Nashville offers a unique blend of urban and rural experiences. Known for its significant contributions to the music industry, it also provides a welcoming atmosphere. Located along the Cumberland River, its skyline is accented by rolling green hills. As a major tourist spot, it attracts visitors interested in its rich cultural and historical offerings. The city is home to notable museums, sports teams, and diverse dining and entertainment options. Areas like the Gulch and the District highlight Nashville’s mix of modernity and tradition. With numerous points of interest, there’s always something to engage every visitor. Discover the highlights of Nashville and enjoy an adventure-filled trip with your loved ones.
Discover the highlights of Nashville by Land and Water
For newcomers and long-time residents alike, exploring Nashville through guided tours or scenic cruises provides a unique perspective of the city. Sharing these experiences as a group enhances the enjoyment.
City Explorer Trolley
For families looking to discover the charm of Nashville, the City Explorer Trolley offers an excellent opportunity. This enjoyable ride takes you through the city’s highlights while a lively guide shares captivating stories about both well-known landmarks and hidden treasures. The trolley is perfect for group sightseeing, allowing everyone to enjoy Nashville’s attractions together. With the convenience of 15 designated stops, you can easily hop on and off to visit your favourite spots with minimal effort.
COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME AND MUSEUM
Dive into the rich heritage of American music at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Established at its current Fifth Avenue South location in 2001, the museum showcases various artifacts and memorabilia, complemented by interactive exhibits to engage and educate visitors.
FRIST CENTER FOR THE VISUAL ARTS
Located in the historic Old Post Office on Broadway, the Frist Centre for the Visual Arts river features a dynamic array of rotating exhibits throughout the year. This premier art destination also includes the Martin Art Quest Gallery, an interactive area with 30 hands-on stations where children can create their own artworks.
TENNESSEE STATE MUSEUM
Explore the past at the Tennessee State Museum, which chronicles the history of Tennessee from the Paleolithic era to the 20th century. Situated in the James K. Polk Cultural Center, the museum highlights the Age of Jackson and the Civil War, featuring paintings, military artifacts, and local crafts.
NASHVILLE ZOO
Experience the wonders of the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere, home to numerous animal species from across the globe. The zoo also boasts a carousel, a large playground with slides, swings, and climbing nets, and a historic plantation house surrounded by beautiful gardens.
OUTDOOR FUN
Take the children to play in these outdoor green spaces while the adults discuss dinner plans.
RIVERFRONT PARK & CUMBERLAND PARK
Downtown Nashville’s Riverfront Park offers a playground, expansive green spaces, and the Ascend Amphitheater, hosting various musical performances year-round. Just a short walk across the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge lies Cumberland Park, featuring spray fountains, a climbing wall, and a butterfly garden.
CENTENNIAL PARK
Centennial Park is home to a full-scale replica of the Parthenon, complete with an impressive statue of Athena and art displays. The park also includes areas for ballgames, a duck pond, and a band shell that hosts a range of performances, from Shakespearean plays to children’s puppet shows. Various festivals with hands-on activities also take place here.
BICENTENNIAL MALL STATE PARK
Established in 1996, Bicentennial Mall State Park spans 19 acres and includes an outdoor museum. Its vast green space is perfect for games and picnics, and the amphitheater hosts numerous performances. The park is also a venue for many annual festivals, and kids love the fountains representing Tennessee’s waterways.
NASHVILLE SHORES & TREETOP ADVENTURE PARK
Nashville Shores is a water park featuring a sandy beach, lazy river, and multiple water slides. Families can swim, sunbathe, or enjoy thrilling rides. Adjacent Treetop Adventure Park offers over 100 obstacles, including ziplines, cargo nets, suspended bridges, and Tarzan swings, providing a unique bonding experience.
DOWN-HOME COOKIN’
Nashville offers a variety of dining options, including many restaurants serving “down-home cookin’.” Southern eateries often feature a “meat and three” menu, where diners choose one meat and three side dishes from a daily selection. Country kitchens like Puckett’s Grocery and Restaurant offer live music and Southern comfort food, including biscuits and gravy, fried chicken, and barbecue.
POP CULTURE
Fans of TV, movies, and music will enjoy visiting Nashville’s iconic locations. The John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge, built in 1909, appears in many country music videos. The Bluebird Café inspired the movie “This Thing Called Love” and the TV show “Nashville.” The historic Ryman Auditorium, former home of the Grand Ole Opry, and the Hermitage Hotel, featured in several movies and TV shows, are also must-see spots. RCA Studio B is where legends like Elvis Presley recorded numerous hits.
SPORTING EVENTS
Sports enthusiasts can cheer for local teams at various venues. The NFL’s Tennessee Titans and Tennessee State Tigers play at Nissan Stadium on the Cumberland River’s eastern shore. Hockey fans can catch the NHL’s Predators at the downtown Bridgestone Arena. Baseball fans can watch the Nashville Sounds, the Triple-A affiliate of the Oakland Athletics, at First Tennessee Park.
ANNUAL FESTIVALS
Nashville hosts numerous festivals and cultural events year-round. The city boasts one of the largest Independence Day fireworks displays in the nation and the annual Hot Chicken Festival celebrating Nashville’s signature dish. The State Fair features rides, games, and events for all ages. These festivals offer a variety of food, music, games, and activities for the whole family.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
While summers are hot and humid, spring and fall provide pleasant weather with warm days and cool evenings, so pack layers. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing. April through October is the peak tourist season, making the city busier. Regardless of when you visit, Nashville offers endless family fun. The Old Town Trolley provides convenient and safe travel between major attractions, allowing you to sightsee, learn about Nashville’s history, and make lasting memories. Nashville is known for its friendliness, so expect a warm welcome from locals.
With countless attractions and activities, Nashville is an ideal vacation spot for families of all ages and interests. Music City has something for everyone!
Nashville promises an adventure-filled trip for all. For an unforgettable stay, consider Stayhostfolio’s vacation rentals, offering comfort and convenience Discover the highlights of Nashville with us.
Read more about Nashville
