Last Updated on July 7, 2024 by Tori’s VA
You’re planning a Nashville date night soon and are struggling to come up with a good idea for somewhere to go. Everything you’ve heard just doesn’t sound like something you’re into. And all the other blogs recommend you have a picnic in a park…boring!
I’ve been there and feel your pain. But now that I’ve lived in Nashville for several years, I have discovered some awesome things to do in Nashville and want to share them with you. So whether you’re trying to swoon them on your first date, or just looking to try something new with your spouse, I’ve got you covered with the best Nashville date night ideas ever!
And don’t worry, there’s no picnics or museums involved. Only actual fun. Places I have been and love. And would go back to with my husband for a date night over and over again. So take your pick and ask them out on a date! You can thank me later.
This post may contain affiliate links for activities, destinations and products that I love, and think you will too!
Map of Nashville Date Nights
Unique Nashville Date Nights
Like I said, you’re probably here because most of the ideas you’ve thought of so far seem boring. So here’s some more unique date night ideas in Nashville!
Wildhorse Saloon
**Wildhorse Saloon is temporarily closed for remodeling as of January 2024**
Easily the best Nashville date night option is heading to Wildhorse Saloon and learning to line dance. Okay, it might sound a little cheesy but I promise, you will have a blast. My husband is more of a “have a few drinks at a wedding” kind of dancer and he even hit the dance floor and had a great time!
At Wildhorse Saloon they have a large sectioned-off dance floor, big stage (with live music of course) and professional line dancers who are there all day to teach you how to line dance! You don’t have to have any experience but by the end of the night you’ll be doing the Boot Scootin’ Boogie all the way to the car. They also have a full bar and kitchen with yummy food!
Wildhorse Saloon is also one of my favorite things to do on Broadway!
Location: 120 2nd Ave N, Nashville, TN 37201
Website: https://wildhorsesaloon.com/
Best For: Outgoing Couples
The Bluebird Cafe
When you live in Nashville, most of the music venues can feel a little touristy. But The Bluebird Cafe is absolutely an exception! It’s a super small quaint venue located in a strip mall, of all places. But it is famous for being the place that all famous country artists got their start, including none other than Taylor Swift.
The shows are typically “in the round” style with a few artists taking turns singing their original songs, and everyone is always incredible! The Bluebird also serves food and drinks to your table throughout the show. Tickets are usually super cheap, but it’s crucial that you buy them in advance as they sell out quickly!
Location: 4104 Hillsboro Pike, Nashville, TN 37215
Website: https://bluebirdcafe.com/
Best For: Music Lovers
Speakeasies
Something about a speakeasy is always so exciting. I guess because it kind of feels like a puzzle trying to get in just adds an element of fun to going out and grabbing a drink! Plus, they’re usually super fancy and quiet compared to the wild bars you’ll find elsewhere around town, so you will have a much easier time talking to your date and getting to know them better, whether you’ve just met or been married for years! There’s many speakeasies in Nashville, so you’ll have many to choose from.
However, some need reservations or you need to get a code in advance, so make sure you do your research. I explain in more detail about some of them in my article about the best bars on Broadway. Some of the best ones include the Red Phone Booth, Attaboy and Hidden Bar.
Best For: First Dates
Painting with a Twist
If you want something more fun and hands-on then a typical dinner date, consider booking two spots at Painting with a Twist. This way you can have something to do instead of awkwardly staring at each other when you run out of things to talk about. It’s a nice change of pace from many of the dates you’ve likely been on and will keep you entertained and laughing throughout the date.
Worried you aren’t good at painting? Don’t worry, they walk you through step-by-step so that you will do a good job. And if it’s still horrible? It’s just a more fun conversation starter!
Location: 4009 Charlotte Ave, Nashville, TN 37209
Website: https://www.paintingwithatwist.com/studio/nashville-charlotte-ave/
Best For: Creative People
Escape Room
Maybe locking your date inside a room doesn’t sound like your go-to for a first date, but at an escape room it’s so much fun! Spend an hour together thinking through the puzzle and figuring out how to break out. There’s always a fun theme and you will have something to constantly discuss; the puzzle!
Maybe not the best first date, but is especially fun when you’re still getting to know each other. It can also be great as a way to switch things up from the same old routine for long-time couples!
Location: 162 3rd Ave N, Nashville, TN 37201
Website: https://theescapegame.com/nashville/
Best For: Second Dates
Nashville Farmers’ Market
The Nashville Farmers Market is much larger and nicer than most cities I’ve ever visited. It’s open 7 days a week and offers 40+ farms who sell their products and 20 restaurant stalls inside to enjoy a delicious lunch!
Take your date here to wander the stalls, get some fresh air, look through the artisan items and pick out something for lunch. It’s the perfect day-date and a great option for picky eaters, as there’s something for everyone! And as a bonus, you can pick out the ingredients to make dinner tonight!
Location: 900 Rosa L Parks Blvd, Nashville, TN 37208
Website: http://www.nashvillefarmersmarket.org/
Best For: Picky Eaters
Fun Nashville Date Nights
Sometimes you just want to get out of the house and have a smile on your face the whole time. Do something fun that fills up your cup. That’s what date nights in Nashville should be for anyways! Here’s a few ideas for fun Nashville date nights!
Concert
You’re in Music City, so an obvious Nashville date night would be to attend a concert! There are so many to choose from each week from Nissan Stadium to Bridgestone Arena, or smaller venues like Ascend Amphitheater or the Listening Room.
Now, I don’t necessarily recommend you attend a concert as a first date; you probably want to talk and get to know the person which is not really possible at a concert. But this could be a great date idea for anyone else. Especially if you have similar taste in music (which might be a make-or-break anyways, ha!)
If you want to keep tabs on the concerts (and tons of other events happening in the city each week) I recommend you sign up for the “Work Life Balance” email list where you’ll get an incredibly extensive email each week letting you know what events are happening in the city. A friend of a friend started this just for his coworkers and it turned into a massive list of over 10,000 people! Get signed up and never miss an event in Music City!
Best For: Party Animals
Nashville Predators Hockey Game
My husband is a big sports fan so I go along with him to a lot of sporting events. And while that might not be my idea for a perfect date night, hockey is another story. Something about the fast-paced game with the electric crowd is just SO much fun!!
We used to live in Tampa so we especially love having a date night there when the Bolts are in town, but no matter who they play it’s always a fun time. Plus it’s the perfect blend of activity and opportunity to talk at a sporting event like this!
Location: 501 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203
Website: https://www.nhl.com/predators/
Best For: Hockey Fans
Breweries
I’ll be honest, I don’t like beer, however I still love going to different breweries for date nights in Nashville. There’s something about the vibe of a brewery that is so comfortable and welcoming; perfect for a date.
And I’m aware, most people love beer, so it’s also a great opportunity to do a tasting, try local beers and see them being made. Breweries often have lawn games and other fun things to do to keep your date entertained throughout the night. And bonus, they’re usually dog-friendly if you both have furry friends to bring along! There’s lots of great breweries in Nashville, including East Nashville Beer Works, Bearded Iris Brewing and Blackstone Brewing Co.
Best For: Relaxing Dates
East Nashville
Another fun option for date nights in Nashville could include exploring some of the different neighborhoods around the city, East Nashville is definitely one of those neighborhoods worth exploring. It’s a very ”up and coming” neighborhood – especially with the new Titans Stadium being built!!! – with tons of new places to explore popping up all the time.
There’s some incredible restaurants in the neighborhood; some of our favorites include BarTaco and Hawkers. Plus there’s a few speakeasies like Attaboy and Bay 6. There’s also lots of great craft cocktail bars, cute coffee shops and fun vintage shops to stop in. So explore this neighborhood and find something new with your special someone!
Location: Google Maps
Website: https://www.visitmusiccity.com/explore-nashville/neighborhoods/east-nashville
Best For: Exploring your city
Rooftops
Another fun date night option in Nashville is to go rooftop hopping. Something about sticking a bar on a roof makes it so much more fun. You can plan the date around sunset for an extra romantic date, or hop around to find the best vibes and/or music!
There are SO many rooftop bars in Nashville to choose from, but I especially love The Bobby Rooftop Lounge, White Limozeen and the Twelve Thirty Club.
Best For: Sunset Dates
Romantic Nashville Date Nights
When you’re falling in love you might just want an uber romantic date night idea. Here’s some of my favorite places to take your love out on a date, complete with candles, low lighting and the perfect ambiance.
Il Forno
Hands-down our favorite restaurant in Nashville is the Italian restaurant Il Forno. It’s located just a few minutes outside downtown and is tucked away for the perfect little romantic setting. It is the ideal romantic Nashville date night if you are looking for that classic fancy dinner experience.
The restaurant is owned by a Naples native, EG, and he is always there cooking, greeting guests and making sure everything is top notch – spoiler, it ALWAYS is top notch! We head to Il Forno for almost every single special occasion, birthdays, anniversaries, Saturdays, Tuesdays…you get the point!
The food is incredibly authentic Italian cuisine from pizza to pasta and more. Trust me and take your date here next time you go out to dinner. It won’t be a boring dinner date, it will be delicious wine, food and a romantic ambiance!
Location: 1414 3rd Ave S, Nashville, TN 37210
Website: http://www.ilfornowoodfired.com/
Best For: Fancy Dinner Dates
Gaylord Opryland
Whenever my husband and I don’t know what to do for a date night in Nashville, we usually turn to the Gaylord Opryland. If you’ve never been, you HAVE to check it out. Sure, it’s a hotel. But it’s not just a hotel. The atrium gardens are massive and gorgeous and so much fun to wander through day or night.
There’s also several phenomenal restaurants located inside the atriums. They’ve got a steakhouse, Italian restaurant, and a handful of others! Sitting at a table with your date surrounded by flowers and lush gardens all around, it doesn’t get more romantic than that. Plus, it’s a great thing to do if it’s raining, super hot or cold, because it’s completely indoors!
Normally hotel restaurants aren’t known for being the best, but let me tell you, we were absolutely blown away with the quality of food served at Ravello, the Italian restaurant. And I am picky about Italian. But they have a focaccia that is to die for!!
Location: 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214
Website: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/bnago-gaylord-opryland-resort-and-convention-center/overview/
Best For: Walking and Talking
Twelve Thirty Club
Another super romantic date night in Nashville is the Twelve Thirty Club. And no, I don’t just love it because it’s owned by Justin Timberlake (but that does give it a leg up in my book). It’s by far the classiest bar on Broadway and has a variety of options depending on what you’re looking for on a date night.
There’s a honky-tonk style bar on the first floor, and a rooftop bar on the third. Both are super casual spots. But the real gem is the Supper Club. At the front is a stage with red velvet seating, where you can walk up, order a drink and just enjoy the music. It’s super 1920’s Jazz club-esque.
Or, make reservations for dinner and enjoy a super high-end, expensive meal with your date. It’s not cheap but the food and service are both top notch. And if you don’t know this yet, I’m a huge fan of focaccia bread, and yes, theirs is made from scratch each day and is outstanding. The steak and other entrees are good too, though.
Location: 550 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203
Website: https://thetwelvethirtyclub.com/
Best For: Any type of date
Arrington Vineyards
For a final romantic Nashville date night option, consider driving outside the city a bit and spending the day or evening at Arrington Vineyards. It might be Nashville’s only true vineyard but Arrington makes up for that with how awesome it is!
Bring a picnic blanket and charcuterie, and spend a few hours enjoying a flight of wine, rose or buy a bottle to share! There’s live music on the weekends and a food truck if you’d rather not pack the snacks.
We visit Arrington vineyards frequently for date nights or date days and keep coming back time and time again. The atmosphere is perfect, the wines are delicious and it allows for tons of one on one time with your special someone!
Planning a double date? Or have kids tagging along? Arrington Vineyards makes the perfect date for either of those situations too!
Location: 6211 Patton Rd, Arrington, TN 37014
Website: http://www.arringtonvineyards.com/
Best For: Wine Lovers
Active Nashville Date Nights
I love to get moving during date night! Especially for the people who’ve been with their date for a while, you probably want to do more than just dinner…and maybe you’re sick of paying for an expensive meal. So throw on your sneakers and choose one of these active date nights in Nashville!
Go on a Hike
Now, this might not be the dream date for everyone, but for the active people out there a hike could be a perfect and unique option for a date in Nashville! You can get out in nature, and explore your own backyard. Plus there’s plenty of time to talk and get to know each other, which is the whole point, right?
Even though my husband and I have been together for many years, we love going on hikes together because it allows us to disconnect, put our phones away and de-stress from the past work week. We can reset, talk about our goals and make plans for the future. It might sound cheesy but we have some of our best and most productive conversations while hiking!
Some of our favorite trails around Nashville are: Day Loop Trail, Radnor Lake (there’s a short loop and a long loop) and the Warner Woods Loop. All of these are dog-friendly! So grab your pup and your date and hit the trails! And for more hike options, check out my favorite hikes in Nashville!
Website: https://www.alltrails.com/
Best For: Dog Parents
Nashville Zoo
Another great date night in Nashville (or day date) would be to spend a few hours walking around the Nashville Zoo! There’s a great collection of animals here including tigers, hippos, flamingos and zebras. There’s even a kangaroo enclosure that you can go in and pet the kangaroos which is super unique for a zoo.
Now that we have a little one, we just got a zoo membership for the year. It’s a great way to do something unique while getting quality time together.
I was shocked to see how many people were there on dates without any kiddos! I think this could be a fun active date that’s super unique. They probably haven’t been on a date to the zoo recently! However, this is obviously an extra good date option if you have kids tagging along.
Location: 3777 Nolensville Pk, Nashville, TN 37211
Website: http://www.nashvillezoo.org/
Best For: Animal Lovers
TopGolf
Easily the most popular active date options in Nashville would be to reserve a bay at TopGolf! You’ve probably been by now with how incredibly popular TopGolf has become over the years, but if not, let me tell you a bit about it.
It’s an interactive driving range. No, you don’t have to be good at golf! As you hit the ball, there will be tons of interactive games to choose from. You can try to get the ball in all of the different color holes, or just aim for one hole and hit each section within it! It’s fun whether you’re great at golf or terrible.
Plus, the servers come around and bring you food and drinks. There’s a full bar and kitchen and the food is shockingly amazing!! I’m a big fan of the chicken sliders and cheese fries, of course. But they’ve got salads and healthier options too.
Location: 500 Cowan St, Nashville, TN 37207
Website: https://topgolf.com/us/nashville/
Best For: Double Dates
Pinewood Social
A super popular spot for dates in Nashville is Pinewood Social. It’s super close to downtown and has a super unique variety of things to do. First and foremost it’s a bar and restaurant with delicious and unique food. But what Pinewood Social is known for is their bowling alley! There’s a handful of lanes to play at as you munch on some snacks, it’s a huge upgrade from your typical 60s style bowling alley. Much cleaner and much, MUCH better food.
But be forewarned, the lanes book up quickly. So be sure to reserve a lane far in advance (I’m talking weeks) if you want a chance to play. Alternatively they do have some lawn games to play if you didn’t plan in advance, so it’s still a fun experience! And they also have a pool…I still don’t fully understand why, but that’s there too I guess!
Location: 33 Peabody St, Nashville, TN 37210
Website: http://pinewoodsocial.com/
Best For: Dinner and a Game
Summertime Nashville Date Nights
Some things are just better in the summer…or only happen during the summer. This season can be a great time to enjoy the sunshine and explore Nashville!
Nashville Sounds Baseball Game
I’m a sucker for a baseball game, and something about them is just the ideal date night in Nashville. Sadly we don’t have an MLB team, but this minor league team is just as fun, and is a super cheap date option.
Yes, of course there is a game to watch, but there’s also yummy food to choose from, in-game activities to keep you entertained and plenty of time between batters to chat and spend time with your date. And again, a great option if kiddos are in tow! We loved taking baby Scarlett with us on a date night to the Sounds game when she was just a few months old!
So if you’re planning a date night in the Spring, Summer or Fall, head to the Sounds!
Location: 19 Jackson St, Nashville, TN 37219
Website: http://www.nashvillesounds.com/
Best For: Literally Anyone
Kayak on the River
So you might have walked around Nashville plenty of times, but have you enjoyed the city skyline from the water? Impress your date with a kayak ride down the Cumberland River. You’ll hop in the water at Shelby Park and end downtown, getting out next to Nissan Stadium.
The ride is about 1 hour long, you’ll get to enjoy some time on the water during Nashville’s hot summer and plenty of time to laugh and have fun with your date! Plus, it’s a pretty unique activity that you don’t get to do every day.
Location: 2 Victory Ave, Nashville, TN 37213
Website: Kayak Rentals
Best For: Third Dates
Percy Priest Lake
Percy Priest Lake might be the most popular destination during Nashville summers and there’s a lot to do for a day date! Assuming you don’t own your own boat, then you could consider renting a boat for the day. There’s options with or without a skipper depending on your boating experience.
An even easier activity for a date in Nashville would be to jump on a SUP (stand up paddleboard) instead! The Nashville Paddle Company offers rentals, classes and events. One of which is SUP Yoga…how fun!
Location: 2901 Bell Rd, Nashville, TN 37217
Website: http://nashvillepaddle.com/
Best For: Water Lovers
Wintertime Nashville Date Nights
It’s true, winter is the time for having a boyfriend or girlfriend and cozying up for the cold weather. So, you’ll probably want to have some wintertime date ideas ready in your back pocket. Here’s some Nashville date nights that you can only do in the winter months (or are just better this time of year!)
Pop-up Bars
Throughout the city, pop-up bars come to life for Christmas. From November to January, you are likely going to find a handful of awesome pop-up bars to enjoy. They are typically decked out for the holidays, have super fun themes and offer seasonal drinks to go along with the fun vibes.
A few of the popular ones include The Bobby, The JW Marriott, The Westin, and even Pancake Pantry has one! No matter which you pick, they’re all some of the best things to do in Nashville during Christmas!
Best For: Christmas Dates
Christmas at Gaylord Opryland
This is our must-do date each and every Christmas season. We adore Christmas at the Gaylord Opryland because the magic this hotel has all year is elevated times ten with Santa and twinkling lights!
Open from Mid November through January 1st, you must find time to take your special someone here for a date! Wander through the Christmas decor sipping hot cocoa and listening to the Christmas music. It’s magical and romantic and an absolutely perfect date night in Nashville.
Location: 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214
Website: https://christmasatgaylordopryland.marriott.com/
Best For: Getting in the Holiday Spirit
Tennessee Titans Football Game
Another date night option that’s only available in the Winter (well technically Fall but let’s face it once the heat goes away we all get into the Christmas spirit early) is heading to a Tennessee Titans football game at Nissan Stadium.
There’s usually about 8 home games each year, and the energy is always super fun at the stadium. Plus, they often have country artists performing halftime shows. Last year I saw Lainey Wilson perform just a few feet from me during halftime!
Location: 1 Titans Way, Nashville, TN 37213
Website: https://www.tennesseetitans.com/
Best For: Football Fans
General Jackson Showboat
The General Jackson Showboat is another awesome winter date night idea for Nashville that we are huge fans of. Now the showboat runs year round, but in my opinion going any time during the year would be just okay. However, if you are looking for a fun date idea for New Year’s Eve, I’ve got you covered!
The tickets are expensive, like $200 per person, but it is a super fun NYE experience that doesn’t include falling asleep on your couch, or fighting the crowds downtown! It includes the ride, a show and dinner!
Hop on the boat at Opry Mills and make your way downtown in time for the fireworks show! We did this for NYE a few years ago and it was the BEST experience. My husband flat out said he wishes we could do it every year.
Location: 2812 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214
Website: http://www.generaljackson.com/
Best For: NYE Dates
Cheekwood Estate & Gardens
Another place that is open year-round, but is especially awesome in the winter, is Cheekwood Estate & Gardens. Sure, you can admire the flowers and beautiful estate at Cheekwood in the Spring, Summer or Fall, but the best time to go on a date at Cheekwood is when the lights are up from mid-November to mid-January.
Their Holiday LIGHTS event is open each evening during this time period where you can visit and look around at the lights along a one-mile walking path! There are s’mores stations, seasonal drinks, a marketplace and decorations inside the mansion to enjoy. Hold your date tight as you walk hand in hand under the twinkling lights. If you’re lucky, you might even find some mistletoe!
Location: 1200 Forrest Park Dr, Nashville, TN 37205
Website: https://www.cheekwood.org/
Best For: Dates with Kids
If you haven’t found tons of new great date night ideas in my list of Nashville date nights, then I don’t know what to tell you. Try a picnic instead? Ha! But in all seriousness, if you pick out one of these fun ideas you’re bound to have a super romantic and special evening with your special someone!
