Beaches Near Nashville, TN: Under 9 Hours Driving Distance

Are you looking for beaches near Nashville, TN, for a quick getaway? Here are all the beaches within a nine-hour driving distance from Nashville!

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If you live in Nashville, TN, and need a little more sun by the ocean – I’ve got all the best beaches near Nashville for you!

If you’re not ready to make a bit of a drive but still need to go for a swim, check out my blog post: 9 Places to Swim in Nashville, Tennessee (Beaches + Pools).

There are plenty of sandy beaches close enough to Nashville that you can load up a car or friends and be able to travel there on just a little bit of gas – making for a pretty cheap way to travel!

This post is all about the best beaches near Nashville, TN (under 9 hours driving distance!)

Best Beaches Near Nashville, TN!

1.) Orange Beach, Alabama & Gulf Shores, Alabama

Let’s start off with the closest option! I’ve combined these two because they are right next to each other! When I’ve visited one, I almost always spend time in both.

Orange Beach is about six and a half hours away while Gulf Shores is only about another 30-minute drive, at 7 hours away.

The last time I went down, we stayed a little past Gulf Shores at a beautiful Airbnb that overlooked the ocean and had beach access. But we spent quite a bit of time in Orange Beach for food and various activities.

We were able to see tons of dolphins just from our balcony, but they also offer dolphin tours where you’re sure to see a ton of dolphins throughout your cruise throughout the Gulf of Mexico. I highly recommend one of these tours while you’re down there!

Whichever one you visit check out Tacky Jacks for food. They have locations in both areas and have seating by the water. We also saw dolphins while eating at the one in Orange Beach.

Another must check out restaurant in Orange Beach is “The Gulf.” The food was amazing and their specialty cocktails were so unique and fun! It’s the perfect place to watch the sunset, just be prepared that it may get a little crowded. I thought it was well worth it though!

2.) Destin, Florida

Destin, Florida has always been a hugely popular vacation spot for anyone living in Nashville, TN. Which makes sense because it’s just about a 7-and-a-half-hour drive away.

Destin is great if you don’t want to JUST lay on the beach all day. There are tons of water activities as well as nightlife and dining options.

While you’re there make sure you check out the Destin Harbor Boardwalk. You’ll be able to do some great shopping and find some of the best waterfront dining options!

If you’ve got the extra cash to spend, check out Crab Island. The only way you can get there is by boat so you’ll either have to know someone who has one down there or rent one – but it’s a unique experience. You don’t need to pay to dock up and join the party of floating bars and restaurants. It’s so much fun!

3.) Panama City Beach, Florida

Just about an hour away from Destin, Florida, there is Panama City Beach (PCB).

Panama City Beach is another popular vacation spot for people in Nashville. I’ve also been there many times.

PCB was probably the number one place people went to for spring break growing up. It’s a great time to go if you’re younger and want more of a party scene, but if that’s not your vibe definitely go a different time of year when it won’t be as packed.

4.) Pensacola Beach, Florida

Also just about 7 and a half hours from Nashville, you’ll find Pensacola Beach!

A must-see in Pensacola is the Pensacola boardwalk where you’ll find tons of restaurants and places to do a little shopping.

While you’re there check out the Pensacola Lighthouse, the Maritime Museum, or the Aviation Museum if you want to get off the water for a day or the weather isn’t a good one for laying out by the ocean.

5.) Tybee Island, Georgia

Savannah is one of my favorite cities to visit, so it makes sense that Tybee Island, located just a short way away would be on my list!

In fact, if you want to do an extended trip you could spend some time in both Savannah and Tybee Island.

Check out my blog post: 9 Amazing Things to Do in Savannah Georgia: The Ultimate Guide

Some highlights include checking out the Tybee Island Lighthouse and Museum, kayaking through marshes, or hanging out on the North Beach.

6.) Hilton Head, South Carolina

Definitely the “fanciest” beach out of all the options is probably going to be Hilton Head in South Carolina.

There are tons of amazing resorts right on the water and lots of fine dining options. It’s also very family-friendly if you’re traveling with kids!

Make sure you visit Coligny Beach Park! It is one of the most beautiful beaches you’ll visit!

I hope this post helped you plan the perfect getaway to a beach near Nashville.

Enjoy your time soaking up the sun!

Beaches Near Nashville, TN: Under 9 Hours Driving Distance

Best Beaches Near Nashville, TN!