Nashville, known as Music City, is celebrated for its trademark arts community and vibrant culinary scene. With murals, museums, green spaces, and local eateries decorating every nook of this diverse town, visitors are presented with myriad options for the best things to do in Nashville.
Travelers seeking street art, opportunities to take in live music, an adventure for the tastebuds, or just a nice shady spot to bask in Tennessee’s natural beauty, read on! Here are some of the finest neighborhoods and parks Nashville offers and some of the best things to do there.
Nashville’s Best Parks
Centennial Park
This 132-acre park in Midtown is included on the National Register of Historic Places. The main draws of Centennial Park include Lake Watauga and Nashville’s Parthenon. The Parthenon Museum features multiple galleries showcasing revolving art exhibitions, architecture, park history tours, and a Symposia, which hosts free lectures on art history and ancient civilizations. Visitors to the park will also enjoy a 1-mile walking trail, sunken garden, sand volleyball courts, and the signature Musician’s Corner event.
- Address: 2500 West End Ave, Nashville, TN
- Hours: Dawn to 11 PM daily
Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park
Situated on 11 acres near the Tennessee State Capitol, this park was designed as a lasting monument to Tennessee’s Bicentennial Celebration on June 1, 1996. Testimonials to the state’s history are present throughout the park, with notable attractions including a World War II Memorial, a 95-Bell Carillon celebrating the city’s musical heritage, and the Rivers of Tennessee Fountains displaying educational inscriptions about the state’s 31 major waterways. Stroll along the Walkway of Counties to take in 11 different planters representing native flora from each region of Tennessee, or enjoy the park’s many program and event offerings, such as; Food Truck Fridays, ranger-led interpretive programs, and workshops on kayaking, climbing, wilderness first aid, and more.
- Address: 600 James Robertson Parkway, Nashville, TN
- Visitor Center Hours: 8 AM- 4:30 PM, Monday to Friday
Cumberland Park
Nestled along Nashville’s riverfront, this 6.5-acre park offers play structures, water features for children and families to enjoy, and an outdoor amphitheater hosting various public events. In addition, young visitors to the park can explore sandboxes, a bouncing pad, a green maze, a climbing wall, see-saws, and a “cloud bridge” complete with an interactive splash pad.
- Address: 592 South First Street, Nashville, TN
- Hours: Dawn- 11 PM Daily
Cheekwood Estate & Gardens
Cheekwood Estate’s 55 acres boast 13 distinct botanical gardens, an arboretum, and the Cheek Mansion, an American Country Place Era museum. Highlights from this stunning property include the Bradford Robertson Color Garden, the Herb Study Garden, the Belvins Japanese Garden, and the Robinson Family Water Garden. Of course, no visit to Cheekwood would be complete without a tour of the 1.5-mile Ann & Monroe Carell Jr. Family Sculpture Trail, featuring ten works along a woodland path designed to compliment Cheekwood Estate’s natural setting. Thursday Night Out, a weekly event from May through October, offers musical performances, food and spirits, and wellness classes. For other exciting seasonal event offerings, check out the Cheekwood in Bloom Festival with a beer garden, live music, an art hunt, and Holi Celebration, the Under the Stars summer concert series, or Holiday Lights, a winter festival featuring a lit-up 1-mile walking path, s’mores, and a 20-foot poinsettia tree.
- Address: 1200 Forrest Park Drive, Nashville, TN
- Hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 9 AM- 5 PM, Closed Monday
Radnor Lake State Park
This protected Class II Natural Area encompasses 1,368 acres of forest land. With 7.75 miles of hiking trails, there are many opportunities for nature photography and wildlife viewing. Visitors may see owls, herons, amphibians, reptiles, mink, and otters. Radnor Lake State Park is also home to impressive fauna, including wildflowers, mosses, and ferns. Events include sunrise interpretive canoe floats, wildflower walks, and guided astronomy night hikes.
- Address:1160 Otter Creek Road, Nashville, TN
- Hours: 6 AM- 20 Minutes After Sunset
Explore These Quirky Nashville Neighborhoods
SoBro
SoBro (South of Broadway) is a former warehouse district turned hip Nashville neighborhood near downtown. Known for its lively arts scene, SoBro is a must for visitors to Music City.
What to do in SoBro:
- Stop by the Country Music Hall of Fame and take in staple exhibitions highlighting everything from modern developments in country music to the history of Los Angeles country rock. Public programming at the Country Music Hall of Fame includes live music performances, interviews, and panel discussions.
- Catch a Nashville Predators game or live music event at Bridgestone Arena.
- See a concert at the Ascend Amphitheater.
Where to eat in SoBro:
- The Stillery: Serving up mason jar cocktails, brick-fired pizza, local beers, and live music, this is a great place to enjoy southern comfort foods in a casual, lively atmosphere.
- Address: 113 2nd Ave N, Nashville, TN
- Hours: Sunday to Thursday: 11 AM- 10 PM, Friday & Saturday: 11 AM- 11 PM
- Cost: $$
- Etch: This restaurant features an eclectic, globally-inspired menu carefully crafted by award-winning chef Deb Paquette. Diners at Etch can expect bright flavors, layered dishes, and an adventure for the senses.
- Address: 303 Demonbruen St, Nashville, TN
- Hours: Monday to Thursday: 11 AM- 2 PM, 4:30 PM- 10 PM, Friday: 11 AM- 2 PM, 4:30 PM- 10:30 PM, Saturday: 4:30 PM- 10:30 PM, Closed Sunday
- Cost: $$$
Germantown
The walkable Germantown neighborhood entices travelers to Nashville with its victorian-style architecture and brick sidewalks. The area is named after the German immigrants who populated its streets after moving to Nashville to help construct government buildings after the city’s designation as Tennessee’s capital in 1843.
What to do in Germantown:
- Take a trip to the Nashville Farmers Market! The market is open year-round, encompassing two covered farm sheds teeming with fresh, local produce, a massive 24,000-square-foot garden center, and an international food hall featuring over 20 vendors.
- Adjacent to the Nashville Farmers Market, a cruise around Germantown should include a stop at the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park. The park highlights include Tennessee state history monuments, like the 95-Bell Carillon, Rivers of Tennessee Fountain, and Walkway of Counties.
- The Nashville Oktoberfest is an annual staple of the Germantown neighborhood. Festival-goers will be treated to pints from local breweries, food vendors, live music, a Dachshund Derby, and a brat-eating contest.
Where to eat in Germantown:
- Monell’s: Prepare for a feast! Monell’s serves up southern classics family style from a daily revolving menu. With each meal (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) featuring staple skillet fried chicken, there’s no way diners will be leaving this place hungry.
- Address: 1235 6th Ave, North Nashville, TN
- Hours: Monday: 8 AM- 3 PM, Tuesday to Saturday: 8 AM-3 PM, 5 PM- 8:30 PM, Sunday: 8 AM- 4 PM
- Cost: $$
- Henrietta Red: This woman-owned and operated oyster bar presents a variety of oysters, vegetable-forward dishes, natural wines, and craft cocktails. A daily oyster and cava happy hour lures guests into this powerhouse restaurant featured in Bon Appétit and GQ.
- Address: 1200 4th Ave N, Nashville, TN
- Hours: Tuesday to Friday: 5 PM- 10 PM, Saturday: 10 AM- 2 PM, 5 PM- 10 PM, Sunday: 10 AM- 2 PM, 5 PM- 9 PM, Closed Monday
- Cost: $$$
12 South
This quaint residential neighborhood to the south of Nashville is known for its boutique shopping and abundance of photo-shoot-ready murals scattered throughout.
What to do in 12 South:
- Indulge in some retail therapy! Imogene + Willie is a local staple boutique store specializing in high-quality denim. Shops like MODA Boutique and Draper James feature trendy women’s clothing, and Amelia’s Flower Truck is a roaming floral supplier often spotted in the 12 South neighborhood.
- Take a self-guided art walk around 12 South to find famous local murals such as I Believe in Nashville, Looking Pretty Music City, and Nashville Looks Good on You.
Where to eat in 12 South:
- The Butter Milk Ranch: This small-batch bakery, open for breakfast and lunch, offers counter and table service. With various delectable croissant options, whipped ricotta honey toast, and brown butter beignets, there’s no better place to spend a morning in Nashville.
- Address: 2407 12 Ave S, Nashville, TN
- Hours: Wednesday to Sunday: 8 AM- 4 PM, Closed Monday & Tuesday
- Cost: $$
- Locust: This small fine-dining establishment keeps tables available by reservation only. The menu changes daily and features innovative dishes focusing on seafood and wine.
- Address: 2305 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN
- Hours: Friday to Sunday: 12 PM, 2 PM, 5 PM- 8:30 PM, Closed Monday to Thursday
- Cost: $$$
Belmont/ Hillsboro
This relaxed Nashville neighborhood near Belmont University and Vanderbilt University allows visitors to explore cafes, eateries, and bohemian clothing shops.
What to do in Belmont/ Hillsboro
- The Belcourt Theater is a historic non-profit film center deeply rooted in the Belmont/ Hillsboro community. The theater aims to provide education and enrichment by showcasing the best of documentary, independent, world repertory, and classic cinema. It hosts the annual Oscar Best Picture Marathons, BANFF Film Festival, and Beloved: A Spotlight Series on Black Female Directors.
- The Gallery of Iconic Guitars (GIG) is located on the Belmont University campus and is home to some of history’s most rare and iconic stringed instruments. Exhibits include The Evolution of the Mandolin, Acoustic Guitar Body Styles, and Maker Exhibits.
Where to eat in Belmont/ Hillsboro
- Nicoletto’s Italian Kitchen: Specializing in traditional bronze-cut pasta made from scratch, the brothers behind this restaurant promise diners will enjoy the best pasta bowl they’ve ever had, every time. Nicoletto’s offers dine-in seating or dried pasta and homemade sauces for purchase on the go.
- Address: 2123 Belcourt Ave, Nashville, TN
- Hours: 11 AM to 10 PM Daily
- Cost: $$
- The Grilled Cheeserie: This joint offers a fine-dining spin on the classic comfort food. The restaurant uses seasonally inspired ingredients and prioritizes a commitment to sustainability by using responsibly sourced products and compostable packaging materials. The Grilled Cheeserie is a culinary stop for the whole family to enjoy.
- Address: 2003 Belcourt Ave, Nashville, TN
- Hours: 11 AM- 9 PM Daily
- Cost: $
Whether visitors come to enjoy green spaces, the local arts scene, or the city’s culinary delights, Nashville offers something for everyone to enjoy!