If you’re a Nashville local with friends and family coming out of the woodwork to visit, this guide will come in handy.
This is a list of our team’s favorite things to do when we’re hosting visitors looking for fun things to do in Nashville. Most are concentrated near downtown, as that’s typically where our visitors want to be. But, we’ve also provided plenty of ways to explore beyond Lower Broad (the lower section of Broadway, the honky-tonk-lined main drag downtown). And, no, we don’t mention pedal taverns or party buses …
SB TIP: Don’t rent a car unless you’re planning to drive outside of town. Just Uber or Lyft. Parking downtown is costly, and if you’ll be drinking, that’s two great reasons not to drive.
Very “Nashville” Experiences
- Book a chocolate-making class with libations at Nashville original Goo Goo Cluster.Bowl at Pinewood Social and while you are there, try their fried broccoli. Weird recommendation, we know, but trust us.
- Test your skills in foosball, pinball, duckpin, ping pong, and bocce at Pins Mechanical.
- See if you have what it takes to solve the mental puzzle and escape your room at The Escape Game.
- Or, take a few swings at Top Golf.
- You’ve GOT to go to Hatch Show Print for a tour. Located in the Country Music Hall of Fame, it’s hands down incredible!House of Cards offers a magic show with a meal for a ton of fun.
Love sports?
Nashville has plenty. From the Tennessee Titans for football and Nashville Predators hockey to Nashville Sounds baseball and the Nashville Soccer Club, Nashville knows how to cheer on the home team like no other city.
Is it pouring rain or super hot?
Head to Opryland Hotel. This hotel/convention center is like a small town under a glass roof. With waterfalls, rivers, forests, restaurants, a spa and more, you will stay dry and happy here. And, if it’s really hot, their Soundwaves outdoor water park will cool you down.
Also, our great museums are perfect on a hot day or rainy day. The Country Music Hall of Fame, The Frist Art Museum, and the National Museum for African American Music.
For Outdoor Enthusiasts
Both within the city limits and a short drive outside of town, you’ll find plenty of options to enjoy the great outdoors:
- Kayak or canoe the Harpeth River. It’s about a 30-minute ride from downtown, but kayaking the Harpeth is great for all experience levels as it’s a slow river that is not very deep. There are plenty of rental companies to choose from, including Foggy Bottom, Canoe Music City and Sunshine’s Adventures.
- Or, you could stay closer to town and kayak our biggest river, the Cumberland. The view of downtown Nashville from the water is worth seeing. Contact River Queen Voyages.
- Cheekwood Estate & Gardens is our beautiful botanical garden and museum. From tulips in the spring and summer installations to fall pumpkins and an amazing holiday light display, Cheekwood makes it easy to be outside and entertained.
- The only exact replica of Greece’s Parthenon exists right here, at the center of Nashville’s Centennial Park. With 132 acres of ponds, gardens, vast lawns, and pathways, this is a great place to wander.
- Nashville’s Farmer’s Market is so fun to stroll through and is filled with great places to eat. It is also adjacent to Bicentennial Park, which is a lovely 11-acre city park for a stroll or jog.
- In fact, Nashville is known for great parks. See our full list here!
Music (before the late-night music):
You are in Music City, so listening to some live music before the late-night honky-tonk scene is always a good plan. We suggest:
- Listening Room Cafe
- The Bluebird Cafe
- Brooklyn Bowl
- City Winery
- 3rd and Lindsley
- Rudy’s Jazz Bar
- Be sure to check Ascend Amphitheater, Ryman Auditorium, and Bridgestone Arena for the biggest shows!
Honky-Tonks
We have a full article on the details of Lower Broad HERE. Our favorites are well described in this article, but we’d pick Robert’s Western World, The Stage, and Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge as our old-school favorites.
Favorite Rooftop Bars
Being above the city is always fun. Personal favorites include:
- ACME Feed & Seed (locals call it ACME): the view of the river, the pedestrian walking bridge, the view up Broadway … these are just a few reasons to try to snag a rooftop seat here.
- L27: Atop The Westin Nashville, L27 is home to plenty of comfy couches and a recently renovated look, making it a favorite for tourists and locals alike.
- George Jones: Above the George Jones Museum is a rooftop bar that is cozier than others. Many locals like this place best as it used to be an undiscovered-by-the-tourists gem, but word is definitely out a bit more now.
- L.A. Jackson: The Thompson Hotel has many delicious restaurants, but the rooftop bar is often referenced for the view and vibe.
- The rooftop at Bobby’s is a favorite. You’ve got to see the full size bus up there!
- The view from the rooftop at W Nashville are simply stunning, and the drinks are tasty.
- One of the most instagrammed spots in the rooftop at The Graduate Hotel. The rooftop is called White Limozeen and it’s all Dolly Parton themed!
- See even more rooftop bars HERE.
Rooftop Pools
Check out our Insider’s Guide to Nashville’s Hotel Pools! Many of the best pools offer day passes for non-hotel guests.
Mural Hunting
In the age of social media, everyone loves a photo with a mural, and Nashville has its fair share of famous ones. Lines at some of the more popular ones — like the wings located in The Gulch — can have lines as long as 30 minutes just to have your turn to get your photo. For other murals, check out our article on Nashville murals you likely haven’t visited.
If you follow this guide, you are guaranteed to leave exhausted, full, and well-bonded with your besties.
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