Day Trips from Nashville. Excursions, Nearby Cities, Tours

Nearby Destinations

Franklin, Tennessee (Approximately 30-45 minutes south of Nashville): A beautifully preserved historic town, renowned for its charming Victorian Main Street, filled with boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants.

The most direct way to reach Franklin is using driving (rental car or ride-share). Organized tours setting off from Nashville often include Franklin.

Franklin Highlights

Stroll down Main Street, visit boutiques and galleries.
Explore Civil War sites like Carnton and the Carter House.
Enjoy various festivals throughout the year.
Allocate a half to full day.

Natural & Cultural Journeys

Explore Tennessee's varied landscapes plus important historical sites just beyond Nashville.

Natural Wonders

Tennessee's diverse landscape provides numerous natural attractions for outdoor excursions.

Top Natural Spots

Fall Creek Falls State Park: See one of the highest free-fall waterfalls in the eastern U.S.
Enjoy various hiking trails ranging in difficulty.
Mammoth Cave national park National Park, Kentucky: World's longest known cave system.

Historical Insights

Go back in time and explore significant sites of historical and cultural interest.

Cultural Landmarks

The Hermitage, Home of Andrew Jackson: Look into 19th-century Southern life.
Reach by rental car or ride-share.
Rural Villages: Picturesque pastoral landscapes and working farms.

Beyond Nashville's Immediate Area

Quaint Villages

Leiper's Fork: Quaint, rural village, independent art, antique shops.
Leiper's Fork Distillery tours.
Live performances and food at Puckett's Grocery & Restaurant.
Lynchburg: Home of Jack Daniel's Distillery (a dry county).

Further City Journeys

Chattanooga: Known for breathtaking natural scenery and outdoor activities.
Explore Lookout Mountain (Rock City Gardens, Ruby Falls, Incline Railway).
Visit the Tennessee Aquarium.
Cross the pedestrian-only Walnut Street Bridge.

Jack Daniel's Distillery Visit

Location:Lynchburg, TN (1.5 a few hours south of Nashville)
Overview:Small, dry county, famous as the home of Jack Daniel's Distillery.
Transportation:Rental car or organized bus tours from Nashville.
Time Needed:Half to full day.

Highlights:Jack Daniel's Distillery tour (includes history, production, tasting for 21+).
Local Note:No alcohol sales outside the distillery itself in Lynchburg.
Booking:Consider booking tours in advance.
Experience:A pilgrimage site for whiskey enthusiasts.

Plan Your Day Trips

Discover and book a variety of excursions from Nashville. Explore nearby small communities or natural attractions with ease. For a large variety of day trips and tours, visit GetYourGuide.

Multi-Day Extensions

For travelers with more time, make your trip longer to explore other regional destinations that integrate well with a Nashville visit.

Memphis, Tennessee

A an urban area with a deep music heritage: blues, soul, and rock music and roll. Home to Graceland and Beale Street.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Stunning mountain scenery, hiking, wildlife viewing. Nearby Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge offer attractions.

Atlanta, Georgia

A major Southern city having different attractions: World of Coca-Cola, Georgia Aquarium.

Extension Options

Consider adding 1-3 days to your itinerary.

Beyond Nashville

Memphis: Approximately 3-hour drive. Easily accessible via I-40.
Great Smoky Mountains: Approx. 3.5-4 hour drive.
Atlanta: Approx. 4-hour drive. Also accessible by bus or direct flights.

Logical Connections

Integrate Nashville into broader regional travel.

Travel Links

Music Trail: Connect Nashville to Memphis for a blues and rock and roll journey.
Southern Charm: Nashville to Franklin, Chattanooga, then Atlanta for history and charm.
Coastal Gems: From Atlanta, reach to Charleston or Savannah.

Suggested Longer Routes

Southern Music & Culture LoopNashville > Memphis > Nola

Appalachian Foothills & HistoryNashville > Great Smoky Mountains > East TN/WNC

River City ExplorationNashville > Chattanooga > Knoxville

Deep South TrailNashville > Atlanta > Savannah

Scenic Blue Ridge JourneyNashville > Asheville > Charlotte

Heartland Heritage DriveNashville > Louisville > Cincinnati

Broaden Your Southern Exploration

These extensions allow a recognition of the broader Southern U.S. Region.
Experience interconnected cultural landscapes across multiple states.
Combine musical history with natural beauty and historical depth.
Discover unique regional flavors and local charm.
Plan flights, buses, or rental transport for efficient multi-city travel.

Tailored Adventures

Customize your journey with unique outings from Nashville, designed to fit specific interests.

Bespoke Tours

Culinary Quests

Discover Nashville's fiery culinary scene with specialized hot chicken tasting tours.

Music Heritage Walks

Join guided walks in legendary recording studios and iconic performance sites.

Craft Beverage Trails

Explore the growing craft beer and spirits environment with tours of local breweries and distilleries.

Diverse Excursion Ideas

Explore historic churches and Civil War battlefields for a glimpse into the past.
Visit beautifully preserved plantation homes and learn about 19th-century life.
Discover charming villages outside the city with their own deep histories.
Learn about pioneering and frontier life in less-traveled rural areas.
Follow scenic byways like the Natchez Trace Parkway for charming views.
Find hidden waterfalls and natural swimming holes for an escape that refreshes you.

Planning Considerations

For many excursions, a rental car provides the most flexibility and independence.
For well-liked excursions or attractions, purchasing tickets in advance saves time and secures your spot.
Consider local guides for special insights into the area's history, culture, plus secret places.
Pack appropriate clothing and footwear for outdoor activities or historical walks.
Always check opening hours and availability by season for specific destinations.
Don't forget to include travel time between Nashville and your chosen day trip locations.

Further Exploration

Scenic Drives

Drive through undulating hills and farmlands for a glimpse of country Tennessee's beauty.

Photography Spots

Seek out picturesque locations perfect for capturing memories and unique landscapes.

Local Flavors

Stop at roadside stands or small-town eateries for authentic Southern cuisine.

Enhance Your Journey

Local guides offer special insights and a experience of Middle Tennessee's treasures, causing your day trip more meaningful.

Day Trips from Nashville