48 Fun Things to Do in Nashville, TN

Nashville is full of fun things to do, places to go, and sights to see. When visiting, be sure to leave time for the best activities in Nashville, TN.

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48 Fun Things to Do in Nashville, TN

Posted by Gary Ashton on Wednesday, June 16th, 2021 at 3:42pm.

Things to Do in Nashville

Nashville has many incredible things to enjoy, from sports teams, amazing food, and chic local shops to inspiring arts and cultural centers. If heading outdoors for a hike, boating, or swimming is on the agenda, the options here won't disappoint. Of course, Nashville is a major music hub, so there's no shortage of venues and nightlife locations to catch a live show. Discover a sampling of some of the fun things to do in Nashville, Tennessee, below.

Nashville's Top Outdoor Adventures

Thanks to the moderate weather here, just about every month presents great opportunities to get outdoors in Nashville. Here are some top water attractions, parks, and places to hike and bike around town.

Local Parks and Gardens

Parks in Nashville

  • Centennial Park
  • Percy Warner Park
  • Cumberland Park
  • Radnor Lake State Park
  • Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park

Many residents and visitors are thrilled to know that Nashville's Metro Parks and Greenways are dog-friendly. Most allow leashed dogs on park trails, and some feature off-leash play zones, too. Shelby Dog Park on 20th Street, The Warner Parks, and the dog park at Centennial Park are three popular spots for pooches and people.

Visitors to Centennial can meander a one-mile trail, splash into Lake Watauga, and see the various historical monuments like the iconic Parthenon. The Warner Parks feature 3,000+ acres of fields and forests, an equestrian center, golf courses, sports fields, and much more. If you want to keep your own horses in Nashville, take a look at Nashville's equestrian homes.

Water Recreation

Natural Water Sources in Nashville

  • Cumberland River
  • Percy Priest Lake
  • Old Hickory Lake
  • Radnor Lake
  • J Percy Priest Reservoir

J. Percy Priest Lake is a fantastic destination for paddlers, boaters, and anglers and is accessible via several parks all around the water. Several rental services and classes dot the shores, as well as four large marinas. Tip-a-Canoe in Kingston Springs rents canoes and kayaks and offers tours and lessons. The Nashville Paddle Company offers similar services in addition to PaddleFit Classes.

Nashville Shores Lakeside Resort is another highlight along the shore of J. Percy Priest Lake. Its massive amusement and water park boasts miles of soft beaches, water slides, pools, and a paddleboat experience to enjoy. The resort also has a marina, rental jet skis, and pontoon boats.

Hiking & Biking Trails

Trails in Nashville

  • Percy Warner Park Trail
  • Richland Creek Greenway
  • Percy Warner Mountain Bike Trail
  • Greenway Trail Head
  • Shelby Bottoms Nature Center & Greenway

Harpeth Woods Trail in Edwin Warner Park is 2.5 miles of looped trail within a pristine forest setting. Typically used by bikers, hikers, and walkers, this moderately challenging trail permits leashed dogs to join owners. Day Loop Trail in Long Hunter State Park is just under four miles long and is somewhat heavily trafficked. The loop is used for nature hikes, running, and cyclists seeking a relatively easy path that's just on the outskirts of town.

The great outdoors is a superb place to spend time with friends, family, and pets or for solo excursions. Fortunately, Nashville offers many parks, trails, and water-based attractions that dole out year-round thrills.

Shopping in Nashville

Shopping Centers in Nashville

  • Nashville West Shopping Center
  • The Mall at Green Hills
  • Opry Mills
  • The Arcade Nashville
  • Hickory Plaza Shopping Center

The Mall at Green Hills in Nashville is a shopper's paradise and is filled with eateries and entertainment to pass the time between perusing goods at hundreds of shops. Alongside stores that locals love, like Morphe, Apple, Barnes & Noble, Chico's, and other unique retail outlets, are Gucci, Vans, Tiffany & Co., Crate & Barrel, Burberry, and Brooks Brothers.

Another exciting respite for great deals and luxury goods in one place is at the Opry Mills Mall. More than 200 stores await along with dining options galore, and a highlight is the world's only all-music-themed Madame Tussauds. Watch a movie to rest tired feet between shopping hauls, and don't miss out on the annual Opry Mills Coupon Book to get great deals all year long.

Sports in Nashville

When it comes to college and professional sports, Nashville goes wild supporting the home teams. Check out some top sports stadiums, arenas, and the teams that entertain fans here within finely appointed stadiums.

Sports Teams in Nashville

In addition to amateur-level athletics, high school competitors, and group-organized teams, Nashville has many professional and non-professional sporting teams. The Tennessee Titans keep NFL fans cheering them on year after year, and the minor league Nashville Sounds baseball organization represents an American pastime beloved by locals. The most popular sports teams in Nashville also include:

Arenas & Stadiums in Nashville

Stadiums in Nashville

  • Bridgestone Arena
  • Nissan Stadium
  • First Tennessee Park
  • Vanderbilt Stadium

Bridgestone Arena is home to the Nashville Predators hockey team and hosts many concerts of all genres. NFL fans will want to head to Nissan Stadium to catch a Tennessee Titans game. First Horizon Park is Nashville's baseball complex and home to the Nashville Sounds AAA affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. Horizon also hosts concerts, festivals, soccer games, and various events. Fans of outdoor sports on the collegiate level will want tickets to the impressive Music City Bowl to watch college and high school championship games. Vanderbilt Stadium is a top-notch facility home to the university's football, baseball, softball, and soccer athletes and their competitors.

With so many exciting teams and attractive stadiums, Nashville sports are alive and well. Be sure to save money by buying tickets seasonally for any favorite teams, so there's extra cash left for souvenirs, snacks, and cold drinks.

Best Places to Dine in Nashville

Restaurants in Nashville

  • Etch
  • Taco Mamacita
  • The Catbird Seat
  • Monell's
  • The Loveless Cafe
  • Darfons Restaurant & Lounge

There are dozens of world-famous chefs working in the kitchens at Nashville's top-rated eateries like The Cupcake Collection, Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina, and the exclusive The Chef and I on Ninth. However, two must-not-miss restaurants include the historic Husk and The Stillery.

The Stillery has two locations in town and serves up fresh food for lunch and dinner alongside signature cocktails and local craft beers. It specializes in comfort food like juicy burgers and brick oven-fired pizzas, and the homemade desserts deserve all the accolades locals give them.

Husk Restaurant was built along a steep hillside in the early 1880s and once served as the city mayor's home. This lovingly maintained establishment is all about representing Southern-style cooking. In fact, if it isn't Southern, it's not on the menu. Classes from the chef on seed-saving, pickling, charcuterie, and more are offered at various times.

Arts & Culture in Nashville

From historical museums and art exhibits to dance arenas and theater troupes, arts and culture go beyond the vibrant music scene in Nashville. Take a peek at these places to experience the culture of the region, easily making the list of the best things to do in Middle Tennessee as a whole.

Fascinating Nashville Museums

Museums in Nashville

  • The Parthenon
  • Tennessee State Museum
  • Frist Art Museum
  • The Johnny Cash Museum & Cafe
  • Lane Motor Museum
  • Adventure Science Center

The Tennessee State Museum is a treat for visitors of all ages. In addition to a series of temporary collections, there are numerous permanent exhibitions. Accessed through the multi-layered Tennessee Time Tunnel exhibit, the Natural History wing is filled with near-perfect specimens. Check the museum's website for a full list of what one can see or do at the Tennessee State Museum.

Nashville's Country Music Hall of Fame is one of the state's most visited museums. Along with its massive archive of recordings, printed materials, and photographs browsable online, visitors are treated to the Hall of Fame Rotunda and a vast collection of multi-layered displays. Thousands of objects, including stage costumes, instruments, and other items—even cars—documenting country music's rich history combine with original recordings, interactive touchscreens, and more to create a truly immersive experience.

Nashville's Dance & Theater Scene

Performing Arts in Nashville

  • Tennessee Performing Arts Center
  • James K. Polk Theater
  • Nashville Children's Theatre
  • Darkhorse Theatre
  • Looby Center Theater

Spectators can attend Broadway productions,world-premiere theater performances, and various special engagements at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center in downtown Nashville. The center is home to several resident artistic companies, including the Nashville Opera, Nashville Ballet, and Nashville Repertory Theatre. This is also the perfect place to watch musicals geared towards kids, making it a fun activity for the whole family.

The Nashville Children's Theatre is the oldest continually operating professional theatre company for kids in America. Youngsters can learn the trade, create sets, and hone their acting and dance skills with professional instructors in a supportive environment.

Nashville is a vibrant city thriving with creativity. The arts and culture scene here is just as approachable and diverse as the music scene, so see what awaits around Nashville's new construction and historic real estate.

Nashville's Lively Nightlife

Bars, Clubs, and Music in Nashville

  • Second Fiddle
  • Tootsies Orchid Lounge
  • Layla's Honky Tonk
  • The Stage on Broadway
  • Whiskey Bent Saloon
  • Bourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar

Since 1919, locals and visitors have stopped at the historic Bootleggers Inn for daily live music, dancing, and craft cocktails and beers. Situated in downtown Nashville, this nightlife staple never charges a cover fee to enjoy the show.

The Second Fiddle is a popular honky-tonk where great music, good friends, and food come together. The walls are lined with antique memorabilia and artifacts that speak of everything Nashville represents: music legends and cold brews. Seven days a week, folks head here for local and regional live concerts.

Feel the Beat in Nashville, TN

As one of the best places to live in the U.S., Nashville offers residents plenty of things to do in and around town. From shopping, nature watching, boating, or catching a live show or game, it's all available in this Tennessee treasure. Keep an eye out for listings in Nashville's best neighborhoods to live in the heart of the action.

If the opportunities of Nashville excite you, contact The Ashton Real Estate Group of RE/MAX Advantage with Nashville's MLS at (615) 603-3602 to get in touch with local real estate agents who can help find the perfect Nashville home for you today.

Read Our Things to Do Guides For Each City Below

 

Gary Ashton

The Ashton Real Estate Group of RE/MAX Advantage

The #1 RE/MAX team in the World!

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