Top Activities in Nashville for Adults

1. Hit up Honky Tonk Row (Lower Broadway)

• Walk along Broadway and go to the various bars/venues with live music. As one local put it:

“walk until you hear something you like … when that vibe is not working, move on.” 

• Great way to experience iconic Nashville country music in a lively, authentic way.

2. Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum

• Explore country music history, memorabilia, and exhibits. 

• Check out the Taylor Swift Education Center for hands-on music and art-making. 

• Catch a live performance in the CMA Theater, which hosts country, folk, Americana shows. 

3. Explore Centennial Park & the Parthenon

• Visit the full-scale replica of the Parthenon and see the 42-foot statue of Athena. 

• Walk or picnic in Centennial Park (132-acre park, lake, trails, sunken gardens) 

• Join guided history tours, architecture tours, or sketching programs when available. 

4. Stroll Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park

• A 19-acre urban park that highlights Tennessee’s history, geography, and musical heritage. 

• Great for walking, relaxing, or taking photos.

5. Spend Time in Shelby Park / Bottoms

• Large green space to bike, run, or have a picnic. 

• It’s somewhat off the beaten path — perfect for a more relaxed, local-feel afternoon.

6. Try Axe Throwing

• Visit BATL (Backyard Axe Throwing League) for a fun, slightly competitive (but safe) activity. 

• Good option for groups or date nights.

7. Visit Cheekwood Estate & Gardens

• A beautiful 55-acre botanical garden + historic mansion. 

• Lovely spot for art, nature, and peaceful strolls.

8. Go on a “Bagel Crawl” Around the City

• Try different bagel shops like Proper Bagel, Star Bagel, and more. 

• A more low-key, food-focused way to explore neighborhoods.

9. Catch a Concert at Cannery Ballroom

• A historic music venue with multiple stages and a variety of genres. 

• Great for discovering local acts or catching touring bands.

10. Skate or BMX at Metro Nashville Skatepark

• Concrete skatepark with bowls, street features, and more. 

• Open to skateboarders, in-line skaters, BMX — a fun active break from tourism.

11. Go to Rocketown

• Very multi-functional venue: skate park, music venue, coffee bar, and more. 

• All ages welcome, and they host a variety of events.

12. Take a Brewery or Distillery Tour

• Nashville has a growing craft beer and distillery scene — perfect for tastings + local vibes.

• (Search for current tours / tasting rooms — there are many depending on the neighborhood.)

13. Try Local Food — Hot Chicken & Southern Eats

• Don’t skip quintessential Nashville cuisine — like hot chicken.

• Explore local “meat & three” restaurants (traditional Southern buffet-style) — these are popular and often recommended by locals. 

14. Attend Music Festivals or Outdoor Concerts

• Depending on when you visit, check out outdoor shows (at Centennial Park or other venues).

• Follow local event calendars — Nashville is always hosting something music- or arts-related.

15. Go Shopping / Exploring at Marathon Village

• Former automobile plant turned creative space. Galleries, shops, art — good for browsing + discovering local design