10 Best Day Trips from Nashville

Located in south central Kentucky, about 90 miles from Nashville, Mammoth Cave National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a fantastic place to go hiking, biking, horseback riding, and canoeing. You can also delve into the subterranean wonders of Mammoth Cave, the longest cave system in the world, with over 400 miles of caverns, canyons, and passageways. Traverse tunnels that have been trodden for thousands of years, and witness some of the earliest examples of tourism as you explore ancient formations.

For an awe-inspiring introduction to the underground world of Mammoth Cave, choose from the variety of themed tour options on offer. You’ll find explorations to suit a wide range of interests and accessibility requirements.

Experience the Southern charm of Lynchburg, about 70 miles south of Nashville. Renowned as the home of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, Lynchburg also offers beautiful countryside for hiking, fishing, and other outdoor activities, as well as delightful stores and restaurants.

You won’t want to miss a visit to the Jack Daniel’s Distillery, where you can discover behind-the-scenes facts and stories and learn about the distilling process. While Lynchburg is in a dry county, you’ll be allowed to enjoy samples of Jack Daniel’s products at the end of your tour.

Huntsville, nicknamed “The Rocket City” for its ties with U.S. space missions and the aerospace industry, is a high-tech city in North Alabama, a 2-hour drive south from Nashville. At the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, discover the city’s contribution to space travel, technology, and research. Marvel at the vast collection of space artifacts and learn about the past and future of space exploration.

Afterwards, take a moment to appreciate the beauty and serenity of your own planet as you wander through nature at the Huntsville Botanical Garden, 112 acres of verdant meadows, woodland paths, and breathtaking floral collections. If you’re visiting with young family, make sure to stop by the Children’s Garden and the country’s largest open-air butterfly house.

On the banks of the Mississippi River, a few hours’ drive from Nashville, is a city that’s known as the birthplace of blues, soul, and rock and roll. A trip to Memphis is often seen as a pilgrimage for music fans. Take a tour of the legendary Sun Studio, where Elvis Presley, B.B. King, and Johnny Cash recorded groundbreaking hits. Visit Graceland, Elvis Presley’s mansion, now a museum dedicated to the life and career of “the King of Rock and Roll.”

As well as its musical heritage, Memphis is also steeped in civil rights history. Immerse yourself in the legacy of the U.S. civil rights movement when you explore the National Civil Rights Museum at the historic Lorraine Motel.

In the Alabama city of Muscle Shoals, explore the home of the legendary FAME Studios and the origin of the iconic Muscle Shoals Sound. Follow in the footsteps of artists like Otis Redding, Aretha Franklin, and Wilson Pickett when you walk into the studios, and discover how the city gained a reputation as the “Hit Recording Capital of the World.” At the nearby Alabama Music Hall of Fame, take a journey through music history, and record your own track at the end of your tour.

Travel south from Nashville on the I-65 to reach the Shoals area, where you can also enjoy fishing, boating, and golf. Or pause to explore the birthplace of the inspirational Helen Keller.

Nestled in southeastern Tennessee, a 2-hour drive from Nashville, you’ll find an oasis of natural beauty, rich history, and culture. Flanked by the Southern Appalachian Mountains and the Tennessee River, Chattanooga offers a range of exhilarating outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, and rock climbing. For fully accessible fun, take a ride on the historic Lookout Mountain Incline Railway.

If you prefer to stay indoors, visit the vibrant downtown area to discover galleries, theaters, and live music. Explore the wonders of the underwater world at the Tennessee Aquarium or watch Civil War battles come to life at the Battles for Chattanooga Museum.

Follow the path of the historic Natchez Trace, a centuries-old trail created and first used by Native Americans. The scenic route stretches for 444 miles through the states of Mississippi, Tennessee, and Alabama, passing rolling hills, lush woodland, and fascinating landmarks.

Drive south from Nashville toward Natchez, Mississippi, and be sure to stop at some of the heritage sites, intriguing attractions, and charming eateries on the way. You could sample the small-batch-produced whiskey at Leiper's Fork Distillery in Franklin, or browse the local arts, crafts, and antiques at the Dragonfly emporium in Collinwood. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a hiking or cycling trail. Or rent a side-by-side off-road vehicle to traverse dirt roads, explore caves, and admire waterfalls.

The historic town of Pulaski is located about 70 miles from Nashville, on the central-southern border of Tennessee. You’ll see glimpses of Pulaski’s past through landmarks like the Giles County Courthouse and the Giles County Trail of Tears Memorial. In the charming downtown area, visit the STAAR theater beneath the 1868 Antoinette Hall Opera House and grab some tickets for a musical, concert, or dance performance.

If you’re a fan of chocolate, be sure to reserve a tour of the scenic Milky Way Farm, a 1930s property built by Frank Mars, the founder of Mars candy. Or if you’re interested in wine, the Big Creek Winery offers a fascinating tour.

Marvel at the wonders of nature in this sweet southern city. Explore the Duck Park and the Sweetwater Heritage Museum in downtown Sweetwater and stop for a tasty treat at one of Main Street’s eateries. Ride a boat to The Lost Sea, the largest subglacial underground lake in the United States, where you can explore caverns and mine for gems. Venture a little farther to take in the breathtaking scenery of the Cherohala Skyway with its outdoor trails and waterfalls.

Sweetwater is nestled within the 9 Lakes Region of East Tennessee, a few hours’ drive out of Nashville on the I-40. Be sure to capture some photos of the natural treasures you’ll encounter on your memorable day trip.

For a day trip with a difference, travel north from Nashville on the I-65 to Fort Knox. Home of the U.S. Army Human Resources Center of Excellence, the base at Fort Knox has a long history as a training ground for the Army and Marine Corps. Nearby, you can glimpse the fortified vault building that houses the United States Bullion Depository. Visit the General George Patton Museum to explore rich military history through personal stories, artifacts, and film. Admission to the museum is free.

Fort Knox also offers outdoor fun in vast natural surroundings. Visit the Fort Knox Water Park to splash and slide in refreshing pools or take a stroll through the beauty of the Saunders Spring Nature Preserve.