Known as “Music City,” Nashville, Tennessee is a vibrant destination filled with rhythm, history, culture and southern hospitality. While it’s famous for country music, the city offers far more than just honky-tonks and guitar strings. From historic landmarks to family-friendly fun, scenic parks and rich cultural experiences, you’ll find no shortage of things to do in Nashville, Tennessee. Whether you’re searching for “things to do near me” while visiting or planning a weekend getaway, this guide highlights the best attractions for every kind of traveler.

Things to Do in Nashville, Tennessee

🎩 Historic Attractions

Explore the city’s deep-rooted heritage with these iconic historic things to do in Nashville, Tennessee:

• The Parthenon in Centennial Park: A full-scale replica of the Athenian original, it’s a striking symbol of Nashville’s nickname, the “Athens of the South.”
• Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery: A beautifully preserved antebellum estate that offers guided tours, wine tastings, and Civil War history.
• The Hermitage – Home of President Andrew Jackson: Walk through the home and gardens of America’s 7th President and learn about early American politics and life.
• Ryman Auditorium: The original Grand Ole Opry venue—often called the “Mother Church of Country Music.”

🎶 Cultural Experiences

For those craving a dose of local art, music, and creativity, these things to do in Nashville deliver unforgettable cultural immersion:

• Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum: One of the world’s largest music museums—don’t miss Elvis Presley’s gold Cadillac!
• Johnny Cash Museum: Dedicated to the life and legacy of “The Man in Black.”
• Frist Art Museum: Set inside a beautiful Art Deco building, this museum hosts rotating visual art exhibits from around the globe.
• Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum: Showcasing instrumentalists behind history’s most iconic hits.
• Live Music on Broadway: From Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge to The Stage, there’s no shortage of live performances every day and night.

🌿 Nature and Wildlife Attractions

If you’re searching for “things to do near me” that involve nature and wildlife in Nashville, Tennessee, these spots offer a peaceful escape from the urban buzz:

• Radnor Lake State Park: Ideal for hiking, birdwatching, and spotting deer and otters in their natural habitat.
• Cheekwood Estate & Gardens: A stunning 55-acre botanical garden and art museum with seasonal displays and walking trails.
• Cumberland Park: A family-friendly green space along the river with interactive water features and scenic views.
• Nashville Zoo at Grassmere: Home to over 300 species, this is a must-visit for animal lovers.

🏞️ Beaches and Outdoor Activities

While Nashville isn’t a coastal city, there are plenty of outdoor and water-based things to do nearby:

• Percy Priest Lake: Just a short drive from downtown, this lake is perfect for boating, fishing, swimming, and camping.
• Shelby Bottoms Greenway and Nature Park: A lush urban park offering biking trails, wildlife viewing, and riverfront views.
• Pinewood Social: A trendy hangout featuring outdoor pools, bocce courts, and a retro bowling alley—perfect for warm-weather fun.
• Old Hickory Lake: Another great option for kayaking, paddleboarding, and picnicking.

👨‍👩‍👧 Family-Friendly Attractions

Traveling with kids? Here are some of the top family-friendly things to do in Nashville, Tennessee:

• Adventure Science Center: Interactive exhibits focused on astronomy, biology, and physics—plus a planetarium.
• Nashville Children’s Theatre: One of the country’s oldest children’s theaters with year-round family programming.
• SoundWaves at Gaylord Opryland Resort: An upscale indoor/outdoor water attraction with lazy rivers, slides, and a wave simulator.
• Lane Motor Museum: Home to one of the most unique collections of rare and vintage cars and motorcycles in the U.S.

🔍 Suggestions and Local Tips

• Best Time to Visit: Spring (April–May) and Fall (September–October) for mild weather and festivals.
• Food to Try: Hot chicken, barbecue, meat & three, and Goo Goo Clusters.
• Hidden Gems: The Listening Room Café (more intimate than Broadway), The Gulch neighborhood (for trendy shopping and murals), and the historic Printer’s Alley.
• Local Events: CMA Fest, Nashville Film Festival, and Music City Food + Wine Festival.

✅ Final Thoughts

From toe-tapping live shows and Southern comfort food to historical landmarks and lush parks, Nashville, Tennessee offers a diverse mix of activities for all ages and interests. Whether you’re planning a weekend escape, family vacation, or solo trip, you’ll never run out of things to do in Nashville. And if you’re already in town wondering about “things to do near me”, this guide is the perfect starting point to discover what makes Music City truly special.