opryland hotel tour

Visit Opryland Hotel like a Local

Granted, a hotel visit isn’t your normal Nashville Fun for Families excursion, but  the Gaylord Opryland Hotel is most definitely not your average hotel. So you may be asking…

What is there to do at Gaylord Opryland?

There are nine acres of indoor gardens complete with multiple waterfalls, restaurants, an indoor boat ride, dancing fountains, seasonal activities available to the public, and lots more to explore. You can experience them all without spending the night.

Is there free parking at the Opryland Hotel?

If you simply drive up to the Opryland hotel, you will have to pay for parking in the lot for overnight guests. But to visit for a few hours,  just drive through the Opry Mills Mall parking lot toward the Regal Cinemas entrance and leave your car in a free space outside the Gaylord Events Center.

This is the same area you will want to park in if you choose to go to Explore  ICE!   when it opens annually in November for the holidays. Walk through the gate to the left of the event center and follow the walkway under the green awning.

It takes you to a side entrance in the Delta area of the hotel.

Once you are in the hotel, take your time to walk through the different gardens. Consider trying out one of the different restaurants, and just enjoy the different environments. It is a great place to visit and walk around when it is too hot or cold to be outside.

How to Navigate inside the Hotel

Recently, Gaylord hotels released an app with an interactive map for all of the Gaylord hotel properties. It will give you turn by turn directions inside the hotel. If you have never been inside, it is definitely worth downloading this tool to your phone. Click here for a link to both the Android and iOS app.

The Areas of the Gaylord Opryland

Explore the delta.

This is where you’ll probably have the most fun visiting the Opryland Hotel.  The Delta covers half of the nine acres of indoor gardens. There are various attractions including the Delta Riverboat Tour, the Aqua Fountain Show, and the International Waters Fountain Show in the Delta Atrium.

The hotel is great to visit anytime of the day, but if you arrive late afternoon you can catch the evening dancing fountain shows.

We timed our excursion to the hotel to arrive around 4 pm and started our visit in the Delta enjoying the very pleasant 68 degree (year round) temperature and the lush plant life.

This area is slightly inconvenient for those with strollers. There are elevators, but they aren’t necessarily where you would want them to be as you have to walk past several sets of stairs before reaching them.  

If you come in through the back entrance to the Delta, turn left and walk past the Riverboat dock and you will find elevators (D6) that will take you up to the main level on Delta Island.

The elevators will get you from the lower ground level to the first floor where you can access the main island in the Delta Atrium.

Once in the main island you can shop and enjoy dinner including kid friendly burgers, pizza, frozen yogurt, and fountain shows set to music.

Pizza and Burgers for All

Depending on when you go, you should be able to get great seats in the restaurant area overlooking the fountain. Grab your seats and send a member of the family for burgers or pizza.

The burgers are great quality at Stax. You have your choice of 4 toppings as part of the price and the fries are perfectly cooked as well. Stax does combos and, for the parents, will even serve beer or wine.

The Pizza from Paisano’s Pizzaria & Vino is huge and thin. One slice is plenty for a meal. We get the Express Combo meal and split it.

It is a little more than a fast food restaurant but then you get great quality food, along with the fun factor of sitting in a wonderful atmosphere with waterfalls,  a fountain show, and live plants while still being indoors tucked away from whatever the Nashville weather happens to be doing outside.

If you are in the mood for a snack rather than a meal, Delta Delight Frozen Yogurt is also on Delta Island. You can also grab a pastry or sandwich from the Delta Marketplace.

Free Dancing Fountain Shows

We ate our food watching the Aqua fountain show. The music beats, the water rushes, the crowd watches in delight as the fountain bursts into action at 6 pm.

The noise volume from the intensity of rushing water might startle little ones initially but they should get over it quickly; ours did. We were there on a Sunday night and the crowds were fairly thin for this show.

The fountains perform all day, so you can see them if you visit at lunch. However, the music and lights can only be seen in the evening.

Indoor Riverboat Tours

The Delta Riverboat Tour takes you on a nice gentle ride around the four and half acres of gardens and waterfalls. It takes about 15 minutes and is powered by an all electric flatboat which is guided by a rail in the water (only 2 feet deep). 

The tour guide provides you with some knowledge about the hotel and how it expanded over the  years and points out some interesting features within the gardens.

You will see the high water mark reached by the 2010 flood, the largest chandelier in TN and if you are lucky , the resident ducks. 

In case you miss it on the tour do remember to look up; the atrium is covered in seven football fields of 250 pound glass panels.

Even though it has a glass roof it might be the safest place in town should a storm arrive – the glass panels are rated to wind speeds of 140 miles an hour and golf ball sized hail.

When the boat tour was over we made our way back to the Delta Island to the fountain area to catch the 7 pm International Waters Fountain Show.

We decided to try and find our way downstairs so we could see the fountains from ground level. With a stroller this proved interesting.

We ended up finding the relatively well hidden elevator to the Water’s Edge restaurant. We navigated the tables and went alongside the water to the fountains. If you use the app I mentioned, look for elevator D5.

Having made the effort to get there we weren’t disappointed. The music seemed louder.  The water effects bigger. The kids were clearly having fun on this family outing. 

Our son figured out he could run and slide along the ground where the fountain had flung water out of its immediate enclosure. And our daughter danced to the music.

By now we had managed to spend over four hours inside just one section of the hotel and it was clearly time for little ones to get to bed.

The Learning Log

On your way out, be sure to stop at the learning log. The exhibits change depending on the season. It is always educational and worth crawling through to see what is hidden inside.

As I mentioned there are other areas of the hotel to visit; Cascades, Garden Conservatory, Magnolia, and even the main lobby is worth a quick look albeit more for the parents at the sheer opulence of the place.

Garden Conservatory

Between the Delta and the Garden Conservatory is the Conservatory Cafe that serves sandwiches, salads, desserts, and Starbucks. It is another great spot for a quick lunch. Be sure to visit Bravo Gelato for dessert.

In the Garden Conservatory you’ll find a tropical garden with waterfalls. It is easy to find secluded spots where you feel like you are in your own private garden.

Close to the entrance to the Cascades is the Crystal Gazebo. If it’s not being used for a private event, like a wedding, this can be a great place for kids to run loose for a few minutes.

The Garden Conservatory is home to two patio style restaurants. Both give you the feeling of being outside on a perfect day.

Ravello serves Italian dishes for dinner. This is a great place for a date night and they even validate parking for visitors not staying the night.

Solario Cantina

Solario Cantina is the place to be for margaritas and Mexican food. The Cantina is also open for dinner and will validate parking for diners.

Cascades is one large sunny atrium that leads to the main lobby and front desk of the hotel. On one side you can find The Falls Bar and Lounge and the other side is home to Cascades American Cafe and Wasabi’s Sushi.

If the kids are dying to see fish, Cascades is where you will find them.

You will also see more water antics. There is a whole water section with jets of water jumping from one rock to another and don’t worry they are safely tucked out of kids reach so no wet clothes to take home.

The single biggest feature in the Cascades are the two waterfalls and the walkway that wraps around the falls .

You can walk behind the waterfall through a cave and see out across the entire Cascades atrium.

From here, walk back through the Garden Conservatory to see the Magnolia area of the hotel.

The Magnolia section of the building is home to several restaurants. It is also the closest entry area to Soundwaves . There is a beautiful staircase that is a great place to take pictures.

If you are in front of the stairs, look to your left and you will see a hallway. There are bathrooms located on the left side of that hall that are typically quiet and even on busy days, do not have lines.

During the holidays , there is usually a large Christmas tree made of poinsettias. The Magnolia portico doors are also the closest entrance and exit to the nativity made of lights that is displayed every year.

From here you have two choices, you can walk through the Magnolia shops past the studios for WSM (650 AM on your radio) , home of the Grand Ole Opry.

If you go this way, be sure to stop and watch what is happening in the recording studio. You may catch your favorite county star being interviewed!

Alternatively, you can walk around the stairs in the Magnolia lobby and follow the hall to visit Fuse Sports Bar, Findley’s Irish Pub, and Jack Daniel’s restaurant.

Continue down the hallway and pass the restaurants. On your left you will see the Tennessee ballroom. The walls here are lined with painted murals of the Nashville area . They are definitely worth stopping to see.

Past the Tennessee section, you will find the convention center area. If you continue walking, you will end up back in the Delta where you started. Watch for the sign below to make sure you go out the same door you entered to be able to walk to your car.

It may take you several visits to fully tour the Gaylord Opryland Hotel. As I mentioned, we spent four hours just inside the Delta.

Annual Christmas and Summer Fun

Don’t miss the annual seasonal events. The Gaylord Opryland is known world wide for it’s annual County Christmas Celebration . It usually kicks off the first weekend in November and the festivities continue through to the New Year.

Summerfest celebrates all things summer! Each year is a different theme; one year was Alice in Wonderland. 2019 is focused on the Smurfs. Go on a scavenger hunt through the hotel, see family movies, and take a garden tour. Summerfest has many more activities and starts Memorial Day weekend and lasts through Labor Day.

The Gaylord Opryland hotel has become one of our favorite places to spend a hot summer day or a cold winter’s night. I’m sure once you discover all the magic inside, it will become one of your favorite places to visit in Nashville too!

Gaylord Opryland Hotel

Address: 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214

Click for Website

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Lauren is a transplant from Texas and has become a local tourist exploring the area with her two children. She loves to discover new places in Nashville to share with others.

14 thoughts on “Visit Opryland Hotel like a Local”

Thanks so much for great parking recommendations!!! Saved us $37!

Beautiful place. Not everything open while we were there, but worth the visit just for the garden walkways. Note that they’ve wised up and there is no longer a place to park for free at the resort (and they’re camera-monitored). We parked at the mall and shopped there first, then walked. The boat ride is ~$15 pp for 15 minutes. We opted to do the walkways instead. There are multiple fountains that act as wishing wells and we’re sure hoping those wishes come true!

Thanks for the guide. We probably wouldn’t have found this gem without it.

I stayed here over 20yr ago and never had a better experience anywhere else. Looking to come again. Resort is a class act. Great attention to service and details. Excited to return.

Great editing. I found it hard to condense my excitement about my return. Blessings to you ? all.

This was an excellent guide! Especially the parking tip, which is why I clicked on here. Thanks!

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This is a very helpful article of our super-sized Texas family visiting TN soon for a wedding.

I just wish there was an efficient way to print as I don’t carry data on my phone. But I’m going to jot some notes down from this article anyway.

Thanks for putting it together.

Can you get on the delta River Flatboats if you are in a wheelchair /?

Yes, the Delta River flatboats are standard wheelchair accessible but are not able to hold motorized transport wheelchairs.

Hello! Are non guests able to buy a day pass to swim in the out door pool?

No, you have to stay at the hotel. The only other way to visit Soundwaves is to have a party and all the guests get day passes to the pools.

Are the two fountain shows at the same fountain located on delta island?

Yes, that is where you can see the International Waters show and the Aqua show. They alternate hourly and show at 6 PM, 7 PM, 8 PM, and 9 PM.

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What To Do At Nashville's Gaylord Opryland Resort

This place has it all.

Courtesy of Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center

I knew that a quick getaway with my seven-year-old son Theo would make him happy, but I would have never expected his reaction. “It’s just so nice!” he sobbed, as I showed him the Gaylord Opryland ’s website and told him we’d be staying there for a night. As we looked through the images of the enormous resort—the indoor river, the shops made to look like the French Quarter, the sky-high atrium filled with trees and plants, the sparkling chandeliers, the 12 restaurants, the two arcades, the indoor pool, the waterfalls and fountain shows set to lights, and most importantly, Soundwaves, the four-acre indoor-outdoor waterpark—the happy tears just kept coming. 

When we arrived at the Nashville resort a few weeks later, he was too blown away to cry. And I was pretty stunned myself. The map of the property reminded me of an airport terminal; each of the five sections of the building were named and color coded, a necessity when you’re navigating a nine acres. (The hotel also has its own app, which includes a map.) As we passed through the bustling lobby into the vast atrium with its glass ceiling and lush foliage, it felt like entering the world’s biggest greenhouse—that also happened to contain a small city.  

Courtesy of Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center

Theo and I spent several hours wandering around, taking it all in, and yes, getting lost a few times. We poked around in the shops, which ranged from airport-style sundries to clothing and a whole store of toys for kids. (Prepare to be begged for things.) 

We took a boat ride on the river winding through the hotel, and our guide told us that there were 30,000 people in the building that day—mostly due to a cheerleading convention at the resort’s convention center. The number made my jaw drop, mostly because the property didn’t look nearly that full—it was full of visitors, families mostly, but rarely felt crowded.

From the water, we admired the giant trees, colorful orchids, and gigantic chandeliers, then we hopped off the boat to have dinner with a fountain view at Cascades American Cafe. (After he nixed Italian, Mexican, burgers, and many, many other options.) In our little corner of the restaurant, it almost felt like we had a magical jungle to ourselves. “This is amazing,” Theo sighed over his chicken fingers and fries. I had to agree. And my chicken lettuce wraps weren’t bad either. As the sun went down, the entire building became aglow with colorful light installations and it felt entirely different. We walked another lap around the hotel to admire all of the night time decorations and eventually found our way back to our room.

History of Gaylord Opryland

Originally built in 1977, Gaylord Opryland was a much smaller hotel (around 500 rooms) adjacent to the Grand Ole Opry and Opryland USA, a music-themed amusement park. The park closed in the late 90s, but Gaylord Opryland just kept growing, becoming a destination in its own right and eventually the largest non-casino hotel in the United States. In 2018, SoundWaves , a four acre, three-level water park attached to the hotel, opened. 

Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center

Experience SoundWaves at Gaylord Opryland

SoundWaves was the main reason we came to Gaylord Opryland, and anticipation was high as we got our wristbands the next day. Because we visited over spring break, the seasonal outdoor portion was closed so we only had access to the climate controlled indoor side of the park, but there was still plenty to do. Theo and I careened down three water slides, then he and a newly-found friend his age (see ya, Mom!) explored the rest of the space while I followed nearby, Secret Service-style. There was a fast river and a lazy river, a huge playspace, an obstacle course, a ride where you could surf real waves, and lots of space for younger kids to splash around, among other features. When I was able to drag Theo away for lunch, there were plenty of options at the on-site restaurant, ranging from quesadillas to a farro salad. The outdoor section of the park, which reopens on May 19 for the summer, has several water slides for thrill-seekers (i.e: not me) and other things to experience, including a large wave pool.

Available only to hotel guests, SoundWaves admission isn’t included with the price of a room, but there are package rates available, and a pass is good for an entire day—and you will want to spend an entire day there. There is also an arcade below SoundWaves (that is open to anyone) that is full of shiny new games, as well as some arcade classics.

If you don’t want to pay for a hotel room, you can still experience Gaylord Opryland—most of the property, including the restaurants, is open to the public and you could spend a fun day or afternoon walking around. (It’s all indoors, which means plenty of air-conditioning in the dead of summer!)

An overnight trip was just the right amount of time at Gaylord Opryland for me—although Theo could have stayed indefinitely. After we dried off from the water park and collected our things to go home, the tears started up again. “Why can’t we just live here?” he asked. We consoled ourselves with ice cream in the faux French Quarter and promised to come back—although I know it won’t be quite the same. It’s a magical place, but he’s also at a magical age to enjoy it.

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World-Class Experiences

Things to do.

Dive into family-friendly excitement at Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville, TN. With SoundWaves, our indoor/outdoor resort water attraction, a revitalizing spa, and family-friendly activities, our resort offers the perfect escape.

Splash into Fun

Endless fun awaits at SoundWaves*, our upscale resort water attraction. The ultimate destination for sun-soaked fun and relaxation, SoundWaves promises aquatic adventures for the whole family. Zoom down thrilling slides, race your friends, explore the kids' play structure, float along the lazy river, relax in a cabana, and more. It's all here at SoundWaves. *The only guaranteed way to experience SoundWaves is by purchasing the SoundWaves Experience Package. Room-only reservations do not include admission to SoundWaves.

Sounds of America Fireworks Spectacular

Kick off your weekend with a bang! Stake out a spot on the Magnolia Lawn for a dazzling fireworks display. Also enjoy live entertainment, novelties, and food and drinks. Our Sounds of America Fireworks Spectacular will be featured on select summer evenings. Dates: June 7, 14 | July 12, 19, 26 | Aug. 2, 16 | Sept. 1. Time: 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.; fireworks begin at 8:45 p.m.

Activities For All Ages

Explore our carefully curated array of leisure activities designed to provide extraordinary moments that go beyond the ordinary. Plan your itinerary with our selection of exceptional experiences, many of which are included in your resort fee.

The Hunt for Hidden Treasure

In this fun-filled scavenger hunt, you'll explore Gaylord Opryland's atriums to find several hidden gems.

Delta Riverboat Rides

Take a ride on the Delta Riverboat and travel down a scenic river winding through a 4.5-acre indoor garden.

Extraordinary Atrium Light & Fountain Shows

Experience Gaylord Opryland's complimentary nightly fountain and light shows in our beautiful atrium or from your balcony in select atrium-view guest rooms. Marvel at our synchronized water, music, and lights in these two not-to-be-missed spectacles. Nightly shows at 8 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Cascades Pool Party

Join DJ Tyrus for music, games, and fun at the Cascades outdoor resort pool. Complimentary for overnight resort guests. Presented by LIFEWTR. Fridays, 3 - 7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, 1 - 5 p.m.

Wildlife Rescue - Presented by bubly™

Take a virtual safari through Gaylord Opryland! Twelve endangered animals are hidden throughout the resort and your help is needed to find them. A smartphone and free app download are necessary to enjoy this Augmented Reality experience.

Atrium Garden Private Group Tour

In this private 45-minute guided tour, you'll discover resort history and explore diverse plants in our stunning nine-acre garden atriums. Minimum 15 people in group required. Reservations 7 days in advance required.

General Jackson Showboat

Enjoy a delightful Southern meal, a world-class live musical show, a cruise down the Cumberland River, and the best views of the Nashville skyline aboard our 300-foot paddlewheel riverboat, one of the largest in the country. Midday lunch and evening dinner cruises available.

Unwrap the Joy of the Season

Christmas at Gaylord Opryland

Enjoy festive holiday events like ICE! and our Christmas light show, and join in classic activities like ice tubing, gingerbread decorating, and photos with Santa at Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville, Tennessee.

Amenities and Enhancements

SoundWaves Cabanas

Upgrade your SoundWaves* experience and relax in the comfort of one of our private cabanas. Indoor and outdoor cabanas are available for daily rental by resort guests who have pre-purchased a SoundWaves experience. Cabanas include seating for up to six guests, four bottles of water, a mini refrigerator, a ceiling fan, a big-screen television, a safe, and access to a server who will bring menu orders to the cabana. *The only guaranteed way to experience SoundWaves is by purchasing the SoundWaves Experience Package. Room-only reservations do not include admission to SoundWaves.

Relâche Spa and Fitness Center

Rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul at Relâche Spa at Gaylord Opryland Resort. Our services blend essential oil aromatherapy and diverse massage techniques to melt tension away. Exercise and physically de-stress at The Relâche Fitness Center with a full range of cardio and strength equipment for a total workout.

Gaylord Springs Golf Links

Carved from the banks of the Cumberland River, our Scottish links-style, par-72 layout offers an 18-hole golf course bordered by limestone bluffs and enhanced by federally protected wetlands in Nashville. Gaylords Springs is cashless throughout your experience.

Relâche Spa

Our European-inspired spa, The Relâche Spa, soothes the senses and the soul. Choose from massages, body treatments, facials, manicures, pedicures, salon services and more.

Couples Massages

Kids Services

Lip Treatment

Makeup Services

Manicures/Pedicures

Men's Services

Separate Men & Women's Lounges

Carved from the banks of the Cumberland River, our Scottish links-style, par-72 layout offers an 18-hole golf course bordered by limestone bluffs and enhanced by federally protected wetlands. Gaylords Springs is cashless throughout your experience.

Driving Range

Equipment Rental

Golf School

Provides Lessons

Putting Green

Designed by Larry Nelson

Fitness Center

Stay with your fitness routine even when you travel and enjoy a nice workout at our Fitness Center.

Locker rooms

Fitness center access included in resort fee

Equipment Available

Cardiovascular Equipment

Free Weights

Strength Equipment

Treadmill(s)

Mon-Sun: 8:00 AM-10:00 PM

Mon-Sun: 9:00 AM-7:00 PM

Lifeguard on Duty

Local Attractions

515 Opry Mills Drive, Nashville, TN, USA, 37214

2804 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN, USA, 37214

116 5th Ave N, Nashville, TN, USA, 37219

222 Rep. John Lewis Way S, Nashville, TN, USA, 37203

3777 Nolensville Pk, Nashville, TN, USA, 37211

1200 Forrest Park Drive, Nashville, TN, USA, 37205

2812 Opryland Drive, Nashville, TN, USA, 37214

800 Fort Negley Blvd, Nashville, TN, USA, 37203

4580 Rachels Ln, Hermitage, TN, USA, 37076

121 4th Ave S,, Nashville, TN, USA, 37203

388 Opry Mills Dr, Nashville, TN, USA, 37214

592 S 1st St, Nashville, TN, USA, 37213

119 3rd Ave S, Nashville, TN, USA, 37201

501 Broadway, Nashville, TN, USA, 37203

2500 West End Ave, Nashville, TN, USA, 37203

600 James Robertson Pkwy, Nashville, TN, USA, 37243

An Iconic Nashville Landmark

Grand Ole Opry

The show that made country music famous continues with star-packed performances featuring a wide array of chart-toppers, newcomers and living legends. Book your tickets for a night at the Opry and add a room at Gaylord Opryland Resort based on availability during checkout.

Convenient Shuttles to Get You There

Transportation Services

The Resort offers a complimentary complex shuttle daily (hours may vary) that stops at the Opry Mills Mall in front of the Macaroni Grill, The Inn at Opryland and the Cascades Canopy at the Resort. This shuttle runs on a continuous loop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center has a fitness center on-site for hotel guests.

Yes, Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center has multiple pools on-site for hotel guests:

Yes, Relâche Spa is located on-site at Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center. Click here to book a service now.

Yes, hotel guests have access to Gaylord Springs Golf Links. Click here to learn more.

Madame Tussauds Nashville , Grand Ole Opry , Ryman Auditorium , Country Music Hall of Fame , Nashville Zoo at Grassmere and more are nearby Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center.

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GAYLORD OPRYLAND RESORT & CONVENTION CENTER

2800 Opryland Drive,

Nashville, Tennessee, USA, 37214

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Take the Tour

Experience the Thrill of the Opry on a Backstage Tour

Take it all in: the sights, the sounds, and the stories that only happen backstage – before the country music magic happens onstage. Come on over, hang out behind the scenes, and let us welcome you to get closer to the stars and legends that make music history every week, Live on the Opry. There’s simply nothing else like it.

Get Tickets

Daytime Backstage Tours

A state-of-the-art theater experience with music, special effects, priceless archival footage, and superstar hosts Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood.

Stories about the Opry and country music greats with exclusive photos from the Opry’s biggest moments.

Experience the NEW Behind The Airwaves exhibit for an exclusive look at the story behind WSM, the radio home of the Opry. PLUS get a glimpse of the WSM studio itself where a live show could be on air while you're there!

See the Artist Entrance, where stars walk into the world-famous Opry House every night. 

Learn about our exclusive Proposal Packages.

Postshow Backstage Tours

• Get a glimpse of the Opry’s themed dressing rooms and see the artist entrance where the stars arrived that night.
• Postshow tours often make a stop in Studio A, a live television studio and former home of HEE HAW.
• After you take in an Opry performance, let us officially say, “Welcome to the family!”

Opry show tickets must be purchased separately . Postshow Backstage Tour can be added to your show experience after ticket selection is made.

Country Duos

Tour the legendary Grand Ole Opry AND Nashville's Mother Church, Ryman Auditorium, for one low price!

• Join an immersive theater experience hosted by Garth Brooks & Trisha Yearwood
• Go on an expert-guided tour behind the curtain
• Hang out where the stars gather before the show
• Step into our themed dressing rooms and more

Ryman Tour:

• Experience a world-famous living music landmark
• See this season’s star-studded exhibits
• Join an immersive "Soul of Nashville" theater experience
• Step onto the stage and stand where your favorite artists play 

Women of Country Tour

This one’s for the girls. 

• Mimosas and Petit Fours
• The state-of-the-art Circle Room theater experience
• A specialized, 45-minute tour of artist dressing rooms, artist entrance, and green room
• Women of Country Tour-exclusive access to the Glitz & Glamour and Honky-Tonk Angels dressing rooms 
• A visit inside the Women of Country dressing room with exclusive photo ops 

 The Women of Country Tour is available for guests ages 21 and up.

How long is a tour at the Opry?

The backstage tour typically takes around 45 minutes to an hour.

How much does a tour cost?

Tour tickets range from $39-$98.90 (before taxes & fees) depending on the ticket type and optional upgrades.

Have any additional questions? Check out our FAQs page for more information:

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Moyer Memoirs

Empty-Nest Travel Adventures

Visiting the Gaylord Opryland Resort Gardens in Nashville

DISCLOSURE: If I link to relevant products or helpful info it may be an affiliate link, meaning I may earn a small commission. As an Amazon Associate & other affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra charge to you. The views & opinions are my own. Please see the disclaimer and privacy policy .

Last Updated on February 18, 2024

Gaylord Opryland Resort Gardens in Nashville

Can you visit gaylord opryland without staying there.

Yes, you can!!

Come inside Opryland Resort Gardens in Nashville for a fun-filled afternoon of FREE touring activities .  You don’t need a room and you don’t need to spend the night, you can wander around the beautiful 9 acres of gardens, waterfalls, gazebos, and little waterways for hours without spending a cent. 

Follow along for all the Tips for Visiting the Gaylord Opryland in Nashville!

The Gaylord Opryland Resort Gardens are such a delight as you stroll through this nature-filled, temperature-controlled lush environment as a day visitor to the Opryland hotel.  It will definitely take you on a virtual vacation to the outdoors.  Take lots of pictures and make your friends jealous!

Can you go inside Gaylord Opryland without staying there?

Follow along and take note of all the cool instagram photos you can get inside opryland hotel .

While you are at Opryland Hotel, make sure to stop next door in order to take in a country music show at the Grand Ole Opry!

For Booking info for the Grand Ole Opry and other fun things to do in Nashville:

Booking at Gaylord Opryland Gardens

Want to get a room at Gaylord Opryland in order to spend more time at the GARDENS????

And now the important information for visiting the Opryland Hotel:

Where is the garden conservatory at Gaylord Opryland Hotel in Nashville

GAYLORD OPRYLAND HOTEL MA P

2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214, 615-889-1000

Take advantage of DISCOUNTS for accommodations in Nashville! BOOK NOW!

Parking at Opryland Hotel when you don’t have a reservation

Opryland hotel parking is $35 for a visit.  That’s a hefty price to walk around the free gardens.  I recommend parking your car FOR FREE at Opry Mills Mall shopping center near the movie complex and walking a short distance to the hotel entrance. The lot was so empty when we visited!  We were able to easily park our large motorhome near the walkway to the Opryland hotel.

Side note:  After you are done taking photos at Opryland Resort Gardens, walk over to Opry Mills Mall and get some shopping done!  There are a lot of good stores that will satisfy the shopaholic.

After parking for free at Opry Mills Mall, walk between the white fence and follow the signs toward the Gaylord Opryland Events Center, continuing past the Center and under the green awning. Following this walkway will lead you to the Delta entrance to the Opryland Hotel Resort Gardens!

Now you can go inside to enjoy this unique Nashville garden hotel!

Other fun activities to do in Nashville

Gaylord Opryland Hotel Map

Can you walk around Opryland Hotel?

Yes, you can, but I recommend looking at a map . We got lost a couple of times.  …and since we also didn’t stay together we ended up wandering off in different directions.  After all, Gaylord Opryland is the largest non-gaming hotel in the continental US !! Use the handy map to plan your time at Gaylord Opryland Botanical Gardens. It’s bigger than you think! Think “Las Vegas resort” size!

Use this map for the Gaylord Opryland map to navigate around the different sections of the garden displays.

It is worth it to plan a route through this very large garden conservatory so that you don’t miss anything. 

They have maps posted at most of the entrances. Yes, you will need it!  I sometimes felt like I was walking around a jungle on the winding paths.

Need more ideas for Things to do in Nashville?

Areas to visit inside Opryland Hotel

Delta is the first and largest area that you will come to if you walk from the Opry Mills Mall parking lot.  The other areas are Cascades, Magnolia, and the Garden Conservatory.  Perhaps you should even visit the main lobby of this grand hotel!

Delta Area of Opryland Resort Gardens

If you follow my advice and walk from the Opry Mills Mall parking lot, you will end up in the Delta area first.  This is the largest of the indoor gardens and houses many different attractions like the Delta River, the Fountain with water shows, and the Riverboat for your cruising enjoyment.  Plan to spend most of your time in Delta, but don’t forget to see the other sections of the Opryland Resort Gardens because there is still half of the hotel yet to discover!

Main Island in the Delta Area

If you are hungry, there are plenty of counter service and snack shop places to eat.  If you are eager for souvenirs, there are plenty of little shops.  The main island is like a mini-city that you can walk around and admire. 

Want an even better idea?  When you are visiting Opryland Hotel, grab some sandwiches and have a picnic in this fabulous natural setting.  There are plenty of tables near the foliage to gather around and munch on your goodies.

Delta River in Opryland Resort Gardens

You will notice a scenic quarter–mile long winding river gently flowing through the Delta area.  Somehow this river was made from 1,700 water samples from rivers around the world, including every single river in the USA!

The list of donating rivers is quite long and there are many plaques lining the river bank to document the donors.

Delta Riverboat Cruise

As a highlight on the Delta River, believe-it-or-not, they actually have a Southern-style flatbed river boat taking guests on tours through the Delta area.  The tours are priced at $11 for adults and last about 15 minutes with the riverboat guides sharing their knowledge about the plants and animal life spread throughout the Delta riverbanks in the Opryland resort. 

If you are touring Opryland Resort Gardens as a happy couple, you can opt for the Romantic Cruise around the Delta Atrium.  This $65 option gives you two trips around the river for 2 people with music and romance.  Reservations are required for this special cruise.

Atrium Glass Ceiling

The Atrium roof is a beautiful architectural wonder that is displayed above your head, stretching across the wide expanse of the Delta area as glowing glass that allows the sun to spread its rays upon all its green recipients below.  According to guides, the glass also provides a safe haven during storms since it is incredibly durable and indestructible!

Opryland Fountains in Delta Area

The Opryland water fountains operate all day so you can sit and enjoy the water as it changes to different heights and angles while you sit among the garden scenery

However, the spectacle is at night when the music and light shows are displayed at the fountain. There is a show each hour that is a choreographed display of water and lights which is set to music. Can you imagine having one of those Opryland hotel rooms with a view of the fountain?

Where to stand for the Opryland Water Fountain Show 

First of all, watch out for the railing.  Don’t ruin your melodic water video by having that big railing in the middle of your picture.  Perhaps find a spot where you can stand slightly further back because the fountain sprays the water high into the air and you don’t want to have to keep panning up and down to get it all in your video frame.

Opryland Fountain Show Times

The Opryland Fountain Water Shows are every hour from 6 pm – 10 pm at the Delta Foundtain.  The shows alternate but there really isn’t an official list of Opryland Fountain Shows.  However, if you see the one at 7pm and you are still there at 8pm, you can see a new show that is just as entertaining.  There is also a special Christmas-themed show during the holidays.

Other fun happenings in the Delta Area at Opryland Resort Gardens

The Falls Bar has live music on weekend afternoons so that you can sit and relax with your mimosa while surrounded by beautiful gardens.

There are also Animal Encounters in the afternoon on Fridays and Saturdays.  Staff provide an educational opportunity to interact with and learn about the inhabitants of the garden conservatory

The Learning Log is another educational opportunity for the little ones to crawl in to see the exhibits.  My little ones that aren’t so little still enjoyed peeking into the log!

More fun activities in Nashville

Other areas to visit on a day trip to Opryland Resort Gardens in Nashville

After you have completely walked through the Delta Area—and that should take you an hour or two—there are still other areas in the Opryland Resort Gardens that you can check out.

Magnolia Area in Opryland Resort Gardens

The Magnolia Area is home to several restaurants as well as the Opryland Water Park, Soundwaves .  The big photo spot for Magnolia is the grand white staircase.

Another important note for the Magnolia area is the location of a good set of restrooms in the hallway at the top of the staircase.  Since we spent several hours walking through the gardens and looking at fountains, this was definitely a necessary stop.

Opryland Hotel Water Park

This mega hotel even has its own water park, Nashville’s only resort water experience!  There are exhilarating slides that pump out music as you hurl to the bottom, as well as a lazy river –for those that want a little more relaxation.

SoundWaves is reserved only for hotel guests.  Normally day passes are not available unless you are a guest at a party that was booked at Soundwaves.

The water park looks like a lot of fun with lots of water attractions.  The whole SoundWaves Experience package includes a hotel room, wristband for daily admission to SoundWaves, and baggage storage for early arrivals.

Garden Conservatory at Gaylord Opryland Resort Gardens

The Garden Conservatory Area is home to many more beautiful gardens as well as a flower-covered gazebo.  We were there when it wasn’t in full bloom, but it was still photo-worthy.  My titan hubby decided to strike a godly pose under the gazebo!

The paths wander and wind through more greenery and take you past several sit-down fancy restaurants that will serve you al fresco style and validate your parking if you didn’t opt for the Opry Mills lot.

The Cascade area is nearest to the lobby.  In this area, you can find more greenery, more water fountains, fish in ponds, and waterfalls.

After your walking tour of Opryland Resort Gardens

Do you have more time to spend in Music City ? Once you have walked through and enjoyed the beautiful gardens, there are many other free things to do in Nashville. Click through my other articles to find more Things to do in Nashville and build your itinerary into a great trip!

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10 Reasons Why Gaylord Opryland is Worth a Visit Even if You Hate Country Music

Sure, it's right next door to the Grand Ole Opry, but Gaylord Opryland Resort is fun for non-country music fans, too. From gorgeous botanical gardens to a new, upscale water park, this Nashville resort packs so much more than country must-dos.

Related To:

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Photo By: Deanne Revel

Photo By: Ryman Auditorium

Photo By: Gaylord Opryland Resort

The Grandeur

Gaylord Opryland is massive. It's actually the largest non-gaming hotel in the continental US, meaning you get Vegas resort size without a smoky casino to walk through. One of the best things to do on property is to simply take a stroll—drink in hand—and tour the resort's soaring atriums decked out with decorations, lights and water features.

The Botanicals

The waterfalls.

There are nine acres of gardens and waterfalls on property! If you love sleeping with white noise, book a room in the Cascade Atrium. You can leave your balcony door open and let the soothing sound of falling water lull you to sleep.

The Entertainment

The local fare, the nightlife.

There are nearly 20 dining options on property, from the upscale Old Hickory Steakhouse to the casual and family-friendly Paisano's Pizzaria & Vino. Like a theme park, you could go days without eating at the same restaurant. Brunch at the Cascades American Cafe is a must with fun, Southern-inspired items such as cornflake-crusted French toast and pumpkin pie overnight oats.

The Boat Ride

The water park, the christmas spirit, we recommend.

6 Ways to Celebrate the Eclipse

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Gaylord Opryland prepares for annual honey harvest

Posted: July 18, 2024 | Last updated: July 18, 2024

Gaylord Opryland Resort is home to nine beehives and each year teams work to harvest honey to use across different areas inside the hotel.

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