3 Day Nashville Itinerary For A First Visit
Dive into three days of incredible sights and sounds in Music City so that you can make the most out of your trip. Get ready for a jam-packed Nashville itinerary full of amazing experiences!
🎶 Nashville, Tennessee in 3 Days
Do your family or friends need to be convinced that a visit to “Music City” is worth the trip?
When visiting Nashville, Tennessee, you want to see everything you can in one visit.
However, we quickly learned that there is soooo much to see, that one visit is not enough.
Unless of course, you are staying for a week in Nashville.
We were on our to Kansas to visit the grandkids and were already making an unexpected detour to the Top of the Rock in Branson, Missouri.
So we didn’t want to take up too much time.
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- 3 Day Nashville Itinerary For A First Visit
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❓ How Many Days is Enough in Nashville
We decided a 3 day in Nashville itinerary was long enough for this trip.
When I make a trip itinerary, I try to batch things to see into separate areas.
This means, if we were going downtown one day, we would see everything there is to see there.
The following day would include places in a different part of town.
As would the third day.
We very easily could have added a fourth day and a fifth too.
But since we were sort of on a time schedule, we decided 3 days would be long enough this time.
I have always wanted to go to the CMA Country Fest, so I’m sort of planning that for next year.
And we will be able to see everything we missed this time.
🤩 What to Do in Nashville in 3 Days
Nashville offers a vibrant mix of music, history, and culture, ensuring an exciting visit. Here’s a suggested itinerary for 3 days in Nashville:
1️⃣ Nashville Itinerary Day 1
Downtown Nashville
Since we arrived at Nashville KOA in the early afternoon, we didn’t have a full day to experience too much.
We decided to drive into downtown Nashville and find parking in downtown, even though we had no clue where we were going.
We found a parking ramp 2 blocks from the main street. And let’s just say that parking is NOT cheap.
Ryman Auditorium
Known as one of the most historic music venues in America, this spectacular venue has provided memorable musical experiences since 1892.
From hosting sold-out concerts featuring some of the biggest names in music to being named a National Historic Landmark.
There’s something special about the Ryman that is sure to make your visit unforgettable.
John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge
The John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge spans nearly one mile across the Cumberland River in downtown Nashville.
This bridge provides breathtaking scenery with scenic views at every turn.
It offers lovely gardens on both sides of the riverbank and a unique pathway along its entire length.
Take some time to experience what this beloved city has to offer by crossing over its iconic bridge.
Ernest Tubb Record Shop
Ernest Tubb Record Shop is a legendary music venue located in downtown Nashville.
This iconic store has been operating since 1947.
It continues to honor tradition by offering a range of original old-timey country, bluegrass, gospel, and western swing records for purchase.
Even if you don’t buy one of their treasured records, it’s definitely worth experiencing the vintage vibes this record shop embodies from its storefront facade all the way down to the warm smiles of its friendly staff.
Acoustic performances, evening jam sessions, and much more.
There’s something special waiting at Ernest Tubb Record Shop that no other place on Earth can offer!
Bar Hopping
With a mix of music venues spanning from the Grand Ole Opry to renowned honky-tonks, live country music wafts through its streets.
But beyond the twangy tunes, there’s plenty more to explore.
From delicious barbecue joints that are must-try staples, to rooftop bars with stunning views of downtown.
We started at Jason Aldean’s Rooftop Bar which connected to Luke Bryan’s.
Jason Aldean’s rooftop bar leads right over to Luke Bryan’s rooftop bar. How neat is that?
Next, we headed across the street to Blake Shelton’s and Casa Rosa Rooftop Bar (Miranda Lambert’s!)
We grabbed a bite to eat at Miranda’s place. The food was good however, the service was not so much.
Blake Shelton’s top floor was closed for a private event.
Hmm, I wonder whose bus this was parked outside of his bar?
Each place was amazing and you just might see a country star singing as you walk by the open-air bars like David Allen Coe.
Take your taste buds on a journey as you hop around Nashville in our ultimate guide to bar hopping in this lively city!
2️⃣ Nashville Itinerary Day 2
Downtown Nashville
We decided to head downtown for a second day in a row since we had a full day.
After the price we paid for parking on the first day, we decided it was cheaper to take the shuttle from Nashville KOA for $10 per person round trip.
This way we didn’t have to worry about how long we were going to be visiting the attractions and what the traffic was going to be like when we left.
It was a weekday and it most likely would be rush hour when we were done.
Country Music Hall of Fame
Nashville is home to the iconic Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, an exciting destination for anyone interested in country music.
This museum provides an inside look into both the history and culture of this beloved genre with exhibits featuring instruments, costumes, awards, photos, and videos from classic and current artists.
From Nashville-born superstar Dolly Parton to legendary singer-songwriter Johnny Cash, visitors can explore their favorite singers’ stories in great detail!
Whether you’re just a casual fan or a devoted admirer of country music, the Nashville Country Music Hall of Fame is a must-see destination that won’t disappoint.
RCA Studio B
RCA Studio B on Music Row in Nashville is an iconic, inspiring place for any fan of country music.
As the home to famous artists such as Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, and many more.
It has inspired some of the greatest music known to generations.
The studio was built by Chet Atkins who helped shape the beloved Nashville Sound.
On tour, groups can listen to stories about various artists and some of their memorable hits that were recorded in RCA Studio B including Elvis Presley’s first number-one hit “Heartbreak Hotel” plus over two hundred other recordings.
To visit Studio B, buy your ticket to the Studio B Experience at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum before you go!
You will then be taken by a shuttle bus to Studio B.
Tours are approximately one hour long and will leave you musically fulfilled knowing it was where some of the greats made history.
Cooters Place – The Dukes of Hazzard Museum
Cooter’s Place, located in Nashville, is a must-see mecca for fans of the Dukes of Hazzard.
Run by Ben Jones (who played Cooter), Cooter’s Place is filled with memorabilia from the hit television show, costumes, props, and photographs.
But most excitingly, Cooter’s Place houses its own General Lee.
The orange 1969 Dodge Charger with the iconic Rebel flag on top and big 01 emblazoned on the door, where you can have your picture taken with it.
Whether you want to take a picture with Cooter’s Tow Truck or peruse behind-the-scenes photos, Cooter’s Place is sure to make any fan of THE DUKES OF HAZZARD proud!
3️⃣ Day 3 Nashville Itinerary
East Nashville
These attractions are located less than 3 miles from the Nashville KOA by the Opry Mills Mall.
We parked for free at the mall while visiting. However, you can park at the Grand Ole Opry and Gaylord Opryland if you like to pay for parking.
They are close enough that we opted not to. We parked by Dave & Busters.
Grand Ole Opry Backstage Tour
If you don’t do anything else while in Nashville, the Grand Ole Opry Backstage Tour is a must.
Grand Ole Opry Backstage Tour has given me the chance to visit a place with lots of American country music history.
I got to explore behind-the-scenes while learning behind-the-scenes facts and stories.
I even had the chance to visit places like the artists’ dressing rooms, entrance, and green room!
What amazed me most was all the fun facts about the Grand Ole Opry that I learned during my tour.
Fascinating stories that one would be hard-pressed to find elsewhere.
With every seat providing an unobstructed view and with performances by both rising and veteran country music stars, the Grand Ole Opry House is an unmissable event for any fan.
The stars even have their own mailbox.
General Jackson Showboat
Get ready to embark on an adventure of a lifetime aboard the General Jackson!
Similar to the Branson Belle, General Jackson is a paddle boat dinner cruise.
As you journey through the Cumberland River, catch glimpses of the breathtaking Nashville skyline.
Make sure not to miss out on the amazing live stage show and savory dinner that come along with this cruise.
Whether you are celebrating something special with your partner or just getting away from it all in Music City, General Jackson’s magical boat ride should be at the top of your itinerary!
Madame Tussauds Wax Museum
This iconic wax museum has been delighting visitors from all walks of life with its fascinating displays and interactive experiences.
With countless wax figures of musical icons and celebs, visitors can get up close and personal with their favorite music stars.
The Madame Tussauds location in Nashville offers a variety of hyper-realistic figurines from different genres of entertainment and is the perfect place to learn and explore the greatest moments in country music.
Gaylord Opryland & Delta Riverboats
Starting out as a humble 600-room hotel, Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville has now grown to have 2,800 rooms and suites which serve travelers from all around the world.
There are plenty of amenities such as luxurious rooms with stunning views, restaurants, and ample shopping opportunities.
The Delta River Flatboat tours wind their way through the interior of this legendary resort.
This unique destination even features indoor gardens spanning 4.5 acres with 9 acres of waterfalls!
It’s truly a sight to behold with 50,000 tropical plants scattered throughout its atriums.
An unforgettable experience for everyone who visits the Gaylord Opryland Resort and should definitely be on your bucket list!
✅ Perfect Nashville Itinerary 3 Days for Couples
Spend three days discovering all that it has to offer for couples, thrill-seekers, and families alike.
From exploring historic sites to sampling delicious eateries, Nashville’s allure is sure to keep you entertained from beginning to end.
Let us guide you with this 3 day Nashville Itinerary through your jam-packed itinerary full of must-see locations and thrilling activities in this robust southern destination.
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