Outdoor Nashville Activities

Outdoor Nashville has more than you can imagine. Offering miles of trails, epic parks, beautiful lakeside spots and festivals year ‘round, Nashville is read for you to throw off your boots and pop on your hiking shoes. Whether you’re in search of outdoor music, waterfront paths or ones that fling you directly into the path of the unknown – it’s here. This special southern city has more than its fair share of green spaces and is always open for business. We’re here, we’re open and we’re ready to help you experience the outside life.

Find Your Park

Greenways and trails, waterways and vistas – this is where you’ll find those moments of mindfulness. Check out the local maps, ask a friendly barista or see what the guides at the local attractions have to say about their favorites and you might just find yours. Whether you wile away summer hours with a game of frisbee or a relaxing picnic, take in some time by the lake or bring your four-legged friend for his daily outing, Nashville’s parks are ready and waiting for your arrival.

• The Warner Parks
• Public Square Park
• Centennial Park (Parthenon)
• Radnor Lake
• Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park
• Dragon Park
• Cumberland Park
• Music City Walk of Fame Park
• Shelby Bottoms Park
• 
Riverfront Park

Hit the Trails

There are many paths to take in life; if you can, make sure some of them are dirt. Some of those best paths or trails can be found within the surrounds of the city, at the nearby parks and lakes of this major music city. Whether it’s your first time or fiftieth, you’re sure to know that time spent on the trails is never wasted. Grab your hiking shoes, water, sunscreen and hat and you’re on your way to an adventure you’ll be sure to remember.

• Natchez Trace Parkway/Old Natchez Trace Trail
• Percy Warner Park
• Edwin Warner Park
• Radnor Lake
• Shelby Bottoms Park

Play the Links

By night you’re a country line dancer and country crooner, but by day, you find your happy on the greens. Nashville has something for visitors of all sorts and if it’s golf courses you want,screen and hats in hand and get out there to hit those birdies and sink those putts – your day on the course awaits.

• Hermitage Golf Course
• Gaylord Springs Golf Links

Explore Your Inner Foodie and Culture Guru

Your stomach reminds you you’re in search of organic delights. Perhaps you couple an afternoon at the Farmers’ Market with a learning expedition at the botanical gardens. Maybe you spend a Saturday at the vineyards and a Sunday at The Hermitage or getting your history on at Belle Meade Plantation. Perhaps you’re in for tour of the city or a tour of the breweries around town. Put on your best outfit and get ready to chow down on food, drink and culture galore.

• Arrington Vineyards
• Cheekwood Botanical Garden and Museum of Art
• Nashville’s Farmers’ Market
• Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage
• Belle Meade Plantation
• Historic Travellers Rest Plantation
• Old Town Trolley Tours

Catch a Wave

Summers in the south can be more than a bit warm. If you want to cool off, head towards the water. Grab a paddle board, rent a kayak, book a spot on a paddleboat, hit the rides at the water parks or wander next to the river with an ice cold sweet tea in hand and you’re on your way to cooler hours. Whether you’re spending time getting a lesson on a board, having a barbecue by the shore, or as the water works its mindful magic, the breeze is bound to lift your spirits.

• Percy Priest
• Old Hickory Lake
• Harpeth River
• River Queen Voyages (kayak rental)
• Nashville Flyboard
• Nashville Paddle Company
• Paddle Up Nashville (SUP)
• Center Hill Lakes
• General Jackson Showboat
• Nashville Shores (water park)
• Wave Country (water park)

Get Your Music On

You’re in Nashville, you love music and you want to spend the day with thousands of your nearest and dearest celebrating the joys of sound – you’ve come to the right spot. Home to a variety of festivals, music is still the one that reigns supreme. Check out a local calendar of events to see which festival will be in town at the time of your visit. Book your tickets, bring your blankets and listen to the magic of surround-sound happy.

• Live on the Green
• The Americana Music Festival
• Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival
• Southern Ground
• The Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival

Adventure Is Out There

You came for the music but adventure is truly the core portion of your being so what do you do? Perhaps you’ll spend your morning on a bike tour and your afternoon jamming to some tunes at Tootsie’s. Maybe you’ll take a walking tour of the city, zip across town and then play with the animals at the petting zoo. However you choose to soar around town, Nashville has a method for your madness.

• Music City Walk of Fame
• General Jackson Showboat
• Walking Tours – Echoes of Nashville
• Bike Tours: Green Fleet Bicycle Tours
• Nashville Zoo at Grassmere
• Lucky Ladd Farms (petting zoo)
• Grand Old Golf & Go Karts
• Cumberland Caverns
• Treetop Adventure Park
• Adventureworks/Music City Ziplines at Fontanel
• SOAR Adventure Tower