Day Trips from Nashville for Couples
Ready to un-plug from the daily routine and take a day trip near-by? Middle Tennessee and the surrounding regions are packed with amazing romantic places I explored on my recent four week road trip. This is exactly why I decided to share my favourite things near Nashville so that you can use my guide as an inspiration to plan your own road trip. I hope that you enjoy too!
- Mammoth Cave National Park - 1 hour 20 min from Nashville
- Stones River National Battlefield - 35 min from Nashville
- Land Between the Lakes - 2 hours from Nashville
- Dunbar Cave State Park - 50 min from Nashville
- Rock Island State Park - 1 hour 35 min from Nashville
- Cedars of Lebanon State Park - 35 min from Nashville
- Port Royal State Historic Area - 45 min Day Trip from Nashville
Mammoth Cave National Park - 1 hour 20 min from Nashville
I loved visiting this incredible wonder and it instantly became one of my favorite vacation ideas. We started our road trip here.
Above ground, the park instantly surprised me with its peaceful beauty. Walking hand in hand beneath towering trees, with sunlight filtering through the canopy, felt relaxing.
We of course couldn't wait to step underground and this was the moment that truly stayed with me. Touring Mammoth Cave (the longest cave system in the world!) felt like entering another realm entirely.
Sharing that sense of wonder together made it feel even more special.
What I loved best:
One of my favorite experiences was taking a guided cave tour where we learned about the cave’s history and geology, a real standout.
Stones River National Battlefield - 35 min from Nashville
Just about 30 minutes southeast toward Murfreesboro, this is one of my absolute favorite places to visit in Tennessee.
Our first stop was the visitor center at Stones River National Battlefield, and honestly it felt like a hidden gem the moment we parked and stepped out into the quiet landscape.
We started by walking the short trail near the entrance, reading the signs together, and it was an interesting and underrated experience learning the history side by side.
Next we wandered deeper into the battlefield paths, and the calm open fields felt almost magical, especially since it was early and not crowded at all.
After that we explored the cannons and historic markers, which was unusual and cool because it made the whole experience feel more interactive.
What I loved best:
Later we walked toward the river itself, and the water added this calm dreamy vibe that made the battlefield feel even more special.
Land Between the Lakes - 2 hours from Nashville
For this romantic day trip from Nashville, we drove about two hours north.
First thing we did was stop at the visitor center to ask for local tips, which was a brilliant idea and made the whole experience smoother.
The morning air felt magic and cool as we started hiking one of the lakeside trails, and it instantly became my favorite part.
Walking together through the forest felt like a dream getaway, surrounded by water on both sides near Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley.
We had packed a simple picnic, nothing fancy but it tasted like the absolute best meal with those spectacular views.
We sat by the water watching birds and boats pass, and it was such an underrated and joyful couples experience.
After lunch we explored the Elk & Bison Prairie, which was an exciting and unusual drive and honestly pretty awesome.
Seeing those massive animals up close felt unique and interesting, like something you’d never expect so close to Nashville.
Later we rented kayaks, which was affordable and easily one of the best decisions we made all day.
Paddling together across calm water was romantic, peaceful, and felt like pure magic in this vibrant natural setting.
What I loved best:
Before heading back we caught sunset near the shoreline, and it was the most beautiful, underrated moment of the weekend.
Dunbar Cave State Park - 50 min from Nashville
This one of my favorite day trips from Nashville for couples and honestly such an underrated gem for a weekend getaway.
It’s located in Clarksville, Tennessee, about an hour north of Nashville, which made the drive super easy and affordable for us.
We started the day early and drove up with coffee in hand, already excited because this place felt like a hidden, unusual adventure.
First thing we did was walk the scenic trail around Swan Lake, which was calm, vibrant, and honestly kind of magical. I instantly thought our journey was worth it!
After that, we joined a cave tour with a local guide, which was the absolute best part of the experience for me.
The cave itself felt like a dream, cool and dark, with interesting rock formations and stories that made it even more unique.
Walking through the cave felt exciting and educational at the same time, which made it perfect for a family or romantic getaway.
What surprised us most was how massive the cave was, definitely one of the most impressive and underrated spots near Nashville.
After the tour, we explored more trails and found quiet corners that felt like our own little hidden escape.
We stopped for a picnic which was a brilliant idea, since the park has so many peaceful spots to relax.
This park felt like a cool mix of nature, history, and adventure all rolled into one awesome experience.
Before heading back, we just sat and enjoyed the silence, which felt joyful and refreshing.
Rock Island State Park - 1 hour 35 min from Nashville
Driving about an hour and a half east from Nashville, toward McMinnville was one of my favorite day trips for couples since we moved to the South. Windows down, music on, dreaming about waterfalls and that peaceful, underrated Tennessee magic waiting for us.
Once we arrived, the first thing we did was walk hand in hand down to the Caney Fork Gorge, and the views were absolutely spectacular and way better than expected.
Seeing Twin Falls for the first time felt like a dream experience, with mist in the air and vibrant water crashing down in a way that felt almost unreal.
After that, we explored the trails, which was my favorite part, because everything felt quiet, natural, and honestly very underrated compared to other parks.
We found a cool little spot near the water for a break, sharing snacks and laughing, and it felt like the absolute best affordable couples escape.
Later on, we wandered over to Great Falls Dam, which was another amazing and unusual sight that made this park feel like a total Tennessee gem.
What I loved best:
The whole experience felt joyful and exciting without being overwhelming, which is why I think Rock Island is perfect for a romantic or even family weekend (we plan to return with our son soon for a family day trip here!).
Cedars of Lebanon State Park - 35 min from Nashville
Just east of Nashville, this felt like one of those quietly special places that doesn’t try to impress—but absolutely does.
From the moment we arrived, the scent of cedar and the stillness of the forest made it feel like we’d stepped away from everyday noise and into something slower and more grounding.
We started our morning wandering along the Hidden Springs Trail, where mossy rocks and ancient cedar glades opened up into sunlit clearings. Walking side by side, we took our time, stopping often just to listen to birds and let the quiet settle in.
One of my favorite moments was stumbling upon the limestone glades—so different from typical forest trails—where wildflowers pushed through rocky ground in a way that felt both rugged and delicate.
By midday, we found a shaded picnic spot near the creek, sharing snacks and laughing as sunlight filtered through the trees. It was simple, unhurried, and exactly what we needed.
In the afternoon, we explored more of the park’s back trails, occasionally crossing wooden bridges and open meadows that made the hike feel varied and never dull.
What stood out most was how peaceful everything felt. Even with other visitors around, Cedars of Lebanon had a calm, spacious energy that made it easy to feel like we had the place to ourselves.
What I loved best:
As the day wound down, we lingered near the visitor centre and stone buildings, appreciating the park’s history and the way nature and preservation blended so seamlessly.
Port Royal State Historic Area - 45 min Day Trip from Nashville
Ready for a quiet step back in time? Well, you don't have to drive far at all - Port Royal State Historic Area is a standout and my #7 day trip from Nashville for couples!
We started by wandering the remains of the old river town, where grassy paths trace the footprint of what was once a bustling tobacco port. Even in its stillness, you can feel how important this place once was.
Walking along Sulphur Fork Creek felt almost meditative. The gentle water, shaded banks, and birdsong made it easy to slow down and truly take in the surroundings.
We explored the foundations of historic buildings and read interpretive signs that brought the 19th-century town to life—stories of commerce, river travel, and everyday life unfolding right where we stood.
A short hike led us to the old cemetery, where weathered headstones added a quiet, reflective mood and a reminder of the generations who once called Port Royal home.
We packed a simple picnic and found a spot near the creek, sharing lunch in near silence except for the rustle of leaves and flowing water—romantic in the most understated way.
As the afternoon faded, golden light filtered through the trees, making the entire area feel untouched and timeless, like a secret preserved just for those willing to wander off the main road.
What I loved best:
For me, Port Royal State Historic Area is one of the best romantic day trips from Nashville!
I loved sitting beside Sulphur Fork Creek, watching the water move slowly past the old town site—it felt like the perfect place to connect, reflect, and enjoy being fully present together.
Congratulations for reading through all my Day Trips from Nashville for Couples on a Road Trip. I hope that our experiences inspire you to go on your own road trip to one (or more!) of my favorite USA destinations!
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, we've found that buying the America the Beautiful Pass is cost effective.
