What Are the Best Excursions from Nashville, TN?

Nashville is known for its music scene, great food, and nonstop energy, but one of its biggest advantages is how easy it is to explore beyond the city. Within a short drive—or even without leaving downtown—you’ll find historic towns, iconic distilleries, scenic waterways, and outdoor escapes that offer a very different side of Middle Tennessee.

Whether you’re visiting Nashville for a long weekend or you live here and want a fresh experience, these excursions make it easy to add variety to your plans. From whiskey distillery tours and river adventures to small towns and state parks, this guide covers some of the best day trips and excursions from Nashville, TN.

1. Franklin, TN — Historic Charm Meets Modern Luxury

Distance from Nashville: 25–30 minutes
For: History lovers, couples, foodies, and slow-paced explorers

Franklin consistently ranks as one of the best day trips from Nashville thanks to its walkable downtown, preserved Civil War sites, and strong local food scene. The town balances historic character with modern shopping, dining, and entertainment, making it an easy choice for a half-day or full-day excursion.

What to Do:

• Take a scenic drive along the Natchez Trace Parkway

• Stroll Main Street for shopping and dining

• Visit the Carnton and Carter House historic sites

2. Arrington Vineyards — A Relaxing Wine Country Escape

Distance: About 35 minutes
For: Couples, groups, and anyone seeking a laid-back afternoon

Arrington Vineyards offers rolling hills, open green space, and a relaxed atmosphere that feels far removed from downtown Nashville. Co-owned by Kix Brooks, the vineyard is popular for casual tastings, picnics, and live music during warmer months.

What to Do:

• Sample wine tasting flights

• Bring a picnic and enjoy the countryside views

• Attend “Music in the Vines” live music events

3. Mammoth Cave National Park (Kentucky)

Distance: About 90 minutes
For: Adventurers and nature enthusiasts

Located just north of the Tennessee border, Mammoth Cave National Park is home to the longest known cave system in the world. It’s one of the most unique excursions near Nashville for travelers who want something completely different from the city experience.

What to Do:

• Join guided cave tours led by park rangers

• Go hiking and wildlife viewing

• Canoe or kayak along the Green River

4. Chattanooga, TN — Mountains, Riverfront & Family Fun

Distance: About 2 hours
For: Families, couples, or solo travelers

Chattanooga blends outdoor scenery with a compact, attraction-filled downtown. Nestled along the Tennessee River and surrounded by mountains, it’s a popular overnight trip or long day excursion from Nashville.

What to Do:

• Visit the Tennessee Aquarium

• Explore Lookout Mountain, including Rock City and Ruby Falls

• Walk or bike across the Walnut Street Bridge

• Relax in Coolidge Park along the riverfront

5. Jack Daniel’s Distillery (Lynchburg, TN)

Distance: About 1 hour 20 minutes
For: Whiskey lovers and anyone interested in Tennessee history

The Jack Daniel’s Distillery is one of the most famous attractions near Nashville and a cornerstone of Tennessee whiskey culture. Located in Lynchburg, the distillery offers guided tours that walk visitors through the whiskey-making process, from the cave spring to charcoal mellowing and barrel aging.

For visitors who don’t want to deal with driving, parking, or reservations, a Jack Daniel’s bus tour from Nashville is one of the easiest ways to visit. Tennessee Whiskey Tours offers round-trip transportation, scheduled distillery tours, and tastings, allowing guests to relax and focus on the experience rather than the logistics.

What to Do:

• Take a guided Jack Daniel’s distillery tour

• Learn about the Lincoln County Process

• Explore downtown Lynchburg shops and restaurants

• Visit via a Nashville-based bus tour for a stress-free day trip

6. Kentucky Bourbon Trail

Distance to first stop: 45 minutes–1 hour
For: Bourbon and spirits enthusiasts

The Kentucky Bourbon Trail is a natural extension for visitors interested in American whiskey. With distilleries like Maker’s Mark, Woodford Reserve, and Jim Beam, it’s a popular road-trip option from Nashville for those willing to travel a bit farther.

What to Do:

• Enjoy guided tastings

• Tour historic distillery grounds

• Book behind-the-scenes experiences

7. Percy Priest Lake & Long Hunter State Park

Distance: About 25 minutes
For: Outdoor lovers who want a close-to-town escape

Percy Priest Lake and Long Hunter State Park offer easy access to nature without committing to a long drive. It’s a great option for warm-weather visits when you want water activities or a quiet place to unwind.

What to Do:

• Rent kayaks or paddleboards

• Pack a picnic

• Explore beginner-friendly hiking trails

8. Clarksville, TN — Military History & Riverfront Beauty

Distance: About 50 minutes
For: Families and casual explorers

Clarksville combines historic attractions with scenic outdoor spaces along the Cumberland River. It’s a quieter alternative to Nashville with plenty to do in a single day.

What to Do:

• Visit Dunbar Cave State Park

• Explore the Customs House Museum & Cultural Center

• Walk the Clarksville Riverwalk

9. Fall Creek Falls State Park

Distance: About 2 hours
For: Hikers, photographers, and nature seekers

Fall Creek Falls State Park is one of the most scenic parks in Tennessee and home to one of the highest waterfalls in the eastern United States. It’s ideal for travelers looking for dramatic landscapes and outdoor adventure.

What to Do:

• Hike scenic trails

• View waterfalls

• Try zip lining

• Walk suspension bridges

10. Uncle Nearest Distillery Bus Tour — A Meaningful Whiskey Excursion

Distance from Nashville: About 1 hour (via bus tour)
For: Whiskey fans, history buffs, and group travelers

The Uncle Nearest Bus Tour from Nashville offers a deeper look into Tennessee whiskey history. This guided excursion takes guests to the Nearest Green Distillery in Shelbyville, home of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey and the legacy of Nathan “Nearest” Green, one of the most important figures in American whiskey history.

By traveling via bus tour, guests enjoy round-trip transportation, pre-arranged distillery access, and guided tastings without worrying about driving.

What to Do:

• Tour the Nearest Green Distillery

• Learn about Nearest Green’s impact on Tennessee whiskey

• Enjoy guided tastings

• Explore the distillery grounds and visitor center

11. Tennessee Whiskey Experience Tour — Multiple Distilleries, One Day

Distance: Varies by route
For: Visitors who want a full whiskey itinerary

For those who want to see more than one distillery in a single day, the Tennessee Whiskey Experience Tour is one of the most comprehensive excursions from Nashville. This guided tour visits multiple distilleries, offering a broader view of Tennessee whiskey styles, production methods, and regional differences.

With transportation, reservations, and tastings handled in advance, it’s an efficient way to explore Tennessee’s whiskey scene without planning each stop individually.

What to Do:

• Visit multiple Tennessee distilleries

• Participate in guided tastings

• Learn how different distilleries approach whiskey making

• Enjoy scenic countryside drives between stops

12. River Queen Voyages — Explore Nashville from the Water

Location: Downtown Nashville
For: Outdoor enthusiasts, groups, couples, and locals

River Queen Voyages offers a completely different kind of Nashville excursion—right on the Cumberland River. Located near Nissan Stadium, River Queen Voyages provides kayak rentals, guided paddles, and pedal pontoon cruises that showcase the city skyline and surrounding nature from the water.

What to Do:

• Kayak the Cumberland River with skyline views

• Join guided paddles or scavenger hunts

• Book a BYOB pedal pontoon cruise with a captain

• Plan group outings or private experiences

This is one of the best excursions for visitors who want something active and memorable without leaving downtown Nashville.

Plan the Perfect Nashville Excursion

Nashville may be the starting point, but some of the most memorable experiences happen just beyond the city—or in unexpected places like the Cumberland River. From historic towns and scenic parks to hands-on adventures and guided whiskey tours, these excursions make it easy to see more of Middle Tennessee without overplanning or long travel days. 

Whether you’re adding a distillery bus tour, a river outing, or a classic day trip to your itinerary, building in one or two of these experiences helps round out any Nashville visit and gives you a deeper connection to the region.

Frequently Asked Questions About Excursions from Nashville, TN

• What are the best day trips from Nashville, Tennessee?

  Some of the best day trips from Nashville include Franklin, TN, Arrington Vineyards, the Jack Daniel’s Distillery in Lynchburg, the Uncle Nearest Distillery in Shelbyville, Percy Priest Lake, and River Queen Voyages on the Cumberland River. These excursions range from historic towns and outdoor recreation to guided whiskey tours and river experiences.

• How far are most excursions from downtown Nashville?

  Many popular excursions are within 30 minutes of downtown Nashville, including Franklin, Arrington Vineyards, Percy Priest Lake, and River Queen Voyages. Distillery destinations like Jack Daniel’s and Uncle Nearest are typically about 1 to 1.5 hours away, making them manageable half-day or full-day trips.

• Do I need a car to visit distilleries near Nashville?

  You do not need a car if you book a guided bus tour. Nashville-based operators offer transportation to distilleries like Jack Daniel’s and Uncle Nearest, including scheduled tours and tastings. Bus tours allow visitors to enjoy the experience without worrying about driving, parking, or reservations.

• What is the best whiskey tour from Nashville?

  The best whiskey tour depends on how much time you have and how many distilleries you want to visit. Single-destination tours, such as the Jack Daniel’s or Uncle Nearest bus tours, focus on one iconic distillery. Multi-stop options like the Tennessee Whiskey Experience tour are ideal for visitors who want a broader look at Tennessee whiskey in one day.

• Are Nashville whiskey tours good for beginners?

  Yes. Most Nashville whiskey tours are designed for a wide range of experience levels. Guided tastings explain the basics of whiskey production, flavor profiles, and Tennessee whiskey traditions, making them approachable for beginners while still engaging for experienced whiskey fans.

• What are unique excursions that don’t require leaving Nashville?

  River Queen Voyages is one of the most unique excursions that takes place entirely in Nashville. Kayaking and pedal pontoon cruises on the Cumberland River offer skyline views and a chance to experience the city from the water without traveling outside downtown.