is a popular attraction, featuring slides, water sprays, and even a 100-gallon dump bucket. The Wave Country wave pool is guaranteed to put a smile on your face, as it’s one of the only wave pools available in the entire area!
But if you’re looking for something a little more rustic and natural, then Nashville is ready for you, too. Old Hickory Lake sits just northeast of the city and offers four separate beaches for swimming. Each location includes picnic areas and a few grills to help you enjoy your trip.
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