Ultimate List of Fun Activities in Nashville for Adults
For those planning their next visit to Tennessee, there is a long list of fun activities in Nashville for adults. Music City isn’t just a melody of country tunes; it’s a symphony of adventures waiting to be explored! Whether you’re a music fanatic, a culinary enthusiast with a penchant for Southern flavors, or someone ready to explore and relax, Nashville has something special.Â
Â
From honky-tonk hopping and mouthwatering barbecue to speakeasies and an offbeat art scene, this city is like a treasure trove of adult-friendly delights. Let’s embark on a journey to discover the heart and soul of this incredible city with these fun activities in Nashville for adults. You’ll quickly see why Nashville is one of the most popular destinations for bachelorette parties, romantic getaways, and couple’s trips.Â
Â
Of course, at the very top of the list of fun activities in Nashville for adults to experience is the music scene—be that at the rowdy honky-tonks, the historic Grand Ole Opry, or the small, intimate live music venues. You’ll find every genre is celebrated in Music City—from classic country and bluegrass to pop and classical at the Nashville Symphony. You can even get deep into music history at the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Johnny Cash Museum, and a tour of Music Row, where the famous recording studios still operate today.
Â
As you start to fill out your itinerary on your next visit, you’ll want to secure your lodging, and while there are plenty of cookie-cutter hotel options, the accommodations at Belle Air Mansion—one of the premier Nashville Bed and Breakfasts—create an absolutely unforgettable stay! You’ll be fully immersed in the history of the South when you book our immaculately restored 1832 Greek Revival antebellum mansion with ten elegant guest suites and five beautifully remodeled rooms in the Retreat House.Â
We’ll treat you to a gourmet and homemade Southern comfort breakfast each morning of your stay—the best way to fuel up for all of the fun activities in Nashville for adults! You’ll be all set to head out, explore, and dance the night (or day) away—and we’ll be awaiting your return when you’re ready to relax and pamper yourself with some downtime. Book your lodging at our Nashville Bed and Breakfast today!Â
The Top 20 Fun Activities in Nashville for Adults
Now that you know where you’ll stay for your next vacation in Nashville, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty! You can fill your days with fascinating museums and music history, classic lunches of Nashville hot chicken, and outdoor excursions, and then spend your evenings with elegant farm-to-table meals, live music of all kinds, and so much more.Â
Â
Here’s a breakdown of all the fun activities in Nashville for adults!Â
Music-Related Activities in Nashville:
Heading to the iconic music venues in Nashville is definitely one of the fun activities in Nashville for adults—many venues are 21 and up and cater to those ready to unwind, sing along, and dance their hearts out. Head up to the bar, grab a drink, and be prepared to hear some fantastic tunes.Â
Â
- Broadway Street: This iconic thoroughfare in Music City is also known as the Honky Tonk Highway, home to a unique collection of multilevel music venues and lively bars. Many musicians got their start performing at these rowdy and raucous venues! If you only have time to hit one, Tootsies Orchid Lounge is perhaps the most famous and, by far, one of the most fun activities in Nashville for adults only.Â
- Music Row: Home to record label offices, radio stations, and recording studios, this neighborhood is at the heart of Nashville’s music industry. Take a tour at the historic RCA Studio B, where famed musicians, including Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, and Waylon Jennings recorded some of the most iconic music in the world. Â
- Grand Old Opry: As one of the most legendary music venues in Nashville, “The Opry” is a constant landmark in the history of American music. Since its debut in 1925, it has remained a classic cornerstone, featuring the best artists of country, bluegrass, and folk music.
- Country Music Hall of Fame: As one of the world’s largest museums and research centers dedicated to preserving the history and cataloging of American music, this is a must-stop destination for music lovers. The Country Music Hall of Fame is one of the favorite fun activities in Nashville for adults all year long!
- Johnny Cash Museum: For fans of this country legend, the Johnny Cash Museum has the largest collection of memorabilia and photographs from the life of this massive star.Â
- National Museum of African American Music: Located on Fifth and Broadway in the heart of Nashville, the National Museum of African American Music is full of expertly curated exhibits and collections celebrating the influence, creativity, and brilliance of African-American artists over the years.Â
- City Winery Nashville: One of the most intimate listening rooms in Music City, this is one of the fun activities in Nashville for adults to enjoy intimate shows, lovely wine, and elegant meals. Perfect for date nights!Â
- The Iconic Bluebird Cafe: Many huge country music stars had iconic moments at this intimate listening room in Nashville. Taylor Swift and Faith Hill, to name a couple! And there’s excellent food to go along with the unforgettable performances.Â
- Ryman Auditorium: An exemplary stage in Nashville, the Ryman Auditorium was the previous location for the Grand Ole Opry. This venue has hosted hundreds of icons, including names like Elvis and B.B. King, to modern-day pop stars like Lizzo and Harry Styles.
- Schermerhorn Symphony Center: For those interested in a more classical approach to music, this Symphony Center is where the Nashville Symphony performs.Â
Get Outdoors in Nashville:
If you need a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of downtown Nashville, there are many ways to get outside and enjoy the beauty of our state. Thankfully, you don’t have to go very far to find nature parks, waterfront strolls, and hiking trails.Â
- Radnor Lake State Park: This 1,368-acre park is such a lovely outing in the stunning forests of Tennessee. It’s home to abundant local wildlife, and there are 7.75 miles of trails for hiking, photography, and wildlife observation.
- Centennial Park: This urban green space offers 132 acres, featuring a representation of the Parthenon, a one-mile walking trail, Lake Watauga, the Centennial Art Center, historical monuments, an arts activity center, and much more.
- Warner Parks: This duo of parks (Edwin and Percy Warner Parks) spans 3,100 acres of forest and field, offering locals and visitors alike outdoor space to refresh, hike, and take in the splendor of our countryside.Â
- Cheekwood Estate and Gardens: This 55-acre estate is one of our favorite fun activities in Nashville for adults. You can tour the spectacular gardens, outdoor art installations, as well as the interior of the historic mansion with period furnishings.Â
- Belle Meade Plantation and Winery: What’s better than a beautiful hike followed by a wine tasting of locally-grown Tennessee varietals? Not much! Head out to this historic mansion, nature area, and winery for a taste of nature and vino.Â
Other Fun Activities in Nashville for Adults
Now that you’ve hit the music venues and the trails, there’s still a lot more to discover in Nashville! From a world-class restaurant scene and craft cocktail lounges to other fun activities in Nashville for adults, you’ll be planning your next trip before your first is over.Â
Â
- Food and Drink Tours: Start with the hop-on-and-off Old Town Trolley Tour to get a lay of the land. There are also more in-depth tours of local distilleries, breweries, and culinary options offered on-site at many locations. One of the fun activities in Nashville for adults is an excursion to the Jack Daniel’s Distillery by bus with Tennessee Whiskey Tours.Â
- Sporting Events: Nashville hosts a great variety of professional sporting events, the Nashville Predators for your NHL, and then some exciting minor league teams to check out.Â
- Hot Air Balloon Rides: Soaring above the rolling hills of the South is such an amazing view. A handful of local companies offer these thrilling hot air balloon rides on high in Tennessee.Â
- Dining Out: While Nashville has few signature Southern dishes associated with the city, hot chicken being a favorite, there’s a long list of dining styles and cuisines here. Whether you’re looking for fine farm-to-table plates or fast-casual eats, you’ll have your pick in Music City. Here’s a great list of Nashville restaurants, here.
- Antiquing and Shopping: Some may say that you can’t leave Music City without a new pair of boots or a hat from the shops on Broadway Street, but either way, shopping and antiquing are two of our favorite fun activities in Nashville for adults. A great place for treasure hunting is Marathon Village.Â
Where to Stay: The Best Nashville Bed and Breakfast
The Belle Air Mansion is a luxury Nashville Bed and Breakfast located just minutes (about four miles) from the heart of Music City. Our historic Nashville Bed and Breakfast has ten individual guest suites, while the Retreat House on the property offers guests another five bedrooms. Guests can cozy up in our elegant common areas or relax on one of the mansion’s three porches and six acres of surrounding land, including a historic 200-year-old rose garden.
A unique amenity we offer at our Nashville Bed and Breakfast is our in-house hyper-local experiences. We work with Nashville-based artists, culinary experts, and makers to create one-of-a-kind fun activities in Nashville for adults to enhance their getaways. This is only available to guests of the Belle Air Mansion! These adventures include romantic picnics, country line dancing classes, distillery tours, and so much more.Â
As a guest at our Nashville Bed and Breakfast, you’ll also be treated to a delicious breakfast each morning with tasty Southern comfort favorites, hot coffee, juices, and sweet treats. Starting your day in our elegant dining room or open-air veranda with a homecooked meal is the perfect way to prepare for your adventures. We can’t wait to host you; book your lodging today!
