10 Best Parks and Nature Attractions in Nashville, TN

When visiting the Music City Capital of Nashville, TN, one assumes that the city's nightlife is the top attraction. They wouldn't be 100% wrong in this assumption, however, Nashville is more than just the birthplace of some of the greatest country stars of decades past, it also houses an extraordinary list of parks and nature attractions. With beautiful weather nearly year-round, residents and visitors of Nashville can find fun, exploration, and plenty of activities in the great outdoors, all within city limits!

Continue to read to find out the top 10 best parks and nature attractions to check out in Nashville, TN.

1. Gaylord Opryland Resort 

2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214

Situated in the heart of Nashville, TN, the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center welcomes visitors to a stunning resort experience. From SoundWaves, the city's premier aquatic attraction, to an exciting lineup of activities and entertainment, there is something for the entire family to enjoy. Guests can explore nine acres of airy indoor garden atriums, award-winning restaurants and bars, and the world-class Relâche Spa and state-of-the-art fitness center.

2. Belmont Mansion 

Belmont University campus corner of Acklen Avenue & Belmont Blvd - behind Freeman Hall, 1901 15th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37212

The Belmont Mansion is a stately mansion built circa 1853 for a cotton heiress, now operating as a historic house museum. Explore one of the few 1850s-era homes still standing in Nashville, while learning about the people—both free and enslaved—whose stories make this site worth learning about. Explore the many rooms of the house, each themed and including artifacts from the late 1800s. After spending time in the house, go outside and check out the spacious walkways and beautifully landscaped gardens.

3. Radnor Lake State Park 

1160 Otter Creek Rd, Nashville, TN 37220

Visiting the Radnor Lake State Park offers a unique opportunity to spot an abundance of wildlife viewing opportunities, environmental educational programs, hiking opportunities, and a convenient location in an urban area. There are 7.75 miles worth of trails open to photography and wildlife observation. Pets, jogging, and bicycles are only allowed on the Otter Creek Road Trail. Amongst the wildlife that can be found in the state park, you can spot owls, herons, and waterfowl, as well as many species of amphibians, reptiles, and mammals like minks and otters. There are several ranger-led programs planned throughout the year including canoe floats, wildflower walks, astronomy night hikes, nature hikes, programs on snakes, off-trail land acquisition hikes, and birds of prey.

4. Centennial Park 

2500 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203

Considered to be one of Nashville's premier parks, the 132 acres features the iconic Parthenon, a one-mile walking trail, Lake Watauga, the Centennial Art Center, historical monuments, an arts activity center, a beautiful sunken garden, a band shell, and events shelter, sand volleyball courts, dog parks, and an exercise trail. This park is also home to the Centennial Sportsplex, a multi-use athletic complex in Nashville, from swimming and dancing to other various spots.

5. Cheekwood 

1200 Forrest Park Dr, Nashville, TN 37205

Visit Cheekwood, once the family home of Mabel and Leslie Cheek, this extraordinary 1930s estate, with its historic mansion and 55 acres of cultivated gardens and expansive vistas serves the public as a botanic garden, arboretum, and museum. Enjoy a visually enticing stroll along a 1.5-mile woodland sculpture trail or a meandering walk through 13 distinct gardens and delight in an extraordinary array of horticultural displays. The Cheek Mansion is now a museum, allowing a look at the lifestyle of the American Country Place Era, and walk-through family rooms restored to showcase original furnishings and converted to galleries where artworks from the permanent collection are.

6. Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park 

600 James Robertson Pkwy, Nashville, TN 37243

Located in the shadow of the Capitol in downtown Nashville, the Bicentennial Capitol Mall gives visitors a taste of Tennessee's history and natural wonders. With a simple walk in the 11-acre park, visitors can experience many facets of Tennessee's history including a 200-foot granite map of the state, a WWII Memorial, a 95-bell Carillon, a Pathway of History, and the Rivers of Tennessee Fountains. There are 11 planters along the Walkway of Counties, showcasing native plant species from different regions of the state.

7. Nashville Zoo 

3777 Nolensville Pk, Nashville, TN 37211

The Nashville Zoo at Grassmere is a zoological garden and historic plantation farmhouse located just 6 miles from downtown Nashville. With many exciting events daily at the zoo, including camps and classes, among the many attractions visitors can find include the Adventure 4D Theater, the Soaring Eagle Zipline, and the Wild Animal Carousel. There are up-close animal experiences, ranging from the Lorikeet Landing, Kangaroo Kickabout, and Critter Encounters, putting you up close and personal with the many animals that call the Nashville Zoo home.

8. Edwin and Percy Warner Parks 

50 Vaughn Rd, Nashville, TN 37221

Edwin and Percy Warner Parks, collectively known as "The Warner Parks," are managed by the Metro Nashville Parks and Recreation Department. The Warner Parks are one of the largest municipally administered parks in Tennessee and together, span more than 3,100 acres of forest and field, 9 miles from downtown Nashville. Those who visit and utilize the picnic shelters for homemade lunches, dog parks, scenic roadways and overlooks, hiking trails, mountain bike trails, equestrian centers, and horse trails. There are also a handful of golf courses and athletic fields available to the locals and visitors.

9. Shelby Bottoms Greenway 

1900 Davidson St. Nashville, TN 37206

The 960-acre Shelby Bottoms Greenway and Natural Area is located in East Nashville adjacent to Shelby Park and is one of the five Natural Area Parks within Metro Parks. Showcasing three miles of Cumberland River frontage, this area features bottomland hardwood forests, open fields, wetlands, and streams, providing excellent habitat for birds, amphibians, deer, and more, meaning that wildlife observation is a popular pastime when visiting the Shelby Bottoms Greenway. The greenway offers over 5 miles of paved ADA-accessible trails for hiking, biking, running, skating, and wildlife watching and over 5 miles of primitive trails for more passive activities of walking, running, and exploring nature.

10. Riverfront Park 

100 1st Ave N, Nashville, TN 37201

Perched along the bank of the Cumberland River in downtown Nashville, Riverfront Park is home to Music City's most popular open-air concerts and events. A popular spot to sit and take in the gorgeous views of the river—especially in the fall when the weather cools off. A replica of the first settlement, Fort Nashborough stands in the park's Bicentennial Park and is worth a visit while visiting. There are also several pieces of unique public art on display, including the striking Ghost Ballet for the East Bank Machineworks, located on the east bank of the Cumberland River.

Interested in learning more about the 10 best parks and nature attractions in Nashville, TN? This guide to the best parks and nature attractions is just the start of the many outdoor recreational activities that residents and visitors who dub themselves nature enthusiasts can explore when in the Music City Capital. Let the Nashville Real Estate Experts take you on a journey to finding your new home in Nashville today, so you don't have to wait to explore the beautiful outdoor scenery in the area.