Top 15 Exciting Day Trips from Nashville You Can’t Miss

Nashville serves as the capital and the most populous city of Tennessee and is widely recognized for its extensive historic significance and country music attractions.

Visitors to this city, which has a population nearing 700,000, typically discover ample opportunities for entertainment and education within city boundaries. However, for those preferring to venture into the surrounding countryside and experience less commercialized attractions, a multitude of options await.

While numerous guided tours are offered, many independent travelers opt for self-directed excursions to nearby towns such as Clarksville and Murfreesboro.

Below are 15 guided and independent day-trip options that frequently feature prominently on visitor itineraries.

1. Civil War History Tour

During the Civil War, Nashville and the surrounding towns experienced considerable battles and skirmishes involving Union and Confederate Troops.

Among the most significant and blood-soaked confrontations occurred in Franklin. For those passionate about history who wish to dedicate a day to exploring the region’s past, this seven-hour guided tour serves as an ideal choice.

The package encompasses transportation from Nashville, a battlefield tour with expert narration, and visits to three mid-19th century homes, providing visitors with unique perspectives on the lives of those who experienced this tumultuous period.

2. Historic Tennessee Sightseeing Tour

History, culture, and architecture enthusiasts with a free day while in Nashville should consider the Historic Tennessee Sightseeing Tour.

This tour generally lasts six to seven hours and includes visits to a number of historic homes, notably The Hermitage, which was the residence of President Andrew Jackson in the early 19th century.

Belle Meade Mansion, another highlight of the tour, is celebrated as one of the best-preserved examples of Greek Revival architecture in the American South, originally a famed horse breeding estate spanning nearly 5,000 acres.

3. Nashville to Graceland Memphis VIP Tour

Many music aficionados and historians assert that Memphis is the quintessential birthplace of rock ‘n roll. For those staying in Nashville willing to make the drive, it represents an essential attraction.

Tour participants benefit from VIP access to Graceland, which includes the burial site of Elvis, the classic car museum, and the famed Jungle Room, among other highlights. Following this visit, guests proceed to renowned Sun Studios.

As arguably the most famous recording studio in the nation, Sun Studios distinguished itself as the original site where Elvis recorded his first song and has also hosted other legendary artists like Johnny Cash and Roy Orbison.

4. Rural American Farm Tour

While Nashville boasts a wealth of urban attractions, it quickly becomes apparent that rural landscapes are easily accessible just outside its limits.

The Rural American Farm Tour allows individuals wishing for an authentic glimpse into farming to visit a selection of farms that continue to employ traditional practices even as much of agriculture moves towards modernization.

In addition to farm tours, participants engage with farmers and gain deeper knowledge of the region’s history and culture than they might expect. The experience culminates with lunch at a well-regarded, locally-owned restaurant known for its hearty offerings.

5. Long Hunter State Park

Long Hunter State Park in Murfreesboro encompasses over 2,500 acres of natural and historic features, making it an appealing choice for day trips from Nashville.

The park is divided into four distinct sections and is highly favored among anglers, boaters, amateur photographers, hikers, and mountain bikers.

It boasts nearly 20 miles of multi-use trails that traverse diverse habitats. In the Sella’s Farm section, visitors can find ancient Native American mound sites dating back over 1,000 years.

It is important to remember that fishing requires a Tennessee fishing license.

6. Batey Farms

Pick-your-own farms provide wonderful opportunities for spending time outdoors while engaging in hands-on activities, making them particularly appealing for families traveling with children.

Batey Farms, situated in rural Rutherford County just a few miles from Murfreesboro, has been a family-run operation for eight generations.

The farm primarily grows pork, corn, and an assortment of berries, becoming a popular destination during the late summer and fall when the produce is ripe for harvesting.

A farm store is also available on-site, offering a selection of products made from the farm’s produce, including bacon, sausages, and jam.

7. Historic Cannonsburgh Village

Located at the southern end of Front Street in downtown Murfreesboro, Historic Cannonsburgh Village represents a meticulous recreation of the downtown area as it would have appeared between the early 19th and early 20th centuries.

The village features a historic schoolhouse, a wedding chapel, a general store, and a blacksmith’s shop, providing an authentic glimpse into the past.

Visitors typically allocate about an hour for self-guided exploration, and the village’s proximity to other attractions makes it an ideal destination for those preferring to navigate on foot rather than by vehicle.

8. Discovery Center

Since its inception in 1986, the Discovery Center in Murfreesboro has established itself as one of the region’s most sought-after attractions for children, featuring a wide array of engaging and educational interactive exhibits focused on science, nature, arts, and agriculture.

This venue often captivates visitors longer than originally anticipated. Additionally, the center includes a 20-acre outdoor wetland area teeming with various plant and animal species.

The outdoor sections are interconnected by elevated boardwalks, enabling guests to discover the distinct habitat without getting muddy.

9. Customs House Museum and Cultural Center

Situated on South Second Street in downtown Clarksville, the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center stands as one of the largest museums in the state. Its exhibits encompass a diverse array of subjects, including history, art, and culture.

Many exhibitions are family-friendly, and throughout the year, the museum frequently showcases temporary exhibitions from various institutions and private collections.

The museum is housed in a historic post office building featuring a unique combination of architectural styles. While a significant portion of the displays pertain to local history, they also feature considerable aspects of state and regional history.

10. Beachaven Vineyards and Winery

Similar to many rural regions across the nation that traditionally lack the association with grapes or wine, Tennessee has witnessed a notable resurgence in viticulture in recent years.

Beachaven Vineyards and Winery has been operational for nearly thirty years and is located a short distance from downtown Clarksville.

The area is distinguished by lush, rolling hills, and the local climate and soil conditions are surprisingly favorable for grape cultivation.

Daily guided tours of the vineyard and winery are available, and during the summer, evening live performances are also provided. Visitors are encouraged to purchase a few bottles at the gift shop before their return to Nashville.

11. Dunbar Cave State Park

Dunbar Cave State Park encompasses over 100 acres situated just outside of Clarksville and is recognized as one of the region’s most accessible cave systems.

Historically, the cave served as a shelter for prehistoric humans and wildlife, maintaining a relatively constant internal temperature of 58 degrees year-round, regardless of outside conditions.

Access to the cave is available only through guided tours, which are offered annually from May through August.

Due to high demand, tour availability can fill rapidly; therefore, it is advisable to reserve places ahead of time or arrive at least an hour early to avoid disappointment.

12. Fort Defiance Civil War Park

Fort Defiance represents one of the South’s most meticulously preserved Civil War forts, positioned at the convergence of the Cumberland and Red Rivers near Clarksville.

This fort, a Confederate stronghold, played a strategic role in defending the waterways and the city of Clarksville against Union forces and is a necessary stop for enthusiasts of Civil War history.

Fort Defiance Civil War Park features fortifications, earthworks, firing platforms, and an indoor interpretive center filled with exhibits, memorabilia, and artifacts, rendering it one of the most comprehensive historical sites in the area. Regularly scheduled free guided tours are also available.

13. SOAR Adventure Tower

For families traveling with energetic children, historic attractions can become monotonous. For those willing to venture to Franklin, SOAR Adventure Tower offers an exhilarating experience.

This unique facility towers over the landscape and encompasses various individual climbing elements.

While certain sections of the tower cater specifically to fit adults, numerous areas at the base are perfectly safe and appropriate for young children.

Day passes and longer-term memberships are available, with most guests expressing that their time at SOAR was enjoyable and memorable.

14. Franklin Farmers Market

Farmers markets represent excellent venues for stretching one’s legs, interacting with locals, and accessing a broad array of locally grown and produced items.

Since 2002, Franklin Farmers Market has been a perennial attraction. While it started modestly, it has attracted a loyal customer base and now features over 70 vendors offering arts, crafts, seasonal produce, prepared foods, fresh baked goods, and health and personal care products.

The market operates every Saturday from 8 AM to 1 PM, also regularly hosting special events, fairs, festivals, and live performances.

15. Middle Tennessee Hot Air Adventures

For those untroubled by heights, there exists practically no better way to appreciate the surrounding landscape than through hot air ballooning.

Middle Tennessee Hot Air Adventures is a family-owned and operated enterprise based in Franklin, dedicated to delivering guests a distinctive, safe, and thoroughly unforgettable experience.

Central Tennessee’s picturesque rolling hills provide striking views, and on clear days, Nashville becomes visible from above.

Flights are available in the morning and afternoon, with several options incorporating stunning sunset views. The flying season runs from April through November, with out-of-season tours arranged upon request in advance.