I’m going on my third summer in Nashville, and I’ll admit, while I’m not a huge summer fan, spending them here has drastically improved my outlook on the season.
I’ve grown to truly appreciate summer in Nashville. The long, sun-drenched days and warm nights are filled with live music , and so many ways to soak up the season!
Whether you’re paddling down the Cumberland River, catching an outdoor concert, or indulging in some of the city’s best seasonal eats, there’s so many ways to make the most of summer in Music City.
This bucket list is packed with the best must-do activities, from outdoor adventures to iconic Nashville experiences. So grab your shades, lather on the sunscreen, and get ready for a summer you won’t forget!
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1. Go On a Hike
Too many people visit Nashville for downtown and Broadway, and don’t realize how much epic nature Nashville offers! One of the best ways to spend a Summer day is by going on one of the many hikes near the city.
Close to the city and truly scenic, Radnor Lake State Park is one of the best parks around Nashville. My favorite trail here is the Radnor Lake Trail.
Less than 20 minutes from downtown, this park has multiple hiking trails to choose from around the lake, and in every one you’re practically guaranteed to see some form of wildlife. I don’t think I’ve ever been to Radnor where I haven’t seen a deer!
In addition to wildlife viewing, you get lake views, plenty of shade in the woods, and a peaceful vibe. It’s one of my go-tos due to its proximity to the city and sheer beauty.
The only downside to the park is that dogs are not allowed on the trails. However, there’s a bit of a way around this. Dogs are allowed on the Otter Creek Road portion of the park. You can go out with your pup for about a mile way one way before turning around. You’ll still get beautiful views of the lake!
One other con worth mentioning – parking here can be hectic, and you may even have to wait in line for a spot if you’re here during a peak time, so plan accoringly.
Another epic park system to visit here are the Warner Parks. I prefer Percy Warner Park a bit over Edwin Warner Park, but I’ve also been there quite a bit more, so perhaps I’m biased.
These parks are a bit over 20 minutes from downtown, and there are an abundance of trails to choose from here, varying from paved to hiking trails, a few miles to over 10 miles!
The Mossy Ridge Trail was I think the first trail I did when I moved to Nashville, and it holds a special place in my heart. However, it is a challenge! If you’re willing to brave this 5 mile trail, you’ll have plenty of time in the serene woods. If you’re wanting a bit of a shorter hike with similar vibes, check out the Warner Woods Loop.
Plus, it’s a dog friendly park with considerably more parking!
If you’re willing to drive a bit further, almost 40 minutes away from the city in Harpeth River State Park you’ll find The Narrows Bluff Trail.
This hike is short, less than a mile, but has big rewards! After a quick ascent up a hill, you’ll get amazing views of the river, and the surrounding valley.
If you’re wanting to do as many hikes in Nashville as you can this summer, check out my post on 11 hikes in the Nashville area! Or, if you’re willing to drive a bit further for better views, check out my post on 7 epic waterfalls within 2 hours of Nashville!
2. Float Down the Harpeth
Maybe hiking by the Harpeth River isn’t your style. Maybe, floating down it is! Floating down the Harpeth River is a great adventurous summer activity only about 35 minutes from downtown Nashville.
Sure, you can rent a kayak and canoe and do that instead if you’re wanting a bit faster paced adventure. But, for a relaxing (and cheaper) day on the water, opt for tubing down it.
Grab some friends (you’ll probably need two cars unless you’re wanting to walk miles – one for the starting location and one for the end), some hefty floats, and some drinks and float!
This activity is actually still on my own bucket list, but I found a great guide to all you need to know here.
3. Kayak Along the Cumberland
Cool off from the Nashville summer heat by kayaking down the Cumberland with epic views of downtown!
You can rent a kayak, paddle, and life jacket for an hour and a half and start your self guided tour along the river! From your boat, you can see iconic Nashville sites, like the Nissan Stadium, the batman building, the pedestrian bridge, Music Row, and more! While the pictures below weren’t taken on the river, expect to see sights like this!
Not only can you see these sites, you can also go wildlife viewing and see blue herons, turtles, and kingfishers! It’s a kayaking experience you really can’t get anywhere else with these views!
4. Enjoy the Plants at Cheekwood Gardens
Cheekwood Estate and Gardens is a Nashville classic. Cheekwood is a beautiful botanical garden and arboretum, and also houses a historic estate from the 1930s!
The gardens span 55 acres and has 13 distinct gardens, ranging from a rose garden to a herb garden to a Japanese garden! Truly, there are no lack of flowers, plants, and trees to discover here.
In addition to the gardens, the historic estate was finished with construction in 1932 and drew an inspiration from English manors. You can tour the inside of it!
The second story of the estate also serves as a museum, with both permanent and rotating exhibits. You can also find several sculptures along the trails in the gardens!
For adults to visit the gardens, it can range from $20 to $29 based on the type of ticket you purchase.
5. Listen to Live Music at Musician’s Corner
Nashville has no shortage of live music. Walking through downtown, especially Broadway, live music practically wafts out of the bars and establishment and fills the streets.
But, maybe you’re like me, and kind of want to avoid Broadway 99% of the time, and enjoy live music with a more relaxing and chill environment.
If that’s the case, Musician’s Corner is definitely a Nashville activity you’ll have to check out!
Musician’s Corner is a free event at Centennial Park that takes place on weekends in May and June, and also during September.
This epic festival has, of course, live free music from performers, food trucks, local artisans, and a great atmosphere. Even better, it’s dog friendly!
It’s a great place to grab a blanket or a lawn chair and enjoy the epic vibes on a summer night without the crowds and hectic atmosphere some places in Nashville tend to bring.
Another bonus to the free music is the beautiful park this takes place at!
Centennial Park is my favorite metro park in Nashville. There’s a massive paved loop with plenty of trees surrounding it, and a beautiful lake that houses many ducks.
The hard to miss highlight of the park is the full scale replica of the Parthenon in Athens, and a massive Athena statue and museum inside!
Fun fact – this was a filming location in Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief!
It’s also free to walk around the Parthenon and the park, but to enter the museum, it’s $10 for adults to enter.
6. Sip on a Drink at a Winery or Vineyard
What better place to enjoy a drink than at a historic mansion, or a sprawling vineyard?
Belle Meade is Nashville’s first and oldest winery, and sits on a beautiful property with a Greek revival style mansion from the 1800s and its gardens. There are also two tour options of the grounds unrelated to the winery – The Mansion Tour and The Journey to Jubilee Tour.
As far as alcohol goes, you can do a wine tasting, enjoy a bourbon experience, and even enjoy a food pairing!
For a more open and outdoors experience, visit Arrington Vineyards. There’s plenty of outdoor seating overlooking the vineyards to enjoy a bottle of wine and the views. You can even bring some food with you to make a picnic out of it.
You can do wine tastings here as well at their tasting bar, or enjoy a wine tasing flight instead.
7. Enjoy the Weather on a Dining Patio
Summer in Nashville equals patio season!
There are tons of restaurants and bars in Nashville with patios, and if I listed them all, this post would never end. So, I’ll give you some of my favorites – all dog friendly!
Von Elrod’s Beer Hall & Kitchen in Germantown has a patio structured like a beer hall, and has great beer, and even better pretzels! This may be a hot take, but I think their best menu is their brunch menu. Mimosa in a stein glass, need I say more?
Red Headed Stranger in East Nashville is an amazing taco shop, and so much more. Their patio has cute lights and cacti decor, and their food takes it to the next level. While their tacos are so good, I think the crunch wrap is still my favorite thing on the menu.
Little Hats Italian Market in Germantown is the cutest Italian market that makes the best sandwiches and pasta. Shop for cheese, meat, pasta, and more while you wait for your delicious meal to be ready. Honestly I’m surprised I’ve only been here once because it’s so delicious.
Edley’s BBQ in 12 South has such an adorable wooden patio. This barbeque restaurant serves up a mean BBQ sandwich with the classic sides, and the patio makes it that much better. BBQ and fresh air just go so well together. (PS – I don’t know if all of the locations have patios, so just quote me on this one)
Monday Night Brewing in Germantown has the coolest patio on this whole list, and maybe in Nashville, in my opinion. I know, a bold statement, but you just have to experience it for yourself. This brewery once was home to a factory, and they use the old building to house the brewery now!
Urban Cowboy Public House in East Nashville is a completely different hotel restaurant than you’d expect. Fit with live music, lanterns, plenty of open seating, and pizza, this place is perfect for a summer night. The vibes are something you’d expect to find more in Texas than Nashville, and it’s a great change of pace.
Sandbar near Sylvan Heights is solely a patio bar because it’s also a bunch of sand volleyball courts! These courts are surrounded by shipping containers that make up the bar, and you can enjoy a frozen coconut drink and pretend you’re at the beach.
Like I said, this list is by no means all inclusive. If there’s a restaurant you want to go to, a quick search should let you know if they have a patio to enjoy!
8. Enjoy a Movie Under the Stars
Sitting on a picnic blanket watching a movie in a park under the stars feels like such a classic way to spend a Nashville summer night!
There are two main options of doing this, and they have distinct differences that may make one appeal to you more than the other. Either way, sign me up!
The free option is Movies in the Park at Elmington park during Thursdays throughout June. I saw Shrek at one of their showings, and the vibes are immaculate.
There’s plenty of room to spread out your blanket, or even bring picnic chairs, and relax and enjoy the show. There are plenty of food trucks along the perimeter to grab some dinner before hand (or a snow cone from Retro Snow, it was amazing. My dog even got one).
The movies start at 8, but you can get there as early as 5 to set up your area, and enjoy the open field and summer air. This option is also dog friendly, and kid friendly! Adding to this, there is no alcohol sold or permitted.
Curated less for families and more for a young adult crowd, NightLight 615 is a 21+ movie night at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park’s amphitheater.
With a massive screen in the park on multiple dates starting in June, not only can you enjoy a PG-13 movie here, but food trucks, beer (that’s right, alcohol is allowed here), wine, and even a DJ for before the show starts!
The shows start at sundown, but you can snag your seat when the doors open at 7:30 PM. General admission tickets are $10.99, while day of tickets are $18.99.
9. Pet Animals at the Zoo
Enjoy a day in the Nashville sun petting animals at the Nashville Zoo!
The Nashville Zoo has tons of animals you can view. The zoo is also a conservatory, even helping saving species from extinction – almost 40 of the vulnerable clouded leopards have been born in the zoo!
While you can’t pet these leopards, some of the animals you can pet are goats, tortoises, and even kangaroos! The following are the four interactive areas in the zoo:
Critter Encounters is an opportunity to see plenty of furry animals, like goats, camels, alpacas, birds, and tortoises! I don’t know if you can pet all the animals here, but petting the goats was so fun.
Shell Station is home to even more tortoises, up to ten to be exact! The Sulcata tortoises here are the third largest tortoises species in the world, and you can touch their shells!
Lorikeet Landing has over 50 lorikeet parrots you can walk among as they fly around and over your head, and you can even feed them!
Kangaroo Kickabout is my favorite and most unique on this list, as you can pet kangaroos! Walk the pathway in their exhibit, and while you can’t enter their grassland, if they come onto the path you can pet their backs!
10. Catch a Sunset over the City
There are plenty of places to watch a summer sunset over Nashville, especially a rooftop bar.
But, there are 3 places I love more than the rest to catch a sunset over the city!
At the top of the hill that houses the Tennessee State Capitol, you’ll get amazing views of the sun going over Germantown and the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park.
Fort Negley is a Civil War fort remains just outside of Nashville, and shortly after you start the walking path, you’ll come across amazing views of the city and buildings of downtown up close!
A bit of a Nashville secret, at Love Circle you can get great views of the city! While it is in the middle of a neighborhood so you’ll need to be mindful of that, a few steps from where you park your car you can view the overlook.
11. Stroll One of the Many Metro Parks
While there’s plenty of parks around Nashville to enjoy a summer hike, there’s also metro parks closer to the city to enjoy a paved stroll!
I know we’ve mentioned it briefly before, but my favorite of these is Centennial Park. This park just really has it all.
There’s a paved path that goes around the perimeter of the park, making it the perfect walking destination to get the most of all the views along the park.
On this perimeter path, you’ll stroll pass open fields where you’ll likely see people playing soccer or football, a beautiful lake with ducks relaxing by a fountain, a hidden garden right off the path with people relaxing on beaches, and finally, the Parthenon.
While I’d love Centennial Park regardless of this structure – it’s always lively and beautiful – I think the full sized replica of the Parthenon in Athens is its highlight! It’s so detailed, and it’s such an unique structure to have in the middle of a city park!
Another one of my favorites is Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park. That’s right, there’s a state park right in the heart of Nashville! Probably not the typical type of state park you think of, though.
This park smack dab in the center of downtown has beautiful views of the Tennessee State Capitol on the hill, and at one end has my favorite part, the Court of Three Stars. Surrounded by pillars engraved into the ground is the circle coinciding with the circle found in Tennessee’s state flag.
This park is full of nods to Tennessee and its history. Here, you can also expect to see a 200 feet wide granite map of the state in the floor, a pathway lined by a wall showing you the history of the state, a World War 2 memorial, and much more.
Next, while there are some hiking trails, I consider Shelby Park and Bottoms more of a metro park as it has an abundance of paved trails in its 300 acres.
Shelby Park has some of my favorite paved trails in Nashville. There are miles of trails going along the river where you can see plenty of people enjoying a bike ride or a stroll.
In addition to these paved trails, Shelby Park also has sports’ complexes, a nature center, and an old airpark!
In addition to these main parks, there are also plenty of greenways in Nashville that offer paved walking paths.
12. Escape the Heat in an Escape Room
I have no shame in saying that when I had a friend visit me in the peak of Nashville summer heat, we played three Escape Games in a row. They’re addicting!
With 3 locations and 12 escape rooms to choose from, if I had an endless supply of money, I could easily spend all day playing these.
If you’ve never done one before, you’re put into a themed room/ rooms for up to an hour where you try to solve puzzles and clues to escape in as quickly as you can under an hour! Don’t worry, if you get stuck, the employees are there to help!
We did Mission: Mars, Special Ops: Mysterious Market, and Playground. Mysterious Market was my favorite, it was themed like what I suspect to be a Moroccan market, and in all of them, you keep discovering hidden rooms! It’s so cool.
13. Enjoy a Ball Game
Summer in Nashville is the prime time to enjoy a baseball or soccer game!
The Nashville Sounds are Nashville’s minor league baseball team, and their season runs from March through September at First Horizon Park in Germantown.
You can choose to sit on grass or in a seat to enjoy Nashville’s team playing! It’s a classic summer night, watching baseball under the stars.
I’m not a huge baseball fan, but I did enjoy the game I went to more than I expected for one specific reason – I got to bring my dog!
Only on Tuesday nights – or Tail Waggin’ Tuesdays as they’re called at First Horizon Park – you can bring your dog with you to watch the game!
While it’s a bit more expensive than regular game tickets, it makes the atmosphere so much more fun in my experience! They even had little games for the dogs, and a spinning wheel where you can win prizes! My pup won a bandana.
Also in season for Summer in Nashville is Nashville SC, Nashville’s soccer team! Their season runs from February through October at Geodis Park.
Maybe I’m biased because I’m much more of a soccer fan than baseball fan, but I thought attending one of these games was so much fun.
The fans get so into it and the atmosphere is so lively, I didn’t realize Nashville had such a big soccer fanbase! The stadium truly gets packed.
There’s also plenty of theme nights throughout the season, such as a 90s night and Star Wars night!
14. Get Spooked During a Ghost Tour
I’m a sucker for all things spooky, especially true crime. If you are too, a Nashville ghost tour should be at the top of your summer bucket list.
Not only is this a great way to be able to see some of Nashville’s most iconic sites – Printer’s Alley, Tennessee State Capitol, and the Hermitage Hotel, just to name a few – but you’re bound to learn something new about the history of the city, dark as it may be!
You’ll learn about mysterious deaths, unsolved mysteries, and spirits that supposedly haunt parts of the city.
15. Shop at a Farmers Market
Summer is the season for farmers markets! Nashville has an insane amount to pick from, so if one doesn’t fit you, you can just move along to the next one.
Nashville Farmer’s Market is open daily year round (times may vary per day), and unlike the rest on this list, has its own permanent building and infrastructure. There’s two main areas, one being the indoor market, and the other being the 2 farm sheds.
The indoor market is full of restaurants and a few shops. There are 25 stalls to choose from, and it’s a great place to stop and eat before you continue your shopping at the farm sheds.
While the farm sheds are open year round, you’ll have a lot more luck with them during summer, especially if you’re looking for fresh fruits and vegetables. Over 100 vendors gather here throughout the year, offering goods ranging from meats, crafts, drinks, and more!
Pro tip – the two markets below are dog friendly, and so are the outdoor sheds at Nashville Farmer’s Market, but the indoor market is not dog friendly.
12 South Farmer’s Market is open on Tuesdays 4 to 7 PM from May to October, and it’s my favorite of the markets in Nashville I’ve been to. Located in Sevier Park in 12 South, there are plenty of vendors nestled in the trees, and you can truly find anything you want here.
I’ve gotten my dog a bandana, myself fresh flowers, lemonade, and have considered buying some of the fresh produce or cute crafts! There’s also food trucks and food vendors, and live music! If you go on the right week, they may have a mini event happening, such as puppy play date.
Richland Creek Farmer’s Market is open year round like Nashville Farmer’s Market, although only on Saturdays.
Another cute pop up market like 12 South, with a bit of a different atmosphere. This park has more of a city and bustling feel since the park has more buildings around it, or that’s just how I felt while exploring it.
Again, so many amazing vendors to chose from here! Over 80 vendors fill the park on Saturdays, bringing with them fresh bread, cheese, produce, and more! This market felt more food focused than the others, and I was definitely not complaining, I just wish I had come hungrier!
While these are just the farmer’s markets I’ve been to in Nashville, there are still a few more if you’re interested that are still on my bucket list as well! Check them out here.
16. Attend a Full Moon Pickin’ Party
You’re probably wondering what the heck a Full Moon Pickin’ Party is, and I don’t blame you!
This Nashville summer activity runs from May to September at Percy Warner Park, and it’s a chance to listen to live bluegrass music!
You can listen to music on the stages by the main acts, but the unique thing is you’ll likely be surrounded by bluegrass regardless of the stages!
Attendees of the parties are encouraged to bring their own acoustic instruments and play music themselves, no need to be a headliner!
Tickets cost $25 for adults, and food trucks and beverages are available!
17. Take in the Views from a Helicopter Above the City
Flying over downtown Nashville in a helicopter is a summer activity you’re sure to never forget.
While this may only be a short 15 to 30 minute ride, you’ll see Nashville in a way you never have before.
Flying over Nashville’s skyline, you can expect to see sights like inside Nissan Stadium, Broadway, the Ryman, Bridgestone Area, the river, and more! Of course surrounded by Nashville’s hills the entire time.
You and up to three people total can enjoy these views in a climate controlled helicopter cabin with leather seats and a pilot narrating the views for you.
18. Visit a Museum or Historic Building
Nashville has tons of museums and historic buildings to explore, and that’s putting it lightly. It is called Music City for a reason, and plenty of these tours and places you can visit revolve around that, but not all of them!
We’ll start with those heavily music related first, beginning with the Grand Ole Opry. Of course, you can visit for a concert, but did you know you can tour backstage of this country music hot spot? You can visit dressing rooms, the studio, and more!
You can also do a self guided tour of The Ryman, another country music hub. The Ryman is a bit deceiving, from the outside, it looks like a big church. On the inside, it’s an epic music venue where Elvis once played!
The Johnny Cash Museum is a massive collection of Johnny Cash artifacts and memorabilia for fans.
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum goes through exhibitions featuring artifacts and insights into country music!
The National Museum of African American Music preserves the music genres that owe their creation in some way to African Americans with many galleries.
The Tennessee State Museum is pretty self explanatory by its name as its exhibits hold everything you could want to know about Tennessee and its history!
Frist Art Museum is Nashville’s only official art museum, holding plenty of beautiful exhibitions!
These are only a few of the cultural places around Nashville you can explore, there’s so many options!
Nashville has no shortage of things to do around the city during the summer, especially when it comes to outdoors adventures. It’s truly a place for nature, culture, and adventure lovers alike!
