Do you need to know all the best places to swim in Nashville? Well, I’m a Nashville native – so I’ll let you know all the local’s favorite spots!
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Hi there! I was born and raised in Nashville, and let me tell you I love a good pool or beach day! When the summer heat comes rolling into Music City there’s nothing better than going for a good swim. So here are all the best places to swim in Nashville!
There are actually quite a few amazing places open to the public that you can choose from! Most are right in the heart of Nashville but there are some just a short drive away if you are up for a little adventure. Here’s the break down:
This post is all about the best places to swim in Nashville!
Best Places to Swim in Nashville!
1.) Anderson Road Day Use Areas On Percy Priest Lake
📍 Location: 4060 Anderson Rd, Nashville, TN
If you want the feel of a beach, while not having to leave the Nashville are, check out the Anderson Road Recreation area right on Percy Priest Lake. I’ve gone a couple times with friends and it’s always a blast!
There is a beach area where you can lay out on the sand with a swimming area blocked off for everyone to enjoy. There are also picnic tables and grills if you want to bring your own food to prepare.
The best part is it’s so cheap! You only have to pay $5 per VEHICLE. So it’s a great place to bring the whole family for a day of fun for just $5.
Just a heads up though – no pets allowed!
2.) Downtown Nashville Rooftop Pool
📍 Several Locations Around Nashville
Nashville is full of chic rooftop pools in the downtown area! If you’re looking for a great vibe and some drinks while you swim, this is the option I would take.
There is such a wide variety of rooftop pools – some better for families, some better for relaxing, and some better for more of a party scene. Check out my blog post on The Best Nashville Rooftops Pools for the full run down and to know some of my favorites.
If you plan to go to a downtown rooftop pool – some are open to the public but some may potentially be for hotel guests. But no worries! See if they are one Resort Pass. Some of the best rooftop pools are on there and for a small fee you can get a day pass! They have some of the best like the Westin – The Grand Hyatt – and The Margaritaville Hotel.
3.) Old Hickory Beach
📍876 Burnett Rd, Old Hickory, TN 37138
Another sandy beach area near Nashville is the Old Hickory Beach on Old Hickory Lake. The lake is made by Old Hickory Dam right on the Cumberland River.
There’s a great picnic shelter that can hold around 100 people and grills so if you’re looking for a big get together this is definitely your best option in the Nashville area.
There’s also some great wildlife from birds to turkeys to rabbits if you want to do some animal watching! There are also playgrounds if you’ve got kids with you.
This beach is also just $5 a vehicle!
4.) Nashville Shores: Lakeside Resort
📍 Location: 4001 Bell Rd, Hermitage, TN
If you want a day full of fun and adventure while swimming, make sure you head to Nashville Shores. I used to spend a lot of days in the summer there growing up. It’s great for kids and adults alike!
The main area is the water park. There are more than 20 different activities such as water slides, a wave pool, a lazy river tons of water slides and water treehouses, and so much more!
Since the resort is located on Percy Priest lake there are even some lake water activities like banana boats and jet skis you can partake in as well!
This place has more than just water activities if you want to check out their Treetop Adventure Park. There are over 100 obstacles like zip lining and Tarzan jumps! There’s plenty of fun to be had at Nashville Shores!
They also now have lake rentals if you want to rent a boat for the day and even lodging if you’d like to stay the night. I’ve had tons of fun over the years at Nashville Shores so I highly recommend it!
5.) Wave Country
📍 2320 Two Rivers Pkwy, Nashville, TN 37214
If you like the water park feel, you can go to Wave Country as well. While they don’t have nearly as much to do as Nashville Shores, they still have a couple water slides and a wave pool!
The wave pool has periods of time where it’s just a regular swimming pool as well so you can pick and choose when you wanna get in depending on whether you prefer waves or not.
Adult admission is only $12!
6.) Cummins Falls
📍 Location: 390 Cummins Falls Ln, Cookeville, TN
While it’s a little bit of a drive, it’s well worth it! In about an hour drive you’ll arrive. You’ll have to take a hike to get to the great falls but when you get there you’ll be in a beautiful swimming hole with stunning waterfalls pouring into it!
I’ve hiked and swam with many friends at Cummins Falls before and we’ve always had the best time.
Make sure to check their website before going! There are certain requirements to enter the falls and it’ll give you more detailed information on hours and the hike and what to expect during your trip. Hours can change based on season or how weather is.
7.) Rock Island
📍 Location: 82 Beach Rd, Rock Island, TN
Rock is Island is also a little bit of a drive outside of Nashville, but also has some gorgeous waterfalls! It’s fun to do some exploring.
It’s about an hour and 45 minutes drive.
When I went with my friend we lounged on some rocks and took in the beautiful views! It also makes for great posts of your Tennessee summers.
Once again always check out their website to make sure you follow all safety precautions!
8.) Harpeth River State Park
📍 Location: Kingston Springs, TN
If you’re looking to be on the water during the summer months but maybe opt for more kayaking or tubing – head to the Harpeth River!
Depending on where you want to enter the river, you can probably be there in about half an hour.
If you get the urge to stop along the way, you can find plenty of places that will be perfect to get out and swim a little bit.
9.) YMCA
📍 Various locations around Nashville
There are several YMCA’s all around middle Tennessee, and they almost all have pools. And they are always a family-friendly environment. There are some with lap lanes, some with diving boards, some indoor pools and some with an outdoor pool. If I were you I would check their website and see what they have to offer!
There are so many good places to go for a swim in Nashville, so I hope this list help you find the one that fits your needs the best!
This post is all about the best places to swim in Nashville, Tennessee!
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