Where to go on a road trip from Nashville
Nashville is known as Music City thanks to its dedication to everything musical and featuring a wide variety of genres and artists. Being a part of that community is certainly rewarding, but we all need a bit of variety every now and then. Fortunately, you can enjoy exceptional experiences after a short drive, whether it’s from Nashville to Gatlinburg or beyond. Here are the top 10 best road trips from Nashville.
1. Experience sunny shores in Destin
Driving time from Nashville: 6.5 hours Distance from Nashville: 450 miles
The city of Destin on the Florida Panhandle is a popular destination for a road trip from Nashville during the spring and summer. The sunny beaches and white sands are enough for the whole family to enjoy on their own, but you’ll also find fun surf shops and brilliant seafood restaurants to enjoy.
2. Explore the mountains in Gatlinburg
Driving time from Nashville: 3.5 hours Distance from Nashville: 220 miles
If you’re interested in seeing the Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg may be the best destination for a road trip from Nashville. Not only will you find plenty of hiking trails with incredible sights of waterfalls and wildlife, but the town itself is known for its craft breweries and family-friendly restaurants, so you can find something for adults and kids alike.
3. Find family-friendly fun at Panama City Beach
Driving time from Nashville: 7 hours Distance from Nashville: 450 miles
A road trip from Nashville with the whole family is sure to be memorable if it ends up at Panama City Beach. With white-sand beaches that stretch for 27 miles along the Gulf, along with two well-preserved state parks, the natural beauty of the area is easy for everyone to enjoy. Of course, the coast also offers incredible seafood restaurants.
4. Enjoy relaxing isolation in Gulf Shores
Driving time from Nashville: 7 hours Distance from Nashville: 470 miles
Alabama’s Gulf Shores is an unforgettable destination for a road trip from Nashville, thanks to its unspoiled natural allure. The beachfront is 32 miles long, and just about every inch of it is made of fine quartz grains that give it a shining, sugar-white appearance. The water itself is a shining turquoise hue, creating a satisfying contrast as you enjoy the shore with a swim or a simple stroll.
5. Find luxurious comforts at Fort Walton Beach
Driving time from Nashville: 6.5 hours Distance from Nashville: 440 miles
At Fort Walton Beach in Florida, you’ll find a notably relaxing environment perfectly suited for those with a refined taste. The beaches are powdery white, and the waters have an emerald gleam to them creating a breathtaking view. This view can also be enjoyed from one of the nearby golf courses or amusement parks by the coast that let you have all sorts of fun.
6. Experience the sights and sounds of Asheville
Driving time from Nashville: 4.5 hours Distance from Nashville: 290 miles
When your road trip from Nashville takes you to Asheville, you can enjoy an experience you’ll be hard-pressed to find anywhere else. Asheville has all the small-town charm you could ever want, but it’s nestled within some of the most vibrant natural features in North Carolina. That’s why hiking and bike riding along the surrounding trails is so popular.
7. Explore the historical splendor of Charleston
Driving time from Nashville: 8.5 hours Distance from Nashville: 550 miles
Charleston is one of the best destinations for a road trip from Nashville if you’re headed to South Carolina. This historical city is packed full of interesting sites and older architecture that will make you feel as if you’ve stepped back into a simpler time. Even so, modern luxuries are available as well including fine dining options and coastal wonders.
8. Embark on outdoor adventure in Campbell County
Driving time from Nashville: 3.5 hours Distance from Nashville: 190 miles
A road trip from Nashville can be especially rewarding if you’re looking for outdoor adventure. Campbell County is home to impressive natural features like Norris Lake and Indian Mountain State Park. There, you’ll find plenty of opportunity for a scenic hike or boating in a calm and relaxing lake. The towns themselves are appealing as well, with charm and fun craft shops.
9. Find a variety of adventure in Blount County
Driving time from Nashville: 3 hours Distance from Nashville: 190 miles
Blount County is an incredible destination for a road trip from Nashville, thanks to the sheer variety of attractions available in the area. You can hit the towns for delicious Southern-style food or enjoy a round of golf on one of their premier courses. Outdoor adventures can also find plenty to do on the extensive hiking and biking trails in addition to the rafting waterways.
10. Relax with a Williamson County getaway
Driving time from Nashville: 30 minutes Distance from Nashville: 20 miles
If you’re looking for a comforting reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the city, Williamson County is a convenient and exceptional destination for a road trip from Nashville. It won’t take you long to get there, and once you arrive, you’ll feel the calm atmosphere immediately. The local towns are friendly, and the surrounding landscapes are perfect for hikes and bike rides.