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There are lots of people who are looking for a fun place to go on vacation, and one of the top destinations in the southeast is Nashville, Tennessee. This is a city that is closely associated with country music, to the point that many people call it the Music City. If you haven’t yet visited Nashville, it’s time to grab your cowboy boots and go! With so many great things to do, vacation rentals to call your home for the weekend, and delicious restaurants, you’re sure to love this city.
There is always live music going on, there is lots of delicious food, and there are plenty of friendly people there to make sure that everyone has a good time. At the same time, with so much to do, you might be wondering what the best things to do in Nashville, TN might be.
Take a look at some of the top suggestions, and get ready to have a blast during your next vacation!
1. Take a Stroll Down Broadway
If you are looking for a nice introduction to the city, you might want to start by taking a stroll down lower Broadway. This is very different from the Broadway associated with New York City, but it is no less enjoyable.
There are lots of glowing lights, particularly at night, that highlight some of the top attractions on the street. For example, you might see a delicious restaurant offering not only a nice meal but also a show. Or, you might notice a music theater offering up something special.
Regardless, this is one of the best places to get a feel for the city and mingle with the people. If you are looking for other recommendations in the local area, there is a good chance that someone on Broadway will be able to help you.
While it is easy to get lost in the honky tonk, keep in mind that it can be hard to park on this street, so you might want to take an Uber if you want to check out the nightlife!
2. Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The city is closely associated with country music, so it should come as no surprise that this is one of the top Nashville attractions. Not too far from downtown Nashville, it is definitely worth a visit.
At the Country Music Hall of Fame, you can see some of the entries of a few of the greatest stars in all of the country music, and you will have an opportunity to see some of the newer entries as well.
For more country music fun, you should consider heading to the Grand Ole Opry. There are many amazing performances that have taken place in the historical Ryman Auditorium, as well, including Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, and Willie Nelson, so make sure you check it out!
3. Walk Around Vanderbilt
You might also want to go for a stroll around the campus of Vanderbilt University. This is one of the top universities in the United States, and the school has nice sports feel as well because it is a part of the SEC.
It is one of the biggest powerhouses of college baseball, regularly sending its kids to the pros, so you might want to see if you can catch a game! Even if you are just walking around, be sure to take a look at the greenery and the unique architecture.
There is really nothing else quite like it in the city, so you can take your time! If you see a tour going on with a bunch of prospective students, you might even want to tag along to learn more about the school! This will give you a bit more context for the buildings you are walking by. It is one of the highlights of Tennessee.
4. Relax in Centennial Park
You might also want to swing by Centennial Park to see what people are up to! This is one of the nicest parks in the area, and it is also one of the most popular.
If you want to spend time outside, but are also looking for a way to escape the heat, you might want to kick back and relax underneath one of the big trees in the park. Or, you might want to simply walk around and take a look at some of the sportspeople are playing! You might find a few people playing a pickup sport of some kind, or you might notice some people having a picnic.
Because the weather is usually very nice in Tennessee, Centennial Park is usually pretty active. When you get hungry or thirsty, there are several local bars and restaurants nearby that can give you refreshments. Take some time to relax and enjoy the sun!
If you’re in town in the summer, check the schedule for Live on the Green. This is a free concert series hosted by the park that brings in big names and a lot of fun.
5. Take In a Tennessee Titans Game
If you are someone who is into sports, you have come to the right place. There are lots of sports in Tennessee, including the NFL. The Tennessee Titans call Nashville their home, and you might want to consider taking in a game while you are here!
You could take a tour of the stadium at any time, but the Titans play about 8 or 9 home games every year, in addition to preseason games. They usually play on Sunday, but you should take a look at the schedule to confirm when their games take place.
They have one of the most exciting players in the NFL, Derrick Henry, who is one of the top running backs in the NFL. Consider buying a ticket to a game when you are in town!
6. Visit the Parthenon
Without a doubt, the Parthenon is one of the biggest attractions in the local area. This is a replica of the Parthenon from Athens, so the architecture is every bit as impressive. You can take a look at some of the engravings to learn more about the significance of the building, but it is very easy to spot right in the middle of the city.
The building was constructed for the TN Centennial Exposition in 1897, and it was meant to be temporary. Because the building was so impressive, it was made a permanent part of the city. Now, the city is called the “Athens of the South,” for obvious reasons. Make sure to swing by and check it out!
7. Visit the Frist Art Museum
If you are in the mood for the best art galleries, you have definitely come to the right place. The Frist Art Museum is one of the biggest attractions in the city, and there are lots of amazing exhibits to check out. You can learn about not only some of the top local artists but also some of the other top artists from all over the world.
There are special events that take place at the art museum from time to time, so take a look at the calendar to see if anything is on top during your visit. Remember that the exhibits also rotate from time to time, so you might want to check back every once in a while to see if there is anything new on display!
8. Check Out the Johnny Cash Museum
During your time in Nashville, you might want to pay a visit to the Johnny Cash Museum as well. Johnny Cash is one of the top singers of all time, let alone one of the top country music artists, so he has his spot at the Grand Ole Opry. On the other hand, he is so famous that he has his own museum dedicated to him as well. If you are a fan of country music, this is not a spot you want to miss.
There are lots of exhibits dedicated to the unique life he led and the impact he had on the whole of music, particularly country music. There is a good chance that you have heard some of his songs even if you don’t know it.
Take a look at the museum and learn more about this iconic artist. There might even be an interactive exhibit to check out before buying some memorabilia.
9. Visit the Nashville Zoo
If you are a fan of animals, this is definitely one of the places you have to visit. The Nashville Zoo is one of the biggest zoos in the entire country, let alone the southeast, so you will have plenty of amazing animals to explore during your time.
There are plenty of mammals, aquatic animals, birds, and more! You might even see a few animals here that you cannot find anywhere else. There is a good chance that there is a special event happening during your visit to Nashville, as this is one of the most popular venues in the local area, so be sure to check the calendar to see if there is something special going on.
The Nashville Zoo is not an expensive visit, and the exhibits make it worth it. Don’t miss it during your visit to the city.
10. Visit the Hermitage
Andrew Jackson is one of the most iconic presidents of the United States of all time. There is a good chance that you are familiar with him because of his position on the $20 bill and his role during the War of 1812. Of course, he also played a major role in Westward Expansion, but this is an opportunity to get an up-close and personal look at the iconic president.
The Hermitage is a mansion built in the style of the Greek Revival, and it has become a National Historic Landmark. There are lots of exhibits you can check out, you will have an opportunity to learn more about his life, and you will gain a greater appreciation for his position of Jackson in the history of this country.
Be sure to check the calendar to see if there is anything special going on at The Hermitage while you are here!
11. Grab a Bite of Nashville Hot Chicken
Of course, you are probably interested in trying some of the delicious food that Nashville has to offer as well. Hot chicken is a specialty, and regardless of whether you are in East Nashville or situated somewhere in the center, you can find plenty of restaurants serving up what is, in all likelihood, a local delicacy.
If you are not a fan of spicy food, be sure to let the server know ahead of time. That way, you are not rudely surprised when you take a bite! Nashville hot chicken is absolutely delicious, and there are lots of different styles.
Don’t be afraid to branch out and send your taste buds on a journey! This is a southern meal that you will certainly not forget.
12. Visit the Adventure Science Center
You might also want to take a look at the Adventure Science Center. This is a place that has lots of amazing murals and fun exhibits for kids, but it is something that everyone can take advantage of! There are lots of educational exhibits that will teach you about science from all directions, keeping you interested with a lot of interactive exhibits that will give you a chance to learn about the ocean, the stars, physics, animals, and more.
There are also some special shows that take place from time to time, placing some of the most interesting parts of science front and center. While this is all about entertainment, you will probably learn a bit of science along the way as well.
13. Check Out the Belle Meade Plantation
It is important to learn about the role of Nashville in African American history, and this is one of the best places to do exactly that. It is one of the most amazing Greek Revival mansions in the area, and it is only eight miles away from downtown Nashville.
The Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery even has bullet holes from the Civil War, serving as a testament to everything it has been through. It is amazing that it is still standing and intact, so you might even want to sign up for a guided tour to take full advantage of everything this amazing mansion has to offer. Of course, you should also take the opportunity to try some delicious wine as well!
14. Take a Tour of Music Row
When people come to Nashville, they usually think about the recording studios and famous musicians who have called this amazing city their home. Regardless of whether you are a fan of Bluegrass, Dolly Parton, or some other type of music entirely, this is definitely something to explore. There are countless recording studios packed into such a small area, including RCA Studio B, and some of them might even let you inside to have a look at where the magic happens!
If you are not sure of what is required to bring an album to life, this is one of the best experiences available. Because of the connection between the city and recording studios, there are plenty of options from which to choose, so you can customize your experience to meet your needs.
15. Explore the Botanical Gardens
Nashville is one of the best locations for those who love nature, so you might want to explore some of the botanical gardens in the area. While there are plenty of options, don’t forget to check out the Shelby Bottoms Nature Center. It is not that far from the Cumberland River, and you can get in for free.
There are lots of other amazing botanical gardens to explore as well and be sure to take a few minutes to check out some of the informative information pallets next to the plants. You will quickly realize that many of them are not even from the United States. These gardens are also popular places for couples to host a wedding.
16. Check Out the Local Breweries
Breweries have expanded significantly in the southeast during the past few years, and Nashville is no exception. If you are excited to explore some adult beverages, you are certainly in the right place. There are breweries that specialize in a variety of beers. Some of them focus on sours while others brew IPAs. There are also plenty of cideries in the area as well.
If you really want to try something special, consider signing up for a distillery tour. Just be warned that anything they might let you sample on the tour is going to be very strong, so plan accordingly. You might want to get a designated driver before having too much Jack Daniel’s, and you might want to schedule an Uber in advance.
17. Check Out the Nashville Farmers Market
If you are looking for some fresh food, it doesn’t get much fresher than straight from the farm! It should come as no surprise that there are lots of farms in the local area. Instead of having to go out to get the food there, they bring it right to you. There are lots of farmers who would be happy to provide you with samples, and there are fruits and vegetables of all shapes and sizes. You will even have the chance to check out some stands selling some other stuff as well.
Swing by the Farmers Market for a truly delicious experience.
18. Visit Radnor Lake State Park
Another great outdoor experience you need to check out is Radnor Lake State Park. This is a beautiful green area where people come to relax, enjoy a picnic, and even get some exercise.
There is a good chance that you will see a lot of people playing various pickup sports, so if you brought your athletic gear, don’t hesitate to join in. At the very least, find a tree with some shade, kick back, relax, and consider enjoying a picnic. This is one of the most popular parks in the area.
19. Take a Trolley Tour
If you are looking for the best way to see the city, you might want to sign up for a trolley tour. This is one of the best ways to learn about some of the top showcases that have come to the city over the years, and you don’t have to worry about getting lost or exhausting yourself while walking around.
You will learn about some of the top attractions in the local area, and the friendly staff members might even talk to you about some of the events that are going on while you are in town. They will point out the homes of famous songwriters along the way, they will tell you about the history of some of the top locations involved in the world-famous music scenes, and you can learn your way around the city as well.
20. Visit the Tennessee State Museum
If you are ready to learn more about the history of the state, this is one of the best places to go. The Tennessee State Museum has a variety of exhibits that will teach you about some of the most important events in the history of this southern treasure.
There are plenty of exhibits that talk about the first people to settle in the local area, the relationship people in the area had with Native Americans, important elements of African American culture, and lots of exhibits that focus on the role the state has played in the music scene.
There are also some special events that are hosted at the museum from time to time, so don’t hesitate to reach out to talk to the staff members to see what’s on the schedule.
21. Visit Cheekwood Estate
If you love art, nature, and history, you will definitely want to pay a visit to the amazing Cheekwood Estate & Gardens. It is known for its brilliant, colorful display of flowers, its amazing greenhouses, and the unparalleled botanical garden. The garden itself is more than 55 acres in size, but the art museum inside is definitely worth checking out.
You can learn about the history of the building, the amazing architecture behind it, and why it has become one of the jewels of the city. You might even want to sign up for a guided tour while here.
Get Ready for a Fun Visit To Nashville
These are just a few of the many fun things you can do during your time in Nashville. Regardless of whether you are grabbing a bite at Bluebird Cafe or checking out the offerings at Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, there are plenty of delicious restaurants you can enjoy.
Don’t forget to take in some of the top elements of the music scene as well! You can learn more about Elvis Presley, explore the Opry, and stroll down Broadway for a bit of nightlife.
There is something for everyone in this amazing city!
