Whether you're visiting Nashville for a long weekend or planning a trip for your entire family, there's so much to do here that it can be hard to decide where to go.
Downtown is where all the action is, with famous landmarks like the Ryman Auditorium and the Grand Ole Opry to name a few. Here, you'll find everything from honky tonks and music venues to museums dedicated to country legends.
1. The Grand Ole Opry
The Grand Ole Opry is a must-visit Nashville attraction for music lovers. It hosts a variety of country performers, from legends to up-and-coming stars.
The show began as a radio broadcast in 1925, but has evolved into a live entertainment phenomenon today. It is one of the most popular attractions in Nashville, bringing hundreds of thousands of patrons every year to its 4,400-seat theater.
In addition to concerts, the Grand Ole Opry also offers guided tours. During these tours, you can step on the stage and follow in the footsteps of musicians; hear stories about the history of the Opry; and take a tour of backstage areas and dressing rooms.
2. The Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum
The Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum, often referred to as "The Smithsonian of country music," is an excellent place for true country fans to learn about the history of this genre. With world class galleries, a 776-seat CMA Theater and the Taylor Swift Education Center, there's plenty to see and do here.
The core exhibit, Sing Me Back Home: Folk Roots to the Present, tells a rich story of country music's evolution from its pre-commercial roots to its burgeoning popularity today. In addition to artifacts and photographs, the exhibition includes original recordings, archival video and touchscreen interactive media.
3. The Johnny Cash Museum
The Johnny Cash Museum is a unique destination in Music City that honors the legacy of one of country's most famous musicians. It features a three-dimensional, interactive journey through the life of Johnny Cash and offers a variety of artifacts related to his life.
The museum is officially endorsed by the Cash family and features personal mementos including handwritten notes and letters penned by Cash. It also highlights different periods in Cash's life, including his years in the Air Force and marriage to June Carter.
The museum also showcases artifacts from Sun Records, the Memphis label that helped launch Cash's career. You can even watch video clips that show personal interactions between Cash and other renowned artists such as Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis and Roy Orbison.
4. The Frist Art Museum
The Frist Art Museum is Nashville's top-notch art museum, presenting an inspiring and continuous slate of exhibitions from local, state and regional artists as well as national and international sources. There's also the family-friendly Martin ArtQuest Gallery with 30 interactive stations, educational programs and a gift shop.
The former post office building was constructed in 1933-1934 as part of the Public Works Administration with fluted pilasters and stone eagles blending classical elements with national symbols. It was repurposed as the Frist Art Museum in 2001.
The museum's beautiful gift shop offers a fabulous array of art prints, books, educational materials, art supplies, clothing, blown glass, pottery and magnificent jewelry made by local and regional artisans. The inventory changes often, so it's a great bargain hunter's dream!
5. The Nashville Zoo
The Nashville Zoo is one of Middle Tennessee's most popular family attractions. It's home to almost 3,000 animals across more than 300 species, and offers an array of hands-on activities for kids to enjoy.
If you're looking to save money on tickets, consider purchasing an attraction discount pass before you go. These passes bundle admission to multiple Nashville attractions for big discounts.
You'll also want to plan your visit around zookeeper talks and feedings, as these are often the best times to see the most animals at the Zoo! It's also a good idea to get there early in the morning, as crowds are less dense during this time.
6. Shelby Bottoms Nature Center & Greenway
Located on the east side of Nashville, Shelby Bottoms is a large floodplain right beside the Cumberland River. The area has a rich history of occupation and use by Paleoindian, Archaic, Woodland and Mississippian cultures.
- The 960 acres of Shelby Bottoms Natural Area offers miles of trails to explore, including the eight mile paved Shelby Bottoms Greenway. The SBNC also offers free public nature and environmental education programs, school field trips, educator training workshops, outdoor recreation programs and volunteer opportunities.
- The Shelby Bottoms Greenway connects to the Stones River Greenway and is a great way to take in views of the Cumberland River while biking or walking. There are also dog parks on either end of the trail.
