Nashville is located in central Tennessee, about 200 miles east of Memphis and 250 miles west of Knoxville. It's the state capital and is known as a home of country music, but that's just the beginning. From outdoor adventures and parks to museums and incredible food, this city offers more than most people expect.
In this guide, you'll find the best attraction sites and top things to do in Nashville that make it such a fun and memorable place to visit or even call home.
Here's what to check out:
The Country Music Hall of Fame is one of the most talked-about music museums in the world. You’ll find it in the heart of downtown Nashville, surrounded by restaurants, hotels, and other music attractions. Inside, the exhibits tell the whole story of country music, from its roots to today's biggest stars.
You'll see guitars, stage outfits, handwritten lyrics, and even tour buses. Interactive displays let you listen to songs, watch old performances, and even try your hand at mixing music. It's a deep, fun dive into the history and soul of country music.
Centennial Park offers a peaceful spot in the middle of the city, perfect for relaxing or taking a walk. Located west of downtown, the park is known for its full-size replica of the Parthenon from ancient Greece. The structure was built for the 1897 Tennessee Centennial Exposition and now houses an art museum.
Outside, you'll find shady walking paths, gardens, and a small lake. It's an excellent place for a picnic or a peaceful afternoon away from the city crowds. Locals come here to jog, play frisbee, and take family photos.
Inside the Parthenon, you can view a giant statue of Athena and explore rotating art exhibits. It's both relaxing and inspiring.
The Nashville Zoo is a top spot for families and animal lovers. Located about six miles southeast of downtown, it's home to more than 3,000 animals across a beautifully designed, spacious layout with shaded paths and play areas.
You'll see everything from giraffes and red pandas to kangaroos and clouded leopards. For kids, there's a jungle gym, a zip line, and a petting zoo that adds to the fun.
The best time to visit is early in the day when the animals are most active. The zoo combines fun and education in a way that keeps visitors of all ages interested and entertained.
Belle Meade offers a glimpse into Tennessee's past through a beautifully preserved 19th-century mansion. Just 20 minutes southwest of downtown Nashville, the estate was once famous for breeding champion racehorses. Today, it serves as both a historic site and a working winery.
The guided tour shares stories from the Civil War era, highlighting the lives of the families who lived there and the enslaved people who built and maintained the property.
After the tour, you can sample local wines and explore the scenic grounds. It's a thoughtful blend of history and hospitality.
If you love nature, Radnor Lake State Park offers a peaceful escape. It's located about 20 minutes from downtown and feels like a whole different world. The park features wooded trails, a scenic lake, and lots of local wildlife.
You can hike, take photos, or simply sit and watch for deer, birds, and turtles. Some trails are flat and easy, while others are more challenging.
Radnor Lake State Park is one of the best places to visit in Nashville if you love the outdoors.
Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park sits just north of downtown Nashville. It was built to honour Tennessee's history and offers a peaceful place to walk, relax or explore.
You'll find a huge granite map of the state, a World War II memorial, and a 95-bell carillon that rings out across the grounds. The open space and walking paths make it easy to enjoy, whether you're there to learn or just get some fresh air.
This park is free to visit, easy to reach, and offers a calm setting with a deep connection to Tennessee's past.
Cheekwood is a stunning estate that features botanical gardens, art exhibits, and a range of seasonal events. Originally a private mansion, it's now one of Nashville's most elegant attractions.
The gardens change throughout the year, with tulips in spring and festive lights in winter. The art museum inside the mansion hosts exhibits that rotate regularly. Families often come for the pumpkin patch or holiday lights.
Nature lovers and art fans will both appreciate the visit. You'll want to take your time walking the trails and taking in the views.
This is a hands-on museum made especially for curious minds. It's located just outside downtown Nashville and focuses on science, health, space, and innovation.
Inside, you'll find a planetarium, climbing towers, and interactive exhibits for all ages. Kids can explore topics such as energy, weather, and human anatomy through engaging games and interactive displays. It's also a nice indoor option on rainy or hot days.
The Adventure Science Center is both educational and entertaining.
This museum is just a short walk from Broadway, and it celebrates the life and legacy of Johnny Cash in a way that's both emotional and educational. You'll find it packed with personal items, photos, and music history.
Inside, you'll see handwritten letters, stage clothes, and even the Grammy awards he won. You can listen to songs, watch interviews, and follow his journey from humble beginnings to global fame. It's a small space but full of detail.
This spot is great for casual visitors and superfans alike. It doesn't take long to go through, but it leaves a lasting impression.
After exploring all the top attractions, you might find yourself wondering, what would it be like actually to live here? Nashville isn't just a great place to visit. It's a welcoming, fast-growing city with a high quality of life and a cost of living that is more manageable than in many other major cities.
If you're considering making the move, planning ahead is crucial. One of the best ways to make the process easier is by working with moving companies in Nashville.
A local mover knows the layout of different neighborhoods, parking rules, and which buildings have loading zones or tricky stairwells. They're also more flexible with timing and can better handle last-minute changes.
Some even offer extra services like temporary storage, which can be helpful if your new home isn't move-in ready. Just make sure you get quotes from a few companies and check recent reviews so that you can find the most reputable moving service provider in the region.
Whether you're planning a weekend trip or thinking about a more permanent move, Nashville offers something truly special. Its mix of culture, music, nature, and history makes it one of the most dynamic and livable cities in the South.
If you're ready to take the next step, the proper planning and the right local help can make your move to Nashville a smooth one.
