Discover fun road trips from Nashville and plan your getaway!
If you’re looking for exciting road trips from Nashville, you’ve come to the right place. From the vibrant streets of Memphis to the breathtaking views of the Smoky Mountains, there’s a perfect getaway for you within driving distance of Nashville.
As a professional travel writer with over 10 years of experience writing for magazines, I’ve explored incredible destinations across the United States. My mission is to help people plan unforgettable vacations. For hassle-free trips, check out my itinerary travel guides and have everything you need to book an awesome vacation today!
Let’s dive into nine incredible destinations you can explore on your next adventure. Most are less than a five-hour drive with a few stretching to under eight hours. But if you make it a long weekend, it’s worth it!
My Top 3 Picks
1. Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee: Hike to waterfalls and spot wildlife by day, sip moonshine, and soak in a hot tub by night.
2. Gulf Shores, Alabama: Relax on a sugar-sand beach, fish off the pier, or ride bikes during the day, and indulge in amazing seafood and boozy milkshakes at night.
3. Louisville, Kentucky: Visit museums during the day, try out fun new restaurants and sample bourbon flights at night.
Vacation Places 6 Hours or Less From Nashville
These road trip destinations are far enough away from Nashville to feel like an adventure, but close enough to give you plenty of time to explore in a weekend.
1. Memphis, Tennessee
Driving time from Nashville: 3 hours
If you’re a music lover, then a road trip to Memphis is a no-brainer! You can tour Graceland (the home of Elvis Presley) and go for drinks and live blues music on neon-lit Beale Street. Don’t miss the National Civil Rights Museum too for some powerful history. The museum is located at the Lorraine Hotel, where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated. The best time to visit Memphis is in spring or fall when the weather is mild.
Pro tip: For this road trip, you don’t even have to drive! Take it easy on a guided day tour to Memphis. You’ll visit Graceland—the highlight of my Memphis trips—and other sites for one full day of sightseeing before returning home to Nashville.
On your way: Fuel up on famous, made-from-scratch fried chicken, country ham, and biscuits and jam at Loveless Café.
Where to stay: Hands down, the best place to stay in Memphis is The Guest House at Graceland. Besides nice rooms and a great pool, they have touches of The King throughout the resort. Elvis tunes are piped in the lobby, an Elvis movie plays every evening, and there’s a complimentary peanut butter and jelly nightcap. Nightly rates start at around $169.
➡️ Learn more about fun things to do in Memphis and get my free, one-day itinerary.
2. Louisville, Kentucky
Driving time from Nashville: 3 hours
Louisville is another fantastic road trip from Nashville, especially if you’re into sports or bourbon. Check out Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby Museum for a behind-the-scenes look at the most famous horse race in the U.S. Visit the Muhammad Ali Center to learn about the G.O.A.T. and swing replica bats used by baseball legends at the Louisville Slugger Museum. The Urban Bourbon Trail is a must too for tastings. Aim for spring or fall for the best weather.
Pro tip: My favorite thing to do at the Kentucky Derby Museum is to go into the race track announcer booth. It records you narrating the race and is a hoot to listen to afterward. Talking that fast is harder than you think!
On your way: Stop and stretch your legs at Mammoth Cave National Park, where you can explore the world’s longest cave system. To go underground though you have to book a tour, preferably in advance as they often sell out.
Where to stay: The historic, beautifully restored Brown Hotel is known for its Southern charm and hospitality. Located in downtown Louisville, it’s perfect for exploring the city’s top attractions. Nightly rates start at $199.
➡️ Learn more about fun things to do on a Kentucky road trip and purchase my Kentucky Road Trip Itinerary Guide for a fully planned vacation!
3. Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
Driving time from Nashville: 3.5 hours
The Great Smoky Mountains are perfect for a nature getaway. Think stunning hikes, breathtaking views from Clingmans Dome, and wildlife like elk and bears in Cades Cove. Gatlinburg has moonshine tastings and banjo picking while Pigeon Forge has attractions like Dollywood and Ripley’s Aquarium. Fall is amazing for the leaves, and summer is great for hiking.
Pro tip: For your best chance of spotting black bears, hike the popular Laurel Falls Trail in the national park where they’re frequently seen. On our hike, we spotted a bear cub in a tree. (It was a little unnerving wondering where mama bear was, but at least we were with a big group of people who were hanging out and watching with us.)
On your way: Make a quirky pit stop at Bush’s Beans Visitor Center in Chestnut Hill. It’s a fun little detour with a free museum and a café where you can order a slice of their pinto bean pie.
Where to stay: Rent a cabin in the Smokies, ideally one with a hot tub or get a room with a similar vibe at Dollywood’s Heartsong Lodge & Resort, with scenic mountain views and rustic luxury décor. Nightly rates at the Heartsong Lodge start at $229.
➡️ Get tips on planning a weekend trip to the Smokies and discover more fun things to do in the Smoky Mountains. Ready to book a trip? Get my Great Smoky Mountains Itinerary Guide for a fully planned vacation with daily itineraries!
4. Asheville, North Carolina
Driving time from Nashville: 4.5 hours
Asheville is an artsy, trendy destination and an easy road trip from Nashville. Explore the beautiful Biltmore Estate, hike in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and enjoy downtown’s galleries and breweries. Fall is the best time for gorgeous foliage with summer being second best.
Pro tip: Get a pick-me-up at Double D’s Coffee & Desserts, a repurposed 1963 British double-decker bus that serves coffee drinks and milkshakes.
On your way: Stop in Knoxville for pizza, sandwiches, and salads at Tomato Head. Afterward, you can browse the adorable shops in Market Square.
Where to stay: The hip Kimpton Hotel Arras is centrally located downtown. Take advantage of the complimentary bikes to explore the city, but come back in time for their free drinks in the afternoon (and maybe a nap). Then head out to sample the city’s fantastic culinary scene at dinnertime. Nightly rates start at $224.
➡️ Grab my One Perfect Day in Asheville itinerary for free.
5. Greenville, South Carolina
Driving time from Nashville: 5.5 hours
Greenville is such a gem! Stroll through downtown, which is anchored by a gorgeous waterfall and park (Falls Park on the Reedy) and stately Furman University. You can also bike to surrounding villages on the easy, 22-mile Swamp Rabbit Trail and zipline through the treetops at Flying Rabbit Adventures. Don’t miss seeing the world’s largest collection of Andrew Wyeth watercolor paintings at the free Greenville County Museum of Art. Visit in spring or fall for the best weather.
Pro tip: The best biscuits I’ve had in my life are at Biscuit Head in Greenville. They’re huge, flaky and tender and you can slather them with your pick of jelly at the jam bar.
On your way: Just a little ways off of US-74 highway is Benton Falls Trail in the Cherokee National Forest. It’s an easy, three-mile trail to beautiful cascades. The hike takes about an hour roundtrip.
Where to stay: Located in the heart of downtown Greenville, SpringHill Suites by Marriot is a great place to rest your head. Rooms here come with free breakfast and if it’s warm out, you can take advantage of the beautiful outdoor pool area. Nightly rates start at $123.
Long Weekend Road Trips From Nashville
These vacation places are a longer drive from Nashville. Plan to visit when you have at least four days—so you have two driving days and two full days at your destination.
Want to maximize your vacation time even more? Our family leaves early in the morning on road trips. That way we can get there by the afternoon or evening, in time for a meal, a little exploring, and some unwinding before bedtime. To make the most of your last day of vacation, sleep in, eat lunch, grab last-minute souvenirs and hit the road to arrive home at a decent hour.
6. Mobile, Alabama
Driving time from Nashville: 6.5 hours
Mobile is a small, friendly city on the Gulf Coast. The USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park is a must-see, as is the historic downtown and the History Museum of Mobile, which has heart-wrenching black history exhibits. If you can, catch the city’s Mardi Gras celebrations—they’re the oldest in the U.S. and family-friendly! Spring and fall are perfect for visiting.
Pro tip: Bring a pillowcase to collect all the goodies they throw out at Mardi Gras parades and leave extra space in your suitcase to take them home. I was shocked at how much you get and the assortment, everything from moon pies to plastic cups, beads, and stuffed animals.
On your way: Stop in Montgomery to tour the Civil Rights Memorial and the Rosa Parks Museum. So much history and culture!
Where to stay: The Battle House Renaissance Mobile Hotel & Spa combines historic charm with modern luxury, offering comfortable accommodations and a top-rated spa in the center of downtown. It’s a great choice for a relaxing stay in Mobile and you can catch Mardi Gras parades right outside the front door. Nightly rates start at $249.
➡️ Learn more about the fun things to do in Mobile and get my free, one-day itinerary.
7. Hocking Hills, Ohio
Driving time from Nashville: 6.5 hours
For a nature-filled escape, Hocking Hills is a dream. The wooded, fairytale landscape, waterfalls, and caves are just stunning. In the summer, it’s lush and green. But in winter, it’s an icy wonderland with gigantic icicles and frozen waterfalls. After hiking the Old Man’s Cave and Ash Cave trails, you can eat a hearty dinner and play a board game around your cabin’s roaring fire.
Pro tip: My favorite trails were Rock House (goes to a big, open cave) and Old Man’s Cave. But both have stairs that can freeze over in winter, making them slippery and dangerous. Sometimes you can go down on your butt—if you don’t mind getting it a little wet—or there are belay ropes to help you down. But to be honest, I was too scared to try the belay ropes. I just hiked the trail until it got to that point and then turned around.
On your way: Stop in Cincinnati to try their famous version of chili—it has no beans, includes sweeter flavorings like cinnamon and even chocolate, and is served over spaghetti noodles. Skyline Chili is the most popular place to sample the dish.
Where to stay: Charming and cozy, The Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls is located near the beautiful trails of Hocking Hills. It offers rustic yet comfortable rooms, a full-service spa, and cabin rentals as well. Nightly rates start at $220.
8. Gulf Shores, Alabama
Driving time from Nashville: 7.5 hours
Gulf Shores is the ultimate beach getaway from Nashville. Beautiful beaches, warm waters, and outdoor activities await you. Ride bikes around Gulf State Park, spot dolphins on a boat cruise, and fish off the pier. The city’s lineup of events—from music festivals to shrimp festivals to birding events—make it fun year-round, but the best beach weather is in the summer.
Pro tip: The Hangout is my favorite place in Gulf Shores. You can play on the sand all day with free outdoor games for all ages, bubble parties, and good food and drinks. Be sure to order a shark attack cocktail while you’re there!
On your way: Stop in Birmingham to explore the sobering Civil Rights Institute to learn about the deep struggles and triumphs of the movement.
Where to stay: It’s a splurge, but The Lodge at Gulf State Park offers beautiful oceanfront rooms on a 2.5-mile pristine beach, a swimming pool next to the sand dunes and multiple dining options. You can also take advantage of their complimentary bicycles, and kayak and paddleboard rentals. Nightly rates start at $433.
➡️ Learn more about fun things to do in Gulf Shores and purchase my Gulf Shores Weekend Itinerary Guide for a fully planned vacation!
9. Savannah, Georgia
Driving time from Nashville: 7.5 hours
Savannah’s historic district is simply gorgeous—the giant antebellum homes and the peaceful parks on every block make just walking around a fun adventure. Don’t miss walking through famous Forsyth Park, visiting the beautifully eerie Bonaventure Cemetery, and popping into trendy shops along Bull Street. You can also take a riverboat cruise and enjoy the seafood—it’s delicious! Spring is perfect for the weather and blooming azaleas.
Pro tip: Skip the nightly ghost tours, which I found pretty boring. Instead read the book or watch the movie “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil” before you go. Then tour the Mercer Williams House where it all took place.
On your way: Stop in Atlanta to visit the Georgia Aquarium (the nation’s largest!) and the World of Coca-Cola. It’s a fun city with a lot to offer before you hit Savannah.
Where to stay: The Marshall House is a historic hotel in downtown Savannah. It offers elegant rooms, a warm atmosphere, and easy access to the city’s best attractions. Nightly rates start at $179.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re going on a road trip from Nashville, you probably have a few questions. Get the info you need to plan your vacation with answers to frequently asked questions below.
How many days do you need for a road trip from Nashville?
The number of days you need for a road trip from Nashville depends on your destination and the activities you plan to do. For a short getaway, a weekend (2-3 days) might be enough for places like Memphis or Louisville. For longer trips to destinations like Savannah or Gulf Shores, consider 4-5 days to fully enjoy the experience without feeling rushed.
What beach is closest to Nashville?
The closest beach to Nashville is along the Gulf Coast, with Gulf Shores, Alabama, being a popular choice. It’s about a 7.5-hour drive from Nashville, making it a feasible road trip destination for a long weekend or extended vacation.
Are there any scenic routes for road trips from Nashville?
Yes, several scenic routes can enhance your road trip experience:
- The Natchez Trace Parkway offers beautiful views and historical sites.
- The Blue Ridge Parkway is perfect for those heading towards Asheville, providing stunning mountain vistas.
- The Great River Road offers picturesque views of the Mississippi River, ideal for trips towards Memphis.
Is it better to rent a car for a road trip from Nashville?
Renting a car for a road trip from Nashville can be beneficial if:
- Your vehicle is not reliable for long distances.
- You need a larger or more comfortable vehicle for the trip.
- You want to save wear and tear on your personal car. Be sure to book in advance and check for rental deals to save costs.
The Takeaway
These road trips from Nashville are packed with fun, culture, and adventure. Each destination offers something unique, perfect for a memorable getaway. Don’t forget to plan some fun stops along the way to make the journey just as exciting as the destination too.
P.S. WANT TO REMEMBER THIS? SAVE THIS LIST OF ROAD TRIPS FROM NASHVILLE TO PINTEREST FOR LATER!
