From the glimmering lights of Broadway to the historic streets downtown, there are so many fun things to do in Nashville.
Nashville, Tennessee is a bustling city renowned for its musical roots, but it boasts a diverse range of attractions beyond just country music. The city offers a unique blend of food, arts, and outdoor activities to keep visitors entertained.
From exploring the Ryman Auditorium, the former home of the Grand Ole Opry, to indulging in the fiery hot chicken and discovering the vibrant nightlife, Nashville promises an unforgettable experience.
Nashville has become a major tourist destination because of its rich history and vibrant culture. It also serves as a great central location for exploring other cities in Tennessee and Kentucky, such as Memphis and Louisville.
Whether you’re looking for cool things to do outdoors or exciting ways to spend your night out on the town.
Here are 31 Things to do in Nashville
1. Visit Music City Walk of Fame Park
Music City Walk of Fame Park is located in downtown Nashville. It’s a great place to visit if you love music and want to learn more about the history of Music City USA.
The park has information about many different musicians including Taylor Swift, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, and Johnny Cash. The park also has a cool wall with all kinds of musical instruments on it so that visitors can play them!
It’s free to enter this park and there are plenty of places nearby where you can grab something tasty to eat or drink while listening to some good tunes.
Address: 121 4th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203, United States
2. Walk around the Gulch neighborhood
Whether you’re looking for a fun place to walk around with friends or want to go on an adventure with your significant other, the Gulch neighborhood in downtown Nashville is one of the best places to spend an afternoon.
The area consists mostly of restaurants and bars, including Germantown Cafe and Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant.
There are also many shops like Mud Island Supply Co., Urban Outfitters, and Anthropologie.
The area also has some live music venues where you can catch concerts by local artists such as Liz Phair or Jamey Johnson.
The Gulch is usually pretty crowded during weekends so expect to see lots of people when walking around here but don’t worry, it’s still possible!
You’ll find many young professionals hanging out at these places so they’re oftentimes easy targets for conversation if you’re feeling social (or just want someone else’s attention).
It’s a great place for dates because there are plenty of activities within walking distance from each other like shopping at Opry Mills Mall or eating dinner at Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge which is known for its famous chicken salad sandwich made with nuts instead of chicken salad!
Address: Nashville, TN 37203, USA
3. Go to Broadway Street for the live music
Broadway Street is one of the most popular places to go for live music in Nashville, the street is lined with bars and restaurants where famous country music stars perform.
You will see a lot of people walking around Broadway Street, there is always an electric feel on this street. It is one of the best places to hang out with friends or family.
There are so many things you can do on Broadway Street, you can listen to great live music while enjoying delicious food on the Stage or watch an amazing sunset over the Nashville skyline at Tom Lee Park.
Address: Nashville, TN, USA
4. Grand Ole Opry
If you’re a country music fan, the Grand Ole Opry is a must-see. It’s one of the longest-running radio programs (since 1925) and one of the biggest live shows in Nashville’s history.
In addition to being an awesome place to see some of your favorite country stars perform, it’s also free!
Tickets are limited, but if you can get them, you’ll be able to view some truly amazing performances. If you want tickets for this iconic show, they go on sale online at least two months in advance and sell out quickly.
The show is held at Ryman Auditorium (the former home of Grand Ole Opry), which has been featured in countless movies and television shows over the years—you’ll feel like part of something bigger than yourself when wandering around inside it!
Address: 2804 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214, United States
5. Go Visit Parthenon
The Parthenon is a full-scale replica of the original Parthenon in Athens, Greece. The 42-foot-high white marble temple was built in 1897 and sits on the grounds of Centennial Park.
The building is open to visitors from 9 AM to 5 PM every day except Christmas Day, Thanksgiving Day, and New Year’s Day.
Centennial Park 2500 West End Avenue Nashville, Tennessee 37203
6. Cumberland Park
Nashville has a brand-new park on its riverbank, and it’s called Cumberland Park.
The park offers unique play areas and water features that families can enjoy while they’re there.
The park covers 6.5 acres and has an outdoor amphitheater that can hold over 1,200 people.
The Shelby Street Pedestrian Bridge, which connects Cumberland Park to the Korean War Veterans Memorial Bridge, has been reconstructed with a new elevator and staircase.
Enjoy Jazz on the River at this park, where you can listen to great live music and enjoy good food while meeting some of the friendliest people in town.
It’s a wonderful place to spend time with your family and friends. The park is located right on the Cumberland River and has plenty of things to do for everyone.
Address: 592 S 1st St, Nashville, TN 37213, United States
7. Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center
Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center is a resort hotel, conference center, and entertainment complex located in Nashville, Tennessee.
Owned by Ryman Hospitality Properties and operated by Gaylord Hotels, the hotel has an indoor amusement park with over 400 arcade games, rides,, and attractions.
The resort also houses a convention center with more than 500000 square feet of meeting space. The resort was conceived as part of the plan to revitalize Nashville’s riverfront area in the 80s.
The construction began on what had been farmland owned by the Herschend Family Entertainment Corporation (HFE), which included HFE’s theme park Silver Dollar City in Missouri along with two others (one called Frontier City).
Address: 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214, United States
8. Music Row
Music Row is Nashville’s epicenter of country music and a popular tourist destination. The neighborhood is located in the heart of Nashville, just north of downtown and south of the Cumberland River.
The street was originally called Demonbreun Street but it was renamed Music Square East after a failed subdivision attempt by real estate developer Corneil C. Dodson.
When he planned to build houses, he changed the name of the street to Country Music Boulevard and put up signs reading “Don’t Forget Your Song”.
Today, Music Row plays host to several recording studios and publishing companies that produce some of your favorite country songs!
9. Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory
Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory is located in Brentwood, a suburb of Nashville. The observatory is open to the public and offers an amazing view of the stars. It’s also free, so you can visit this place any time! It’s a great place to go on a date because it offers both fun and romance.
Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory offers two different options for viewing the night skies: one for families with children and one for adults only.
Address: 1000 Oman Dr, Brentwood, TN 37027, United States
10. Nashville Zoo
The Nashville Zoo is a great place to visit if you want to see some of the most exotic animals in North America. The zoo is located in central Tennessee and it has over 5,000 animals from around the world.
Some of the popular exhibits at this zoo include the Tennessee Expeditions section, which features native species; Africa Live, which displays African fauna such as Nile crocodiles, lions, and giraffes, and River Gorge Crossing exhibit that houses manatees and alligators.
Asian Forest habitat for Asian elephants, red pandas, and orangutans.
Penguin Beach for penguins; Aquarium for aquatic life like stingrays and sharks.
Wilds of Africa exhibit that features giraffes, zebras, Hippos, etc.
Gorilla Forest habitat is where gorillas live while they are being rehabilitated before they go back into their natural habitats.
This amusement park has rides as well as shows that are designed especially to entertain children along with their parents who come along too! If you’re traveling here with your family then definitely make sure you visit this place!
Address: 3777 Nolensville Pk, Nashville, TN 37211, United States
11. Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame and Museum
This museum is for you if you love sports. The Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame and Museum celebrates the history of sports in Tennessee, with a focus on football, baseball, basketball and other popular games. It’s located right next to Nissan Stadium, so it’s easy to visit after a game!
Admission costs $10 for adults and $7 for children ages 6-12. There are no additional fees once you’re inside the museum itself, but parking near Nissan Stadium can be pricey if events are happening nearby (as there often are). Here are some tips on how to get there:
Take a bus or Lyft/Uber car service from an area close by like Downtown Nashville or the Gulch area which has lots of apartments where people stay when visiting Music City USA.
If you want to drive yourself then use the Waze navigation app because everyone else will be using Google Maps which doesn’t work well.
12. Tootsie Orchid Lounge
Tootsie Orchid Lounge is a fun place to go with friends. It has a great atmosphere and menu, as well as excellent drinks and live music. The bartenders are friendly, too!
It’s one of the best places to go in Nashville because it’s located in the heart of downtown Nashville, so you can easily walk around after visiting the bar.
13. Warner Parks
Warner Parks is a great place to go for a picnic or to go for a hike. You can bring your family, friends, and even your dog!
The park has several different trails that are all marked with signs. There are also bathrooms in the park as well as water fountains that you may need on your walk.
At the end of one of these trails, there is a beautiful waterfall which makes it worth the time to get there! But if you don’t want to walk up there then they have some great views from where they picnic tables too!
The only drawback would be that it gets quite crowded during peak hours so make sure you go early before everyone else does if possible!
14. Hatch Show Print Nashville TN
Travel back in time at Hatch Show Print. The oldest continuously operating print shop in the country, Hatch Show Print was founded by partners Charles and J.W. Hatch in 1879 and is still run by their descendants today.
In addition to printing posters for country music shows and artists like Patsy Cline and Johnny Cash, Hatch Show Print also prints greeting cards, tickets for local events, and even T-shirts
Open daily from 9 AM–5 PM
15. Visit Tennessee State Prison
If you’re a fan of castles, dungeons, or anything else that involves being locked up in a medieval-styled prison, Tennessee State Prison is for you.
It’s one of the oldest prisons still standing in the United States and was built as part of a wave of prison construction following President Andrew Jackson’s “Panic of 1837.”
The building itself has been restored to its original state with an impressive façade complete with turrets and stone walls. Inside, visitors can see historic artifacts like shackles and other tools used by guards to keep prisoners under control.
16. Visit the Hermitage
The Hermitage is the historic home of President Andrew Jackson. It was his residence from 1819 until he died in 1845.
The Hermitage is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and admission is $20 for adults and $15 for children 6-12 years old, with discounts available for groups of 10 or more people.
Located at 4580 Rachel’s Lane in Nashville, Tennessee, the Hermitage offers visitors a chance to learn about one of America’s most influential leaders on a guided tour through his home.
You will see many artifacts that belonged to Andrew Jackson, including his bed and other personal items he used while living at The Hermitage.
17. Enjoy Radnor Lake
One of the great things about Nashville is that there are many places to enjoy nature and get some exercise.
Radnor Lake offers several trails including the paved trail around the lake or you can explore the trails in nearby Percy Warner Park, a 1,420-acre park with over 20 miles of hiking and biking trails.
You can rent a canoe or kayak at Radnor Lake Marina and paddle on the lake as well as take advantage of all this beautiful park has to offer: hiking, biking, boating (rental boats available), fishing, and more!
18. Adventure Science Center of Nashville
The Adventure Science Center is a great place to explore, learn and play. With hundreds of hands-on activities, the Adventure Science Center provides an educational experience for all ages. The center has over 200 exhibits and programs that are fun for both adults and children alike.
There are many things to do at the Adventure Science Center including:
- The new Liquid Motion exhibit (ages 2+)
- Cosmic Caverns (ages 6+)
- The Energy Ball Drop Experiment (all ages)
The hours of operation at the Adventure Science Center are Monday through Thursday from 9:30 am until 5 pm; Friday from 9:30 am until 7 pm; Saturday from 10 am until 7 pm; Sunday from 11 am until 5 pm.
Admission prices vary depending on what time you visit but typically range between $12-$17 per person depending on age and season. To find out more about this attraction check out their website at http://adventurescinenc.org/.
19. Sightseeing at Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary
Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary is a nature sanctuary located in the heart of Nashville, TN. It is a great place to go for a walk and get away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Nashville.
If you are interested in camping, then this is also a great place for that because it has lots of campsites available for you to use.
There are also many different types of wildlife that can be seen here such as birds, squirrels, and deer just to name a few.
Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary is an amazing place for photographers because there are so many amazing views that will allow them to capture some amazing photos!
If you are looking for something fun and exciting during your visit to Nashville then I would highly recommend checking out this beautiful nature sanctuary!
20. Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
It’s easy to get to, and it’s free. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is located in downtown Nashville, right next door to the famous Grand Ole Opry House.
It offers an incredible array of exhibits on country music history, with something for everyone from casual fans to die-hard enthusiasts. You can see videos that trace the genre from its origins up through today’s hits.
You can learn about the many artists who have made a mark on the world of country music. And you can walk through replicas of iconic sets like Johnny Cash’s Tennessee home or Patsy Cline’s dressing room at the Grand Ole Opry Theater!
21. Go to Bootleggers Inn
Bootleggers Inn is one of the most popular places to go for live music in Nashville. It has an incredible sound system and a large stage with high ceilings.
They also serve food, if you want to get something to eat from their menu before you start dancing.
Bootleggers Inn is located in the Gulch neighborhood, which is easy to get to by bus or car. It’s open from 11 am until 2 am so it’s perfect for those who like having a late night out on a Friday or Saturday night!
22. Visit Honeysuckle Hill Farm
Honeysuckle Hill Farm is a working farm that offers a variety of activities. They have a petting zoo, corn maze, hayride, and pumpkin patch that are all seasonal. Their haunted barn is open during the fall season only and gives you the chance to experience your horror movie.
The farm also has an indoor play area for children called Tots in Trees which offers toddler-sized slides and swings along with toys for infants as well as areas where parents can relax while their kids play.
Honeysuckle Hill Farm also has a gift shop, restaurant, and birthday party room available on-site! If you are looking for a fun activity this weekend then I highly recommend checking out Honeysuckle Hill Farm!
23. Spend day at Nashville Shores
Nashville Shores is a great place to spend the day. You can enjoy a relaxing day on the beach, rent a paddleboard, kayak, or canoe for some fun in the sun, have a picnic at the beach, or go for a scenic hike and enjoy some great wildlife.
There are also many natural beauty sites such as the Tennessee River which surround this location.
Nashville Shores also has an indoor waterpark that you can take advantage of during your visit!
24. Visit Sri Ganesha Temple and Take Blessing from Hindu God
What to expect when you arrive: There are plenty of parking spots available on site (free). The temple itself is quite large, so don’t be surprised if it takes some time for you to find your way around. Upon entering the building and heading upstairs, you’ll find yourself in a large room full of people sitting down at tables and chatting with each other.
This is where people gather before visiting the priest/priestess to receive blessings from Hindu deities such as Ganesha or Krishna—but don’t worry! Everyone is friendly here! If this sounds like something that interests you then feel free to take part in their religious practices; however if not then there are still plenty of interesting things happening inside this building.
Location: 527 Old Hickory Blvd. Nashville TN 37209 – USA
How to get there: The temple is about a 15-minute drive from downtown Nashville. Use Google Maps to help you with directions!
25. Hang out at Johnny Cash Museum and Cafe
Located in downtown Nashville, Johnny Cash Cafe is a great place to eat and listen to music. The restaurant serves up Southern food with a twist of country, including chicken fried steak, shrimp & grits, and fried pickles.
The menu also features some classic southern comfort food dishes like collard greens and macaroni & cheese. The cafe also offers live music performances by local artists every night at 6 pm.
It’s open for lunch Monday through Saturday from 11 am – 2:30 pm (closed on Sunday) and dinner Monday through Thursday from 5 pm – 9 pm (Friday & Saturday closed).
26. Enjoy Night Life at Printer’s Alley
If you are looking for a great place to go and enjoy live music, Printer’s Alley is the place to go. The alley is located in downtown Nashville, between Fourth and Fifth Avenues, running from Union Street to Church Street in Nashville’s oldest commercial district. It’s also a great place to get food and drinks or enjoy some of the best live music around!
Printersalley.com is the official website for Printer’s Alley where you can learn more about this amazing attraction that has been around since 1820!
27. Schermerhorn Symphony Center
If you’re going to Nashville, you have to see the Schermerhorn Symphony Center. It is home to the Nashville Symphony Orchestra and was built in 1994. The Schermerhorn has a capacity of 2,286, making it the largest performing arts center in Tennessee. It was designed by David M. Schwarz & Associates who also designed Carnegie Hall in New York City and Symphony Center Chicago; two of America’s most famous concert halls!
28. Long Hunter State Park
Long Hunter State Park, is a 20-minute drive from downtown Nashville and is the second oldest state park in the nation. The park has over 5 miles of hiking trails, with several waterfalls and scenic overlooks along the way. If you want to bring your pup with you on your trip, there are two off-leash dog parks in Nashville: one at Shelby Park (located just south of downtown) and another one at Percy Warner Park (about 30 minutes north). Both parks offer plenty of space for dogs to run around freely while their owners can enjoy a picnic or play some tennis on one of their many courts.
29. Belle Meade Plantation
Belle Meade is a National Historic Landmark and home to the Hermitage, a mansion built in 1842 by James Polk, 11th President of the United States. The estate offers tours of both the mansion and its grounds.
During your visit, you may also want to walk through their gardens, explore the gift shop or take advantage of one of their special events such as carriage rides or even overnight stays at Belle Meade Plantation Hotel located right on site!
The plantation is open year round except during Christmas Eve & Day when they are closed for private events.
Tours are offered year-round Monday-Friday 9 am – 5 pm; Saturday 9 am – 4 pm; Sunday 12 pm – 4 pm but only until 3:30 pm if raining (they have umbrellas!). If you would like a tour on Sunday you must call ahead because they do not offer them regularly due to staffing issues (615)356-7115 ext 224).
30. Shelby Bottoms Greenway
Shelby Bottoms is a great place to go for a walk, bike ride, or hike. Shelby Bottoms is located in a natural area with a lot of wildlife so it’s fun to see all of the different animals that live there. There are many different trails to choose from depending on how long you want your walk or hike to be. If you’re looking for something shorter and easier there are still some nice paths around the lake where you can easily spend an hour or so walking with your family. The playground has swings, slides, and climbing equipment for kids age 1-12 years old
Shelby Bottoms Nature Center is located at 823 Morton Street Nashville TN 37203 (615) 862-8100
The Shelby Bottoms Nature Center offers tons of information about local plants, trees & wildlife along with guided nature walks through their beautiful 200-acre parkland habitat that includes wetlands that attract scores of waterfowl & other birds during migration seasons (March thru November). They also have an observation deck overlooking one wetland area where you can see some amazing wildlife such as bald eagles who like its proximity because it makes easy prey when they come down from Canada each winter looking for food!
31. Puckett’s Grocery and Restaurant
Puckett’s Grocery and Restaurant is a great place to eat, especially if you have kids. They have a large variety of reasonably priced and enjoyable food for adults and children alike. Their menu has many options, including burgers, hotdogs, chicken wings, jalapeno poppers, fried pickles, and more. The restaurant itself is very kid friendly with lots of booths for families or groups of friends to sit at together. It also has a great patio where you can enjoy your meal outside on nice days. If you are looking for somewhere to go on a date night or just want to hang out with some friends Puckett’s may be the perfect spot!
There are a ton of fun things to do in Nashville!
Nashville is known for its music, and for being a city with a lot of fun things to do. There are so many fun things that it’s hard to know where to start! You might be wondering what’s even possible in Nashville. Well, you can see a famous musician perform live onstage at a concert or you could visit the Parthenon replica at Melrose Park. There are also lots of other great places to go in Nashville besides just the Parthenon and Music Row: maybe you’d like to go to Adventure Science Center or check out some wildlife at the Nashville Zoo?
No matter what kind of person you are—whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation—there’s no doubt about it: there are plenty of exciting options available when it comes time for your next trip here!
Conclusion
We hope you’ve enjoyed this list of great things to do in the city of Nashville. This place has so many fun and unique attractions, from showbiz venues like the Grand Ole Opry and Music Row to historical sites such as Belmont Mansion. We didn’t even mention everything there is about Nashville, but we feel confident that our list provides some good options for anyone visiting or planning on moving here soon! Thanks again for stopping by our blog – we look forward to hearing any questions or comments you may have!
