Looking for the best trip from Nashville to have a quick getaway from the city? Here are all my favorites when I’m in need of a little road trip!
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A couple of years ago, I decided I was going to take a trip a month – even if I could only make it work for a day or two.
I did some trips with friends, some with family, but a lot of them were by myself.
Some months, I got pretty behind and had to plan at the last minute. Luckily, Nashville is so close to so many amazing cities and cute towns that it is super easy to find a place you could go for the night or even just a day!
Whether you’re looking for waterfalls, small towns, local wineries, or mountain views, this list covers all of my favorite day trips from Nashville.
So if you’re ready for a little road trip (whether you’re local or traveling to Nashville), I hope this helps you plan a fun little trip 🙂
This post is all about the best day trips from Nashville!
The Best Day Trips From Nashville:
1. Franklin, Tennessee – Small-Town Vibes
📍 30 minutes from downtown Nashville
If you’re looking for a very easy escape, Franklin is perfect! It’s not far out of the city at all!
Downtown Franklin is easily walkable. There are tons of super cute boutiques, antique shops, and cute restaurants!
If you’re looking for a cocktail, definitely check out Amendment XVIII! It’s a speakeasy, and it is absolutely phenomenal.
For history lovers, tour the Carnton Plantation or Lotz House to learn about Franklin’s Civil War history. Don’t miss The Factory at Franklin, it actually used to be a real factory, but they’ve turned it into a mall with some great restaurants, shops, and even live music!
✨ Perfect for: shopping, history, local eats
🛏️ Want to stay overnight? Explore hotels in Franklin on Booking.com
2. Leiper’s Fork – Art, Music & Scenic Drives
📍 40 minutes from Nashville
Leiper’s Fork honestly feels like going back in time. It’s a small town, but it’s full of so much creativity. I highly recommend it if you’re looking for one of the best day trips from Nashville!
The times I’ve been there, it feels like everyone knows each other!
A must-see in Leiper’s Fork is Puckett’s. There are other locations of Puckett’s around town, but this one seriously brings in some of the best talent. And the food is great too! Here’s a picture of the time I got to share the stage with some incredible musicians!
Drive along the Natchez Trace Parkway — a great little scenic drive — and make a few photo stops at overlooks or the Double Arch Bridge.
✨ Perfect for: scenic drives, art lovers, music lovers
🚗 Tip: Rent a car for the day through Trip.com
3. Lynchburg, Tennessee – Jack Daniel’s
📍 1 hour 30 minutes south
I’m a big whiskey lover, so of course this has to be on my list! My original go-to drink was always a Jack and Diet Coke.
You can go take a tour, learn more about the history and making of the Jack Daniel’s distillery.
Also, make sure to go to the Uncle Nearest Distillery located just about 25 minutes away.
He was an exceptionally skilled whiskey maker and is now recognized as the first known African American master distiller in the U.S.
When you go, you’ll learn so much about the HUGE role the Uncle Nearest played in Jack Daniel’s history. Also, their whiskey is pretty great as well.
While you’re there for your day trip, make sure to grab lunch at Miss Mary Bobo’s! You’ll have some of the best Southern-style food!
The drive itself is beautiful, too! You’ll pass through beautiful hills and farm towns! For sure one of the best day trips from Nashville!
✨ Perfect for: whiskey lovers, history buffs
4. Chattanooga, Tennessee
📍 2 hours from Nashville
Check out my blog post: Best Things to Do in Chattanooga Tennessee (2025)
If you’re down to wake up early and do a little longer road trip, Chattanooga is one of my FAVORITE places to go!
If you’ve never been, you HAVE to check out Lookout Mountain, Ruby Falls, and Rock City Gardens. All of them are absolutely stunning.
I also have to always give a shoutout to my favorite restaurant I visit EVERY time I go to Chattanooga, STIR.
If you know anything about me, you know I LOVE oysters. They have a whole oyster bar, and their cocktails are top tier!
Also, every time I’ve been there and sat at the bar, I always somehow make a new friend. The people are so friendly, and it’s an amazing restaurant all around!
Make sure you check out the Tennessee Riverwalk while you’re there!
✨ Perfect for: nature, adventure, city views, a little bit of something for everyone
🏨 Want to stay the night? Find hotels in Chattanooga
5. Cummins Falls State Park – Hidden Waterfall
📍 1 hour 45 minutes east
If you’re in the mood to go on a little outdoorsy adventure, this one is perfect for you.
You’ll go on a beautiful hike and then end up at a STUNNING waterfall. It’s great if the weather is nice and you want to take a little swim.
✨ Perfect for: hiking, swimming, getting great pics
⚠️ Tip: Bring water shoes and check trail conditions before you go.
6. Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge
📍 About 3.5–4 hours east of Nashville
Check out my post: 9 of all the Best Things to do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge!
Now this one is definitely a longer drive…but I’ve done it in a day before!
Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are in the Great Smoky Mountains, and not only is it beautiful, but there are also a million things to do!
And there are tons of FREE things to do as well.
You can find them all here: The Best Free Things to Do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, TN.
It’s fun any time of year, but I highly recommend fall. It’s so gorgeous in that area during that time of year.
You can also make a stop by Dollywood if you like amusement parks!
✨ Perfect for: mountain lovers, couples’ getaways, family trips
🏔️ Tip: Stay overnight to make the most of your time
I made a post of all my favorite places to stay: Best Places to Stay in Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge!
But you can also check out Booking.com for all the best deals! (Click here to book!)
7. Bowling Green, Kentucky – Cars & Caves
📍 1 hour north
I’ve got family in Bowling Green, KY, so I grew up going there pretty frequently.
You should definitely go to the National Corvette Museum. I’m not even necessarily a huge car person, but I will say it is pretty cool!
Random fact: In 2014, the museum had a massive sinkhole unexpectedly open underneath one of its exhibits.
They’ve built a whole exhibit around it, showing off some of the cars that were damaged in the incident. It’s pretty interesting to see!
Afterward, explore Lost River Cave — it’s a wild underground boat tour of a cave that is great for literally all ages.
If you have extra time, add a stop at Mammoth Cave National Park, one of the largest cave systems in the world.
✨ Perfect for: car lovers, families, outdoorsy people
🗺️ Tip: Rent a car for the day if you don’t have one on your travels!
8. Walls Art Park
📍 Just outside Leiper’s Fork, about 40 minutes from Nashville
If you love creative spaces and photography, Walls Art Park is a hidden gem worth the short drive.
It’s right outside of Leiper’s Fork, so if you visit, you can hit both in one trip!,
The park is full of murals and large-scale graffiti pieces created by local and visiting artists.
People are allowed to paint on any of the walls that have been put there, so the art pieces are constantly changing.
Take a little stroll through and see some of the amazing artwork!
✨ Perfect for: art lovers, photographers, and anyone looking for an off-the-beaten-path stop
9. Arrington Vineyards – Wine & Relaxation with a View
📍 30 minutes south of Nashville
Arrington Vineyards is definitely a local favorite when you want to have a relaxing afternoon – and a perfect day trip from Nashville!
I highly recommend packing a picnic, then you can spend your evening sampling wine while enjoying the stunning views.
They also typically have live music on the weekends!
✨ Perfect for: couples, girls’ day (even bachelorette party chill day), weekend picnics
🧺 Tip: Bring a picnic blanket and snacks, or grab a charcuterie box from the on-site shop.
10. Land Between the Lakes – Nature Escape
📍 2 hours northwest
Okay, I’ll be honest, it’s been a while since I’ve been to Land Between the Lakes – but it is BEAUTIFUL and I always kick myself for letting the good weather go by and not going back.
For an adventurous day surrounded by nature, head to Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. You’ll find hiking trails, kayaking spots, scenic drives, and even a bison and elk range.
It’s a great destination for unplugging and reconnecting with nature — and the drive there is beautiful year-round.
✨ Perfect for: outdoor lovers, wildlife, photography
🌅 Bonus: Stay to catch the sunset over Kentucky Lake.
I love Nashville so much, and living in a place where you can easily also get to so many other getaways is MY FAVORITE! If you live in Nashville or are visiting and just want a change of pace, I hope this helped you find a good place to adventure to!
Whether you’re going solo, need a romantic getaway, or have a fun weekend with friends, there’s something for everyone.
So next time you need a quick break from the hustle and bustle of Music City, just take a little day trip— there’s always something new to discover within just a couple of hours!
🚗 If you’re plotting your next road trip:
Check out deals on Trip.com, and find great stays with Booking.com and Expedia for your next Tennessee road trip!
This post was all about the best day trips from Nashville!
Other posts you might like:
Best Places to Stay in Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge!
Best Things to Do in Chattanooga Tennessee (2025)
Hidden Gems in Nashville: Places I Take My Friends When They Visit Nashville
