Sited in the central southeastern part of The United States, Nashville, a city widely recognized for its music scene, attracts tourists from all over the globe. While the town itself is home to various attractions and has endless things to offer, including delectable food, adventure, and rich history, its scenic routes lead to some of the remarkable destinations, making them ideal for day trips.
Whether planning a family outing or a romantic getaway, we have an array of day trip ideas that are perfect for you to unwind from your hectic life and spend some time in solitude away from the hustle and bustle of Nashville. From admiring the breathtaking landscapes to indulging in some adrenaline-pumping activities, expect your escape from Nashville to be anything but boring.
To help you get started, we have jotted down a list of some of the best day trips from Nashville. Make sure to create a great playlist and set your GPS before you hit the road to ensure a fun journey. Also, don’t forget to pack some snacks to munch on.
Mammoth Cave National Park
| Distance from Nashville | 94.6 miles |
|---|---|
| Estimated time | 1 hr 32 min |
| Route | I-65 N |
Deemed to be the world’s longest cave system, the Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky is one natural wonder you can’t skip exploring. Considering it’s a short drive from Nashville, a visit to the national park is easily one of the best day trips you can plan with your family or your partner. Boasting 400 miles of underground caves, it features limestone formations that add to the beauty of this location.
The cave remains open for various kinds of tours, with each one offering a unique experience to the visitors. The difficulty level also varies for cave tours, thus it’s suggested to pick a tour you are comfortable doing. Additionally, the duration for tours can range anywhere between 1 hour and 4 hours depending on what you choose. The Mammoth Cave caters to every kind of visitor, you will find several cave tours dedicated to people with special physical needs. Also, it’s highly advisable to make reservations in advance especially if you are planning to tour the caves during summers. The tickets get sold out pretty quickly here.
Apart from exploring the cave, you can also partake in other forms of outdoor activities, including camping, biking, hiking, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and more.
Huntsville
| Distance from Nashville | 115.4 miles |
|---|---|
| Estimated time | 1 hr 52 min |
| Route | I-65 S |
A trip to Huntsville, Alabama is a perfect blend of fun and learning, it is especially a must-visit for those who are intrigued by the concept of space. It is home to NASA Marshall Space Flight Center and the US Space and Rocket Center, which explains why it’s popularly known as the Rocket City. Apart from exploring one of the world’s largest space museums, the US Space and Rocket Center, you can also visit Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment where you can not only watch the performances but also admire the artwork of some of the best artists.
Spread over 118 acres, the Huntsville Botanical Garden is yet another wonderful spot to discover in the city. Offering picturesque landscapes, the botanical garden remains open year-round for visitors to explore. Don’t forget to relish some delicious meals at the restaurants while you are in Huntsville.
Lynchburg
| Distance from Nashville | 73.8 miles |
|---|---|
| Estimated time | 1 hr 20 min |
| Route | I-24 E and US-231 S |
Looking to get away from the city buzz and spend some time exploring a new place whether solo or with your partner? Planning a day trip to Lynchburg is probably your best bet. The Jack Daniel Distillery is a major pull for visitors coming by this cute and quaint town located in the middle of Tennessee. While the drive from Nashville to Lynchburg in itself is a scenic one, you can make your trip more delightful by taking a tour of the Jack Daniel Distillery.
There’s more to Lynchburg than just the distillery. Explore the antique stores, shops, and restaurants of the town to truly get its spectacular vibe and experience the amazing hospitality offered by the locals.
Memphis
| Distance from Nashville | 212 miles |
|---|---|
| Estimated time | 3 hr 11 min |
| Route | I-40 W |
Voyaging from Nashville to Memphis is like traveling from one music city to another. While Nashville may be the heart of Tennessee, Memphis remains its soul. Memphis is incredibly popular among music enthusiasts and if you want to learn more about the history of the musical legends, including Elvis Presley, B.B. King, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis, you must visit this city. Graceland, Sun Studio, and the Stax Museum of American Soul Music are some of the historic musical sites that are worth exploring.
Memphis is not only famous for its music scene but also for its scrumptious BBQ. Make sure to relish some at one of the barbeque joints.
Chattanooga
| Distance from Nashville | 133 miles |
|---|---|
| Estimated time | 2 hr 2 min |
| Route | I-24 E |
The path leading from Nashville to Chattanooga makes for one of the most beautiful drives. From offering awe-inspiring views to spectacular forest trails, Chattanooga is undeniably one of the best getaway destinations. Enveloped by the Appalachian mountains, the city has been drawing huge crowds from various parts of the world for multiple reasons. Home to various tourist attractions like Rock City Gardens, Ruby Falls, the Chattanooga Zoo, the Tennessee Museum, and more, Chattanooga is an excellent place for both nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
Chattanooga has a little bit of everything for everyone. No matter if you are visiting with your family or solo, you are sure to have a good time exploring this gorgeous city.
Dollywood
| Distance from Nashville | 213.8 miles |
|---|---|
| Estimated time | 3 hr 19 min |
| Route | I-40 E |
Want to add truckloads of fun and adventure to your mini getaway? Look no further than Dollywood, a family amusement park, perfect for families to spend their day at. The amusement park is not only known for its adrenaline-rushing rides but also for its delicious food and family-friendly shows, which explains the vast number of visitors that are drawn to this place every year.
The rides at the park are as wild as they can get. They are not only limited to coasters but are extremely diverse. You can also enjoy various water rides to beat Tennessee’s summer heat. Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain River Rampage is one of the must-try rides.
Franklin
| Distance from Nashville | 19.8 miles |
|---|---|
| Estimated time | 26 min |
| Route | I-65 S |
Brimming with a plethora of historic sites, Franklin is a quaint city located south of Nashville. It houses multiple historic sites with each one telling a different story related to the Civil War. Carter House, Carnton, and Lotz House are some of the sites that are regularly visited by hundreds and thousands of visitors to gain insight into the Battle of Franklin.
Given it’s a short drive from Nashville, you can spend a good amount of time exploring and learning about this location. Aside from that, you can also indulge in some shopping and food hopping.
Travel Comfortably in a Rental Car
If you are looking for a cheap car rental to plan a day trip from Nashville, we have got you covered. We, at USA Cars Rental, deliver a wide fleet of cars at discounted prices. With a rental car at your disposal, you get the liberty to move at your own pace. Whether looking to rent a car for a day or more, traveling with your family, partner, or solo, we have a myriad of affordable rental solutions for your different needs.
Book a ride with us today to ensure comfortable travels in and around Nashville. For more information on car rental services, get in touch with our customer support team (24/7 availability).