Nashville is the beating heart of Tennessee and a city that knows how to show adults a good time. In 2023, a whopping 16.8 million people visited Music City, and boy, did they have a blast! But don’t worry, there’s plenty of fun to go around.
In this adult-only guide, we’ll talk about all the awesome fun activities in Nashville for adults, from toe-tapping tunes to mouth-watering Southern dishes and everything in between.
Check Out Nashville’s Amazing Music
Nashville isn’t called Music City for nothing. Music is everywhere in this travel destination, like the air you can breathe. It’s in the streets, the bars, and even in the walls of old buildings. Let’s start our journey with the heart of Nashville – its music scene.
1. Party on Broadway: Nashville’s Honky Tonk Highway
Broadway Street, also known as Honky Tonk Highway, is where the party never stops. This street is full of honky-tonks, which are bars that play live music all day and night. Imagine walking down a street where music is pouring out of every door – that’s Broadway!
Here’s a look at some top spots you shouldn’t miss:
Honky Tonk | Address | What’s Special | What to Try |
---|---|---|---|
Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge | 422 Broadway | Purple building, open since 1960 | Look at walls covered in old photos |
Robert’s Western World | 416 Broadway | Plays old-school country music | Fried bologna sandwich for $6.50 |
Honky Tonk Central | 329 Broadway | Three floors of different music | Dance on each floor, open till 3 AM |
Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge has been around since 1960. It’s easy to spot because it’s bright purple! Lots of famous country singers got their start here. When you walk in, you’ll see walls covered with pictures of all the big stars who’ve played there.
Right across the street is Robert’s Western World. They play old-school country music here. While you’re listening to the tunes, try their famous fried bologna sandwich.
If you want to party on different floors, check out Honky Tonk Central. This place has three floors of music. Each floor plays a different kind of music, so you can pick your favorite or try them all! They’re open from 10 AM to 3 AM every day, so you can party any time you want.
The best part? You don’t have to pay to go into these places. But if you stay a while, it’s nice to buy a drink or leave a tip for the musicians. They work hard to keep the music going all day and night.
2. Find Unique Nashville Entertainment for Adults
Broadway is fun, but there’s way more to Nashville’s music scene. If you want to get away from the crowds and find some unique Nashville entertainment for adults, try these spots:
The Bluebird Cafe
This tiny place at 4104 Hillsboro Pike is where many famous songwriters play their songs. It’s small – only 90 seats! – so you need to book tickets early.
Shows usually start at 6 PM and 9 PM, and tickets cost around $15-$25. It’s a bit far from downtown, but it’s worth the trip to hear amazing songwriters up close.
The 5 Spot
Every Monday night, this place in East Nashville turns into a big dance party. They play old soul and R&B music from 9 PM to 2 AM. It’s at 1006 Forrest Ave, and it only costs $5 to get in.
The Station Inn
If you like bluegrass music, you’ve got to check this place out. It’s at 402 12th Avenue South and has been around since 1974. They still have live music every single night.
Shows usually start at 8 PM and tickets are about $15-$20. On Sundays, they have a free bluegrass jam from 7 PM to 11 PM. It’s a great chance to hear some amazing musicians play together.
3. Learn About Music History: Nashville’s Best Music Museums
Nashville also allows you to learn about its history. The city has some great museums where you can see cool stuff from music stars and hear rare recordings. All these Nashville museums are downtown, so you can easily visit more than one in a day.
Here’s a table of some great music museums:
Museum | Address | What You’ll See | Cool Fact | Admission |
---|---|---|---|---|
Country Music Hall of Fame | 222 Rep. John Lewis Way S | Elvis’s gold Cadillac, old guitars, rare recordings | Has over 2.5 million music items | $27.95 for adults |
Johnny Cash Museum | 119 3rd Ave S | Johnny’s guitars, clothes, handwritten lyrics | Biggest collection of Johnny Cash stuff in the world | $22.95 for adults |
National Museum of African American Music | 510 Broadway | Exhibits on gospel, jazz, hip-hop, and more | You can make your own music in interactive exhibits | $24.95 for adults |
At the Country Music Hall of Fame, you can see Elvis Presley’s gold Cadillac (yes, a real car made of gold!), fancy clothes worn by country stars, and old guitars used to write famous songs. They even have a room where you can hear rare recordings of old country songs. It’s open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM.
If you’re a fan of Johnny Cash (he’s the guy who sang “Ring of Fire”), you’ll love the Johnny Cash Museum. It has the biggest collection of Johnny Cash stuff in the world. You can see his guitars, his clothes, and even handwritten lyrics to his songs. It’s open daily from 9 AM to 7 PM.
For a wider look at music history, check out the National Museum of African American Music. This newer museum shows how Black musicians have shaped all kinds of music, from gospel to hip-hop. You can even try making your own music in their interactive exhibits! It’s open Thursday to Monday from 9 AM to 5 PM.
Enjoy Fun Activities in Nashville for Nature Lovers
Now, you might think Nashville is all about indoor stuff like music and food. But guess what? There’s tons of outdoor fun too! Let’s explore some of the ways you can enjoy the sunshine in Music City.
4. Hike Nashville’s Beautiful Trails: Best Outdoor Activities for Adults
Nashville has some beautiful parks where you can stretch your legs and enjoy nature. Here are a few you shouldn’t miss:
Park | Location | What’s Cool | Best For | Trail Length |
---|---|---|---|---|
Centennial Park | West End | Has a full-size copy of the Greek Parthenon | Picnics, weekend events | 1-mile loop |
Radnor Lake State Park | 1160 Otter Creek Rd | Beautiful lake, lots of animals | Quiet nature walks | 2.4 miles |
Percy Warner Park | 7311 Highway 100 | Over 12 miles of hiking trails | Great city views from the top of the hill | Various trails from 2.5 to 4.5 miles |
Centennial Park is right in the middle of the city. The coolest thing here is a full-size copy of the Parthenon from ancient Greece. Yep, you read that right – a Greek building in Tennessee! It’s a great place for a picnic or a walk around the lake.
On weekends, you might see people dressed up in old-timey clothes having tea parties or playing games from long ago. The park is open from 6 AM to 11 PM every day, and it’s free to visit.
If you want to feel like you’re far from the city, head to Radnor Lake State Park. It’s just a short drive from downtown, but it feels like a whole different world. There are hiking trails all around a beautiful lake.
Keep your eyes peeled for animals – you might see deer, turtles, or even otters! The park is open from 6 AM to sunset, and it’s free to enter. Just remember, this is a place for quiet walks, not noisy games.
Percy Warner Park is huge – over 3000 acres! It has more than 12 miles of hiking trails. If you’re up for a challenge, try the 4.5-mile Mossy Ridge Trail.
You’ll be huffing and puffing, but the view of the city is worth it. On a clear day, you can see all the way to downtown Nashville. The park is open from dawn to 11 PM, and it’s free to visit.
5. Try Nashville Activities for Thrill-Seekers
If walking in the park sounds too calm for you, don’t worry. Nashville has plenty of exciting outdoor activities too:
Zip through the trees at Nashville Adventure Park
This park is at 801 Percy Warner Blvd. They have different courses for all skill levels. You can start easy and work your way up to the tough ones. It’s like being Tarzan for a day!
It costs about $52 for adults, and they’re open from March to November, Wednesday to Sunday from 9 AM to 5 PM.
Go kayaking or paddleboarding on the Cumberland River
You can rent boats near downtown from River Queen Voyages at 1 Public Square. A 2-hour trip costs around $45.
It’s a great way to see the city from a different angle. Plus, it’s good exercise! They’re open daily from 9 AM to 7 PM during summer.
Try axe throwing at BATL (Backyard Axe Throwing League)
This place is at 1302 Gallatin Ave. For $45, you get a lane for 2 hours. It’s like darts, but with axes! Don’t worry, they’ll teach you how to do it safely. They’re open Tuesday to Sunday, with hours varying by day.
These activities are great for groups or couples looking for something different. Just remember to wear closed-toe shoes and comfortable clothes. And don’t forget to book in advance, especially during busy summer weekends!
6. Relax in Nashville’s City Gardens: Peaceful Outdoor Spots for Adults
Sometimes you want to be outside, but not too active. That’s where Nashville’s beautiful gardens come in:
Garden | Location | Best Time to Visit | What’s Special | Admission |
---|---|---|---|---|
Cheekwood Estate & Gardens | 1200 Forrest Park Dr | Spring for the tulip festival | 55 acres of gardens, old fancy house | $20 for adults |
Gaylord Opryland Resort Gardens | 2800 Opryland Dr | Year-round, but extra pretty at Christmas | Indoor tropical paradise | Free to visit |
Cheekwood Estate & Gardens used to be someone’s house, but now it’s open for everyone to enjoy. The house is fancy and old, but the real star is the 55 acres of gardens.
In spring, Cheekwood Estate & Gardens have a festival with over 150,000 tulips! It’s like a sea of colorful flowers. They’re open Tuesday to Sunday from 9 AM to 5 PM.
Even if you’re not staying at the Gaylord Opryland Resort, you can visit their indoor gardens. They’re like a tropical paradise inside a building. There are waterfalls, rivers, and over 50,000 tropical plants.
It’s especially nice in winter when it’s cold outside but warm and green inside. During Christmas, they have a special light show that’s really magical. The gardens are open 24/7 and it’s free to visit.
Eat and Drink Yummy Nashville Food
Nashville has some seriously tasty food too! Let’s explore some of the best eats and drinks in Music City, perfect for adults looking for fun food activities in Nashville.
7. Try Nashville’s Famous Hot Chicken: A Spicy Adventure for Adults
You can’t visit Nashville without trying hot chicken. This spicy fried chicken is a local specialty that’s gained national fame. Here are some top spots to try it:
Restaurant | Address | Famous For | Heat Levels | Price Range |
---|---|---|---|---|
Hattie B’s | 112 19th Ave S | Multiple heat levels | Southern (no heat) to Shut the Cluck Up!!! (extra hot) | $10-$15 per plate |
Prince’s Hot Chicken | 5814 Nolensville Pike | The original hot chicken | Plain to XXX Hot | $8-$14 per plate |
Bolton’s Spicy Chicken & Fish | 624 Main St | Spicy chicken and fish | Mild to Extra Hot | $9-$15 per plate |
At Hattie B’s, you can choose your heat level. Be careful though – even their “medium” is pretty spicy! They’re open Monday to Thursday from 11 AM to 9 PM, Friday and Saturday from 11 AM to 10 PM, and Sunday from 11 AM to 4 PM.
Prince’s is where hot chicken was invented, so it’s a must-visit for food history buffs. The story goes that a lady tried to get back at her cheating husband by making his chicken super spicy.
But he loved it, and now it’s a Nashville staple! They’re open Tuesday to Thursday from 11 AM to 9 PM, and Friday to Saturday from 11 AM to 10 PM.
Bolton’s offers both spicy chicken and fish, giving you more options to try. They’re open Monday to Saturday from 11 AM to 8 PM. Remember, at all these places, “hot” really means HOT!
8. Enjoy a Meat and Three: Classic Nashville Comfort Food
Another Nashville food tradition is the “meat and three” – a plate with one meat and three veggie sides. It’s a great way to try Southern comfort food. Here are some classic spots:
Restaurant | Address | Known For | Hours | Price Range |
---|---|---|---|---|
Arnold’s Country Kitchen | 605 8th Ave S | Red meat and turnip greens | Mon-Fri: 10:30AM-2:45PM | $10-$15 per plate |
Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant | 500 Church St | Live music with your meal | Daily: 7AM-10PM | $12-$18 per plate |
Monell’s | 1235 6th Ave N | Family-style dining | Varies by day | $15-$20 per person |
Arnold’s is a Nashville institution, known for its roast beef and turnip greens. It’s only open for lunch on weekdays, so plan accordingly!
Puckett’s offers live music while you eat, combining two Nashville traditions. At Monell’s, you sit at large tables with strangers and pass dishes family-style, making it a unique dining experience.
9. Take a Food Tour: Taste Your Way Through Nashville
For a taste of everything Nashville has to offer, consider taking a food tour. It’s one of the most fun activities in Nashville for adults who love food. Here are a couple of options:
Tour Name | What You’ll Try | Duration | Price | Meeting Point |
---|---|---|---|---|
Walk Eat Nashville | Samples from 5-6 eateries | 3 hours | $65-$75 | Varies by neighborhood |
Music City Bites and Sites | Food samples and city history | 3 hours | $65 | 5th Avenue of the Arts |
Walk Eat Nashville offers tours in different neighborhoods, letting you sample food while exploring the city.
You might try hot chicken, gourmet popsicles, and local craft beer all in one tour! Music City Bites and Sites combines food tasting with information about Nashville’s history and culture. Both tours run most days of the week.
10. Visit a Nashville Brewery or Distillery: Adult Beverage Adventures
Nashville’s drink scene is just as exciting as its food scene. Here are some places where you can sample local beverages:
Name | Type | Known For | Address | Tour Price |
---|---|---|---|---|
Yazoo Brewing Company | Brewery | Wide range of beer styles | 900 River Bluff Dr | $10 (includes samples) |
Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery | Distillery | Tennessee whiskey | 1414 Clinton St | $15 (includes tasting) |
Corsair Distillery | Distillery | Experimental spirits | 601 Merritt Ave | $12 (includes tasting) |
Yazoo offers tours and tastings of their diverse beer selection. Tours run on Saturdays at 2 PM, 3 PM, and 4 PM.
At Nelson’s Green Brier, you can learn about the history of Tennessee whiskey. Tours run daily from 11 AM to 5 PM.
Corsair is known for their innovative spirits, like quinoa whiskey. Their tours run Thursday to Saturday from 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM.
Many of these places offer tours and tastings, making them great Nashville activities for adults who enjoy craft beverages. Remember to drink responsibly and have a safe way to get back to your hotel!
11. Dine with a View: Romantic Nashville Restaurants for Adults
For a special night out, consider one of Nashville’s restaurants with a view:
Restaurant | View | Type of Food | Address | Price Range |
---|---|---|---|---|
71 South | Downtown skyline | New American | 71 S Main St | $20-$40 per entree |
L.A. Jackson | Rooftop views | Small plates and cocktails | 401 11th Ave S | $15-$30 per plate |
The Southern Steak & Oyster | Busy downtown streets | Southern and seafood | 150 3rd Ave S | $25-$50 per entree |
71 South offers panoramic views of the Nashville skyline from its rooftop location. It’s open for dinner Tuesday to Saturday from 5 PM to 10 PM.
L.A. Jackson, located on top of the Thompson Hotel, has a hip vibe and great cocktails. It’s open Sunday to Thursday from 3 PM to midnight, and Friday to Saturday from 3 PM to 2 AM.
The Southern Steak & Oyster has big windows that let you watch the bustling downtown scene while you eat. They’re open daily from 7:30 AM to 10 PM.
Enjoy Nashville’s Nightlife: Fun Evening Activities for Adults
When the sun goes down, Nashville really comes alive! There’s a whole world of fun activities in Nashville for adults after dark. Let’s explore some of the best nightlife options in Music City.
12. Dance the Night Away: Nashville’s Best Dance Clubs for Adults
If you love to dance, Nashville’s got plenty of spots where you can show off your moves. Here are some popular dance clubs:
Club Name | Type of Music | Address | Hours | Cover Charge |
---|---|---|---|---|
Wildhorse Saloon | Country | 120 2nd Ave N | Sun-Thu: 11AM-10PM, Fri-Sat: 11AM-2AM | $6-$10 after 7PM |
Play Dance Bar | Pop, dance | 1519 Church St | Thu-Sat: 9PM-3AM | $5-$10 |
Acme Feed & Seed | Various (different on each floor) | 101 Broadway | Sun-Thu: 11AM-11PM, Fri-Sat: 11AM-2AM | Free |
Wildhorse Saloon is huge – three floors of dancing space! They even offer free line dancing lessons every day at 5:30 PM if you want to learn some country moves. It’s a great place to try out your cowboy boots!
Play Dance Bar is LGBTQ+ friendly and known for its fun drag shows. They have different themed nights, like “Drag’n Out Wednesday” and “Playmate Saturdays.”
Acme Feed & Seed has different music on each floor, so you can find the style that suits you best. The first floor usually has live bands, the second floor is more of a lounge, and the third floor is a rooftop bar with a DJ.
Insider tip: most of these places are for folks 21 and up, so bring your ID!
13. Enjoy Live Music Venues: Best Places to Hear Music in Nashville at Night
Of course, we can’t talk about Nashville nightlife without mentioning live music. Here are some great spots to hear tunes after dark:
Venue | Type of Music | Address | Notable Info | Ticket Price Range |
---|---|---|---|---|
The Ryman Auditorium | Various | 116 5th Ave N | Former home of Grand Ole Opry | $30-$100+ |
The Bluebird Cafe | Singer-songwriter | 4104 Hillsboro Pike | Intimate setting, reservations recommended | $15-$25 |
Station Inn | Bluegrass | 402 12th Ave S | Cash only, first-come-first-served seating | $15-$20 |
The Ryman is known as the “Mother Church of Country Music” and has amazing acoustics. It’s hosted everyone from Johnny Cash to Taylor Swift. Shows usually start around 7:30 PM, but check their schedule because it varies.
The Bluebird Cafe is tiny (only 90 seats!) but has launched many famous careers. You might see the next big star before they’re famous! Shows are typically at 6 PM and 9 PM, but book way in advance because it sells out fast.
Station Inn is the place to go for authentic bluegrass music. It’s a no-frills joint that’s all about the music. They don’t take reservations, so get there early to grab a seat. Shows usually start at 9 PM.
14. Unusual Fun Activities in Nashville for Adults at Night
Want to do something different at night? Nashville’s got some cool and unique activities for couples like you:
Activity | Description | Location | Hours | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|
Game Point Cafe | Board game cafe | 1010 Gallatin Ave | Sun-Thu: 8AM-11PM, Fri-Sat: 8AM-1AM | $5 game fee |
Nashville Ghost Tours | Spooky walking tour | Starts at 4th Ave N and Union St | Tours at 8PM nightly | $25 per person |
The Escape Game | Escape room challenges | 510 East Iris Dr | Sun-Thu: 9AM-10:30PM, Fri-Sat: 8AM-11:45PM | $36.99 per person |
Game Point Cafe has over 500 board games you can play while enjoying coffee or beer. It’s a fun, low-key way to spend an evening with friends. They also have trivia nights and game tournaments if you’re feeling competitive!
Nashville Ghost Tours takes you through downtown, sharing spooky stories about the city’s history. The tour lasts about 90 minutes and covers about a mile of walking.
The Escape Game offers challenging puzzle rooms that you have to solve to “escape” – a great group activity! They have different themes like “Gold Rush” and “Prison Break”. You get 60 minutes to solve all the puzzles and escape the room.
15. Experience Nashville’s Speakeasy Scene: Hidden Bars for Grown-Up Fun
For a more low-key night out, check out one of Nashville’s speakeasy-style bars. These places offer a more intimate, upscale drinking experience:
Speakeasy | Known For | Address | How to Find It | Cocktail Price Range |
---|---|---|---|---|
The Patterson House | Craft cocktails | 1711 Division St | Look for the velvet curtain | $12-$16 |
Old Glory | Unique atmosphere | 1200 Villa Pl | Enter through the boiler room door | $10-$14 |
Attaboy | No menu, customized drinks | 8 Mcferrin Ave | Look for the “AB” sign | $12-$15 |
The Patterson House is known for its extensive cocktail menu and 1920s vibe. You might have to wait for a table, but it’s worth it for their expertly crafted drinks.
Old Glory is in a converted boiler room, giving it a unique industrial feel. There’s no sign outside, so look for the black door with a golden triangle. Inside, you’ll find a beautiful, multi-level space with great cocktails.
At Attaboy, there’s no menu – just tell the bartender what flavors you like and they’ll create a custom drink for you. It’s a small space and they don’t take reservations, so be prepared to wait, especially on weekends.
Romantic Activities for Couples in Nashville
Nashville is also a great place for couples looking for romantic things to do. Let’s explore some of the most romantic activities in Nashville for adults who want to spend some special time together.
16. Enjoy a Sunset Cruise on the General Jackson Showboat
One of the most romantic experiences in Nashville is a dinner cruise on the General Jackson Showboat. Here’s what you need to know:
Cruise Details | Information |
---|---|
Departure Point | 2812 Opryland Dr |
Duration | 3-4 hours |
Includes | Dinner, live entertainment, and scenic views |
Price | Around $90-$120 per person |
Best time | Evening cruise for sunset views |
Departure times | Varies by season, typically 7:00 PM |
As you cruise down the Cumberland River, you’ll enjoy a yummy dinner and live music while watching the sun set over the Nashville skyline. The boat is big – four stories tall! – and looks like an old-fashioned steamboat.
The dinner is usually a buffet with lots of Southern favorites like fried chicken and mac and cheese. After you eat, you can go up on deck to watch the city lights come on as it gets dark.
Remember to book your tickets ahead of time, especially on weekends or during busy tourist seasons. This is one of those Nashville activities for adults that tends to sell out fast!
17. Have a Picnic in Centennial Park: A Budget-Friendly Romantic Outing
For a more low-key romantic outing, pack a picnic and head to Centennial Park. Here’s why it’s special:
Park Features | Details |
---|---|
Location | 2500 West End Ave |
Size | 132 acres |
Notable Attraction | Full-scale replica of the Parthenon |
Best Picnic Spots | Near the lake or in the sunken garden |
Hours | 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily |
Centennial Park is right in the middle of the city, but it feels like you’re in a whole different world. The coolest thing here is a full-size copy of the Parthenon from ancient Greece. Yep, you read that right – a Greek building in Tennessee!
For your picnic, you can spread out a blanket near the lake or find a spot in the pretty sunken garden. After you eat, you can take a romantic stroll around the Parthenon or walk hand-in-hand along the park’s walking trails.
If you forget to pack food, there are often food trucks parked near the Parthenon, especially on weekends. You can grab some local eats and have an impromptu picnic.
This is one of the most relaxing and budget-friendly romantic activities for adults in Nashville. It’s a great way to spend a lazy afternoon with your special someone.
18. Take a Couples’ Cooking Class
Cooking together can be a fun and romantic experience. Here are a couple of options in Nashville:
Cooking School | Location | Type of Classes | Price Range | Duration |
---|---|---|---|---|
The Nashville Cooking Academy | 1202 16th Ave S | Various cuisines, including Southern | $75-$100 per person | 2-3 hours |
Publix Aprons Cooking School | 1010 Crossings Blvd, Spring Hill | Date night themed classes | $100-$150 per couple | 2-3 hours |
At The Nashville Cooking Academy, you might learn how to make classic Southern dishes like biscuits and gravy or shrimp and grits. They offer classes most evenings from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
Publix Aprons Cooking School has special date night classes where you and your partner work together to make a meal. These classes are usually on Friday or Saturday nights from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
Both places provide all the ingredients and tools you need. At the end of the class, you get to eat what you’ve made! It’s a great way to learn new skills together and enjoy a meal you’ve prepared yourselves.
19. Visit a Winery or Do a Wine Tasting: Sip and Savor Together
While Nashville might be known for its whiskey, it also has some lovely wineries nearby. Here’s one to consider:
- Winery: Arrington Vineyards
- Location: 6211 Patton Rd, Arrington
- Known For: Owned by country music star Kix Brooks
- Tasting Fee: $14 for 8 wines
- Hours: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM daily
Arrington Vineyards is about a 30-minute drive from Nashville. They offer beautiful views of the Tennessee countryside, making it a perfect spot for a romantic afternoon. You can do a wine tasting, then buy a bottle of your favorite to enjoy on their big lawn.
They often have live music on weekends, which they call “Music in the Vines.” Bring a blanket or lawn chairs and some snacks, and you’ve got yourself a perfect date!
If you don’t want to drive, there are some companies that offer wine tours from Nashville to Arrington. These usually include transportation, tastings, and sometimes even a picnic lunch.
If you’re planning to do a lot of wine tasting, make sure you have a safe way to get back to Nashville. Many of the tour companies provide transportation, which can be a great option.
Final Thoughts
Nashville is a city that truly knows how to entertain adults. From the energy of Broadway’s honky-tonks to the peaceful trails of Radnor Lake, there are so many fun activities in Nashville for adults.
You can start your day with a spicy hot chicken breakfast, then explore historic landmarks, and finish by dancing the night away at a local club. Also, the city’s rich musical heritage and nightlife ensure there’s always something exciting to do for couples like you.