28 Best Things To Do In Nashville

Last updated August 2, 2025

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Nashville offers a wide variety of enjoyable activities that can keep you occupied for weeks!

Without a doubt, this “Music City” remains packed with recording studios, music venues, and vibrant pubs, ensuring you feel completely at ease.

And apart from music, Nashville also boasts a vibrant sports scene, fantastic cuisine, enjoyable spots, and wonderful open-air fun activities.

In this article, we will look at the 28 best things to explore in Nashville to help you have an amazing journey!

1. Music Row Street

Music Row stands as the most popular street in Nashville and is the place to discover all things related to music in Nashville.

It is home to radio stations, record labels, and recording studios.

I even recommend participating in a Music Row guided tour.

This will enable you to discover historical spots and access the renowned locations broadcasting Nashville tunes.

Also, explore beyond Music Row straight into the area, and you'll observe that the roadways are named in honor of renowned country music creators.

Music Row is also an excellent place to shop and dine at any of the eateries or pubs for nice meals and drinks.

2. Adventure Science Centre of Nashville

To have an enjoyable, engaging experience, particularly with children, visit this center.

Here, you will find numerous engaging educational activities for children of any age.

A few samples of the available activities here include an exploration tower, a fun flight simulator, apiculture, and a large garden.

Children will really enjoy their time at the center's Planetarium.

Also, all through the year, this Adventure Science Center in Nashville organizes many events.

Ensure you visit their site for their events schedule, including present rates and operating hours.

3. Cheekwood Estate & Gardens

Once you're set to savor more moments outdoors, make your way to the stunning Cheekwood Estate & Gardens.

A stroll through Cheekwood Estate's botanical garden is truly unwinding.

Savor the trail of 1.5 miles that winds through this garden, leading you through 12 various gardens and outdoor sculptures.

Besides the botanical garden, you can also visit their museum situated in a Georgian mansion from the 1930s that previously belonged to Mabel & Leslie Cheek.

The historic house is filled with art, furnishings, and additional items.

Cheekwood Estate also features several festivals annually, so ensure you check out their site for additional details.

4. Nashville Shores

This is among the top attractions in Nashville that both children and grown-ups will enjoy.

It is a water and amusement park venue situated along Lake Percy Priest.

You will enjoy its waterpark, zip lines, RV campground, cabins, rope courses, and more.

Nashville Shores has something that caters to everyone, so be sure to include it in your Nashville travel plan.

5. Nashville Farmers Market

A free activity in Nashville is attending the Nashville Farmers' Market.

There, you can relish local goods of various kinds including freshly harvested products, handmade baked goods, crafts, and other artisanal products.

Make sure to bring some cash while coming to this popular location in Nashville, TN, since not every vendor accepts card payment.

6. Tennessee State Museum

To maximize your Nashville time and gain further insights regarding the distinct history of the city, include a trip to the outstanding Tennessee StateMuseum in your collection of Nashville activities.

This museum features permanent displays that trace back to the early history of Tennessee.

In this place, you can explore Native American heritage, history since the last Civil War, military past, and more.

Then, alongside the permanent displays, there are additionally temporary displays that rotate.

This museum likewise provides a variety of events and educational activities during the year.

It is also a top date idea in Nashville that you should include in your itinerary.

7. Printer’s Alley

Printer’s Alley, which used to be the place for newspaper kiosks and publishing businesses in Nashville, has now become the trendy location for Nashville's evening entertainment scene.

This previously rough ambiance now sparkles with illumination from the various nightclubs and bars that reside in the area.

Printer’s Alley is typically quite busy however, and isn’t the place you should take your children to.

8. Tennessee State Capitol

Being one of USA's oldest operational state capitols, visiting here ought to be included in your Nashville plans.

Guests can embark on self-guided tours of the TennesseeState Capitol at any hour.

Also, in case you opt for the Capitol's guided tour, you can join their guided tours of 45 minutes that occur once every hour.

This capital also offers outstanding Nashville views, so make sure to see them while you’re here.

9. Tennessee State Prison

This prison, situated in Nashville, is among the most distinctive attractions in Nashville.

You will likely remember this prison from films such as Ernest Goesto Jail and Green Mile.

The prison's history is intriguing and it was never a location for a “simple time”.

Inmates had to don striped outfits and were exposed to physical work.

Extended durations of isolation were also imposed on inmates whenever they misbehaved.

Though you can't enter, you're free to drive nearby and capture photos of the prison’s impressive structure resembling a castle.

Specific events are also allowed to take place in the building during the year and one of the activities is a fun ghost tour.

10. Tennessee Sports Hallof Fame

This place honors numerous remarkable athletes and is situated in Downtown Nashville.

While on your Tennessee SportsHall of Fame excursion, you can additionally try on shoulder pads, jerseys, and helmets to take pictures.

11. Cumberland Park

To get an amazing Nashville view and enjoy Cumberland River's breathtaking sights, go to Cumberland.

Families usually gather at Cumberland Park in order to relish its enormous splash mat, a labyrinth, a fog pathway, ascending frameworks, and moth gardens.

Also, visitors of every age can take pleasure in the extensive network of bike trails here and the open-air amphitheater for a concert.

Even, including Cumberland Park in your Nashville itinerary will ensure you spend time outside while remaining within the city boundaries.

It would also create a romantic Nashville evening.

12. Frist Art Museum

This museum is among the most enjoyable activities in Nashville for enthusiasts of art.

Located within an impressive Art Deco structure dating back to the 1930s, this museum remains committed to making art accessible to all.

And much to my astonishment, the Frist has just rotating exhibits, no permanent displays.

The exciting aspect of this museum is that you're guaranteed a new experience each time you come here.

Remember to check the museum's website for the latest information on their ongoing exhibitions, current hours of operation, and costs.

13. Owl’s Hill Sanctuary

Nature enthusiasts should aim to explore the Owl’sHill Nature Sanctuary.

Situated just a brief drive from Nashville Downtown, this place shelters a variety of wildlife more than just owls.

There, you will discover a refuge that offers a secure haven for numerous animal species.

You're free to participate in the sanctuary's guided tour to gain more insights about the flora and fauna that reside in this region.

Then, besides the tours, this sanctuary also provides various organized events during the year.

The activities differ but encompass numerous enjoyable events and classes.

The greatest aspect is that every one of the sanctuary's earnings is directed to their efforts for conservation.

14. Nashville Zoo

To enjoy more outdoor activities, include a trip to the charming Nashville Zoo in your itinerary of activities to accomplish in Nashville.

Featuring over 350 animal species, Nashville Zoo remains among the most enjoyable places to visit in this city.

Also, for a practical experience, make sure to stop by the zoo's Kangaroo Kickabout and Lorikeet Landing.

Apart from seeing animals, you may also explore the zoo’s zip line and gigantic jungle gym.

Certainly, a visit to Nashville Zoo will really serve as an enjoyable evening out!

15. The Hermitage Site

The Hermitage serves as a crucial historical landmark in Nashville and is also designated as one of the National Historic Landmarks.

As former President Jackson Andrew’s residence, the place is difficult to access since it was an operational southern plantation.

Andrew Jackson possessed slaves who resided here.

The plantation house has been meticulously maintained, as have its log cabins situated behind the property that housed the enslaved individuals who resided on the premises.

Coming here will enable you to comprehend how life was during the 1800s, and you should also try to buy your pass ahead of time to save time.

16. Long Hunter State Park

This park is among the numerous outdoor areas and parks close to Downtown Nashville. It definitely deserves to be included on my list of best activities in Nashville.

The park stands out because it honors the Nashville region’s indigenous cultural legacy.

Along with the workshops, lectures, and demonstrations organized in the park, Long Hunter also hosts the yearly NAIA Education PowWow.

The yearly Pow Wow usually attracts thousands of attendees who come to honor this wonderful legacy.

Certainly, there are also other fun outdoor activities available in Long Hunter.

Guests can partake in swimming, hiking, boating, camping, and many other activities in this amazing park.

17. Parthenon

Prior to becoming the Country's Music City, the city of Nashville was initially recognized as a place of advanced education.

There were numerous universities and colleges present here so it was originally referred to as “Athens of theSouth”.

That moniker is the reason why, in the year 1897, construction workers chose to create a complete-scale reproduction of the Parthenon here.

Yeah, you indeed read that right; there exists an exact replica of Parthenon located in Nashville's Centennial Park.

A trip to this Parthenon gives you the opportunity to view texts, statues, paintings, and more during your visit to the magnificent Centennial Park.

When you're lucky, you might also see one of their theater groups staging a Greek drama here.

18. Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory

Perched atop a Nashville hill, you will observe one of Tennessee's largest astronomy centers, the Vanderbilt Observatory.

Guests here can take part in a guided tour and get the chance to make use of their telescopes while they are at the observatory.

In fact, it is the best Nashville experience for those who enjoy stargazing.

And besides the tours, this observatory features a variety of events.

You may participate in their eclipse gatherings and outdoor music events, or take your children to their summer camp.

19. General Jackson’s Showboat

You should definitely consider reserving a delightful dinner cruise aboard General Jackson.

Enjoy a romantic night on this fascinating showboat in Nashville.

The iconic paddleboat will smoothly traverse the beautiful Cumberland River while your companion and you enjoy a meal and explore the breathtaking sights.

Make sure to also take time while on deck to appreciate the amazing sights of Nashville from the stunning Cumberland River.

A ticket here additionally features live entertainment alongside your meal.

Also, make sure to purchase your dinner cruise tickets ahead of time, since this experience always gets fully booked.

20. Johnny Cash Museum

An enjoyable Nashville activity for fans of country music is exploring the JohnnyCash Museum.

This museum features Johnny Cash memorabilia largest collection and serves as the ideal location to discover additional details about the life of Johnny Cash.

Along with showcasing his music journey, the museum also highlights different aspects of the performer’s life.

Also, I love the fact that you're free to explore the museum right at your own pace.

This implies that you may take pleasure in hearing some of Johnny Cash’s country music directly at various listening points across this museum and experience a natural sense of his music.

Then, once you finish exploring the museum, make sure to check out the nearby café to enjoy live music played by a band group of Johnny Cash.

Also, make sure to stop by their gift shop in order to bring home a Nashville piece with you.

21. Shelby Bottoms Greenway

A great natural area close to Nashville Downtown is this Greenway which hosts a variety of different ecosystems.

While here, you will get the opportunity to explore forests, marshes, wetlands, and many more.

Also, you can take pleasure in paved paths of more than five miles to discover, making this greenway available to all.

It is also an ideal spot for working out or having a pleasant picnic outdoors.

Even, at specific times during the year, this greenway becomes a habitat for a unique golden pheasant, therefore try to find it while you’re here.

22. Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center

This resort serves as a conference facility and hotel, and is really a great destination.

Featuring an excellent location, it is the ideal spot to reside since it is located in a wonderful neighborhood.

Within the resort, there are more than a dozen restaurants and bars, fountains, impressive lounging areas, and more.

Also, if you enjoy relaxing by the pool, you’re in luck since the Gaylord has a large pool.

There is even a nice indoor jungle space where you're free to enjoy a boat tour.

Then, the resort also features a fun golf course, event spaces, and an impressive wellness center.

23. Country Music Hallof Fame & Museum

Enthusiasts of country music will not want to overlook this place.

While exploring here, guests can delight in the photos, memorabilia, and plaques showcasing the country music background.

Also, at this location, you can see impressive items such as the solid gold Cadillac limousine of Elvis Presley.

Elvis Presley enthusiasts will really appreciate the Country MusicHall of Fame since they will be able to find various memorabilia pieces associated with the musician.

Additionally, it houses distinctive objects from various country music musicians, making this museum really captivating.

Then, another top feature here is the historical RCA Studio B.

Notable figures such as Elvis Presley and Dolly Parton were recorded in this studio, therefore, ensure you check it out while you're there.

You can find the studio approximately a mile from the museum's southwest side.

Indeed, a trip to this museum should definitely be included in your Nashville itinerary.

24. Radnor Lake Park

Another Nashville attraction you definitely shouldn't overlook is the Radnor Lake Park.

This gorgeous park is breathtaking and deserves to be on your itinerary of activities to enjoy in Nashville.

While standing at Lake Radnor's banks, it's impossible to avoid noticing the rough, rocky coast and the transparent, shimmering water.

In fact, it is really astonishing and this region is an ideal spot to spend time outdoors.

You can also observe wildlife or take pleasure in being by the edge of the water.

Note that swimming inside Radnor Lake is prohibited since it is designated as a protected ClassII Natural Zone.

25. Ryman Auditorium

A trip to Nashville isn't complete without stopping by Ryman Auditorium situated in central Nashville.

Originally the Grand Ole Opry's site, the auditorium is frequently referred to as country music's Mother Church.

It has been significant in the history of country music, and today, guests can still experience live music shows when they explore the charming Ryman Auditorium.

Note that you can either explore the auditorium on your own or schedule a guided tour to explore the venue’s historical background.

If you also like, you can snap a photo on the auditorium's stage. Then, for an additional charge, you can access its backstage area.

26. Broadway

Those seeking a fun night out should come to the heart of Nashville, more precisely, Broadway Street.

It ranks among the best activities in Nashville for those who enjoy nighttime activities.

Here, you'll discover various blocks of clubs, honky tonks, and pubs.

In fact, strolling along Broadway brings to mind a stroll down New Orleans's Frenchmen or Bourbon Street, where music fills the air, flowing from every doorway and inviting you to step inside.

In case you're in search of a great honky tonk, check out Roberts Western World which is undoubtedly an amazing venue.

Not only is it possible for you to walk in without needing to pay an entry fee, but you will also explore their signature dish, a bologna sandwich, as you enjoy the daily live music shows that are held here.

And country music isn't the only genre you'll experience on Broadway.

This well-known street also features live music of various genres.

27. Hatch Show Print

For a fantastic location that embodies Nashville, check out this place.

It is a printing shop that has been creating amazing posters for regional artists for many years.

Numerous artists have gone ahead to become Music Hall of Fame artists, turning their posters into sought-after collectibles.

You can go to their print shop and observe their printing procedure, and you can additionally pay to create your own poster.

How amazing is that?! HatchShow Print is indeed an amazing, historic location in Nashville's city center.

28. Grand Ole Opry

One of Nashville's best activities to enjoy is exploring the exquisite Grand Ole Opry located in the heart of Nashville.

This place started as a dedicated radio program in 1925.

Almost all country music enthusiasts hope to visit this Opry because of several country performers who have performed on its stage.

You'll even experience a behind-the-scenes tour or post-show tours of the GrandOle Opry while you're here.

It’s crucial to recognize that these tours vary significantly, so select the particular one that fulfills your expectations best.

The daytime excursion guides you through this location while the guide presents country music collectibles, photos, and narratives concerning the artists who have come here.

Even, if you're lucky, they'll bring you on the famous stage.

Then, their post-show tours give you a chance to glimpse “Studio A”. Here, “Hee-Haw”, the well-known country music TV series was recorded.

Furthermore, this tour will provide you with an inside look at the venue's dressing rooms.

Also, you're free to enjoy an energetic show at this Opry.

However, in case country music isn't your preference, the Opry likewise features other fun performances and comedy skits.

Don't forget to get food at their Opry BackPorch BBQ when you’re famished.

Certainly, this place also serves as one of Nashville's most enjoyable date spots.