Nashville Summer Vacation Ideas

Cool off at Soundwaves at Gaylord Opryland
Shake off your preconceptions and your old expectations and get in tune with Nashville's only resort water experience. Opry fans receive 25% savings on an Opry Guest SoundWaves Package with promo code "D7G" when booking.

Don't Miss the Opry
See the show that made country music famous! With eight to twelve country stars shining bright each night, there’s entertainment for everyone. In the summer months, the Grand Ole Opry hosts the Wednesday night Opry in addition to the Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday lineups. We’ll have no shortage of star power.

Get Your Festival On
Summertime and country music just go together. Nashville and the surrounding area have no shortage of music festivals this summer, all featuring your favorite country acts. Catch the likes of Dierks Bentley and Carrie Underwood at CMA Fest, the Grand Ole Opry at Bonnaroo, Keith Urban at Pilgrimage, or Americanafest.

Tomato Arts Fest
One of the most unique festivals in the country, Tomato Arts Fest takes place every August and celebrates a beloved summer fruit. (Or is it a vegetable?) Enjoy the parade, redhead competition, 5K, and more.

Nashville Zoo at Grassmere
Make like a spider monkey and swing by the zoo. New in 2019, Sumatran tigers and the zoo's first-ever aardvark. 

Nashville Sounds
Adults can enjoy whiskey-and-Coke slushies while kids play miniature golf. At First Tennessee Park, everyone roots for the home team.

The Belcourt Theatre
There's nothing better than an air-conditioned movie theater on a hot day, and the historic Belcourt Theatre stands apart for its independent films. From 1934 to 1936, it also happened to be home to the Grand Ole Opry.

Bobbie's Dairy Dip
Grab a milkshake or an impossibly tall chocolate-dipped cone at this institution, built in 1951, and head to West End’s Love Hill, where you can enjoy your treat with a skyline view. On a warm summer night, there’s nothing better.

Shakespeare in the Park
Shakespeare in the Park has been a Nashville tradition for more than three decades. Beginning in 2019, it will be held outdoors at ONEC1TY. This year's production of The Tempest takes place August and September.

iRide Nashville Segway Tour
Even when the summer sun is at its hottest, sightseeing is a breeze with the help of a Segway.

Hattie B's
Turn up the heat and challenge your friends to a hot chicken taste-off at a Nashville joint that honors the fiery fowl. A double order of ranch, please.

Karaoke Hop
Once you’ve warmed up your vocal chords with the help of hot chicken, take the stage at one of Music City's beloved karaoke bars, such as WannaB’s.