Bicentennial Capitol Mall

Downtown & the Gulch

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Downtown Nashville's 19-acre green lung swoops grandly north from the Tennessee State Capitol, giving unparalleled (and much televised) views of its white antebellum columns. It's a fine place for a stroll, especially on a Saturday when the Nashville Farmers Market is in full swing nearby. The park also hosts events, such as the city's New Year's Eve celebration.

Constructed in 1996 to commemorate Tennessee's 200th birthday, the park is decorated with various lessons in the state's history and attractions. Plot a route on the 200ft granite map of Tennessee, complete with rivers, roads and county lines, at the park's southern end, or read about the state's past along the Pathway of History. The centerpiece of the park is the 2000-seat Tennessee Amphitheater.

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

  • Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum August 1, 2014 in Nashville, TN. It opened in 1961 and preserves the evolving history and traditions of country music.

    Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum

    1.05 MILES

    This monumental museum, reflecting the near-biblical importance of country music to Nashville's soul, is a must-see whether you're a country music fan or…

  • RCA Studio B

    Historic RCA Studio B

    1.46 MILES

    One of Music Row's most historic studios, this is where Elvis, the Everly Brothers and Dolly Parton all recorded numerous hits. The latter did a little…

  • 500px Photo ID: 109216371 - Sunset from the Natchez Trace Highway near Nashville.

    Natchez Trace Parkway

    14.12 MILES

    A beautiful day trip or extended road trip from Nashville, the Natchez Trace Parkway runs for 444 miles through three states until reaching its eponymous…

  • National Museum of African American Music

    National Museum of African American Music

    0.85 MILES

    The National Museum of African American Music tells the story of the impact that African American culture has had on music around the world, from gospel to…

  • NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE-FEBRUARY 4, 2015: The Grand Ole Opry is a landmark in Nashville, Tennessee that beckons country music fans from around the world.; Shutterstock ID 252407671; Your name (First / Last): Trisha Ping; GL account no.: 65050; Netsuite department name: Online Editoria; Full Product or Project name including edition: 65050/Online Editorial/Trisha Ping/Nashville

    Grand Ole Opry House

    5.88 MILES

    This unassuming modern brick building seats 4400 for the Grand Ole Opry multiple times per week. Daytime backstage guided tours are offered every 15…

  • Double Arch Bridge at Natchez Trace Parkway near Franklin, TN

    Natchez Trace Parkway Bridge

    17.09 MILES

    For a photogenic view of this graceful double-arch bridge, pull into the Birdsong Hollow overlook, about 4 miles south of the northern terminus of the…

  • Cumberland Park

    Cumberland Park

    1.08 MILES

    This 6.5-acre park hugs the Cumberland River's eastern bank across from downtown. For kids, there's a climbing wall and an innovative washboard play area…

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Nearby Downtown & the Gulch attractions

1. Tennessee State Museum

0.19 MILES

This engaging museum, which moved into spiffy new digs in 2018, offers a worthy, balanced look at the state's past, with Native American handicrafts,…

2. Tennessee State Capitol

0.4 MILES

This 1845–59 Greek Revival building was built from local limestone and marble by slaves and prison inmates working alongside European artisans. Around the…

3. 5th Ave of the Arts

0.6 MILES

Home to several visual art galleries, Nashville’s premier art district is just a quick walk up from the honky-tonks on Broadway. This historic block is…

4. Nashville Public Library – Downtown

0.66 MILES

For an excellent overview of the Civil Rights movement in Nashville, check out the Civil Rights Collection, a permanent exhibit in the 2nd-floor galleries…

6. Frist Art Museum

0.91 MILES

A top-notch post office turned art museum and complex, hosting traveling exhibitions of everything from American folk art to Picasso, and as off-the-wall…

7. Riverfront Park

0.93 MILES

This narrow park sits between downtown and the Cumberland River. Take your pooch for a romp in the dog park, have a picnic as you watch the barges from…

8. Johnny Cash Museum & Store

0.95 MILES

Nashville's museum dedicated to 'The Man in Black' is smallish but houses the most comprehensive collection of Johnny Cash artifacts and memorabilia in…