Things to do in East Nashville are attractions, parks, museums, and entertainment venues located in the eastern Nashville area that provide shopping, music, and outdoor recreation experiences.
East Nashville is well known for being home to the popular Five Points neighborhood and the surrounding attractions. However, there are so many incredible restaurants, tours, and things to do in the region that don’t get as much hype. East Nashville offers unique experiences in Music City that many visitors enjoy exploring.
This mini-guide to East Nashville will outline the best of food, drink, outings, and tours in the eastern Nashville neighborhoods to influence your next outing!
Best Food and Drink in East Nashville
East Nashville has great variety in its restaurants. You’re sure to find what you’re craving, from plant-based options to authentic Southern comfort food! Whether you’re planning your first trip to East Nashville or looking to try something new, these restaurants are some local favorites worth checking out:
- Lockeland Table – Serves American classics like mac and cheese, wood-fired pizza, steaks, and Southern comfort food. As a more upscale restaurant, Lockeland Table has created a beautiful ambiance perfect for a special evening out.
- Pelican & Pig – Offers quality American food and amazing cocktails. Ideal for bar snacks, casual dining, or full sit-down meals.
- Peninsula – Features a modern take on Spanish and French dishes with an impressive wine list. The intimate, cozy vibe complements the dining experience.
- Lyra – A Middle Eastern restaurant serving dishes like baba ganoush and lamb kabobs, paired with a unique drink menu.
- East Side Banh Mi – Popular for its Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches, the menu also includes salads and bowls for variety.
- Cafe Roze – Open all day, serving coffee, sweet treats, breakfast, and lunch options.
- Graze Nashville – Entirely plant-based with breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a full juice and smoothie bar for healthy dining options.
After selecting a restaurant for your visit in East Nashville, you can explore some of the local attractions in the area.”
Top Things to do in East Nashville
East Nashville often gets overlooked due to all the incredible landmarks in downtown Nashville. However, many of the region’s museums, music venues, parks, and historic attractions can be found just east of the central city. If you’re looking to explore beyond the downtown corridor, East Nashville offers plenty of unique experiences—from music history and celebrity exhibits to shopping and scenic green spaces.
Here are some popular East Nashville excursions:
Madame Tussauds Nashville
Located inside Opry Mills, Madame Tussauds Nashville allows visitors to get up close with incredibly realistic wax figures of famous musicians, actors, and cultural icons. The Nashville location focuses heavily on music legends, especially country stars, making it a fun stop for music fans visiting the city. Guests can walk through themed galleries and take photos alongside lifelike figures of some of the most recognizable performers in entertainment.
The Hermitage (Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage Grounds)
The Hermitage is the historic home of Andrew Jackson and one of the most significant presidential sites in the country. Visitors can tour the mansion, explore museum exhibits, and walk through beautifully preserved gardens and grounds. The property also includes historic outbuildings, educational exhibits, and scenic walking paths that provide insight into life during the early 19th century.
Grand Ole Opry
Known as the heart of country music, the Grand Ole Opry is one of Nashville’s most famous attractions. The venue hosts live performances throughout the year featuring a mix of legendary country artists and rising stars. Visitors can attend a show or take a guided backstage tour to see dressing rooms, learn about the Opry’s history, and stand on the stage where countless country music legends have performed.
Opry Mills
Opry Mills is one of Nashville’s largest shopping and entertainment destinations. The indoor outlet mall features a wide variety of retail stores, restaurants, and entertainment options. Visitors can easily spend several hours shopping, dining, and exploring attractions inside the mall, making it a convenient stop when visiting East Nashville.
Cooter’s Nashville
Fans of the classic television series The Dukes of Hazzard will enjoy visiting Cooter’s Nashville. The museum and gift shop celebrate the popular show with memorabilia, props, and displays dedicated to the characters and vehicles featured in the series. Visitors can see the iconic General Lee car, take photos, and browse themed souvenirs.
East Park
East Park offers a relaxing outdoor space in the heart of East Nashville. The park features open green areas, playgrounds, walking paths, and sports courts. It’s a great place to take a break from sightseeing, enjoy a picnic, or simply relax while taking in views of the Nashville skyline.
Willie Nelson and Friends Museum and Nashville Souvenirs
This small but fascinating museum celebrates the career of country music legend Willie Nelson and other iconic performers. Inside, visitors can explore a collection of memorabilia, photographs, instruments, and personal items that highlight the influence of Willie Nelson and his fellow artists on country music.
Gaylord Opryland Garden Conservatory
Located inside the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, the Garden Conservatory is a stunning indoor botanical space filled with tropical plants, waterfalls, and walking paths beneath massive glass atriums. Visitors can stroll through beautifully landscaped gardens and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, making it one of the most unique indoor attractions in the Nashville area.
City Tours in East Nashville
Many tourist destinations in East Nashville offer guided tours, providing historical context and information about each location from an experienced guide. If you prefer guided tours, these are some of the city tours to consider when traveling through East Nashville:
- Grand Ole Opry House Guided Backstage Tour
- General Jackson Showboat Dinner Cruise
- Mint Julep Experiences
For more information on finding and booking city tours to be sure you see precisely what you want to see, get in touch with one of our Nashville experts! For a more personalized consultation to help plan your upcoming trip or move to Music City, book a city consultation to get all of your Nashville questions answered.
Looking for an Apartment in Nashville?
Exploring neighborhoods like East Nashville is a great way to discover where you might want to live in Music City. If you’re considering making Nashville your home, working with a local apartment locator can make the search much easier. From walkable communities to vibrant nightlife areas, local apartment experts can provide guidance on available options based on your budget, neighborhood preferences, and housing needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is East Nashville known for?
East Nashville is known for its music culture, historic landmarks, local restaurants, and proximity to major attractions like the Grand Ole Opry and Opry Mills shopping center.
Is East Nashville worth visiting?
Yes. East Nashville offers a unique mix of music history, parks, museums, shopping, and dining, making it a great place to explore while visiting Nashville.
What are family-friendly things to do in East Nashville?
Family-friendly activities include visiting Madame Tussauds, exploring Opry Mills, touring The Hermitage, and enjoying outdoor time at East Park.
How far is East Nashville from downtown Nashville?
East Nashville is typically about a 10 to 15 minute drive from downtown Nashville, depending on traffic.
Disclaimer:
Housing availability, rental rates, fees, and leasing policies are subject to change and are determined by individual property owners and management companies. Nashville Apartment Locators is a licensed real estate brokerage providing apartment locating services in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local fair housing laws. In most cases, participating properties pay a referral commission after a lease is signed, so services are typically provided at no cost to renters.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice.
