Best Road Trips From Nashville

🚗 215 miles ⏱️ 3 hours

Get into the groove in Memphis, the home of blues and the birthplace of rock 'n' roll. Here, you can visit Graceland, stroll down Beale Street, and savor some of the best barbecue around.

En route, why not spend some time at charming Jackson, Tennessee and explore Natchez Trace State Park?

🚗 295 miles ⏱️ 5 hours

If you are looking for a nature escape, visit Gatlinburg, the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains. Enjoy outdoor adventures and visit the famous Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies.

This epic road trip is dotted with amazing places to visit such as scenic Chattanooga, lively Knoxville and Dolly Parton's Dollywood in Pigeon Forge.

🚗 580 miles ⏱️ 10 hours, 15 minutes

For the perfect beachy holiday, Destin is the place to visit. Known for its sugar-white sands and emerald-green waters, here you can relax on the beach, enjoy water sports, and explore local seafood restaurants.

If you have more time, we also recommend visiting Birmingham, the historic city of Mobile and sunny Gulf Shores en route.

🚗 530 miles ⏱️ 8 hours

New Orleans is an amazing place to visit, especially if you are a foodie or a music connoisseur. Listen to jazz gigs, sample delicious Creole cuisine and explore the French Quarter during your time here.

On your way to New Orleans, you can extend your road trip by stopping at Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, and Meridian.

🚗 420 miles ⏱️ 7 hours, 40 minutes

The charming Kentucky city of Louisville is known for its horse racing heritage and famous bourbon distilleries. Visit the legendary Churchill Downs and explore the city's historic neighborhoods.

If you are looking for more adventure, you can add Mammoth Caves National Park and Lexington to your road trip itinerary.

🚗 350 miles ⏱️ 6 hours, 15 minutes

If you are looking for the perfect mix of stunning scenery, history and outdoor adventures, Asheville is an amazing destination. Visit the Biltmore Estate, hike in the Great Smoky Mountains, and discover local shops and breweries.

This is an incredibly scenic road trip where you can visit beautiful Chattanooga and make a detour to the Great Smoky Mountains.

🚗 425 miles ⏱️ 8 hours, 20 minutes

This legendary drive is a must for any adventurer. The scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway is dotted with stunning views of the Appalachian Highlands and you can discover charming mountain towns along the route.

To add another layer of gorgeous scenery to your road trip, you can add the Great Smoky Mountains and Asheville to your itinerary.

🚗 290 miles ⏱️ 4 hours, 20 minutes

Indianapolis is famous for its adrenaline-pumping Indy 500 race. Here, you can also visit amazing museums, spend some time in the city's beautiful parks and stroll among the scenic Central Canal.

En route, check out Mammoth Cave National Park and admire the majestic rock formations, and then spend some time in Louisville.

🚗 620 miles ⏱️ 10 hours, 30 minutes

Wander through Savannah's cobblestone streets, known for historic squares, moss-draped oaks, and stunning antebellum architecture. Enjoy the laid-back Southern vibe and history.

Oh this sizeable road trip, you will get to discover many amazing places such as Atlanta and Macon en route.

🚗 470 miles ⏱️ 9 hours

This is a journey through history and nature. Natchez Trace Parkway is lined with beautiful landscapes and historic sites. Explore ancient Native American mounds and hike picturesque trails.

Following this historic route from Nashville to Natchez, you will get to visit Tupelo, the birthplace of Elvis and Jackson.

🚗 90 miles ⏱️ 1 hour, 30 minutes

Mammoth Cave National Park is home to the world's longest cave system. Here, you can take a guided tour through incredible underground passages, and hike scenic trails above ground.

On your way to Mammoth Cave, you can also visit Old Hickory Lake for some lakeside relaxation and Bowling Green.

🚗 300 miles ⏱️ 4 hours, 40 minutes

Atlanta is the perfect playground if you are looking for an urban adventure. With places to visit like Georgia Aquarium and the scenic Lake Lanier, this metropolis truly has something for everyone.

If you have some extra time, you can also visit the pretty town of Chattanooga and Marietta on this road trip.

🚗 310 miles ⏱️ 4 hours, 40 minutes

St Louis is also known as the iconic "Gateway to the West," where you can visit and take a tram ride up the Gateway Arch, explore its different neighborhoods, and visit great museums perfect for the curious mind.

We recommend making a stop at Mt Vernon and detouring to Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area en route.

🚗 110 miles ⏱️ 2 hours

Huntsville is also known as Rocket City, so get ready to blast off! Check out the US Space & Rocket Center, wander through manicured Huntsville Botanical Garden, and enjoy the hip arts scene.

This is a relatively short road trip, but you can extend it to visit President James K. Polk Home and Museum in Columbia en route.

🚗 120 miles ⏱️ 2 hours, 10 minutes

Looking for a big city with the heart of a charming small town? Jackson might be exactly what you are looking for! The city is home to music heritage, local museums, and the scenic beauty of West Tennessee.

En route, you can make a short detour to hop on Natchez Trace Parkway and visit Natchez Trace State Park.

🚗 120 miles ⏱️ 2 hours, 20 minutes

Another beautiful city with a music heritage, Muscle Shoals is famous for its legendary recording studios. Dive into music history, enjoy outdoor activities along the Tennessee River, and soak up some Southern hospitality.

On your way to Muscle Shoals, you can also visit David Crockett State Park in Lawrenceburg for a scenic break.

🚗 160 miles ⏱️ 3 hours, 10 minutes

Chattanooga is the perfect mix of scenic beauty, laid-back small-town charm, and outdoor fun. Here you can ride the Incline Railway, explore the Tennessee Aquarium, and fall in love with the stunning views from Lookout Mountain.

On the way, you will have the opportunity to visit Murfreesboro and Old Stone Fort State Archeological Park if you have some extra time.

🚗 220 miles ⏱️ 3 hours, 50 minutes

Get ready to celebrate the King in Tupelo, Elvis Presley's birthplace. Make sure to take a tour of his childhood home, visit the Elvis Presley Museum, and enjoy scenic drives along the Natchez Trace Parkway.

You can also visit Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center near Decatur on this route or stop by Red Bay City Water Park if you are traveling with family.

🚗 240 miles ⏱️ 4 hours, 40 minutes

Step into history at Cumberland Gap, where pioneers once crossed the Appalachian Mountains. You can also hike trails with amazing views, visit historic sites, and explore cool underground caverns.

On the way, you can also visit Gordonsville and Ozone Falls State Natural Area if you are not short on time.

🚗 280 miles ⏱️ 4 hours, 30 minutes

Covington is known for its antebellum homes and picturesque town square, but did you know that many popular TV series like The Vampire Dairies, and movies like Remember the Titans were shot here?

You will drive past Chattanooga and Atlanta on the way to Covington, and we highly recommend adding them to your itinerary.

🚗 290 miles ⏱️ 5 hours

Parke County, Indiana, is nicknamed "the covered bridge capital of the world." Here, you can enjoy scenic drives, historic bridges, and enjoy a laid-back atmosphere in Rockville during your visit.

On the way to Rockville, you can also visit Evansville and check out Angel Mounds State Historic Site and Reitz Home Museum.

🚗 380 miles ⏱️ 5 hours, 50 minutes

If you are looking to spend some time in the city Columbus, Ohio, is known for its arts scene, beautiful parks, and tasty food. Don't forget to visit the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and the Short North Arts District.

This drive passes through some must-see places such as Mammoth Caves National Park, Louisville and Cincinnati.

🚗 420 miles ⏱️ 6 hours, 40 minutes

Time to unwind and relax in Hot Springs, Arkansas, famous for its natural thermal waters. Explore historic Bathhouse Row, hike through Hot Springs National Park, and discover shops and restaurants downtown.

On the way, you can also visit Memphis, famous for its music legacy like Nashville, and Little Rock.

🚗 190 miles ⏱️ 3 hours

Get close to nature in Shawnee National Forest, where you can hike to stunning rock formations and waterfalls, and enjoy camping and horseback riding in this beautiful forest.

We recommend stopping at Clarksville to visit the nearby Dunbar Cave State Park and also making a stop at Metropolis to see the quirky Superman Statue.

🚗 140 miles ⏱️ 2 hours, 10 minutes

Did you know that Paducah has been a UNESCO Creative City since 2013? Due to its tradition in fine craftsmanship and quilt art, Paducah is a special place for artists, and is home to the National Quilt Museum.

On the way to Nashville, you can make a detour to visit the scenic Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area.

🚗 75 miles ⏱️ 1 hour, 30 minutes

Lynchburg is the home of the world-famous Jack Daniel's Distillery. You can book a tour and enjoy bourbon tasting, and explore the cute town square and local shops.

You can also stop at Murfreesboro en route to visit Cannonsburgh Village and Stones River National Battlefield.

🚗 160 miles ⏱️ 2 hours, 40 minutes

Perfect road trip for history buffs, you can discover the history of the Scopes Trial in Dayton. Visit the historic courthouse, enjoy outdoor fun at Chickamauga Lake, and explore local museums.

This drive will take you past some lovely scenic areas, including Edgar Evins State Park and Cumberland Mountain State Park near Crossville.

🚗 120 miles ⏱️ 2 hours

You don't need to go to France to visit the Eiffel Tower; you can see a smaller-scale replica of this world wonder in Paris, Tennessee. Just a short distance away, you can also explore the great outdoors by Kentucky Lake.

Just as you leave the outskirts of Nashville, you can make a detour to Montgomery Bell State Park and then visit Patsy Cline Plane Crash Memorial en route.

🚗 50 miles ⏱️ 50 minutes

Columbia, Tennessee, is lovingly nicknamed "the Mule Capital of the World." In this scenic town surrounded by charming farmland and beautiful parks, you can enjoy everything that relates to the adorable animals.

This short drive will take you past Franklin and Spring Hill, where you can visit Rippa Villa.