13 Fun Long Weekend Trips from Nashville, Tennessee

Last Updated on May 17, 2024 by Tori Pines

Nashville, TN is loaded with incredible sights, things to do, places to eat and bars to hear live music. But if you’ve had enough time in the city and are looking for weekend trips from Nashville, or if you live here and are interested in a getaway nearby, check out one of these incredible spots within a quick five hour drive or less. Some are just a quick trip!

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Be sure to check out all of my other Nashville and Tennessee articles while you’re here as well!

Enjoy your weekend trips from Nashville sometime soon! Check out as many of these spots as you can, they’re all worth the trip for one reason or another.

1. Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Recommended by Victoria of Southern Trippers

If you’re looking for great weekend trips from Nashville, TN then you can’t beat a getaway to Gatlinburg. 

After all, this charming mountain town is just a four-hour drive from Nashville and is known throughout the state for being the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains. 

So, you can easily visit local landmarks like Cades Cove and the Deep Creek area as you enjoy the best things to do in Gatlinburg. 

And while there is plenty to do in Gatlinburg, it’s only a town of 3,700 people. Therefore, a weekend is the perfect amount of time to enjoy top attractions like the 407-foot tall Space Needle observation tower and the 2.1-mile long aerial Sky Lift cable car

Not only does this incredible cable car offer stunning panoramas of the surrounding mountains, but it will take you to the amusement park and ski resort at Ober Gatlinburg too. 

Afterward, drive The Roaring Fork Motor Trail. It’s a 6-mile long, one-way, loop track that takes you past some incredible views of local waterfalls. So, be sure to pack a picnic lunch so that you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the view. 

But, if you’re not sure where to eat in this incredible town, then you can’t go wrong with Crockett’s Breakfast Camp. 

In fact, they’ve been serving locals a wide variety of decadent Appalachian delights like scramblers, omelets, Cherokee sweet corn pone, candied apples,  and grits since 1840. 

You can also unwind at Berry Springs Lodge and spend a few night’s relaxing in the hot tub at this incredible, 4-star hotel.

2. Memphis, Tennessee

Recommended by Kristin of World on Wheels

Memphis makes a fantastic weekend trip from Nashville as it’s just over three hours away and many of the highlights of the city can be seen in a couple of days. Visitors will enjoy the plethora of ways to immerse yourself in music and history during your time in Memphis. Highlights of your trip will include a Sun Studio tour where you can stand in the same place where many popular musicians have recorded albums, seeing where Elvis lived with his family at Graceland, and learning about the fight for human rights at the Civil Rights Museum.

During your stay in Memphis, the Sheraton Downtown Memphis is an excellent choice as it’s nearby to many attractions and the trolley is located just steps away. The trolley is an affordable way to get around when you get tired of walking. It also takes you close to the most popular areas of the city.

For fantastic live music performances and good food, head to the Blues City Cafe. Their menu has something for everyone on it and has hosted many famous musicians like BB King, Kid Rock and Queen Latifa. Alternatively, you could also choose to dine where Elvis once ate breakfast at the Arcade Restaurant. It is also considered to be the oldest café in Memphis.

So whether you’re here for the music, museums or delicious food, Memphis is one of the best weekend trips from Nashville.

3. St. Louis, Missouri

Recommended by Caitlin of Twin Family Travels

St. Louis is a great weekend trip from Nashville! The city is thriving and packed with attractions and activities that will keep you entertained for days. Whether it is a girls’ weekend, a solo trip, or a family affair, there are enough sights to create the perfect itinerary. 

There are many historic neighborhoods, museums, and landmarks that tell the story of the city. Stop in at Soulard Farmers Market to pick up some local goods before exploring the city. 

The Gateway Arch has become the symbol of St. Louis. No trip would be complete without stopping here. Look through the museum, ride to the top, and take a riverboat cruise on the Mississippi River. 

The City Museum is another must while visiting. This attraction lets you bring out your inner kid with a 10-story slide, a rooftop Ferris Wheel, and countless other things to do. 

Citygarden, Forest Park, Laumeier Sculpture Park, and the Missouri Botanical Garden are all great options for getting outdoors to appreciate art and nature. Other popular attractions in St. Louis include the National Blues Museum, Busch Stadium, Union Station, and the Anheuser-Busch Brewery.

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Not only is St Louis full of amazing places to explore, but it’s also incredibly affordable. The zoo, science center, art museum, history museum, and Gateway Arch Museum are all free!

The drive from Nashville to St Louis is around five hours. Book a stay at the Hyatt Regency for easy access to the downtown sights. 

Grab a bite of classic barbeque with a twist at Salt + Smoke. Try some signature dishes like the fried jalapeno and cheddar bologna, pimento cheese toasted ravioli, or St. Louis cut ribs. St. Louis is worth visiting for the food alone and is why it’s one of the best weekend trips from Nashville.

4. Helen, Georgia

Recommended by Stephanie of the Unknown Enthusiast

Helen, Georgia is one of the best weekend trips from Nashville, and is a fantastic destination in north Georgia. It’s about 4.5 hours away by car, but you’ll feel like you’ve entered a different country! Okay, while that may be a little bit of a stretch, there’s no denying that Helen is a super cute small town. It was designed to look like a typical German village, and all the buildings are half-timbered and look very European. 

There are several delicious German restaurants in town. Hofbrauhaus is a favorite sit down restaurant for a meal, and the Hansel and Gretel Candy Kitchen has some delectable sweets. There are also shops selling a variety of European items. 

In the summer, you can tube down the Chattahoochee River, which runs right through town. In the fall, come for Oktoberfest, and the traditional Christmas market in December is not to be missed. 

While you can explore the entirety of Helen with a half-day, there are a ton of wonderful nature things to do just outside of town. As Helen is nestled in the Blue Ridge mountains, there are many, many incredible hiking trails and waterfalls. You can even do a section of the Appalachian Trail! Anna Ruby Falls is a popular, gorgeous, and easy waterfall, but Dukes Creek Falls is a personal favorite. 

You could also visit one of the many vineyards in the area and do a wine tasting. Definitely drive up the Richard B Russell Scenic Highway and watch the sunset from the Hogpen Gap Overlook. 

The Holiday Inn Express and Suites is a great option of where to stay in Helen. It’s right in town, has great ratings, and offers free parking and breakfast.

5. Louisville, Kentucky

Recommended by Francesca of Homeroom Travel

Louisville is one of the best weekend trips from Nashville, especially for bourbon lovers. Two days in Louisville is the perfect amount of time to spend to get a good sampling of the area. 

From Nashville, it will take about 2 hours, 45 minutes to drive to Louisville. I recommend staying at the Courtyard Marriott Downtown or the Hampton Inn Downtown. Both are great locations and are affordable. 

The most popular thing to do in Louisville is to go bourbon tasting. Near downtown Louisville, you can check out Angel’s Envy, Rabbit Hole, Cooper and Kings, or Evan Williams. Just outside of Louisville, you can visit Marker’s Mark or Four Roses. With these tours, you usually get a tour of the facility and learn how bourbon is made. After that, you get to sample some of the bourbons. 

Outside of Bourbon tastings, Lousiville has a ton of fun museums to visit. Baseball lovers will enjoy the Louisville Slugger Museum, where you learn how baseball bats are made. At the Kentucky Derby Museum, visitors will learn the history of the Kentucky Derby. 

In the wintertime, make sure to check out the Winter Woods Spectacular, an awesome drive-through life experience at Iroquois Park. 

Louisville has a ton of delicious places to eat as well! Steak lovers will want to eat at Repeal-Oak Steakhouse. For breakfast, check out Wild Eggs or Biscuit Belly.

6. Huntsville, Alabama

Recommended by Vicky of Buddy The Traveling Monkey

Another one of the best weekend trips from Nashville would be to Huntsville, Alabama. There are a lot of fun things to do in Huntsville! One of their most popular attractions is the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. Here you can learn about the space race and the development of the space shuttle program.

History lovers should visit Burritt on the Mountain. This property has over 160 acres and is made up of Dr. Burritt’s mansion, a historic park that has six authentic 19th century homes, a replica of a 1918 Rosenwald School, nature trails, and more.

For art lovers and creatives, a visit to Lowe Mill Arts and Entertainment is a must. It is one of the largest private arts facilities in the southeast. While visiting you might see artists painting, sculpting, and even creating jewelry.

To eat and drink, head over to Campus 805. In what was once a school, you’ll now find multiple breweries, restaurants, bars, and even a speakeasy! A favorite restaurant is Ale’s Kitchen, where all the food is made from locally sourced ingredients. They’re also attached to Straight to Ale, an award-winning brewery.

Travelers can easily get to Huntsville from Nashville in less than two hours via I-65 South. To stay, we recommend the Hampton Inn Huntsville/Village of Providence. It offers free breakfast and free parking and is located just outside of the US Space and Rocket Center.

7. Chattanooga, Tennessee

Recommended by Kyleen of the Bonnie Traveler

Chattanooga, TN is the perfect weekend getaway from Nashville to explore the outdoors and experience nature. Chattanooga is less than two and a half hours from Nashville which makes it just right for a day trip or long weekend. Just remember, Chattanooga is in the Eastern Standard Time Zone.

During your visit to Chattanooga, head downtown to the Tennessee Aquarium. The aquarium has two glass-peaked towers that hold ocean ecosystems and freshwater habitats with over 12,000 marine and wildlife species. For art lovers, stroll up to the Bluff View Art District for a coffee and pastry at Rembrandt’s Coffee House and explore the American art at the Hunter Museum.  

Two of the Scenic City’s most popular attractions are Rock City and Ruby Falls. Head up to the top of Lookout Mountain to discover the magic of Rock City. This fairy-tail-themed park leads visitors through natural rock features and swinging bridges to Lover’s Leap where you can see 7 states in the distance.  Ruby Falls is the largest subterranean waterfall in the US. Inside the mountain, guides show you the many fascinating geological features leading up to the falls.  Plus, the caves always stay a cool 60 degrees.

For cocktails, raw bar, and more, head to the Boathouse for dinner with a calming view of the Tennessee River. To get the full Chattanooga experience, make sure to stay at the Chattanooga ChooChoo. This converted Beaux-Arts-style train station is now a contemporary hotel where visitors can even book rooms in train cars. Just another reason why Chattanooga makes for one of the best weekend trips from Nashville.

8. Indianapolis, IN

Recommended by Rachel of Means to Explore

Nashville is within easy driving distance to one of the Midwest’s most underrated cities: Indianapolis, Indiana. Which is why it is one of the best weekend trips from Nashville.

Indy, as the locals call it, is significantly cheaper to visit than Chicago but offers many of the same amenities: sports, museums, concerts, and food. It’s also reliably cooler than Nashville, a welcome break from the humidity.

Indianapolis is a 4.5 hour drive north from Nashville. You’ll cross a toll bridge over the Ohio River, but tolls can be paid online after your trip. Also note that Indianapolis is in the Eastern time zone. You’ll lose an hour on your way out but gain it back on your drive home.

Indianapolis is most famous for its sporting events and conferences, hosting some of the Midwest’s biggest events throughout the year.

Thousands of racecar fans flock to the city every May for the Indianapolis 500 and August sees hordes of costumed fans for GenCon, a board gaming and sci-fi conference. While these aren’t the cheapest times to visit Indy, they’re definitely some of the most fun times to visit!

Trying to escape huge crowds? Visit any regular weekend and enjoy wandering around town at your leisure.

Visit the Indianapolis Art Museum, the Children’s Museum, or the NCAA Hall of Fame. Take a stroll along the canal or around Monument Circle. Eat your way down Mass Ave or try duck pin bowling in Fountain Square. Catch a concert at the Old National Center or enjoy a pint at The Rathskeller.

Add a dose of the outdoors to your exploration. On your drive to and from Nashville, you’ll pass by some of the best day trips from Indianapolis, many of which make for a good 1 or 2 hour stop to break up the drive.

You can’t come to Indy without trying its most famous restaurant: St Elmo’s Steak House. The steaks are, of course, delicious, but everyone comes here to try the shrimp cocktails. Watch out! The not-so-secret ingredient will have you reaching for a drink, stat! Reservations recommended.

For stellar views of Indianapolis and a walkable location to much of downtown, stay at the J.W. Marriott. Request a room on a higher floor facing the city (east).

9. Red River Gorge, Kentucky

Recommended by Jessica of Unearth the Voyage

When looking for a weekend trip from Nashville you have to put Red River Gorge on your list! Red River Gorge Geological Area is a canyon system with high sandstone cliffs, waterfalls, rock shelters and natural bridges. It is located only about 4.5 hours from Nashville and has a ton of things to do for nature lovers. It’s great for just a weekend trip because you can see all of the highlights of the area in just 2 days.

Some of the best things to do in Red River Gorge are hiking to some of the amazing natural bridges or waterfalls. A favorite day hike is to Creation Falls, a 1.5 mile loop that leads you to a gorgeous waterfall that you can swim in and enjoy the beautiful landscape. Another awesome hike in the area is to Double Arch, a 4.5 mile trail that leads you to spectacular views out over the Gorge.

If you want to change it up and do something different than hike, kayaking down the Red River is a fun and relaxing way to spend an afternoon. It takes about 4 hours to kayak down the Red River and you can enjoy some small rapids and lots of swimming holes to cool off in. 

If you’re looking for a place to eat while in Red River Gorge make sure to check out Miguel’s Pizza. This pizza place has any topping you can imagine and a delicious crust. They also have lots of pasta options as well as build your own salads. There aren’t a ton of hotels in the area, so we would recommend renting a cabin nearby. Many of the cabins have incredible views and/or hot tubs to relax in after a long day of hiking!

You’ll definitely want to add Red River Gorge to your list of the best weekend trips from Nashville.

10. Johnson City, Tennessee

Recommended by Anna of Stuck on the Go

Johnson City is the perfect weekend trip from Nashville especially if you love the outdoors. It’s the largest city in northeast Tennessee but still has a small town charm. So you can go out on an adventure during the day then come back to great restaurants, breweries, and a cozy hotel.

It’s about a four hour and fifteen minute drive from Nashville so very doable after work on a Friday. So of course it is one of the best weekend trips from Nashville. Some of the most popular things to do here are hiking, biking, and whitewater rafting if you visit in the warmer months.

If you love to hike then you’ll love Johnson City. The best places to hike nearby are Beauty Spot (check it out at sunset), Buffalo Mountain, and Roan Mountain. Laurel Falls is a popular waterfall hike.

Tannery Knobs Bike Park is the perfect place to go if you love mountain biking. For rafting, USA Raft is an outpost on the Nolichucky River that leads great guided trips. The Class III – IV rapids make this a really fun river!

There are tons of great restaurants in Johnson City but a few of the top are Cootie Brown’s, White Duck Taco, and Southern Craft.

You won’t find a better place to stay than the Carnegie Hotel. It’s a four diamond property but you can still stay here at a reasonable price.

11. Smoky Mountain National Park

Recommended by Candice of CS Ginger

Visiting the Smoky Mountain National Park is a must if you are anywhere near Nashville, TN. The 3-hour drive is worth the trip to this beautiful area which is why it is one of the best weekend trips from Nashville. There are great hiking trails in the Smokies as well as beautiful scenery, waterfalls, and some really neat history. The Smokey Mountains is home to the Appalachian Trail, which runs through 14 states and 71 miles of the Appalachian Trail is in the Smoky Mountains. 

The Smoky Mountains is free to visit and is a very popular national park because it has an abundance of wildlife. The summer and fall are great times to make a visit. In the summer, it gets warm but not overbearing, and in the fall, you will be able to see the beautiful fall colors the park offers. 

There are so many great places to visit when you are there. Some of the best places to visit are Cades Cove, Grotto Falls, Clingmans Done, and the mountain farm museum. The Smokey Mountains are very close to Gatlinburg, where you can find more adventures and great food. If you like seafood, check out Chesapeake’s Seafood and Raw Bar.  

For those looking to stay the night, the Berry Springs Lodge is fantastic, or check out the Park Vista, which is a little closer to the Smokies.

12. Mammoth Cave National Park

Recommended by Anwar of Beyond my Door

Established in 1941, Mammoth Cave National Park protects the longest known cave system in the world. The park consists of both an extensive cave network and great hiking trails across its 52,830 acres. The park is a perfect weekend trip destination. While there are many things to do in the park, you’ll likely see the top activities within a weekend. So, it is one of the best weekend trips from Nashville.

The Cave tours are the top activity for visitors to Mammoth Cave NP. Cave tours are held year round although winter tends to be quieter and less active for tours. Generally the interior of the cave stays a modest 54ºF regardless of temperatures outside. There are tours for all abilities including accessible tours. Most tours require significant walking however and large backpacks, walking sticks, tripods, and strollers are prohibited. While the rooms you’ll see on most tours in Mammoth are massive, you generally won’t see traditional cave formations like stalactites or stalagmites.

For those who are not caved out, there are several caves adjacent to Mammoth that tour caves with stalactites and stalagmites. Diamond caverns or Crystal caves are great options for those who want to visit these types of caves.

For those who have more time, there is hiking to be enjoyed within the park. There’s easily accessible trails around the visitor center and the south side of the park with views of the forest, springs, and beautiful vistas for sunrise and sunset. Additionally, there’s over 60 miles of backcountry trails in the park network.

The park is located about 95 miles (1.5 hours) from Nashville, Tennessee. The area around the park is not very inhabited, with the small Cave City, KY being the largest town nearby. There’s a hotel in the park, the Lodge at Mammoth Cave which is located close to the visitor center and a perfect spot to stay for those visiting the caves. It’s especially great for those with early morning cave bookings. The lodge has a restaurant, WIFI (although known to be spotty), and comfortable rooms. In terms of restaurants, options are limited around Mammoth Cave. In Cave City, Bucky Bees for BBQ or El Mazatlán for Mexican are good options to try.

13. Asheville, North Carolina

Recommended by Sierra of Island + Alpine

When taking a weekend trip from Nashville, be sure to check out the beautiful and quirky Asheville, North Carolina. Located just under 300 miles apart, this beautiful route should take about 4.5 – 5 hours driving time. Perfect for a weekend getaway, Asheville offers beautiful vistas, outdoor hiking and swimming, delicious restaurants, and historic sites.

Asheville is most known for its location on Blue Ridge Parkway, arguably the most scenic drive in all the United States. While fall is the most popular time to enjoy the drive, spring and summer have plenty to offer as well! The parkway’s entrance is just a few minutes from downtown and visitors can head north toward the peak of Mt. Mitchell, a hike at Crabtree Falls, or the swinging bridge at Grandfather Mountain. Heading south on the parkway, brings travelers to the land of waterfalls and swimming holes! Don’t miss Sliding Rock, Moore Cove Falls, and Looking Glass Falls.

After spending one day on the Parkway, the perfect addition to a weekend itinerary is a visit to the Biltmore Estate. Take a guided tour through the estate, partake in some wine tasting, and walk the beautiful grounds and gardens. Visitors can spend the rest of the day walking downtown through the many art galleries, shopping at the Grove Arcade, and perhaps a playful stop at the Asheville Pinball Museum.

Consider grabbing dinner at the Omni Grove Park Inn at their Sunset Terrace. The view is especially beautiful from the patio and their steaks are delicious. If a more casual meal is in order, grab an award-winning burger from The Vault or tacos from White Duck Taco Shop. Whatever you do, don’t miss ordering the biscuit donuts from Biscuit Head at least once.

Staying downtown is always recommended since there are so many restaurants and shops to enjoy. The upscale Hotel Indigo is a great choice for clean, stylish accommodations as well as an amazing on-site breakfast.

And just like that, you likely have a long list of places you are dying to see. Start planning your weekend trips from Nashville now!