Live music on Broadway, spicy fried chicken, and southern hospitality are just a few reasons millions flock to Nashville every year. From museums to festivals to day trips from Nashville, Music City’s variety of activities is sure to keep you entertained for days on end.
One of the most underrated perks of Nashville is its convenient location! Situated smack in the middle of Tennessee, explorers can visit a multitude of nearby destinations in just one day. Drive along rolling hills, fertile farmland, cotton fields, and the great Smoky Mountains. Make the ride extra comfortable by renting a spacious passenger van in Nashville.
In this post, we’ll explore some of the best day trips from Nashville for families and couples. No matter your interests and style, our extensive list of Tennessee day trips is sure to scratch your travel itch.
Family-friendly fun
Just as Nashville is full of things to do with kids, so are the surrounding areas. Within just a few hours’ drive, you can find spectacular gardens and a lively zoo, so pack some snacks, pile into your rental van, and get going!
Adventure Science Center
1.3 miles, 7 minutes from Downtown Nashville
What is it: An interactive science museum with hands-on biology, physics, space and energy exhibits.
Who should visit: Families with young kids, science enthusiasts, couples looking for a unique date night.
Things to do: Climb the Adventure Tower, witness live science experiments, and stargaze in the planetarium.
Don’t miss: Adjacent to the Science Center is Fort Negley Park, a Civil War site with fascinating ruins and peaceful areas to enjoy a picnic. With a rental van, you can pack a cooler with your favorite foods, bring a blanket, and have lunch on the hill with a skyline view.
Image courtesy of Trolly Tours.
Cheekwood Estate & Gardens
10 miles, 30 minutes from Downtown Nashville
What is it: Once a glamorous 1930s estate, Cheekwood is now a beautiful botanical garden and art museum. Its 55 acres are bursting with landscaped gardens, a historic mansion, and whimsical art exhibitions.
Who should visit: Nature lovers, art enthusiasts, families, couples, and anyone seeking a peaceful escape.
Things to do: Find your zen in the Japanese Garden, make your way around a labyrinth, and marvel at oversized art on the Family Sculpture Trail.
Don’t miss: Your chance to hit a few balls. Golf courses abound in Belle Meade, so toss your clubs in the back of the van for a quick round before, or after, your garden tour.
Nashville Zoo at Grassmere
6.5 miles, 20 minutes from Downtown Nashville
What is it: 200 acres, 2,000 animals, too much fun to skip! Nashville’s only zoo entertains wildlife lovers of all ages with exhibits and demonstrations, as well as educational programs.
Who should visit: Animal aficionados, family members of all ages, couples interested in a daytime date.
Things to do: Feed giraffes at the feeding station, ride a carousel, and watch elephants interact with their trainers at the African Elephant Sanctuary.
Don’t miss: Groove to latin tunes at nearby Plaza Mariachi, where you can practice your salsa skills or catch a weekend circus performance.
The Land Between the Lakes
117 miles, 1 hour and 40 minutes from Downtown Nashville
What is it: A massive public park in western Kentucky comprising 300 miles of wild lakeshore and 500 miles of hiking trails. Within its borders are prairies full of bison and horseback riding paths, 19th century working farms, and shimmering blue lakes perfect for paddling.
Who should visit: Outdoor sports enthusiasts, animal lovers, active families and couples, groups of friends who need a break from the city.
Things to do: Camping, hiking, fishing, kayaking, swimming, horseback riding…basically anything outdoorsy!
Don’t miss: The breathtaking drive along the 43-mile Woodland Trace National Scenic Byway.
Natural attractions and scenic spots
Everyone needs a respite from the hustle and bustle of an urban hub as alive as Music City. If the city’s high energy is starting to take its toll, rent a passenger van and embark on one of these picturesque day trips from Nashville.
Radnor Lake State Park
10 miles, 30 minutes from Downtown Nashville
What is it: A park with six nature trails showcasing a variety of native animals and plants and a lake known for its abundance of fish.
Who should visit: Nature lovers, hikers, wildlife enthusiasts, fishing pros.
Things to do: Spend a day hiking, fishing, picnicking, and strolling the elevated boardwalk for great views.
Don’t miss: The heron rookery, where you can see herons nesting and raising their young.
Cummins Falls State Park
84 miles, 1 hour and 40 minutes from Downtown Nashville
What is it: An exceptionally scenic public park featuring a 75-foot waterfall, hiking trails, and a swimming hole.
Who should visit: Nature lovers, hiking enthusiasts, families looking for outdoor activities, photographers.
Things to do: Hike to the falls, cool off in the swimming hole, and enjoy a family picnic in nature.
Don’t miss: A stop at Old Mill Camp and General Store, where you can buy local souvenirs or tasty treats and, if you’re lucky, catch some live music.
Natchez Trace Parkway
17 miles, 30 minutes from Downtown Nashville
What is it: A 444-mile scenic byway that runs between south Nashville to Natchez, Mississippi. Originally a Native American trail, the road was later used by pioneers, soldiers, slave traders, and U.S. presidents.
Who should visit: American history buffs, active families, adventurous couples.
Things to do: Hike, bike, camp, fish, and, if you make it to Mississippi, visit Elvis Presley’s birthplace in Tupelo.
Don’t miss: The opportunity to turn this into an unforgettable road trip by renting a van in Nashville. In just three to five days, you can explore all the interesting landmarks and gems that line the parkway.
Fall Creek Falls State Park
125 miles, 2 hours from Downtown Nashville
What is it: Tennessee’s largest and most popular state park is known for spectacular natural beauty and impressive waterfalls, including its namesake 256-foot Fall Creek Falls.
Who should visit: Active families and couples, hiking enthusiasts, nature lovers, camping aficionados.
Things to do: Any outdoor activity you can think of is likely available here, like hiking, fishing, swimming, rock climbing…there’s even an 18-hole course for golfers onsite.
Don’t miss: A chance to zipline above the falls at the Canopy Challenge Course.
Historical and cultural destinations
Tennessee’s pivotal role in the Civil War makes it a nirvana for history buffs. The endless stories and lengthy list of landmarks is sure to fascinate those with a penchant for the past. Add to that the region’s creative personality and ear for a good melody, and you’ve got an unmatched destination for culture.
Franklin, Tennessee
21.5 miles, 30 minutes from Downtown Nashville
What is it: Historical, artsy, and charming, Franklin is increasingly attractive to country music stars and the fans who’d like to catch a glimpse. Shoppers will enjoy the bountiful boutique and antique shops while history lovers dive into Civil War era museums. An eclectic mix of restaurants makes Franklin an unmissable destination for foodies.
Who should visit: History buffs, shopping enthusiasts, foodies, families, couples.
Things to do: Visit the Carter House, stroll along the Harpeth River, check out the locals scene at the Saturday Farmers Market.
Don’t miss: Live music or an old movie at Franklin Theatre, a staple on Main Street since 1937.
Stones River National Battlefield
32 miles, 37 minutes from Downtown Nashville
What is it: A preserved battlefield and visitor center showcasing a number of exhibits that display the realities of the Civil War. Guided tours are available to gain a deeper understanding of the battle’s impact on American history.
Who should visit: Civil War aficionados, active families and couples.
Things to do: Walk or bike the trails, picnic in the park, and visit the Stones River National Cemetery.
Don’t miss: The Sunken Road, a natural depression in the land where Confederate troops hid and ambushed Union forces.
Image courtesy of Lotz House Museum.
Lotz House Museum
20 miles, 30 minutes from Downtown Nashville
What is it: A stately antebellum house that stood, literally, in the middle of a Civil War Battle. Even with meticulous repair, visitors can still see bloodstains and the hole of a cannonball that ripped through the home on that fateful evening in 1864.
Who should visit: Civil War aficionados, history buffs, and architecture lovers.
Things to do: Join a guided tour to learn about the Lotz family and how they managed to survive the battle.
Don’t miss: A visit to the Carter House just a few steps away.
Lynchburg (Home of Jack Daniel’s Distillery)
73 miles, 1 hour and 30 minutes from Downtown Nashville
What is it: A laid-back quaint town noted for friendly locals and a celebrated whiskey distillery. The scenery around Lynchburg is exceptional, and the countryside drive takes you past farms, forests, and waterfalls.
Who should visit: Whiskey enthusiasts, nature lovers, active families, couples looking for a unique escape from the city.
Things to do: Outdoor activities like hiking and fishing, tours in the historic downtown, and a whiskey tasting at Jack Daniel’s Distillery, of course!
Don’t miss: A nature break at Cave Spring Hollow, where lush greenery, bubbling springs, and waterfalls abound.
Outdoor adventure and recreation
The unique topography of Tennessee offers infinite options for active travelers to enjoy the great outdoors. Between urban green spaces and one of the U.S.A.’s most popular national parks, those who like to immerse in nature will find their Garden of Eden near Nashville.
Percy Warner Park
16 miles, 25 minutes from Downtown Nashville
What is it: Percy Warner Park is one half of the expansive Warner Parks, one of Nashville’s most beloved outdoor oases. Find your peace hiking amongst the park’s rolling hills, dense forests, and spectacular overlooks.
Who should visit: Active families and couples, nature lovers, outdoor sports enthusiasts.
Things to do: Hike, jog on the trails, go mountain biking, visit the Warner Park Nature Center, have a picnic with a view.
Don’t miss: A quick round at Percy Warner Golf Course, a 9-hole fairway especially suited to beginners.
Long Hunter State Park
23 miles, 30 minutes from Downtown Nashville
What is it: Perched on the shores of Percy Priest Lake is a sprawling recreational area overflowing with water sports, hiking and biking adventures, and camping areas.
Who should visit: Active families and couples, history lovers, aficionados of water sports.
Things to do: Swim, paddle, or fish in the lake, hike or bike the miles of trails, or simply relax with a picnic lunch and enjoy the scenery.
Don’t miss: Sellars Farm, an archaeological site once inhabited by natives between the years 1000 and 1300.
Beaman Park
16 miles, 27 minutes from Downtown Nashville
What is it: A park unique in its array of ecosystems, Beaman Park is an environmental enthusiast’s paradise. Enjoy the myriad of bird and wildlife species while getting your daily dose of oxygen.
Who should visit: Hikers, birdwatchers, outdoor adventurists, active families.
Things to do: Learn about the park’s ecosystems at the Beaman Park Nature Center and hike the extensive trail network.
Don’t miss: For those in the mood for a challenge, trek to the top of Ridgetop Trail, where you can see the Nashville skyline on a clear day.
Photo by Ryan Spaulding on Unsplash
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
195 miles, 3 hours and 15 minutes from Downtown Nashville
What is it: One of the most visited national parks in the U.S. for its diverse wildlife and magnificent mountain landscape, it’s a must-see for any nature lover. Visitors renting a van in Nashville should take the Blue Ridge Parkway, known for jaw-dropping vistas and easy access to trails.
Who should visit: Outdoor enthusiasts, wildlife lovers, families who like to camp, active couples.
Things to do: It’s more like, what can’t you do? From spotting black bears to climbing mountains, the list of outdoor adventures is limitless. Check out pioneer cabins at Cades Cove, cascading waterfalls, and climb Clingmans Dome, the park’s highest peak.
Don’t miss: The park’s mind-blowing fall foliage.
Wine, food, and whiskey tours
If you’re hankering for an adult-friendly activity, you’re in luck. Dotting the countryside are a multitude of delicious destinations showcasing local wine, whiskey, and wonderful food. Here are a few of our favorite day trips from Nashville for couples or groups of friends craving a taste of Tennessee’s sweetest elixirs.
Arrington Vineyards
28 miles, 40 minutes from Downtown Nashville
What is it: In the heart of Nashville’s wine country is this 95-acre property producing and bottling twenty-two award-winning wines. Explore 16 acres of vineyards and five onsite tasting rooms with beautiful views.
Who should visit: Wine lovers, live music fans, groups of friends, couples searching for a romantic and scenic getaway.
Things to do: After wine tasting, purchase a gourmet basket at the shop and enjoy a shaded picnic in the vineyards.
Don’t miss: A live music show, which takes place each weekend from April to November.
Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery
9 miles, 19 minutes from Downtown Nashville
What is it: Nashville’s oldest winery was once a plantation and horse farm and has been in operation for over 200 years. It’s now a thriving winery and event venue with lovely gardens and a unique range of activities.
Who should visit: History buffs, wine enthusiasts, bourbon lovers, groups of friends or couples who like elegant dining.
Things to do: Indulge in a wine and food pairing, sign up for the Bourbon Experience, and participate in an Antebellum mansion tour.
Don’t miss: Learn about the lives of enslaved plantation workers on the Journey to Jubilee tour.
Tennessee Whiskey Trail
72 miles, 1 hour and 40 minutes from Downtown Nashville
What is it: A fascinating journey through Tennessee’s whiskey-making heritage. The trail connects over 25 distilleries, each offering immersive tasting and food pairing experiences. Popular stops include Jack Daniel’s, George Dickel, and Prichard’s Distillery.
Who should visit: Whiskey lovers, history buffs, couples, friend groups.
Things to do: Taste the grand variety of whiskeys produced in a single state, indulge in a meal paired with different whiskeys, take a distillery tour to see how the spirit is produced.
Don’t miss: A stop in Lynchburg Hardware & General Store, where you can find a plethora of Jack Daniels memorabilia to take home.
Arts and culture
As one of the world’s leading creative centers, it’s no surprise that Nashville’s visual art scene is jamming. Stimulate your senses and check out the galleries and fashion trends that set Music City apart from its rhythmic rivals.
Leiper’s Fork
30 miles, 45 minutes from Downtown Nashville
What is it: A small and charming unincorporated village near the Harpeth River. It’s known for eclectic art galleries, boutique shops, and tasty local dishes.
Who should visit: Shopping enthusiasts, nature lovers, foodies, active families, anyone who wants to get out of the city.
Things to do: Take a tour of Leiper’s Fork Distillery, bike along the river, gratify your gastronomic desires with farm-to-table dining.
Don’t miss: A walk across Natchez Trace Bridge for views of Tennessee’s colorful landscape.
Unique and off-the-beaten-path excursions
Want to experience something unique and different? Check out these oft-overlooked destinations that serve both as a day trip from Nashville and as a stop on a Highway 61 road trip.
Image courtesy of Destination Parks.
Mammoth Cave National Park
85 miles, 1 hour and 30 minutes from Downtown Nashville
What is it: Mammoth Cave National Park is home to the world’s longest known cave system. There are more than 400 miles of underground passageways rife for exploration, as well as forests, sinkholes, and rivers at the park’s ground level.
Who should visit: Rock enthusiasts, hikers, active and curious families.
Things to do: Take a cave tour, bike or hike in the park, check out the visitor’s center to learn about the local geology, and spend the night camping if you’re up for it!
Don’t miss: Pack a blanket and your favorite beverage for an evening of stargazing, as the area is a designated Dark Sky Park.
The Lost Sea Adventure
190 miles, 3 hours from Downtown Nashville
What is it: The largest underground lake in the U.S., where you can take a boat tour and explore its extensive cave system.
Who should visit: Active families, couples who like to explore, geologist aficionados.
Things to do: Book a boat and guided cave tour before a walk on the Nature Trail.
Don’t miss: For the extra adventurous, reserve the Wild Cave Adventure in advance and get to know the less developed areas.
Elephant Sanctuary in Hohenwald
80 miles, 1 hour and 40 minutes from Downtown Nashville
What is it: Essentially, a retirement home for elephants who have worked in tourism or entertainment. Many are saved from unsanitary or inadequate living conditions and taken to Hohenwald to live out their lives in a peaceful, healthy environment.
Who should visit: Animal lovers, conservationists, families.
Things to do: Watch elephants in the wild from the sanctuary’s live cams and take an educational tour of the Discovery Center. It’s important to note that there is no interaction or in-person viewing of the gentle giants.
Don’t miss: A drive past Hohenwald Rosenwald School, one of 5,000 schoolhouses built in the Southeast to educate African American children in the 1920s.
Chattanooga
130 miles, 2 hours and 30 minutes from Downtown Nashville
What is it: Tennessee’s fourth largest city is nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Also known as “Scenic City,” for its natural beauty, it’s flush with outdoor activities, a rich history, and a thriving arts scene.
Who should visit: Outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, foodies, art and history buffs.
Things to do: Take a boat tour down the Tennessee River, gallery hop in the creative district, go rock climbing or white water rafting, stroll the RiverWalk…the list goes on and on!
Don’t miss: A tipple at The Bitter Alibi, a quirky three-story house-turned-restaurant that draws locals and visitors alike.
Seasonal day trips
Watch the Tennessee landscape come to life as the seasons peak. Whether you’re visiting in spring, summer, or fall, you’re sure to be awed by the magnificent views.
Fall foliage drives
There’s nothing quite as enchanting as a leisurely drive under the falling leaves in autumn. With Nashville as your starting point, pack your rental van with hiking boots and picnic essentials and embark on any of these special drives:
- Cumberland River Gorge: Are you looking for a colorful, autumny day trip from Nashville for families or your group of friends? Cumberland River Gorge is an easy, breezy hour-long drive with abundant views and excellent hiking options.
- Cumberland Plateau: For a mix of landscape and bountiful foliage, take a two-hour ride to the rolling hills and rugged cliffs of the Cumberland Plateau. Visit charming southern towns like Cookeville along the way.
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Worth every minute of the three-hour journey is the U.S.’s most visited national park, whose mountains you’ll find adorned in a rainbow of red, orange, and yellow hues.
Image courtesy of the Nature Conservancy.
Spring wildflower hikes
Spring is a beautiful time of year to visit Nashville, if only for the carpets of bright wildflowers just a short drive from Broadway. If you’re a flower fiend and you’re on the lookout for an fragrant day trip from Nashville, these spots will make your aromatic dreams come true:
- Warner Park: Just a 30-minute ride from downtown is a locally-favored park, whose trails weave in and out of fields of vivid flowers. It’s an idyllic place for a picnic, so don’t forget to pack your blanket and your basket of tasty treats.
- Taylor Hollow State Natural Area: Located one hour away in Sumner County, Taylor Hollow is known for its spring palette of colorful pastels. Book a guided tour to learn firsthand about the park’s restoration process. Inhale the pleasing scents of fresh flora and rejuvenating oxygen.
- Standing Stone State Park: Hit the road for a pleasant, two-hour drive to East Tennessee for a stroll around the park’s 4.6-mile Lake Trail. From here, you’re guaranteed a thick blanket of dazzling wildflowers during peak season and views of the sparkling lake.
Summer lake activities in Old Hickory Lake
Summer in the city is awesome…until it’s not. When the temps creep up a bit too high for your liking, refresh yourself and your family by splashing around Old Hickory Lake. Rent a passenger van in Nashville so you can bring all the swimming and lounging gear you’ll need for a day on the water. Enjoy these activities on the lake while it’s still hot:
- Water and jet skiing: The vast expanse of Old Hickory Lake makes it an ideal place for thrilling aqua sports. Consult local tour agencies to book an experience you won’t forget!
- Paddleboarding and kayaking: The best way to discover the lake’s quiet inlets and coves is on a paddleboard or kayak. Bring your own or rent them onsite.
- Go fishing: Known for a diverse population of catfish, bass, and crappie, Old Hickory Lake is a paradise for fishermen. It’s a great place to cast a line!
- Have a beach day: Bring your beach chairs and a book and relax on the lake’s sandy shores. Build sand castles, go swimming, and don’t forget a cooler of your favorite summer snacks.
Day trips for music lovers
Nashville isn’t the only destination with tantalizing tunes. Break the border of Music City and take a day trip to explore these harmonious havens just a short drive away.
The Carter Family Fold
290 miles, 4 hours and 30 minutes from Downtown Nashville
What is it: More of an overnight trip, the Carter Family Fold is a historic venue and museum honoring the Carter Family’s musical legacy. The pioneers of country music are attributed with the harmonic melody for which the genre is famous. Johnny Cash fans might recognize it as the venue of his final live performance.
Who should visit: Bluegrass and country music enthusiasts.
Things to do: Tour the birthplace of A.P. Carter, check out the museum, and watch a live show on Saturday night.
Don’t miss: A stop to see the quirky sculptures at Backyard Terrors and Dinosaur Park, just 30 miles away.
Muscle Shoals Sound Studio
133 miles, 2 hours and 20 minutes from Downtown Nashville
What is it: This legendary recording studio in Alabama brought the voices of Aretha Franklin, Etta James, and Lynyrd Skynyrd to the world. Visit the control room and recording booth where the magic happened while learning the stories behind the artists who played here.
Who should visit: Music lovers, fans of classic rock, soul, and R&B.
Things to do: Take a guided studio tour and visit the FAME Recording Museum next door.
Don’t miss: Helen Keller’s birthplace in nearby Tuscumbia or Frank Lloyd Wright’s Rosenbaum House in Florence.
Loretta Lynn’s Ranch
75 miles, 1 hour and 15 minutes from Downtown Nashville
What is it: The sprawling 1,500-acre property was once the home of country star Loretta Lynn. Today, it’s a vast collection of museums, campsites and cabins, trails, and live music concerts. The Coal Miner’s Daughter Museum showcases the challenges Lynn had to overcome as a child.
Who should visit: Music fans, American history buffs, families who like camping.
Things to do: Tour the singer’s antebellum home, hike, fish, or camp on the ranch, catch a concert or rodeo.
Don’t miss: For a true step back in time, check out Western Town, located on the ranch and flush with shops, restaurants, and live music.
Photo by Heidi Kaden on Unsplash
Memphis
212 miles, 3 hours, 15 minutes from Downtown Nashville
What is it: Home of the blues and Al Green, Memphis is so much more than a day trip from Nashville. Plan at least a night or two to properly explore the live music on Beale Street and the town’s profound Civil Rights history.
Who should visit: Blues fans, music lovers, Elvis Presley aficionados, history buffs, foodies, families, couples.
Things to do: Visit Graceland, explore the National Civil Rights Museum and the site where MLK Jr. was assassinated, indulge in Memphis barbeque, take a tour of Sun Studio…the list could go on for ages!
Don’t miss: Seeing the Peabody Ducks is a must. Every morning and evening, five mallard ducks are marched from their fountain in Peabody Hotel’s lobby to their overnight quarters in the Penthouse. Have your camera ready, it’s a sight to behold.
FAQs about day trips from Nashville
Where can I go 2 hours from Nashville?
Within a two-hour drive from Nashville you can go to Chattanooga, TN, and Lexington or Louisville, KY.
- Chattanooga: Known as Scenic City, here you’ll find outdoor activities like hiking, rock climbing, and whitewater rafting.
- Lexington: Its nickname as the “Horse Capital of the World” means there are many horse farms to check out. In addition, check out the University of Kentucky campus and enjoy the city’s vibrant arts scene.
- Louisville: Ever heard of the Kentucky Derby? Here’s where it takes place. You can also explore the Muhammad Ali Center and the iconic Bourbon Trail.
What is the cute little town outside of Nashville?
Bell Buckle is often referred to as the “cute little town” outside of Nashville. Delight in the Victorian architecture, Southern charm, and the famous RC Cola and Moon Pie Festival every June.
Where is the weekend getaway within 4 hours of Nashville?
An optimal weekend getaway within four hours from Nashville is Memphis, TN, where you can see live music on Beale Street, visit multiple museums, and enjoy hometown Southern cooking.
What else is close to Nashville?
Leiper’s Fork, Franklin, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and multiple distilleries, including Jack Daniel’s, are close to Nashville and make excellent day trips.
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