What's 42 miles long and the closest thing Nashville has to a beach resort? Percy Priest Lake. Just a 15-minute drive east of the city, this huge, artificial reservoir has activities from boating to kayaking to swimming, plus three campgrounds for extended stays. Parking spaces are limited and it's a popular summer-weekend destination, so arrive early to secure your spot. And bring a picnic.
Percy Priest Lake
Nashville
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum
9.3 MILES
This monumental museum, reflecting the near-biblical importance of country music to Nashville's soul, is a must-see whether you're a country music fan or…
10.13 MILES
One of Music Row's most historic studios, this is where Elvis, the Everly Brothers and Dolly Parton all recorded numerous hits. The latter did a little…
Cheekwood Botanical Garden & Museum of Art
15.15 MILES
Cheekwood is a botanical garden with an arty inclination, just southwest of downtown Nashville. The numerous gardens combine themes (Japanese, water,…
21.54 MILES
A beautiful day trip or extended road trip from Nashville, the Natchez Trace Parkway runs for 444 miles through three states until reaching its eponymous…
National Museum of African American Music
9.44 MILES
The National Museum of African American Music tells the story of the impact that African American culture has had on music around the world, from gospel to…
6.52 MILES
This unassuming modern brick building seats 4400 for the Grand Ole Opry multiple times per week. Daytime backstage guided tours are offered every 15…
23.63 MILES
For a photogenic view of this graceful double-arch bridge, pull into the Birdsong Hollow overlook, about 4 miles south of the northern terminus of the…
9.03 MILES
This 6.5-acre park hugs the Cumberland River's eastern bank across from downtown. For kids, there's a climbing wall and an innovative washboard play area…
Nearby Nashville attractions
5.27 MILES
The former home of seventh president Andrew Jackson lies 15 miles east of downtown. The sprawling, well-kept grounds of this 1150-acre site offer a peek…
5.44 MILES
For outdoor recreation near Opryland, head to this 374-acre park beside the Cumberland River. Kids can splash around in Wave Country or roll around the…
3. Cumberland River Pedestrian Bridge
5.67 MILES
Open to pedestrians and cyclists, this sturdy bridge links Shelby Bottoms Park and its greenway with Two Rivers Park and the Stones River greenway. It's a…
6.52 MILES
This unassuming modern brick building seats 4400 for the Grand Ole Opry multiple times per week. Daytime backstage guided tours are offered every 15…
5. Shelby Bottoms Nature Center
6.59 MILES
For a primer on the flora and fauna that live in East Nashville's green spaces, head to this park facility, which features a range of displays and free…
6. Willie Nelson & Friends Museum Showcase
7.3 MILES
'Outlaw country' star Willie Nelson sold all his worldly goods to pay off a $16.7 million tax debt in the early 1990s. You can see them at this quirky…
7.54 MILES
Mammals chill out along the grassy Savannah Loop and the bamboo-filled Jungle Loop, and amphibians get their own special house. We're partial to the…
8.14 MILES
This colorful mural celebrates the Fatherland District shopping area. It's one of several murals place-marking neighborhoods and shopping districts in…