road trip nashville to dallas

35 Best Stops Between Nashville and Dallas

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How long is the drive from Nashville to Dallas?

The direct drive from Nashville to Dallas is 667 mi (1,073 km) , and should have a drive time of 9 hrs 44 mins in normal traffic.

If you’re going on a road trip from Nashville to Dallas, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Memphis , Hot Springs , Tunica , Little Rock , and Tyler , as well as top places to visit like Beachaven Vineyards & Winery and Adventureworks Nashville West, or the ever-popular Leipers Fork.

Top cities between Nashville and Dallas

Little Rock

Hot springs, best stops along nashville to dallas drive, leipers fork.

Beachaven Vineyards & Winery

Adventureworks Nashville West

Dunbar cave state park, president james k. polk home and museum.

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Casey Jones Distillery

David crockett state park, fort donelson national battlefield-tennessee, eiffel tower park, shiloh national military park, shiloh national military park corinth interpretive center, discovery park of america, casey jones home & railroad museum, reelfoot lake state park, collierville planning department.

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Memphis Zoo

The Peabody Memphis

National Civil Rights Museum

Tunica roadhouse, horseshoe tunica, gold strike casino resort, craighead forest park.

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Ozark Folk Center State Park

Greers ferry lake, the old mill, william j. clinton library and museum, little rock river market, top searches in dallas, other popular road trips from nashville, explore nearby places.

• Highland Park
• University Park
• Balch Springs
• Duncanville
• Farmers Branch
• Grand Prairie

All related maps of Dallas

• Map of Dallas
• Map of Highland Park
• Map of University Park
• Map of Irving
• Map of Balch Springs
• Map of Duncanville
• Map of Farmers Branch
• Map of Mesquite
• Map of Addison
• Map of Grand Prairie
• Map of DeSoto
• Map of Lancaster
• Map of Richardson
• Map of Garland
• Map of Carrollton
• Map of Sunnyvale
• Map of Rowlett
• Map of Cedar Hill
• Map of Euless
• Map of Seagoville
• Map of Coppell
• Map of Plano
• Map of Sachse
• Map of Arlington
• Map of Red Oak
• Map of Ferris
• Map of Forney
• Map of Heath
• Map of Grapevine
• Map of Murphy
• Map of Bedford

Dallas throughout the year

• Dallas in January
• Dallas in February
• Dallas in March
• Dallas in April
• Dallas in May
• Dallas in June
• Dallas in July
• Dallas in August
• Dallas in September
• Dallas in October
• Dallas in November
• Dallas in December

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Dallas?

Get inspired for your trip to Dallas with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

• 1-Day Dallas Itinerary
• 2-Day Dallas Itinerary
• 3-Day Dallas Itinerary
• 4-Day Dallas Itinerary
• 5-Day Dallas Itinerary

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i drive from nashville to dallas.

Yes! You can drive from Nashville to Dallas.

How far is Dallas from Nashville by car?

The drive from Nashville to Dallas is 667 miles (1,073 km).

How long does it take to drive from Nashville to Dallas?

Driving from Nashville to Dallas should take you 9 hrs 44 mins in normal traffic.

How much would gas cost from Nashville to Dallas?

Gas from Nashville to Dallas would cost around $58 to $136 , depending on your vehicle's fuel efficiency.

Where should I stop on the way from Nashville to Dallas?

You could check out Beachaven Vineyards & Winery and Adventureworks Nashville West, or the always popular Leipers Fork!

What are the best cities to visit between Nashville and Dallas?

People love visiting Memphis, Hot Springs, and Tunica, among others.

What's the weather like in Nashville?

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Nashville in January
• Weather in Nashville in February
• Weather in Nashville in March
• Weather in Nashville in April
• Weather in Nashville in May
• Weather in Nashville in June
• Weather in Nashville in July
• Weather in Nashville in August
• Weather in Nashville in September
• Weather in Nashville in October
• Weather in Nashville in November
• Weather in Nashville in December

What are some other road trips from Nashville?

There are plenty! Below you'll find links to all the road trips we've assembled for Nashville.

• Nashville to New York City drive
• Nashville to Orlando drive
• Nashville to Chicago drive
• Nashville to Washington DC drive
• Nashville to Atlanta drive
• Nashville to New Orleans drive
• Nashville to Pigeon Forge drive
• Nashville to Memphis drive
• Nashville to Chattanooga drive
• Nashville to Louisville drive
• Nashville to Las Vegas drive
• Nashville to Toronto drive
• Nashville to Saint Louis drive
• Nashville to Branson drive
• Nashville to Savannah drive
• Nashville to Niagara Falls drive
• Nashville to Boston drive
• Nashville to St. Augustine drive
• Nashville to Charleston drive
• Nashville to Philadelphia drive
• Nashville to San Antonio drive
• Nashville to Cincinnati drive
• Nashville to Montreal drive
• Nashville to Baltimore drive
• Nashville to Miami Beach drive
• Nashville to Cleveland drive
• Nashville to Indianapolis drive
• Nashville to Gatlinburg drive
• Nashville to Mexico City drive
• Nashville to Myrtle Beach drive

• Itinerary + map in one view
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• See time and distance between all your places

• Long Road Trips from Dallas
• Trips From Dallas

Tennessee Road Trip: Memphis and Nashville

Hit America’s music route and wander through bucket list destinations. Discover the best things to do and must-sees in  Memphis and Nashville.

This is an amazing road trip to take year-round. It navigates you through nothing less than the Blues Capital of the World and America’s Music City.

If you love music, you must take this trip now! And even if music is not exactly your passion, go. This trip has so many bucket list destinations along the way that not taking advantage of this opportunity while living in Dallas is a shame!

Think Elvis, Martin Luther King, the country music mecca, world-famous concert and live music venues, one of the best barbecues in the U.S., America’s most famous streets. You got it all covered and more.

This route is ideal to be taken in 5+ days if you want to do the whole thing – or alternatively you can only do the Memphis stretch during a long weekend.

If you are looking for shorter trips to take from Dallas, take a look into this ‘Weekend Getaways from Dallas’ post .

Road Trip Itinerary from Dallas to Nashville

Go Elvis! Have the time of your life at one of America’s liveliest cities and country music hub. Immerse into the roots of American music and the Civil Rights Movement. The road trip between Dallas and Nashville is epic and totally worth the drive.

Find out bellow the best stops and things to see between Dallas, Memphis and Nashville. Discover must-sees in these cities, the very best things to do to make the most of your trip. 

1. Memphis, TN

450 miles/ 6h 30m from dallas.

Memphis is in your way between Dallas and Nashville, and a destination that worth the trip by itself. 

It’s among my top 3 destinations to visit from Dallas: not too far, as iconic as it gets and offering so many interesting attractions per square feet that it makes it a non-brainer in my opinion!

Plan to spend 2 to 3 days there. Once in Memphis, check on the city’s most famous attractions:

Sun Studio is the very place where Elvis recorded his first album and were careers of music legends such as B.B. King and Johnny Cash were launched. The place is pure history and considered by many as the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll.

It is also still working as a recording studio, making the visit to Sun Studio even more authentic and unique.

Visit Graceland , the King of Rock’s last home and gravesite. 

The place is sort of an “Elvis Disneyland”, and although it seemed a bit too touristic for my taste at the first glance, it proved to be and amazing place to visit.

Expect to stroll through the King of Rock’s former house, preserved as the way it used to be when he lived there. Visit the home gardens, a small museum and the meditation garden, where Elvis is buried. 

Whether you like rock ‘n’ roll or not, Elvis is Elvis and somehow visiting Graceland made him look more ‘human’ to me. 

Many people say it is a way too touristy attraction and they are not wrong about that. But in my opinion visiting Memphis and not visiting Graceland is like going to Paris and not going up the Eiffel Tower. In other words, Graceland is a must-visit while you are in Memphis – don’t skip this one.

Stax Museum of American Soul Music

Stax Museum of American Soul Music is located on the original site of Stax Records Studio. 

It’s a tribute to American soul music, with an impressive and rare collection of music memorabilia. Isaac Hayes famous golden Cadillac is on display. Music classics are everywhere. You can even hit the dance floor at the Express Yourself area.

An immersive experience into Memphis Soul Music that leave many blown away. 

Beale Street

Step on historic Beale Street , the ‘Home of Blues’. A National Historic Landmark and hands down one of the most iconic streets in the US.

Stroll up and down Beale Street between 2nd and 4th streets. Check on memorabilia shops, lively pubs and live music venues. Stop by the Memphis Music Hall of Fame . Catch a live concert at B.B. King’s Blues Club – offering also afternoon family friendly shows. Try the legendary Dyer’s Burger , which has been using the same grease to make their burgers for over a century! 

Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum is just off Beale Street and a neat place to learn Memphis music history and legacy. 

Civil Rights Museum/ Lorraine Motel

The Civil Rights Museum is simply amazing. It was one of my favorite experiences in Memphis – and I wasn’t expecting that!

It is located inside the former Lorraine Motel, the place where Martin Luther King was murdered over 50 years ago.

The murdering scene is preserved – and it’s chilling and touching at the same time – but there is much more than that to the Civil Rights Museum. It takes you back in time to the context preceding the crime, through an outstanding and inspiring exhibition. And gives you a better comprehension of American society back then and nowadays. I’ve loved it.

Peabody Ducks

The Peabody Ducks are an odd and unique Memphis attraction. You won’t see it anywhere else in the world, that’s for sure.

Every day, exactly at 11 am and 5 pm, trained ducks that call the top of the Peabody Hotel home, exit the elevator into the lobby. They then march towards the lobby’s center fountain to take a bath, guided by a ceremony master. Wacky. 

The Peabody Ducks’ March is a free attraction. Just walk into the Peabody Hotel lobby and find a spot to see them (arrive 15 to 30 minutes earlier). Or maybe sit at the bar to have a drink while you try to make sense of what you are watching lol.

At the hotel’s sidewalk you also find sort of a Duck’s Hall of Fame, cool for some snapshots!

Memphis Barbecue

Try Memphis famous barbecue at Rendezvous or Central BBQ (Downtown location). 

The Rendezvous is just down the street from the Peabody Hotel and famous for the ribs. The Central BBQ is by the Lorraine Motel/ Civil Rights Museum. So, take advantage and combine a barbecue lunch or dinner with a visit to one of these attractions.

2. Nashville, TN

212 miles/ 3h 00m from memphis.

Nashville is all about music. It is ‘America’s Music Capital’ and the hub of country music in the US. It attracts songwriters, aspiring singers and music lovers worldwide, making Nashville’s music and nightlife scene simply amazing.

A trip to Nashville will immerse you into everything music. Iconic landmarks and music venues, top-notch museums, lively streets and live music is the mix of attractions you can expect to find there.

Check bellow the best things to do in Nashville and must-see attractions, as well as hidden gems off the beaten path. 

Have the time of your life at the “Music Capital of the World”!

Grand Ole Opry House

An American icon, the Grand Ole Opry takes place every week in Nashville. It’s the longest running radio show in the nation, with country music idols and contemporary artists performing on stage.  

In 1974 the Grand Ole Opry moved from the Ryman Auditorium to the Grand Ole Opry House , built to be able to host larger crowds of the increasingly popular show. The Grand Ole Opry House is currently listed in the National Register of Historic Places and one of Nashville’s top attractions. 

You can simply t our the Grand Ole Opry House and this by itself is already a bucket-list style attraction not to be missed. But for an unparalleled experience, plan to watch the Grand Ole Opry Show there! It’s performed every week – check the calendar and buy your tickets in advance here . Top off with a post-show backstage tour and follow the steps of the music legends that once performed there.

Ryman Auditorium

Ryman Auditorium  is an over a century old Historic Landmark, aka as the “Mother Church” of country music. A must-see for anyone visiting Nashville.

It’s hosted celebrities such as Charlie Chaplin, Elvis Presley and Theodore Roosevelt throughout the years. The Ryman Auditorium was also home to the famous live radio and TV show Grand Ole Opry for over 30 years, before the Grand Ole Opry House construction. 

Ryman Auditorium offers daily self-guided and guided behind-the-scene tours that take you through the music venue and museum. For a once in a lifetime experience in Nashville, you can also watch a live music concert there!

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Get into Nashville musical roots and history of country music at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.  

The museum holds one of the world’s most impressive and largest country music collections, with instruments, costumes and all sort of music artifacts. The Hall of Fame takes you through the most famous country artists of all times.

It is a large and super interesting exhibition, a treat for country music fans but also enjoyable even if it’s not your favorite music style. A must-see Nashville attraction.

Make sure to opt for the add on to tour the historic RCA Studio B on music row (shuttle included).

RCA Studio B and Music Row

Step on the grounds where Elvis recorded over 200 songs and where over 1,000 American hits where brought to life by artists such as Willie Nelson, Dollie Parton and Roger Miller, only to name a few.

See in person the studios and equipment used back in the golden times. Listen to the soundtracks recorded in the studio. Touring the legendary RCA Studio B is an authentic and unique experience you shouldn’t miss while in Nashville. 

It’s located at the Music Row, Nashville’s country music heart, home to record labels, studios and radio stations.

Live Music Venues

Nashville is all about live music and you can find amazing music spots in almost every corner. The most iconic ones, not to be missed, are the Blue Bird Cafe, Wildhorse Saloon and Robert’s Western World.

Robert’s Western World is considered by many the best honky-tonk in Nashville. The place to go to sip a beer, grab a bite and listen to high-quality country music.

The Bluebird Cafe is the best place to experience an authentic and intimate Nashville experience, the famous songwriters’ sessions, with musicians playing their own songs. 

The Wildhorse Saloon is the perfect place to hit the dance floor, offering daily free line dancing classes.

Downtown Nashville

Broadway, johnny cash museum and john seigenthaler pedestrian bridge.

Stroll down the iconic Broadway Street street to get into the Nashville vibe. Stop by the shops, pubs and live music venues.

For a lunch bite and live music, stop by the famous Robert’s Western World. The fried bologna sandwich, moon Pie and cold PBR are Nashville staples. For a treat, try locals favorite Goo Goo Shop and Dessert Bar – you can even take a class and make your own candy there.

Then burn out the extra calories and enjoy amazing Nashville skyline views walking across the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge , an over than a century old bridge only a few blocks away from the Broadway. The Johnny Cash Museum is right off Broadway and takes you through the music icon life through authentic artifacts and memorabilia.

For something out of the beaten path in Nashville, head to The Gulch, a trendy neighborhood with famous graffiti murals, local shops and restaurants.

Start with lunch at the nearby Arnold’s Country Kitchen , an award winning classic and Nashville essential restaurant, considered one of the best restaurants in the south. Don’t expect fanciness – it’s a laid-back over the counter restaurant – but the food is simply amazing (the best fried catfish I’ve ever had).

Head then to 11th Street and stroll through the boutiques and cafes. Check the amazing graffiti murals around . – don’t miss the famous What Lifts You Wings mural.  

Greek-revival Architecture - Parthenon, Tennessee State Capitol and Belle Meade Plantation

Nashville is home to the world’s only life-sized replica of the Greek Parthenon. The Parthenon operates as a gallery and Nashville’s art museum. A curious attraction, at least. It’s the centerpiece of the beautiful Centennial Park. The closest you can get to the Greek Parthenon without the price tag of a flying ticket to Athens 🙂

The Tennessee State Capitol , one of the oldest State Capitols in operation in the U.S., also carries the Greek-revival style in its beautiful over 150 years old building. It offers free guided tours.

Belle Meade Plantation is a well-preserved 19th century mansion, with Greek-revival architecture. Touring it is stepping back in time into the big plantations and slavery era, an interesting experience. Belle Meade Plantation is also home to a winery and free tastings are offered with the tour.

Side Trips from Nashville

Here are some cool side trips to take from Nashville. Bonus ideas on how to enjoy your road trip from Dallas to Nashville to the fullest!

Franklin's Historic District (0h30 from Nashville)

Site of the last big battle of the American Civil War, full of southern charm and home to ‘Americas Favorite Main Street’, Franklin will captivate all types of travelers.

To get into the small  southern town vibe, head to Downtown Franklin and stroll down Main Street through boutiques, coffees, restaurants and historic landmarks.  Take an insta-worthy shot at the historic Franklin Theatre. Stop by Landmark Booksellers, one of Franklin’s oldest buildings and the place that inspired the New York Times best-seller ‘The Bridge’. Check on The Factory, just off Main Street, a historic building listed in the National Register of Historic Places and home to a cool and unique mall.

To immerse into the town’s history, visit Carnton House , a historic plantation which played an important role into the infamous Battle of Franklin, being used as an improvised hospital to care for the wounded and bury the dead – over 10,000 casualties were reported.

For breakfast or just coffee and treats, try the lovely and mouthwatering  Merridee’s Breadbasket . Lunch at local’s favorite  55 South  is a must. Drinks?  O’ Be Joyful  offers great atmosphere, delicious burgers and an impressive whiskey’s selection.

Jack Daniel's Original Distillery (1h30 from Nashville)

Jack Daniel’s original distillery is in Lynchburg, only a short driving distance from Nashville! 

There you can take daily tours to check the behind the scenes whiskey making process and taste whiskey straight from the barrels – once a privilege of only to a few lucky distillers and professional tasters.

A once in a lifetime opportunity for Whiskey lovers and a Jack Daniel’s fans.

Burgess Falls State Park (1h15 from Nashville)

For adventure seekers and outdoorsy folks, Burgess Falls State Park is within a short driving distance from Nashville and home to one of Tennessee’s must impressive natures wonders .

There you will find four beautiful waterfalls that can be seen throughout a moderate short trail. Among them, the amazing Burgess Falls, a stunning 130 ft tall cascade plunging into a large limestone gorge. 

Looking for an epic road trip to take from Dallas? Look no further! The itinerary Dallas – Memphis – Nashville has more bucket-list places per mile than any other you can think of and it’s guaranteed to create amazing memories for life!

Only 6 hours away from Dallas, Memphis is all about Elvis, blues and history.

The Blues Capital of the World is a lively town home to the world-famous Beale Street, to Graceland (Elvis’ last official home and gravesite), to the legendary Sun Studio and Stax Records and to the infamous Lorraine Motel, where Martin Luther King was murdered over 50 years ago. It’s also famous for its mouthwatering barbecue as well as for the eccentric Peabody Ducks’ attraction. 

Another 3 hours on the road and you’ll stumble upon Nashville , America’s Music City and one of the liveliest cities in the US – expect to find entertainment at its finest there.

In Nashville, you can watch a live performance at the acclaimed Grand Ole Opry House, tour the historic Ryman Auditorium, visit the superb Country Music Hall of Fame, and follow Elvis, Dollie Parton and another music legends’ steps at the RCA Studio B tour.  Then get into the city’s vibe at the popular Broadway and listen to high-quality live music in famed venues – or everywhere!

You can even step into the only life-sized replica of the Greek Parthenon! And to follow on the Greek-Revival vibe, visit the historic Belle Meade Plantation and Winery and explore the Tennessee Capitol, one of the oldest State Capitols in operation in the US.

This post covered all the best things to do in Memphis and Nashville, as well as 3 amazing side trips you can take from Nashville: Franklin , Jack Daniel’s distillery and Burgess Falls .

Dig into it, choose your favorite attractions and make your own itinerary. Then hit the road, have the time of your life and get back here to tell your experience and share new findings.

If you know of any other must-visit place in Memphis and Nashville – or interesting places to stop along the way – please share your wisdom leaving a comment bellow. I’ll love to hear from you!

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The best 3 stops on any road trip

Dallas to Nashville road trip: Distance, drive time & best stops

• David Whitley
• November 28, 2023

The best road trip stops on the Dallas to Nashville drive are the Audie Murphy American Cotton Museum, Hot Springs AR and Memphis. The distance from Dallas to Nashville is 664 miles, with a 9h49m driving time.

Planning a Dallas to Nashville road trip itinerary

A Dallas to Nashville road trip takes you from the big business hub of Texas to the capital of Tennessee .

Dallas has plenty of high quality cultural attractions. These include the Nasher Scupture Center, Pioneer Square and the Perot Museum of Science and Nature.

But for many visitors, the main reason to visit Dallas is the JFK assassination. Yes, you can go up to the Book Depository where Lee Harvey Oswald supposedly took his shot from.

Top Dallas experiences include a JFK Assassination and Museum tour , the GeO-Deck at Reunion Tower and a self-guided scavenger hunt .

Top Dallas accommodation choices include the plush Hyatt Regency downtown and the charismatically luxurious Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek .

How to do the JFK sites in Dallas

The best way to combine the JFK sites in Dallas is a special themed tour . This takes in the JFK Memorial, Dealey Plaza and the Grassy Knoll before heading to Lee Harvey Oswald’s rooming house. It finishes in the Sixth Floor Museum of the Texas Book Depository. On the way, expert guides take you through the assassination facts and theories. Find out more here .

Nashville is renowned for its country music, but the National Museum of African American Music is also in the Tennessee capital.

The best  Nashville experiences  include  backstage tours  of the Grand Ole Opry House,  helicopter flights  over the city and  tasting tours  at the Big Machine Distillery. You can also try  line dancing classes , the  Country Music Hall of Fame  and  haunted pub crawls . Or, for lavish old homes, visit Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage , the Travellers Rest Historic House Museum and Belmont Mansion .

Excellent Nashville accommodation choices include the gloriously evocative Belle Air Mansion and Inn , plus downtown’s grand dame, the Hermitage .

How to see Nashville the smart way

You can save money in Nashville by combining a tour ticket with admission to two top attractions. These combo tickets give you a half day tour of the main sights, plus entrance to the Ryman Auditorium and Country Music Hall of Fame. Find out more here .

Dallas to Nashville distance and driving time

By car, the distance from Dallas to Nashville is 664 miles . You can expect a driving time of around nine hours and 49 minutes. The quickest route is largely along the I-30 and I-40.

The best stops on a Dallas to Nashville road trip are the Audie Murphy American Cotton Museum, Hot Springs AR and Little Rock.

For more attractions, look at the guides to the individual sections of the journey.

• Dallas to Texarkana drive .
• Texarkana to Little Rock drive .
• Little Rock to Memphis drive .
• Memphis to Nashville drive .

Dallas to Nashville drive: Audie Murphy American Cotton Museum

In Greenville, Texas, the Audie Murphy American Cotton Museum is partly devoted to war hero Audie Murphy. But most visitors will get more out of the exhibitions devoted to the American cotton industry.

Greenville was home to the world’s largest inland cotton compress, and the displays show how cotton came to dominate Hunt County life.

Dallas to Nashville road trip attractions: Hot Springs AR

Hot Springs in the Ouachita Mountains has loads to do. The natural highlight is Hot Springs National Park , which strings thermal springs together on a series of hiking trails. The historic bathhouses are also part of the national park.

There are also several amusement parks, of which Magic Springs is arguably the best as it has a water park.

Other Hot Springs experiences include zip line adventures and the Star Wars and superhero-obsessed Galaxy Connection .  

For well-rated Hot Springs accommodation with charm, go for the Hilltop Manor B&B or the Gables Inn .

Best stops between Dallas and Nashville: Memphis TN

Memphis, Tennessee , is a pilgrimage site for Elvis fans. The King’s Graceland mansion is one of the top tourist sites in the US. But the cultural heritage extends beyond music, as you’ll discover on an African-American history tour .

Also try the Rock and Soul Museum , plus the Memphis Music Hall of Fame and the 19 th century Woodruff-Fontaine House .

Ways of seeing the city include ghost walks , Downtown food tours and musical bus tours . There are also guided walks down music central, Beale Street, and city tours that take you inside the legendary Sun Studios.

More Dallas road trips

Abilene TX to Dallas | Dallas to Albuquerque | Dallas to Amarillo | Dallas to Aspen | Dallas to Austin | Dallas to Atlanta | Dallas to Baltimore | Dallas to Baton Rouge | Dallas to Beaumont TX | Dallas to Buffalo | Cincinnati to Dallas | Dallas to Cleveland | Dallas to Colorado Springs | Dallas to Columbus | Conroe TX to Dallas | Dallas to Denver | Dallas to Detroit | Dallas to El Paso | Dallas to Fort Lauderdale | Dallas to Fredericksburg | Dallas to Galveston | Dallas to Hot Springs | Dallas to Houston | Huntsville TX to Dallas | Dallas to Jackson MS | Katy TX to Dallas | Dallas to Knoxville .

Dallas to Lafayette LA | Dallas to Lake Charles | Little Rock to Dallas | Louisville to Dallas | Dallas to Lubbock TX | Dallas to Memphis | Midland to Dallas | Minneapolis to Dallas | Dallas to New Braunfels | Dallas to New Orleans | Dallas to New York City | Odessa TX to Dallas | Oklahoma City to Dallas | Dallas to Omaha .

Dallas to Philadelphia | Dallas to Phoenix | Dallas to Pittsburgh | Dallas to Salt Lake City | San Angelo to Dallas | Dallas to San Antonio | Dallas to San Marcos | Dallas to Santa Fe | Shreveport to Dallas | Dallas to St Louis | Dallas to Tampa | Texarkana to Dallas | Dallas to Tucson | Dallas to Washington DC | Weatherford TX to Dallas | Wichita to Dallas .

More Nashville road trips

Nashville to Atlanta | Nashville to Austin | Birmingham AL to Nashville | Nashville to Boston | Nashville to Bowling Green | Bristol TN to Nashville | Nashville to Buffalo | Charlotte to Nashville | Nashville to Chattanooga | Chicago to Nashville | Nashville to Cincinnati | Cleveland to Nashville | Columbia SC to Nashville | Nashville to Columbus | Cookeville TN to Nashville | Crossville TN to Nashville | Nashville to Denver | Nashville to Destin FL | Detroit to Nashville .

Nashville to Fort Lauderdale | Nashville to Gatlinburg | Nashville to Graceland | Grand Rapids to Nashville | Greensboro NC to Nashville | Nashville to Greenville SC | Nashville to Gulf Shores | Nashville to Houston | Huntsville to Nashville | Indianapolis to Nashville | Jackson TN to Nashville | Johnson City TN to Nashville | Nashville to Kingsport TN | Nashville to Knoxville | Lexington to Nashville | Nashville to Little Rock | Louisville to Nashville | Lynchburg to Nashville .

Manchester TN to Nashville | Nashville to Memphis | Nashville to Milwaukee | Minneapolis to Nashville | Nashville to Mobile AL | Montgomery AL to Nashville | Nashville to Myrtle Beach |   Nashville to New Orleans | New York City to Nashville | Omaha to Nashville | Nashville to Orlando | Nashville to Panama City | Nashville to Pensacola | Nashville to Pigeon Forge | Pittsburgh to Nashville | Raleigh to Nashville | Nashville to San Antonio | Nashville to Savannah | Sevierville to Nashville | Nashville to St Louis | Nashville to Tallahassee | Nashville to Tampa | Tulsa to Nashville | Nashville to Tuscaloosa | Nashville to Wilmington NC .

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Nashville to Dallas Road Trip (9 Days)

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Places You’ll See

• Introduction
• Day 1 Start Nashville
• Day 2 Nashville
• Day 3 Nashville to Memphis
• Day 4 Memphis to New Orleans
• Day 5 New Orleans
• Day 6 New Orleans to Houston
• Day 7 Houston to Dallas/Forth Worth
• Day 8 Dallas/Forth Worth
• Day 9 End Dallas/Fort Worth

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Nashville to Dallas Road Trip - 9 Days

Who is this trip for?

• Large Group
• Deposit From £150
• 100% guaranteed refunds
• Free cancellation
• ATOL Protected
• 8 Breakfast (B)
• 2 Dinner (D)
• Memphis: Follow in the footsteps of B.B. King, Johnny Cash and Elvis as we sway from the riverfront to rock ‘n’ roll studios.
• Memphis: Trust us, you’ll be feeling anything but blue after trying the food here.
• Little Rock: A keystone of the civil rights movement, where the Little Rock Nine began their campaign to desegregate schools. We’ll check out the visitor center and museum.
• New Orleans: Get to know New Orleans on foot, with an orientation tour including the French Quarter – and the chance to sample the doughy and delightful New Orleans beignets.
• New Orleans: Sample the delicious doughy goodness that is a staple of the city's food culture.
• Houston: Your Trip Manager will take you on an orientation tour of the city, checking out all the major sites such as Buffalo Bayou, City Hall and Heritage Society Park.
• Houston: Thought of as the centrepiece of downtown Houston, it’d be rude not to pay Market Square Park a visit while we’re here in Houston.
• Houston: We can’t fly you to the moon (not yet anyway) but we can offer you the next best thing… expect to learn plenty about interstellar travel.
• Dallas: Always wanted to know what it was like to live in the Wild West? Welcome to cowboy town.
• Fort Worth: Our trip to the Fort Worth stockyards just took a turn for the tasty, with a delicious BBQ dinner coming our way this evening.
• Dallas: Your Trip Manager will take you on an orientation tour of the city, including the Sixth Floor Museum, the Arts District, the Dallas Reunion Tower and more.
• Dallas: Your Trip Manager will take you on an orientation tour of the city, including the Dealey Plaza, the Arts District, the Dallas Reunion Tower and more.
• Nashville: Enjoy an included breakfast hosted by the Women of Thistle Farms - Thistle Farms is a non-profit dedicated to helping women survivors recover and heal from prostitution, trafficking, and addiction. After breakfast, we'll  have a chance to shop for homemade gifts, candles, and essential oils.

Talk to an expert

"Should you have any questions about schedules, transfers, or any other details, feel free to get in touch with our knowledgeable experts"

Wanna explore the icons of the South in 9 days? Kicking off in Nashville with a singalong or two, this trip takes you from the home of Elvis to the home of NASA – with the unmissable vibes of New Orleans in between. Learning about civil rights, the Space Race and much more, you’ll be utterly flawed by the majestic culture, scenery and seriously good steakhouses.

What's Included

Please download the tour brochure for full details

Accommodation

Comfort Inn Stadium (or similar), Crowne Plaza Memphis Downtown (or similar), La Quinta Inn and Suites New Orleans Downtown (or similar), Holiday Inn Houston Downtown (or similar), Holiday Inn Express & Suites Fort Worth Downtown (or Similar)

Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.

Local Guide

This adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.

Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.

What's not included

International flights.

International flights to the starting point are not included.

Please ensure you are insured before you travel.

Please ensure you obtain the correct visa documentation before you travel.

Airport transfers are not included, please contact our team to provide a quote.

Start Nashville

Well hello there, Roadies! Our trip begins here in Nashville - the home of all things country. (Don't worry though, we won't be workin' nine til five here.) After joining your the supplier crew at the hotel, we'll spend the evening hanging out - ready to hit the road in the morning.

Today is yours to explore Nashville. Truly a musical paradise, a tour around the Country Music Hall of Fame will give us the lowdown on this city's musical past.

Nashville to Memphis

Sorry Nash, but we gotta dash. Next up, it's the home of the King himself... Welcome to Memphis. Here you'll have a free afternoon to explore, but we have plenty of optional activities for you to choose from. Memphis is the home of Elvis Presley, and you'll have the chance to visit Graceland (his former home) and Sun Studios (where he recorded many of his albums). Also in Memphis is the Civil Rights Museum, where you'll have the chance to pay tribute to Martin Luther King Jr, a vital force during the civil rights movement.

Memphis to New Orleans

Speaking of 'a little more action', it's time for us to head to our next destination - New Orleans. The love-child of French & Caribbean culture, New Orleans will steal our hearts as soon as we arrive. We'll check out the French quarter and jam in Jackson Square before sampling beignets & marveling at elegant, pre-war mansions, all to the sweet sounds of Southern jazz, of course.

New Orleans

New Orleans, baby... You have the whole of today to soak up the sounds, smells and songs of a truly soulful city. We also have some optional activities today - choose between an airboat swamp tour, a cemetery ghost tour, or both!

New Orleans to Houston

Bidding farewell to New Orleans, it's time to make our way to Texas' largest city, Houston. With huge belt buckles & portion sizes to match, Houston city certainly lives up to its larger-than-life reputation. After we arrive and check in to our hotel, your Trip Manager will take you on a city orientation tour, checking Buffalo Bayou, City Hall and Heritage Society Park off your bucket list... and Market Square Park too.

Houston to Dallas/Forth Worth

Houston, we have a... great day ahead of us today, starting out with a tour of the NASA Space Centre. (Would you believe us if we said it was out of this world?) After that, we'll hit the road once again, this time with Dallas in our sights. Here in Dallas/Fort Worth, we'll visit the historic stockyards, chill with the cattle and tuck into a BBQ dinner too. Get a load of that sizzling sunset!

Dallas/Forth Worth

Today you're mostly free to explore Dallas however you like, but first, your Trip Manager will take you on an orientation tour, which includes the Dealey Plaza, The Arts District and the Dallas Reunion Tower.

End Dallas/Fort Worth

And it's here in Dallas that our USA adventure comes to an end. We've laughed, we've been amazed, we've sang along to more Dolly Parton hits than we thought possible. Now it's time to start dreaming about the next one.

Prices & Availability

• Flight inclusive
• Save 20% Sun 14 Jul 2024 > Mon 22 Jul 2024 Guaranteed Departure Who's going? Available £1,715 Best offer £1,371 Hold Space Book Tour

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I’m contemplating a roadtrip for my husbands 40th in a few years time as a surprise. Nashville is one of his top bucket list items, and I was considering flying into Dallas Fort Worth and a roadtrip from there to Nashville. Very preliminary at the moment and I have a few other trip ideas stored, but I think this is one that would really appeal to him.

We would have two weeks give or take for the trip and at the moment I’m just looking for some stopover ideas. Potentially outside the well-known cities so spruiked to overseas tourists.

We are from rural Australia and driving long hours to get somewhere is not unfamiliar to us.

We like exploring the roads we travel if we can as opposed to just getting from A-B. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a ‘direct’ route if time permits.

We enjoy small town vibes, nature, food and drink (especially ‘local specialities’), meeting people, quirky attractions, unique accomodation, getting of the beaten path…

As I mentioned, at the moment I’m just formulating ideas so if anyone has any ‘must do or see’ ideas that seem to fit our bill, they would be much appreciated. I still have a few years to formulate the plan but just enjoy the research. Throw whatever random ideas you have my way and I can slowly collate them into a rough itinerary.

Mostly we’d be there to just have a hell of a lot of fun.

Also appreciate any tips or tricks to travelling in the area!

22 replies to this topic

I recommend checking out the Ozark and Ouachita Mountain regions in Arkansas. Eureka Springs, Hot Springs, Jasper and Mountain View would all be good small town stops. While not a small town, Memphis is a great stop as you head further east if for nothing else than BBQ though the Civil Rights Museum is great if your have interest in that segment of American History and Graceland (Elvis Presley's home) is there as well. Oxford (Mississippi) is a lovely small town between a bit south of Memphis that could be visited as you head on to Nashville.

Just some ideas

1) Stay in the Stockyard area and go to Billy Bob's - ride the mechanical bull.

https://www.stockyardshotel.com/

https://billybobstexas.com/

2) Drive to Waco - have lunch at Magnolia Market and go see the Dr Pepper Museum

https://magnolia.com/visit/shop/magnolia-market/

https://drpeppermuseum.com/

Sleep in a tree house

https://wacocreeksideresort.com/treehouses/

3) Drive to Austin and then to hill country.

Have lunch and listen to music at Luckenbach

https://www.luckenbachtexas.com/

stay at a bed and breakfast farm stay or at a horse ranch

https://www.fredericksburg-tx-getaway.com/

https://ranchocortez.com/

see LBJ Ranch

https://www.nps.gov/lyjo/planyourvisit/visitlbjranch.htm

in Austin see the cathedral of Junk as an obscure attraction

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g30196-d2540650-Reviews-Cathedral_of_Junk-Austin_Texas.html

to party with the locals be sure to go to Gruene Hall

https://gruenehall.com/

4) See San Antonio and do the river boat taxi ride to see the sights

https://www.goriocruises.com/

possibly dine at chuy's

https://www.chuys.com/

stay at the Menger Hotel

https://www.mengerhotel.com/

5) drive to Houston and see NASA

stay at Kemah Boardwalk Resort

https://spacecenter.org/

https://www.kemahboardwalk.com/

6) drive to Honey Island do the swamp tour

https://www.honeyislandswamp.com/

stay at Little River Bluffs

https://www.littleriverbluffs.com/

7) drive to Birmingham - fun place to eat and drink

https://astontavern.co.uk/hotel

https://www.birminghamal.org/visit/

8) drive to Chatanooga - do the railroad, stay at a bed and breakfast nearby

https://ridetheincline.com/

https://www.stayatchanticleer.com/

9) drive and stay in the Great Smoky Mountains

https://www.travelandleisure.com/guide-to-great-smoky-mountains-national-park-8557055

then arrive Nashville

Lots more things to do and different routings from this but since you have a few years just some ideas for now.

What time of year does the birthday fall?

So, would the 2 weeks currently available be for a one way road trip between Dallas and Nashville, or would you need to return to Dallas to fly onwards or homewards? Will there be more time in the USA before or after this road trip? If so, where?

I know that long days in the saddle are of no great concern to the average Aussie, and I recognise your name so feel sure you've used this forum previously, but still give us a vague clue how you like to balance your travel day in how many actual driving hours and how many sightseeing or other activity (meal breaks, etc) hours do you prefer.

If rural and non typical meets your needs more than on the beaten track, I'd say post 1 ticks your boxes way better than post 2 which has you heading to some larger towns where traffic can be horrid. You'll have to face Nashville's horrid traffic anyway, though.

Do you need help for time in Nashville? Do know it's expensive for hotels and parking, but we can offer tips to manage both issues, depending on the plans there. I would guess the Grand Ole Opry will be a must, as well as the Country Music Hall of Fame, but it's a diverse city with many other attractions and places of interest and great dining - and the local speciality is Nashville Hot Chicken, available in many place but the most iconic is Hattie B's, so do save enough time for there.

While New Orleans is a top tourist destination it matches your buzzwords including local specialty food, quirky attractions and unique accommodations.  There's music day and night, indoors and out, and lots to see and do so plenty of fun.  You could head there from Dallas via Cajun Country (Breaux Bridge/Lafayette LA) for some Zydeco music and a swamp tour, then Avery Island LA and Jungle Gardens.

It's important to know when huge area festivals are if you either want to attend or avoid.  Something like CMA Fest in Nashville or Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest in New Orleans will drive up hotel prices and cause (IMO) way too much crowding.  

Roadsideamerica.com has state maps showing quirky attractions along any route.

If you want to avoid lots of traffic and big cities then head out of Texas and stop in New Orleans LA, Vicksburg MS, Memphis TN then to Oxford MS and Tupelo MS and on to Decatur AL and north to Nashville TN.

Lots of southern culture, unique food and scenery in these smaller towns.

Travel these routes thru MS, TN and AL often.

Time of travel could then check music festivals in each area that would drive up hotel prices. We avoid Nashville during CMA fest in early June each year.

How about doing a loop. Something like this:

Fort Worth Stockyard District - (stay in that district to walk everywhere)

Eureka Springs/Ozark Mountain area - (hiking, nature, small towns)

Memphis/Mississippi River stop

Hot Springs National Park - (soak in the hot springs, museum, bath house row walk)

When matters due to weather and local events going on that can be very crowded.

In nashville the open air stadium is across the river from downtown. A sports event or a large concert happening that weekend will make downtown nashville packed. CMA fest is just one event but similar things can happen if you have a big concert like Taylor swift thst will fill the stadium with many coming in from out of town for a weekend.

With New Orleans madri Gras and jazz fest are huge events. On the flip side— if you do this in July- September you have real hurricane risks that could cause you to need to change plans.

General loop plan looks something like this…

Day 1-2 nashville

Day 3 to Memphis

Day 4 Memphis

Day 5-6 to New Orleans

Day 7-9 New Orleans

Day 10-11 return to nashville

There can be add on days to things depending on interests like—

— day at gulf coast beach like orange beach, AL or western panhandle of Florida

— hit Kentucky for mammoth caves np and corvette museum

— hit mississippi/ Ohio river historic towns like cape garardeau , Mo or Paducah, ky ( quilting capital)

— hit Elvis home in Tupelo , clarksdale blues

— many include Austin, Tx with Memphis, nashville, and New Orleans for music touring

— Smokey mts national park/Asheville if they use Atlanta or Charlotte as fly in/ out location.

— in a longer trip thry could look to include the historic cities of Charleston, sc and Savannah, ga. Not far away is dt Augustine, FL which was the first American settlement by Spain in the 1500s

Going to add some info once I read your op again.

Time of year matters.

What are your interests besides quirky and unique attraction, nature and food?

Do you like history, music or architecture?

Knowing a bit more will help us suggest a route.

You can easily spend 2 weeks just in Texas if that interests you.

Or if into some southern history, food, nature, etc. then look at a loop around the SE US to include Great Smoky Mts., Charleston SC, Savannah GA, St. Simons and Jekyll Islands, Okefenokee Swamp and Atlanta.

If music is your thing then a route from Nashville to Memphis, down thru MS to New Orleans would be perfect.

Wow, thank you all!! I’m jotting down some fantastic ideas.

Sorry, I’ll try add some details. Time of year is flexible. Birthday is in February, however I’m happy to present him with tickets on the day and travel later in the year. I was thinking potentially around April but as it’s a few years away I don’t have specific destinations in mind. Mostly for now I’m just having fun brainstorming some rough ideas - I want to make it really fun for him.

We do enjoy history and music as well. Music especially for my husband. Casual live music venues are probably our favourite. We also enjoy sport and wouldn’t mind seeing a local game of something somewhere. We are not averse to fun cities either, just like to get outside of them as well. San Antonio does seem to really draw me in for some reason and I don’t know why!

Regards to travel days - I have done round trips to Sydney in a day which are six hours each way (12ish return) just for an appointment. Obviously on holiday we DO NOT want this haha, but an occasional six-seven hour drive would be fine provided we had some interesting places to stop and explore along the way.

Mini, I feel like you’ve really nailed some of our vibe! I also like the variety of this itinerary.

The Ozark and Ouachita area and Hot Springs also grabs my attention heading in a different direction.

Nashville is definitely expensive, as I’ve noticed. I’ve done a fair bit of research into Nashville as it’s both a place we really really want to go. Definitely keen for some hot tips and tricks though, as this is the one place we will not be cutting.

Preferably I’d like to have a little more time but for this trip we’ll be leaving the kids in Aus so can’t spend too much time away from them (but, there’s a 2030 trip to Disney World and a Florida roadie on the cards for them!).

Chatanooga for Rock City Gardens and Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg and both places I’ve researched into the past. Dollywood is a bit of a bucket list item for me, except I have to remind myself this trip isn’t about me…. And I’m more of a theme park fan than he is. Haha.

I’ve also planned an alternative road trip loop out of Vegas (which I’ve had assistance on in the past - Zion, Monument Valley, Sedona etc) and then flying to Nashville but I’m starting to lean into spending more time down south.

Thank you so much for all this help. Travel in the US is a real passion for me (that as yet I’ve not had the chance to fully embrace!)

Too late to Edit: I should have added, we are absolutely not against visiting the big tourist places. They’re popular for a reason! So please don’t be afraid to sell them to me haha. I already feel like New Orleans may have to go back on the list. Only said otherwise to hear about a few places I would never have heard of as well.

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The cost of driving from Nashville, Tennessee to Dallas, Texas is:

$87.31 one-way / $174.63 round trip.

• Nashville to Dallas drive
• road conditions from Nashville to Dallas
• flattest route from Nashville to Dallas

Route to drive from Nashville, TN to Dallas, TX

View a map with driving directions using your preferred map provider: Google Maps , Bing Maps , or MapQuest . You can use CostDrive.com to get the cost to drive from Nashville to Dallas .

More trip calculations

• Driving Distance
• Reverse Cost Of Driving
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Road trip planner

The total cost of driving from Nashville, TN to Dallas, TX (one-way) is $87.31 at current gas prices.

The round trip cost would be $174.63 to go from Nashville, TN to Dallas, TX and back to Nashville, TN again.

Regular fuel costs are around $3.26 per gallon for your trip. This calculation assumes that your vehicle gets an average gas mileage of 25 mpg for a mix of city and highway driving.

All currency units are U.S. Dollars. If you prefer international units, the equivalent petrol pump price is 86.1 cents/litre . This assumes a typical fuel economy of 9.4 L/100 km .

You'll go through 26.8 gallons of gas during this trip. This is equal to 101.4 litres .

If you fill your tank with unleaded gasoline, the carbon emissions will be around 524 lbs CO2 . This is equivalent to 238 kg CO2e or 0.24 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents. These numbers may change depending on the exact make and model of your car. If your vehicle uses diesel instead, the CO2 emissions will be around 614 lbs CO2 , which is equivalent to 279 kg CO2e or 0.28 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents.

These results are based on the actual driving distance from Nashville, TN to Dallas, TX, which is 670 miles or 1 078 kilometers .

Your trip begins in Nashville, Tennessee. The price of regular gas is currently averaging $3.29 in Tennessee .

Your trip ends in Dallas, Texas. The price of regular gas is around $3.22 in Texas .

Currently, we only have exact data for locations in the United States. To improve the accuracy of your fuel cost estimate, you can enter the actual price you pay for gas or petrol at the local pump in the table above.

The following chart displays the difference in total cost of driving given varying fuel grades. If your car requires higher octane gas, you can find out how much more it will cost you to drive between Nashville, TN and Dallas, TX.

Nashville, Tennessee

Related links.

• airlines serving Nashville, TN
• hotels near Nashville, TN
• airports near Nashville, TN
• cities near Nashville, TN

Dallas, Texas

• airlines serving Dallas, TX
• hotels near Dallas, TX
• airports near Dallas, TX
• cities near Dallas, TX

Cost of driving

Travelmath provides an online driving cost calculator to help you determine how much you'll spend on gas for your next road trip. You can enter airports, cities, states, countries, or zip codes to compute the cost of driving between locations. Driving distances are calculated using actual driving directions if they are available, or a GPS-accurate method for the straight line distance. Automatic estimates are provided for local gas prices and vehicle fuel efficiency in miles per gallon (mpg) or liters per 100 kilometers (L/100 km), based on the make and model of your car, SUV, or minivan. Don't let the economy and rising oil prices stop you from taking your next trip. You can use this tool to find out if it's cheaper to fly or drive to your destination.

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Dallas To Nashville Road Trip: The Ultimate Guide

Dallas to Nashville road trip is one of the best journeys you can experience in the USA . The 664 miles of Dallas to Nashville drive takes around 9 hours and 47 mins without stops.

This article includes 18 tips that turn your Dallas to Nashville drive into an unforgettable journey. So if you’re looking for the best hotels, restaurants, and places to visit on the road trip from Dallas to Nashville, take your coffee and keep reading!

Table of Contents

6 Best Hotels On The Road Trip From Dallas To Nashville

On the Dallas to Nashville road trip, you may want to stay at some points. Here are the top six hotels on the Dallas – Nashville route!

1. Comfort Suites Greenville, Texas

Comfort Suites Greenville, Texas is one of the best hotels; you can stay on the Dallas to Nashville road trip. Driving from Dallas to Comfort Suites Greenville, Texas might take around 48 mins .

Comfort Suites Greenville in Greenville, Texas is a great place to stay on a Dallas to Nashville road trip. The staff at check-in was friendly and helpful, and the morning crew was even more engaging. Our room was large, neat and clean and perfect for a restful stay. The hotel was accommodating and allowed us to have a late check-out so we could get the van fixed at Discount Tire across the freeway. Plus, the suite was spacious, comfortable, and reasonably priced. We can’t forget to mention that the free breakfast was a great bonus. In addition to its convenient location, near Forrest Park Cemetery and Central Christian Church, Comfort Suites Greenville also offers amenities such as a pool, free wifi, and free parking. All in all, it was a great place to stay on our road trip.

Check the Comfort Suites Greenville, Texas, one of the best hotels in Greenville, Texas, on TripAdvisor and Booking.com for recent reviews, prices, and availability.

2. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Texarkana, TX

Another top hotel where you can choose the stay on the road trip to Nashville from Dallas is Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Texarkana, TX. Located in Texarcana, Texas, the hotel is 174 miles away from Dallas, and it would take 2 hours and 35 mins to drive.

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Texarkana, TX is a great place to stay during a road trip from Dallas to Nashville. Just four miles away from downtown, it’s convenient to reach attractions like Discovery Place, the Perot Theatre, and the Ace of Clubs House. The hotel is also close to Kings Highway Shopping Center, making it easy to pick up any last-minute things you need. The staff was friendly, helpful, and accommodating. The rooms were clean and comfortable, with all the amenities you need to enjoy your stay. The pool and fitness center were a great way to relax before hitting the road again. Overall, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Texarkana, TX is a great place to stay during a road trip and offers a comfortable and convenient stay.

If you want to learn more about the Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Texarkana, TX, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Booking.com .

3. The Burgundy Hotel

Didn’t our first two hotel suggestions interest you? So we would like to introduce you to The Burgundy Hotel. The Burgundy Hotel is located in Little Rock, Arkansas, and it’s 316 miles away from Dallas. You can arrive there in 4 hours and 41 mins of non-stop driving.

The Burgundy Hotel is a great stop on the road from Dallas to Nashville. Located in Little Rock, Arkansas, it offers a convenient and comfortable stay for travelers. The 625 square feet of meeting space, swimming pool, and pantry shop make the hotel a great choice for business and leisure travelers. The hotel is situated in a quiet corner of West Village, which allows for easy access to popular attractions. The staff is friendly and helpful, and the rooms are clean and comfortable with all the amenities one might need for an enjoyable stay. Overall, The Burgundy Hotel is the perfect spot for a relaxing stop on the way to Nashville!

Check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of The Burgundy Hotel, for more information.

4. The Peabody Memphis

If you are taking the road trip from Dallas to Nashville, Memphis, Tennessee is must have a place you should visit. Plus, The Peabody Memphis is one of the best hotels in town. The hotel is 452 miles from Dallas, and it would take 6 hours and 40 mins to drive.

The Peabody Memphis is a historic hotel boasting a Forbes Four-Star and AAA Four-Diamond rating. It’s perfectly located in the heart of “Blues City” and just steps away from Beale Street. The hotel celebrates Southern tradition with its classic charm and luxury accommodations. It’s a great way to make your Dallas to Nashville road trip even more special. The Peabody Memphis offers plenty of fine dining options, an indoor pool, a fitness center, and a full-service spa. All in all, it’s an impressive and luxurious stop on the way to Nashville that will make your road trip even more enjoyable.

If you need more info about the price and availability of The Peabody Memphis, check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages.

5. Hampton Inn & Suites Jackson

Our next hotel is Hampton Inn & Suites Jackson, Jackson, Tennessee. It will take 7 hours and 54 mins of car ride o reach this hotel from Dallas.

Hampton Inn & Suites Jackson is an ideal place to stay during a road trip from Dallas to Nashville. The hotel offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere, making guests feel right at home. The complimentary breakfast and coffee in the lobby are a great way to start the day off right. For those looking to stay in shape, there is a well-equipped gym and for those looking for a souvenir, there is a gift shop. Overall, this hotel provides excellent amenities and is a great place to stay while on the drive.

Check the Hampton Inn & Suites Jackson on TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of Hampton Inn & Suites Jackson for reviews, prices, and availability.

6. Dream Nashville

Another hotel you can accommodate on the road trip from Dallas to Nashville is Dream Nashville. It’s possible to arrive at this hotel, located in Nashville, Tennessee within 9 hours and 49 mins drive from Dallas.

Dream Nashville is an amazing place to stay during your Dallas to Nashville road trip. Its two historic landmarked buildings have been reimagined to include 168 art deco-inspired rooms with high ceilings and sleek finishes. It’s the perfect combination of old-world charm and modern amenities – a great place to rest and relax during your journey. Plus, the location in Printer’s Alley adds to its appeal, with plenty of restaurants and attractions nearby. Dream Nashville is a great choice for travelers on the Dallas to Nashville road trip.

Before making the reservation, we suggest you read the latest reviews on TripAdvisor and Booking.com .

In this part, we explained six hotels you can stay at on the road trip from Dallas to Nashville. You can pick one of them that suits your taste. Don’t forget to share your experience by commenting on this post. It will help people who will take Dallas to Nashville route.

Now, it’s time to discover the best restaurants from Dallas to Nashville. We have six restaurant recommendations worth your attention.

6 Best Restaurants On The Dallas To Nashville Road Trip

If dining is a pleasure, some restaurants will please you on your Dallas to Nashville road trip. This section lists six restaurants to dine at on the road trip from Dallas to Nashville. Stay hungry and enjoy!

1. TaMolly’s Mexican Restaurant Greenville, Texas

We would like to start our restaurant recommendation list on Dallas to Nashville road trip with TaMolly’s Mexican Restaurant in Greenville, Texas. TaMolly’s Mexican Restaurant Greenville, Texas is located in Greenville, Texas , and is 47.9 miles from Dallas. It would take 48 mins of driving.

TaMolly’s Mexican Restaurant in Greenville, Texas was a great find during our Dallas to Nashville road trip. We were pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food and service. The tacos al carbon were especially delicious – perfectly seasoned and big enough to fill us up. We also had the enchiladas, and the flavors were spot on. The waiters were attentive and friendly, and the prices were very reasonable. All in all, TaMolly’s was a great stop for lunch or dinner, and a great place to break up the drive.

For more information about TaMolly’s Mexican Restaurant in Greenville, Texas, you can visit TripAdvisor or Google Maps pages of TaMolly’s Mexican Restaurant Greenville, Texas.

2. Naaman’s BBQ

Another top restaurant you can choose to eat at on the road trip to Nashville from Dallas is Naaman’s BBQ. Located in Texarcana, Texas, Naaman’s BBQ is 178 miles from Dallas and would take 2 hours and 39 mins of driving.

Naaman’s BBQ in Texarcana, Texas is a great spot for a pit stop on the drive from Dallas to Nashville. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, with a lounge piano in the back and a bar serving up handcrafted cocktails. They have been serving up some of the best barbeques around since the early 80s and the passion for quality is evident in every bite. The menu options are varied and delicious, ranging from pulled pork sandwiches to smoked ribs and brisket. The service is friendly and accommodating, and the prices are affordable. All in all, Naaman’s BBQ is a fantastic place to take a break and refuel on your road trip from Dallas to Nashville.

If you want to learn more about Naaman’s BBQ, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps .

3. Brave New Restaurant

Another restaurant that can be preferred by those who are fond of food is Brave New Restaurant. It will take 4 hours and 47 mins of car drive to take 321 miles from Dallas to Brave New Restaurant, Little Rock, Arkansas.

Brave New Restaurant in Little Rock, Arkansas is a great pit stop on the Dallas to Nashville road trip. The restaurant overlooks the river and has an amazing balcony to enjoy the view. The food here is extraordinary; every bite was like a dream. The flavors were so vibrant that I felt like I was in a food paradise. The staff was very friendly and accommodating. The atmosphere was warm and inviting. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great place to refuel on their road trip.

You can check Brave New Restaurant, on TripAdvisor or Google Maps for more information.

4. Flight Restaurant and Wine Bar

Flight Restaurant and Wine Bar deserve to be on our list. It is one of the most recommended restaurants in Memphis, Tennessee.

Flight Restaurant and Wine Bar in Memphis, Tennessee is an amazing place to stop in on the drive from Dallas to Nashville. The restaurant offers a full-service, fine dining experience with knowledgeable wait staff that is sure to impress. The menu offers a variety of delicious, unique items for all tastes, making it the perfect place to stop for lunch or dinner. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, and the staff is friendly and attentive. Flight Restaurant and Wine Bar is an excellent choice for travelers to get a great meal and a memorable experience.

Flight Restaurant and Wine Bar are 452 miles from Dallas, and it would take 6 hours and 39 mins of non-stop car driving. If you want to learn more about Flight Restaurant and Wine Bar, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps .

5. Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, Jackson

If you enjoy dining, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, Jackson, would be an excellent choice in Jackson, Tennessee. It’s 536 miles from Dallas and would take 7 hours and 53 mins of car driving.

Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, Jackson is a great spot to stop while on a road trip from Dallas to Nashville. The food is delicious and the prices are quite reasonable. The atmosphere is warm and inviting and the staff is always friendly. The menu has an array of options to choose from, so there is something for everyone at the party. I had their signature Cheddar’s Chicken Tender Platter and it was amazing. It was served quickly and tasted great. The meal was filling and I was very satisfied. I would recommend this restaurant as a great place to enjoy a delicious meal on the drive.

If you want to learn more about Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, Jackson you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps .

6. Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina

Another restaurant we recommend you visit on the road trip from Dallas to Nashville is Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina, Nashville, Tennessee. It will take 9 hours and 47 mins of driving to reach Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina from Dallas.

Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina in Nashville, Tennessee is a must-visit place on a drive from Dallas to Nashville. Its panoramic views of the city skyline, complemented by an excellent wine program, make it a truly unique experience. The food is simply divine, with Michelin-starred Chef Michael Mina crafting deeply satisfying dishes. The atmosphere is sophisticated and the service is attentive and friendly. All in all, this is a must-visit spot for any traveler looking for a luxurious dining experience.

For more information about Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina, you can check the TripAdvisor or Google Maps pages of the restaurant.

This section lists our six restaurant recommendations for your road trip from Dallas to Nashville. We hope these suggestions will help you turn your 664 miles journey into a feast of taste. Of course, you can choose a suitable restaurant from the list according to your preference. Remember, like you, people planning a Nashville road trip need your opinion. Therefore, we kindly ask you to share your experience with us in the comment field at the end of the blog post.

In the next section, we list the destinations worth seeing along the route from Dallas to Nashville. Keep reading.

6 Places To Visit On The Dallas To Nashville Drive

A unique experience awaits you in Nashville. However, there are also some unique destinations like Greenville, Texas on your road trip. We want to explain the top six destinations we recommend on the Nashville route.

1. Audie Murphy/American Cotton Museum

Audie Murphy/American Cotton Museum will be the first destination we recommend you stop by on your Dallas to Nashville road trip. Located in Greenville, Texas, Audie Murphy/American Cotton Museum is 51.2 miles away from Dallas, and it would take 52 mins to drive.

Audie Murphy/American Cotton Museum in Greenville, Texas is a great place to stop on your Dallas to Nashville road trip. It offers a fascinating insight into the history of the region, from the cotton industry to the life of the most decorated soldier of WWII Audie Murphy. With interactive displays, multimedia features, and engaging explanations of all items, the museum provides a comprehensive overview. There is something for everyone, from the history of Hunt County and its famous residents to the cotton gin equipment and the US wars. I especially enjoyed the detailed description of Murphy’s life and his awards, which helped me to further understand his legacy. The Audie Murphy/American Cotton Museum is an educational and inspiring place to visit and I highly recommend it.

If you want to learn more about the Audie Murphy/American Cotton Museum, you can check it on TripAdvisor or the official website .

2. Draughon-Moore Ace of Clubs House

Draughon-Moore Ace of Clubs House, Texarcana, Texas is one of the destinations we recommend you stop by on the Dallas to Nashville route. It’s 179 miles from Dallas, and it’ll take about 2 hours and 44 mins of driving.

Draughon-Moore Ace of Clubs House in Texarcana, Texas was an interesting and unique stop on my Dallas to Nashville road trip. It was built in 1885 and is in the shape of a club, as the legend goes that it was funded by a poker game with the lucky draw of the ace of clubs. The house is an Italianate Victorian style and the outside was lovely with a courtyard and plenty of seating. Inside, I was able to explore the six rooms, each filled with artifacts and memorabilia. It was a great place to take some photos and learn about the history of the house. I recommend adding a stop at Draughon-Moore Ace of Clubs House to your Dallas to Nashville road trip. It’s a great place to take a break and explore a piece of Texarcana’s history.

If you want to learn more about Draughon-Moore Ace of Clubs House, you can check it on TripAdvisor or their website .

3. Arkansas State Capitol

One of the stops you should not neglect to stop by when you take the road trip from Dallas to Nashville is Little Rock, Arkansas. And if you visit Little Rock, Arkansas, we suggest you visit Arkansas State Capitol. You can arrive at Arkansas State Capitol after 4 hours and 43 mins of driving.

Arkansas State Capitol in Little Rock is a great place to visit during a Dallas to Nashville road trip. The building is situated on a hill, offering breathtaking views of downtown Little Rock and the Arkansas River. It has a striking resemblance to the U.S. Capitol building, which makes it worth the visit. Tourists can explore the government building and get a glimpse into the state’s history. The grounds are also well-maintained, providing a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. I highly recommend making a stop at the Arkansas State Capitol if you’re passing through Little Rock.

You can visit TripAdvisor and the official site of the Arkansas State Capitol for more information.

4. Graceland

Do you also like to travel and experience new things? Then, it would be best to visit Graceland, Memphis, Tennessee on the Dallas to Nashville road trip. Graceland is 459 miles from Dallas, and you can arrive there after the 6 hours and 46 mins of drive.

Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee is a must-see destination for any road trip from Dallas to Nashville. As the home of Elvis Presley, the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, this complex offers a great variety of attractions, including the Elvis: The Entertainer Career Museum, the world’s largest Elvis museum, the new Presley Motors automobile museum, and many more exhibits, restaurants and shops. I had an amazing time visiting Graceland, and I think it is a must-stop on the journey. The place is well kept and maintained, and the staff is really friendly and knowledgeable. It’s a great place to learn about Elvis’ life and get a feel for his music and style. Highly recommended!

In addition, you should check TripAdvisor and the official website of Graceland before going there.

5. Casey Jones Village

Located in Jackson, Tennessee, Casey Jones Village ranks fifth in our list of tourist destinations on the road trip from Dallas to Nashville. You must take 7 hours and 52 mins of driving to arrive at Casey Jones Village.

Casey Jones Village in Jackson, Tennessee is a great stop to make on your road trip from Dallas to Nashville. This historic site is full of artifacts and landmarks that give an insight into the life of the legendary railroad engineer. The museum is a great place to explore, with various items related to the life of Casey Jones and the history of the railroad. Kids will love running around and exploring the old steam locomotive and other parts of the museum. There are also a few shops located on the property, as well as a restaurant, making it a great place to take a break and refuel. All in all, Casey Jones Village is a great place to stop while on your Dallas to Nashville road trip.

If you want to learn more about Casey Jones Village, you can check it on TripAdvisor or the official website .

6. Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Another attraction you can visit on the road trip from Dallas to Nashville is the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Nashville, Tennessee. Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is 664 miles from Dallas, and it would take 9 hours and 49 mins to drive.

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is an absolute must-stop on your road trip from Dallas to Nashville. The museum houses a collection of more than 2.5 million artifacts, including instruments, costumes, recordings, photos, and other memorabilia related to country music. With two expansive floors of gallery space, the museum features permanent- and limited-engagement exhibits that pay tribute to the history and evolution of this beloved American art form. It’s the perfect way to learn about the genre and its stars while on the road. Whether you’re a lifelong country fan or just starting your journey into this music style, you’ll be sure to find something to enjoy at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

For more information about the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, you can check their TripAdvisor page or official website .

FAQ of the Road Trip From Dallas to Nashville

Here we are answering the frequently asked questions about the Dallas to Nashville drive.

How Long Is The Road Trip From Dallas To Nashville?

• With ideal traffic and weather conditions, the Dallas to Nashville road trip takes approximately 9 hours and 47 mins to drive. The driving distance between Dallas to Nashville is 664 miles.
• If you want to make the Dallas to Nashville road trip by bike , the time you spend on the road will be 2 days and 13 hours .
• If you are crazy enough and plan to walk the Dallas-Nashville route, then you will have to walk for 9 days and 11 hours .

Where Do You Stop On Driving From Dallas To Nashville?

There are many beautiful pits stops along the way to Nashville. You can visit Greenville, Texas; Texarcana, Texas; Little Rock, Arkansas; Memphis, Tennessee; Jackson, Tennessee; Nashville, Tennessee; on the road. Here we list six places to visit for you. For more information about the best places on the Dallas to Nashville journey, you can check the 6 Best Places To Visit On The Dallas To Nashville Road Trip.

• Audie Murphy/American Cotton Museum: 51.2 miles / 52 mins to drive from Dallas | 615 miles / 9 hours of driving to Nashville.
• Draughon-Moore Ace of Clubs House: 179 miles / 2 hours and 44 mins to drive from Dallas | 489 miles / 7 hours and 18 mins of driving to Nashville.
• Arkansas State Capitol: 319 miles / 4 hours and 43 mins to drive from Dallas | 349 miles / 5 hours and 14 mins of driving to Nashville.
• Graceland: 459 miles / 6 hours and 46 mins to drive from Dallas | 214 miles / 3 hours and 16 mins of driving to Nashville.
• Casey Jones Village: 535 miles / 7 hours and 52 mins to drive from Dallas | 129 miles / 1 hour and 59 mins of driving to Nashville.
• Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum: 664 miles / 9 hours and 49 mins to drive from Dallas | 0.6 miles / 5 mins of driving to Nashville.

Where Should You Stay On The Road Trip From Dallas To Nashville?

There are many excellent hotels during your road trip from Dallas to Nashville. We have selected six hotels for you. These hotels are listed below. Remember, you can find detailed information about these hotels in the 6 Best Hotels On The Road Trip To Nashville From Dallas section.

• Comfort Suites Greenville, Texas: 48.0 miles / 48 mins to drive from Dallas | 616 miles / 9 hours of driving to Nashville.
• Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Texarkana, TX: 174 miles / 2 hours and 35 mins to drive from Dallas | 490 miles / 7 hours and 14 mins of driving to Nashville.
• The Burgundy Hotel: 316 miles / 4 hours and 41 mins to drive from Dallas | 356 miles / 5 hours and 20 mins of driving to Nashville.
• The Peabody Memphis: 452 miles / 6 hours and 40 mins to drive from Dallas | 212 miles / 3 hours and 14 mins of driving to Nashville.
• Hampton Inn & Suites Jackson: 538 miles / 7 hours and 54 mins to drive from Dallas | 126 miles / 1 hour and 56 mins of driving to Nashville.
• Dream Nashville: 664 miles / 9 hours and 49 mins to drive from Dallas | 0.2 miles / 2 mins of driving to Nashville.

Where To Eat Between Dallas to Nashville?

If you are thinking of taking a break and having a nice meal on your Dallas to Nashville drive, you can consider the six restaurants we have chosen. In addition, you can read detailed information about the restaurants in the section titled 6 Best Restaurants On The Dallas To Nashville Road Trip .

• TaMolly’s Mexican Restaurant Greenville, Texas: 47.9 miles / 48 mins to drive from Dallas | 616 miles / 9 hours of driving to Nashville.
• Naaman’s BBQ: 178 miles / 2 hours and 39 mins to drive from Dallas | 486 miles / 7 hours and 12 mins of driving to Nashville.
• Brave New Restaurant: 321 miles / 4 hours and 47 mins to drive from Dallas | 349 miles / 5 hours and 17 mins of driving to Nashville.
• Flight Restaurant and Wine Bar: 452 miles / 6 hours and 39 mins to drive from Dallas | 213 miles / 3 hours and 14 mins of driving to Nashville.
• Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, Jackson: 536 miles / 7 hours and 53 mins to drive from Dallas | 129 miles / 2 hours of driving to Nashville.
• Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina: 664 miles / 9 hours and 47 mins to drive from Dallas | 0.5 miles / 4 mins of driving to Nashville.

So, there you have it- a complete guide to planning a road trip from Dallas to Nashville. We have listed six hotels, six restaurants, and six places to visit on the Dallas to Nashville drive. We have also given you detailed information about each place so that you can make an informed choice about where to stay, eat, and what to see. We hope this guide has helped make your road trip from Dallas to Nashville as enjoyable as possible.

Share Your Thoughts

Have you ever taken the Dallas to Nashville road trip? So, it would be perfect if you shared your experience with other travelers who want to have the same experience. You can share your thoughts about the road trip from Dallas to Nashville and your recommendations about this route by using the comment field below.

Video: Nashville Road Trip – Travel Guide

In this video, you can find an extensive travel guide to Nashville.

Other Road Trips Worth Your Attention

• Dallas To Sacramento Road Trip: The Unbeatable Adventure
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• Dallas To San Antonio Road Trip: The Ultimate Guide

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23 Best Road Trips from Nashville

Home of bluegrass, bourbon, and biscuits; Nashville doesn't have to try hard to please. This capital of Tennessee and country music has a deep history and a wonderfully alive contemporary culture. Another great thing about the Music City is that it is also centrally located for some remarkable road trips.

On this list of the 23 best road trips from Nashville, you can discover UNESCO World Heritage Sites, find rejuvenation in the Appalachian Mountains, relax on a white sand beach, and see iconic American cities from the heartland to the coasts.

Don't restrain your thirst for adventure any longer; all of Nashville's charms will be there when you get back. Read on below to find a guide to the road trip you've been daydreaming about.

The map below shows our 23 favorite road trip destinations from Nashville. See each route - and skip to the related section of the article - by clicking the star icon.

Best road trips from Nashville

Day trips from Nashville (under 3 hours each way)

1. Mammoth Cave National Park, KY

1 hour 30 minutes from Nashville (90 miles)

Why you should visit: Get ready to explore an unparalleled natural wonder and still be able to make it back in time for supper.

As the name suggests, the Mammoth Cave system is massive. Consisting of over 400 miles, it is the longest in the world and contains amazing, cathedral-like, limestone formations.

How to get there: Drive north of Nashville along Interstate 65 (I-65), then take Mammoth Cave Entrance Road in Park City to the caves.

Our highlights: Prepare to get down and dirty on one of the many tours available through the caves. The two-mile long historic tour is a favorite and a great way to learn more about the many generations who have been amazed by these caves.

A tight squeeze awaits you at Fat Man's Misery. Despite the name, most people should be able to navigate the narrow crevices of this popular underground trail.

Explore a bit above ground along the gorgeous Cedar Sink Trail, just south of the Green River. This short trail meanders through an emerald forest into a sinkhole surrounded by limestone cliffs where water descends into the caves below.

In case you want to adventure for more than a day, you can camp in Mammoth Cave National Park. Whether you prefer to rough it in a tent, glamp in a cabin, or stay in the Lodge, there are accommodations to suit everyone's preferences.

Bonus: Mammoth Cave is so unique that UNESCO created the Mammoth Cave Biosphere Region and deemed the area a World Heritage site.

Our travel tips: As you can imagine, summer is the most popular season, so any tours or camping sites should be booked before you visit during the warmer months. The National Park Service recommends booking tickets for popular tours weeks in advance.

2. Huntsville, AL

2 hours from Nashville (110 miles)

Why you should visit: This is one of the few places where that stranger whom you meet at a bar who claims to be a rocket scientist might actually be telling the truth. Housing NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center and the US Space and Rocket Center, it's easy to see why Hunstville is called “Rocket City”.

How to get there: Head south on I-65 until Ardmore, near the Alabama border. From there take Alabama Route 53 further south to Hunstville, AL.

Our highlights: It would be silly to come all the way here and not visit the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, Hunstville's biggest attraction. It has one of the most comprehensive collections of shuttles and rockets in America, spread out over an area so big they even have scooters for people to see all the exhibits without wearing out their legs.

For more earthly delights, head to the nearby Monte Sano State Park. Rolling hills carpeted with verdant forests interspersed with waterfalls and narrow canyons await your explorations. You can also find a carefully cultivated Japanese Garden here.

For stunning sunsets and a taste of local history, saunter up to Burritt on the Mountain. Situated on 167 acres, this 19th-century mansion built by an eccentric homeopathic doctor is both an educational park as well an event space.

Check their calendar before your visit and try to catch one of their cocktail hours or musical evenings.

Another outdoor gem is the Hunstville Botanical Garden. Spread out over several ecosystems, from forests to wetlands, it is open year-round. During a spring or summer visit you will be greeted by endless blossoms in a picturesque landscape.

Bonus: Despite the futuristic rocket theme that dominates modern Huntsville it is actually Alabama's first Anglophone town which was incorporated in 1811. At places like the beautiful Maple Hill Cemetery and Twickenham Historic District you can get a better sense of the town's deep roots.

3. Jackson, TN

2 hours 10 minutes from Nashville (120 miles)

Why you should visit: Rustic Jackson, TN has a long history as a center of railroad development and is the birthplace of Rockabilly music.

Less well-known than Memphis and Nashville, Jackson can still hold its own when it comes to music and whiskey. There's plenty to fall in love with in this country town.

How to get there: I-40 directly connects Nashville and Jackson. Just head southwest from Nashville, then take US-70 for the last little stretch into Jackson.

Our highlights: At Rusty's TV and Movie Car Museum you'll get your daily dose of childhood nostalgia. Walking through their two warehouses full of over 50 cars and other props actually used in filming classics such as “Ghostbusters”, you'll relive the magic that these movies inspire all over again.

Learn more about Jackson's role in the formation of Rockabilly, where country and rock n' roll mingle, at the Carnegie Legends Museum. This museum has memorabilia from individual musicians as well as telling the story of how the Hard Rock Café was born in Jackson.

Travel back to the romantic era of steam engines and railroad heroes at the Casey Jones Village and Railroad Museum. This historical site tells the tale of a supremely talented and ill-fated 19th-century locomotive engineer, Casey Jones, who was famed in life for his uncanny skills and immortalized after his death at 37 in “The Ballad of Casey Jones.”

Spend a leisurely afternoon at the rustic Century Farm Winery, on the outskirts of Jackson. This friendly and unpretentious winery has a knowledgeable staff and a wide selection. Be sure to try the Blackberry wine, it's one of the best!

If you want to try something really embraces the country lifestyle, head out to the Samuel T Bryant Distillery just off Exit 74 on I-40. From fruit-infused moonshine to expertly distilled whiskey, there's a wide range of spirits to taste and learn about in their spacious, barn-like tasting room. Tours of the distillery are also available.

Just south of Jackson, you'll find Pinson Mounds State Archaeological Park. Here 15 Native American burial and ceremonial mounds are preserved, some dating back to 400 A.D. The museum on site is designed to model a mound that you can explore, along with many artefacts found throughout Western Tennessee.

4. Muscle Shoals, AL

2 hours 20 minutes from Nashville (120 miles)

Why you should visit: Surrounded by cotton fields and the heavy heat of the Deep South, this small town has been the creative incubator of some incredible music.

In addition to two iconic studios, FAME and Muscle Shoals Sound, where the likes of Aretha Franklin and Bob Dylan recorded some of their hits, this town has some more understated yet thoroughly enjoyable attractions.

How to get there: From Nashville, drive south on I-65 to US Highway 31 in Spring Hill, which connects to US Highway 43. Take that all the way to Killen, then hop on US-72 across the river to Muscle Shoals.

Our highlights: FAME Recording Studio was opened in the early 1960s by producer Rick Hall. You can still visit the small wood-paneled studio and admire the many original photos and recordings of the dozens of soul and R&B hits that were recorded in this magical space.

In the neighboring town of Sheffield, you can continue your musical time traveling at Muscle Shoals Sound Studio, which was founded later in the 60s by several studio musicians who broke away from FAME Studio. Here the Rolling Stones recorded ‘Brown Sugar” in 1969.

Move from a world of sound to the silent world of a familiar face. In Muscle Shoals, you can tour the birthplace and childhood home of Helen Keller, who broke innumerable boundaries to show a world that doubted her what she really was beyond her perceived disability.

What's a trip down South without some soul food? Try and record your own “Hot Ones” style interview at the Rattlesnake Saloon as you munch on some incredibly spicy wings.

Fans of the great American architect Frank Lloyd Wright will be excited to know that across the river in Florence, the Rosenbaum House is open for visitors. The only house Wright ever built in Alabama, this striking Usonian home was constructed in 1939 and contains many of the features that make his houses instantly recognizable.

Bonus: You can prepare for your trip by watching the 2013 documentary “Muscle Shoals” about the town's two genre-defining recording studios.

Click here to skip back to the top.

Weekend trips from Nashville (3-5 hours each way)

5. Chattanooga, TN

Via McMinnville and Jasper, TN

3 hours 10 minutes from Nashville (160 miles)

Why you should visit: Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Chattanooga is a premier adventure destination in southeastern Tennessee. Beyond breathtaking views and forest trails, Chattanooga has great food and shopping in the rustic riverside downtown area.

How to get there: Take I-24 east towards Murfreesboro, then hop on US-70 south towards McMinnville. After smelling the roses there, take Tennessee Highways 8 and 28 to Jasper and finally cross the Tennessee River to arrive in Chattanooga.

Our highlights: Two wonderful places to explore on the way are McMinnville, the “Nursery Capital of the World” and perfect for gardening enthusiasts, and Jasper, which has a cute downtown area and is surrounded by climbing spots.

In Chattanooga, start your sightseeing by taking the Incline Railway up to Lookout Mountain. Operating since 1895 and retrofitted with a see-through ceiling, you can enjoy spectacular views all the way up to the top.

Once you get there, be sure to check out the Civil War battle sites which marked a great turning point in the course of the war.

In the land of bourbon, it is quite an accomplishment to be a thriving distillery for over 100 years. The Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery is one of the area's top attractions and is deserving of its stellar reputation. Try a flight and discover your next go-to nightcap.

Raccoon Mountain Caverns is a must-see for adventure seekers who aren't afraid of the dark. These intricate limestone caves were formed over millions of years and boast a cavern so impressive it was deemed the Crystal Palace Room.

If you want to get some thrills above ground, Chattanooga is a mountain biker's paradise. Raccoon Mountain is a popular spot with an extensive trail system, as is Enterprise South Nature Park on the other side of town.

After a day of adventure, wind down with a sunset stroll over the wrought-iron Walnut Street Bridge. It is a pedestrian-only bridge that connects the two sides of Chattanooga. There are plenty of dining options, shops, and viewpoints on either side and along the way.

Bonus: Ruby Falls is the largest underground waterfall in the US. Take a guided tour and learn about its unlikely discovery and all the work that went into making it an accessible and unmissable Chattanooga sight.

Our travel tips: Chattanooga is increasingly known as a fine dining destination, so plan on eating out often to try as many of the great flavors of this scenic town as you can.

There are mountain bike and e-bike rental places around the town, in case you don't feel like hauling around your own cycle.

6. Memphis, TN

Via Jackson, TN and Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge

3 hours 30 minutes from Nashville (220 miles)

Why you should visit: Memphis is a city of soul; from food to music this is a city that knows how to get to the heart of goodness. Famous for influential recording studios and key moments in the Civil Rights Movement, this city has a great balance of fun and historically significant sites to visit.

How to get there: I-40 stretches all the way between Nashville and Memphis on this road trip , down in the southeast corner of Tennessee. Along the way, we suggest stopping in quaint Jackson, TN and Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge if you'd like to make this a multi-city trip.

Our highlights: The Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge is a unique floodplain environment that is great for birdwatching. You can explore the area via the extensive trails or on a kayak as you take a break from the road.

Just outside of Memphis, pay homage to the King at Graceland, a 13-acre complex Elvis Presley purchased to be in a place he loved. You can tour the mansion and learn more about the legend at the Elvis Presley Museum.

When Elvis was just 19, he recorded at Sun Studio in downtown Memphis and the rest is history. You can still tour this small studio where B.B. King and Johnny Cash also recorded.

Follow it by visiting the highly interactive and groovy Stax Museum of American Soul Music where they tell the complete story of how soul music came to be.

Memphis is also home to the Lorraine Motel where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968. It has since been transformed into the National Civil Rights Museum and is a must see for those who want to learn more about the long struggle to realize the American Dream for everybody.

To go deeper into the cultural and economic roots of the area, stop by the Cotton Museum at the Memphis Cotton Exchange. This small museum in the renovated Exchange building won't take more than an hour to explore, but it will be worthwhile for anyone interested in this plant that shaped the American economy for centuries.

Bonus: Memphis was named for the ancient Egyptian city and around this American counterpart you can still catch a few nods to their ancient namesake.

There's a free museum of Egyptian artefacts at the University of Memphis and even a 60% scale version of the Pyramid of Giza that was turned into a Bass Pro shop. Here you can still ride a 28-story elevator to the top for incredible views of this river city.

Our travel tips: Get around downtown Memphis via the affordable and adorable vintage trollies.

Be sure to buy tickets for Graceland ahead of time online as it is one of Memphis' most popular attractions.

READ MORE - Road Trip from Nashville to Memphis

7. Tupelo, MS

3 hours 50 minutes from Nashville (220 miles)

Why you should visit: Tupelo is best known as the place where Elvis Presley was born, but it is also the headquarters of the Natchez Trace Parkway. You can find our ultimate guide to Natchez Trace parkway here .

Especially if you've already visited Memphis, where Elvis first made it big, a trip to Tupelo will really complement many of the sights and tidbits about the King's life you picked up there.

How to get there: Take I-65 south until you get to the Highway 64 bypass in Frankewing. Use that to get to Tennessee Route 11, which connects to Alabama Route 64 and leads towards Tuscumbia, AL.

After visiting this charming town, head towards Red Bay on the border with Mississippi and navigate towards Interstate 22 which will take you towards Tupelo.

Our highlights: T he main attraction here is the memorialized birthplace of Elvis, which consists of the small wooden house where he was born and his small childhood church. They've even preserved his outhouse!

Many people feel like they finally get the complete picture of who Elvis was as a whole human being after visiting this site of his humble origins.

You could easily turn a trip to Tupelo into a soul food tasting tour. In the downtown stretch, you'll find several great places where you can sample the delicious cuisine of the area. They all have delicious fare and plenty of flair to make for some memorable meals.

Just to the west of the city, you'll run into part of the 444-mile-long Natchez Trace Parkway , a scenic byway and a popular biking route. In case you're an avid cyclist, this would be a great place for a long, scenic ride as part of a weekend getaway.

Learn more about one of the Native tribes which lived along the historic Natchez Trail at the Chickasaw Village Site towards the northwest part of town. This village consisted of several roundhouses and had been inhabited by the Chickasaw people since the 1500s.

Bonus: In addition to Elvis, Tupelo is also the birthplace of modern electronic musician Thomas Wesley Pentz, better known as Diplo. To catch some of the live music atmosphere in Tupelo, spend an evening at the Nautical Whimsey for one of the acoustic sets after dinner.

8. Gatlinburg, TN

Why you should visit: Gatlinburg is the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains, being situated just outside the national park. As you can imagine, there are ample opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, and every sort of adventure. The town itself is incredibly charming and welcoming.

How to get there: Head out on I-40 east for the bulk of the journey until you reach Kodak. From there, start driving south on Tennessee Route 66 to get to Dollywood. Gatlinburg is only 10 miles south of there, along US Highway 321.

Our highlights: Be sure to have a peek at Dollywood, the Southern-themed park jointly operated by the one and only Dolly Parton. It's only a few miles away from Gatlinburg, so you can see it on your way or make a day trip. There's a tram that goes into the park from Pigeon Forge so you can avoid the high parking costs.

Once you arrive in Gatlinburg, you can't help but notice the hazy and picturesque backdrop of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. While this park is a joy to explore in every season, there's just something about the fall that's filled with magic as the park's many trails and waterfalls are enwreathed by gilded leaves.

If you want to take in the mountain views without leaving town, visit the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park. Not only can you enjoy the unobstructed eastern Tennessee scenery on your way up in the open ski lift, but once you get there, you can test your vertigo while walking across the longest pedestrian bridge in the US.

Proud of its country roots, Gatlinburg is a great place to acquaint yourself with some moonshine. There are a few distilleries in town, the two most prominent being Ole Smoky and Sugarlands Distilling Company. So, try a flight and plan on taking a taxi back to the hotel.

Another reason to visit Gatlinburg from Nashville in the fall is the opportunity to do your Christmas shopping at the delightful Village Shops. This shopping center is full of boutique stores featuring local artists and plenty of a particular local delicacy: pancakes!

Bonus: Black bears are a symbol of the Smoky Mountains and the mascot of Gatlinburg. There are an estimated 1,500 bears in the park.

Our travel tips: Regarding those darling bears, be careful when hiking in the spring as mothers emerge from their winter hibernation with new cubs in tow.

In case you make the trip in the winter, there are plenty of places to go sledding, tubing, and even skiing- Gatlinburg has the only ski resort in Tennessee.

READ MORE - Road Trip from Nashville to Gatlinburg

9. Cumberland Gap National Historic Park

4 hours 40 minutes from Nashville (240 miles)

Why you should visit: From breathtaking mountain vistas to the mesmerizing Gap Cave, and the original trail tread by Daniel Boone, there is a great breadth of attractions at this Historic Park.

This massive park spread over 14,000 acres and three states (Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee) has 85 miles of trails in addition to places central to pioneering American history.

How to get there: Start driving east on I-40 from Nashville until you reach Monterey. From there, follow signs to Jamestown via US-127. Spend some time in this quaint town or continue on to Pickett State Park.

After exploring the park, take the winding Tennessee Route 297 to Oneida then take several routes to Caryville where you'll link up with Tennessee Route 63 which will take you towards Cumberland Gap and the Historic Park.

Our highlights: On your way to Cumberland Gap, spend an evening in one of the adorable wooden cabins at Pickett State Park in northern Tennessee.

It is thought that even before Native Americans forged the gap trail through the wilderness to reach hunting grounds, the route was worn by herds of buffalo seeking natural salt deposits.

Embark on a tour of Hensley Settlement and discover what life was like for the early pioneers in this living history museum on the Kentucky side of the park. There are 45 restored structures and tours are led from May through October by knowledgeable park rangers.

Stand at the tristate point within the park where Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee meet. This is surely much closer to Nashville than the Four Corners.

The Daniel Boone Visitor Center is located in the Virginia section of the park and is surrounded by interpretive signs and metal sculptures. Inside, you can learn about how the American explorer Daniel Boone was hired to widen the existing trail in 1775 to allow for more hopeful settlers to try their luck out west.

Hike through the dense forest to the gap itself, where thousands of pioneers and innumerable Native American hunters and traders before them, made use of this low point along the Cumberland Range of the Appalachian Mountains.

In case you'd like to take in the views, but have mobility restrictions, you can drive up to Pinnacle Overlook from where you can survey all three states. There are also trails if you're up for a steep hike.

10. Covington, GA

4 hours 30 minutes from Nashville (280 miles)

Why you should visit: If you've ever seen a movie that featured a sprawling Southern plantation, it was very likely shot in Covington, which earned it the name of “Film Town”.

Fans of “The Vampire Diaries” will instantly recognize Covington as the real-life Mystic Falls. Even if you've never binged the show, Covington is an idyllic town and a great place to unwind over a weekend.

How to get there: Take I-24 to Chattanooga, then hop onto I-75 south towards Atlanta for the bulk of the drive. From Atlanta, take I-20 to Covington.

Our highlights: Meander through the impressive Covington Historic District along Floyd Street which passes by the charming town square and stately 19th-century courthouse. It is particularly festive around the holidays.

Fans of the resurgent romantic vampire genre will find plenty of places to swoon on one of the several “Vampire Diaries” themed tours around town. Vampire Stalkers is a popular one that is also a great way to see some of the area's notable mansions.

If you'd like a general orientation to Covington and to pick up some tips on top sights in the area, stop by the Covington Visitor's Center which also houses a small museum with some filming memorabilia.

Just north of Covington there's a small town called Oxford. Much like its British namesake, it is home to a university and the Oxford Historic district has many examples of Greek Revival and Gothic Architecture which are included on the U.S. Register of Historic places.

Bonus: Of the 140 movies and television series that have been filmed in Covington, some of the best-known are ‘The Dukes of Hazzard”, “My Cousin Vinny”, and “Selma.”

11. Indianapolis, IN

4 hours 20 minutes from Nashville (290 miles)

Why you should visit: If you've got a need for speed then a trip to Indianapolis, home of the Indy 500, will certainly scratch that itch. Beyond the raceway, Indianapolis, also known as “Indy” is the capital of Indiana with more than a few treats in store for the curious visitor.

How to get there: From Nashville, simply start driving north on I-65 for the whole journey to Indianapolis.

Our highlights: A stop by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum is definitely in order. Regardless of whether you're a fan of racing, the extensive collection of custom cars and the tour of the home of the Indy 500 will be a highlight of this trip.

Monument Circle forms the core of the impressive urban center of Indianapolis. The area is full of shops and restaurants and in the middle, you'll find a towering 284-foot limestone monument to “Hoosiers” that fought in various wars.

Another main feature of Indianapolis' cityscape is the White River State Park, the only urban state park in America. This hybrid park along the main waterway contains green spaces, museums, theaters, bike rentals, and even an outdoor concert venue.

Especially if you visit in the warmer months, you'll find yourself spending some thoroughly enjoyable hours here.

One of White River Park's attractions is the Eiteljorg Museum. With an extensive collection of Western Art and Native American artifacts, this well-curated museum has expanded since opening in 1989 to include more genres and is one of the most popular museums in the city.

Another museum to check out is the Indianapolis Museum of Art. It is housed in a beautiful, sprawling estate with manicured gardens; a visit here envelopes you in tranquility and refinement.

Bonus: If you need to wet your whistle, head to the historic bar at the Slippery Noodle Inn, one of the oldest in the state. It might be haunted, so keep an eye out for any ghosts.

12. Parke County, IN

5 hours from Nashville (290 miles)

Why you should visit: On this laid-back trip to the Covered Bridge Capital of the World you'll get your fill of provincial scenery and a fair share of covered bridges.

Road trips are all about a slower pace and discovering places you never knew were out there. A trip to Rockville and Parke County is full of pleasant surprised and will leave you feeling refreshed.

How to get there: Start out driving west on I-24, then hop on to I-169 north near Hopkinsville. Continue on until you reach Evansville, where you will switch to US-41, which will take you the rest of the way to Rockville, IN, the seat of Parke County.

Our highlights: Every October, Parke County celebrates the splendor of fall and its fabulous bridges during the Parke County Covered Bridge Festival. Sometimes as many as two million tourists come to this small county to enjoy the festivities and learn more about the county's 31 covered bridges.

In case you can't come during October, all 31 bridges are still waiting to be explored the rest of the year. Some of the most impressive include the Bridgeton, Neet, Narrows, and McAllister Covered Bridges.

If you just can't resist anything old, ornate, and preferably with a patina, then the many antique shops in Rockville and the surrounding area are calling your name. Nothing's better than finding the perfect piece for your living room mantel while on an unforgettable road trip.

To get some R&R in the great outdoors while on your trip, look no further than Raccoon Lake State Recreation Area. Here you can hike, bike, fish, boat, or just come to hang out with some locals having a barbeque.

Bonus: Legend has it that Rockville was named and chosen as the county seat after some drunk commissioners smashed a whiskey bottle on a rock in 1824. The gorgeous Parke County courthouse in Downtown Rockville is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was built between 1879-82.

Our travel tips: The two weeks during October when the Covered Bridge Festival is on is understandably the busiest time of the year, so if you really want to visit during this time, make your bookings very, very early.

13. Atlanta, GA and Lake Lanier, GA

4 hours 40 minutes from Nashville (300 miles)

Why you should visit: A city that is both undeniably hip and green, Atlanta, or “The Big Peach” will captivate anyone who comes within its borders.

It is also known as the “New York of the South” due to its vibrant nightlife and many artistic and economic contributions that have impacted the whole country.

How to get there: From Nashville, drive southeast on I-24 to Chattanooga, just past there, change onto I-75 south to Atlanta. Lake Lanier is located to the north of Atlanta, and you can get there via I-85 and I-985 North towards Buford, GA.

Our highlights: Pick a park, any park. Atlanta is famous for its gorgeous green spaces that are just begging you to spend a leisurely afternoon with a sweet tea. Piedmont Park is the largest and at the center you'll also be able to visit the stunning Atlanta Botanical Gardens.

Atlanta was also the place where Martin Luther King Jr. was born and grew up. You can visit his childhood neighborhood at the MLK Jr. National Historic Park, which stretches over two blocks.

Make sure to also visit the National Center for Civil and Human Rights downtown to explore the complex journey to secure full rights for African Americans and the connection to the current movement for Global Human Rights.

Admire the striking architecture in the Fox Theatre Historic District, then catch an evening performance at the theater which was originally constructed by a masonic order in 1929 to resemble a mosque. It's also home to the second-largest theater organ in the country, the Mighty Mo.

The High Museum of Art is a work of art in itself and has been featured in several movies like “Black Panther” and “The Watch”. On the inside, you'll find a stunning and extensive collection with top-notch special exhibits, making this the premier art museum in the South.

See the Atlanta of yesteryear at the Atlanta History Center, which also features the historic Swan House. The Cyclorama is bound to amaze and many people walk away with a new appreciation of the country's early struggles after seeing the Civil War exhibit.

If you proudly identify as a freak or just can't resist some vintage thrifting, the Little Five Points neighborhood is a must-see on your Atlanta trip. Anchored around the Junkman's Daughter emporium, this off-beat enclave is the epicenter of Atlanta's alternative culture.

Bonus: In 1886 in Atlanta, back before cocaine was a controlled drug, Dr John Pemberton, a chemist, used coca leaves and kola nuts in a “temperance drink” to remove headaches and pep people up. Boy did it work! At the World of Coca-Cola in Atlanta you can learn more about the humble roots of this global beverage behemoth.

Our travel tips: Prepare to sweat on a summer visit, but don't let that deter you! There are a lot of bodies of waters nearby to have a carefree day splashing about like a local. To the north is Lake Lanier and to the west is the Chattahoochee River.

14. St Louis, MO

4 hours 40 minutes from Nashville (310 miles)

Why you should visit: St Louis, or the STL as locals know it, is a fun-filled Southern town that offers great food, sights, and music in abundance.

This riverside city is the “Gateway to the West,” where adventurers such as Lewis and Clarke prepared for their journey that would redefine American boundaries and the birthplace of musicians like Miles Davis who redefined American music.

How to get there: From Nashville, hop on I-24 westbound, then take I-57 north towards Mt. Vernon. There, you'll change onto I-64 which will take you into St Louis.

Our highlights: The icon not only of St Louis but of a westward expansion that has been put into more sober perspective recently, the Gateway Arch is still a modern marvel worth seeing.

Located at the site of the founding of St Louis, it is both a National Park as well as a National Historic Landmark. There are trams to an observation deck near the top of the arch with spectacular views.

St Louis loves baseball and nowhere is this more apparent than at Busch Stadium, home of the Cardinals. This stadium is uniquely open and unfolds into a plaza with bars, and restaurants, all enveloped in that unmissable crimson.

For an exquisite example of urban green space, head to St Louis' Forest Park, popular with locals and tourists alike. Originally developed for the 1904 World's Fair and Olympics, the park has many architectural treats in addition to a free zoo and art museum.

For a truly whimsical and historical experience in St Louis, spend an afternoon at the Missouri Botanical Garden. In addition to its well-known dome, there is also an immaculately kept hedge maze and sites of historical significance in connection with its 1859 founding by Henry Shaw.

If you're young at heart and have a soft spot for the zany, be sure to squeeze in a visit to the City Museum. Spread overall several stories in a downtown building, there are winding staircases and slides between the museum's eclectic exhibits.

Bonus: It is rumored that people in St Louis consume more BBQ sauce per capita than anywhere else in America. This should be a hint to try as many barbeque joints as you can while you're here.

Our travel tips: Given the Cardinals' regional popularity, hotel rates downtown tend to spike whenever they have a home game. So, whether you're planning to see them or not, check their schedule online while planning your trip.

Long weekend trips from Nashville (5-8 hours each way)

15. Columbus, OH

5 hours 50 minutes from Nashville (380 miles)

Why you should visit: While some Midwestern cities are struggling to hide their rust, Columbus is thoroughly fresh, hip, and ever-ready to innovate. This is a place that has tons of sightseeing to do during the day and opportunities to live it up with the locals at night.

With a world-class science center, vibrant arts scene, beautiful Capitol building, and historic neighborhoods built by early waves of German immigrants, you're sure to enjoy your time in Columbus no matter what floats your boat.

How to get there: Make your way north on Interstate 65, which runs through Elizabethtown, KY and on to Louisville, where you'll switch to Interstate 71 North. This will take you the rest of the way to Columbus.

Our highlights: On your way, spend an hour or so visiting Elizabethtown, KY. This is the place where Lincoln was born and where Fort Knox and several other places of importance to the Civil War are located.

Whether you're visiting Columbus on a fresh spring morning, sultry summer afternoon, or crisp fall day, the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens will provide respite from a bustling world. Well-maintained and informative, the gardens also feature a wonderful array of Chihuly glass sculptures.

Home to the Columbus Symphony Orchestra and regularly featuring Broadway plays, the historic 1928 Ohio Theater is worth a visit even if you don't catch a performance. Its ornate interior was fully restored in the 70s after passionate residents saved it from demolition in 1969.

Developed in the mid-18th century, the German Village located just next to downtown Columbus feels a world away. It has been scrupulously maintained as a distinct and wonderfully walkable neighborhood with too many places to stop and enjoy pastries, sausages, and of course expertly crafted beer.

The Short North district, nestled between downtown and the university, is at the very heart of Columbus' revitalization. Come here to feel the buzz, see some stimulating art, and shop for unique gifts while supporting local artisans. There are also great restaurants and venues perfect for a date night in the middle of your trip.

Bonus: At the Ohio Historical Center you can see a preserved two-headed calf that was born in the area in 1941.

Our travel tips: Another great attraction in Columbus is the Art Museum, which is free on Sundays.

Columbus is a multicultural city and there are several great festivals throughout the year, like the Ohio Black Expo, Dublin Irish Festival, and Columbus Asian Festival. If you'd like to participate in some counterculture, come to the Doo Dah Parade, held on the 4th of July.

16. Blowing Rock, NC and Blue Ridge Parkway

6 hours 50 minutes from Nashville (390 miles)

Why you should visit: Blowing Rock is enveloped in fresh alpine air and that small-town hospitality, making it a fantastic destination in the Blue Ridge Mountains. This trip also takes you along the breathtaking Blue Ridge Parkway for the last stretch of the journey.

Named for a rocky outcrop 4,000 feet above sea level, you can expect an abundance of sweeping vistas on this trip.

How to get there: From Nashville, head east towards Knoxville on I-40 and continue on to Asheville, NC. Once you get to Old Fort, NC, hop on US-70, which will take you to Lake Tahoma Rd/NC Highway 80, which connects to the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway. Follow "America's favorite drive" to reach Blowing Rock.

Our highlights: Well, you can't visit Blowing Rock without visiting the eponymous rock itself. Though once you arrive after an easy hike, you'll realize that the views over rolling hills carpeted in forest all the way to Grandfather Mountain steal the show.

A truly multifaceted treat in the area is the Moses Cone Memorial Park, formed out of the estate of a turn-of-the-century textile baron. There's a massive Colonial Revival mansion, 25 miles of carriage trails that you can explore by foot or in a horse-drawn carriage, several man-made lakes, and it houses the Southern Highland Craft Guild who give frequent demonstrations on the porch.

Enjoy a cold brew, hearty fare, and excellent company at the Blowing Rock Brewery. Occasionally you can catch a live gig on the patio and their pretzels are always to die for.

There are literal treasures in the Blue Rock Mountains and gem mining in the area goes back hundreds of years. A great place to see some sparkling stones and learn about the historical geography of the area is Doc's Rocks Gem Mine. Be sure to check out their impressive fossil museum.

Take a day to simply take it all in. Blowing Rock is surrounded by forests and trails that you can wander. Why not find a perfect picnic spot in the woods to take in all the natural beauty?

Bonus: Blowing Rock is one of the oldest tourist towns in North Carolina. Most of the development, such as paved roads, all came about in the late 19th century due to the influx of tourists. Luckily it hasn't been overbuilt in all that time and it still has its country charm!

Our travel tips: This route takes you through Knoxville, TN and a wonderful NC town called Little Switzerland. If you'd like to break the trip up, these are two great places to spend a night.

Blowing Rock is surrounded by white rhododendrons, also known as a Rosebay. To catch the peak of the blooming season, visit in late June or early July.

17. Hot Springs, AR

6 hours 40 minutes from Nashville (420 miles)

Why you should visit: As you might have guessed, the main draw of this town is its abundance of hot springs. They have been bringing people to this otherwise remote part of Arkansas since the early 1800s.

In our humble opinion, this is one of the coolest places in Arkansas. Not only can you enjoy these rejuvenating waters, but there's tons of natural beauty around and a whole street of perfectly preserved antique bath houses.

How to get there: Start heading west on Interstate 40 from Nashville until you get to Little Rock. From there head towards Benton, AK on Interstate 30 west which will connect to US Route 70, which will take you into Hot Springs. To get to Lake Ouachita, take Arkansas Route 227 which heads northwest out of town, for 15 miles.

Our highlights: Spend a day exploring the many trails and natural springs of Hot Springs National Park. Originally established as a Federal Preserve in 1832, the springs and the surrounding area have been kept in their pristine conditions.

While there's nowhere to soak in the 147 degrees Fahrenheit water outdoors, you can still experience the springs in their natural glory; watch the springs emerging from the hillside at the Display Spring and Hot Water Cascade.

Prepare to go back in time as you walk along Bathhouse Row downtown, which is also a national park. These exquisite buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries are unique architectural monuments. Two of them, Buckstaff Bathhouse and Quapaw Bathhouse, are still open so you experience a luxurious spa day on your trip.

Along the row, be sure to step into Fordyce Bathhouse, which now operates as a visitor center where you can get a better understanding of how such remote hot springs were carefully developed into a gorgeous spa town.

The Garvan Woodland Gardens is not only a beautiful labor of love but a hopeful testament to woodland regeneration following clear-cutting.

Consisting of 210 acres planted over 40 years by Verna Cook Garvan, this path-filled woodland and botanical garden is currently looked after by the University of Arkansas and open to visitors between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Before you head back home, make the short drive out to Lake Ouachita, the largest lake in Arkansas. There are easy to moderate trails all around the lake and you can even take a boat tour to appreciate it from a different perspective.

Bonus: There are 47 thermal springs in the greater Hot Springs area, and it is the only park in the entire National Park System which is required to let the public partake of its unaltered natural resource.

There are plenty of spouts and fountains around town, so be sure to bring a few jugs along to fill and take home.

Our travel tips: There are a few prominent art and music festivals throughout the year here, like the Valley of the Vapors Independent Music Festival and the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival, in case you'd like to visit when the small town is filled with excitement.

The nicest times to visit are in the spring and fall, to avoid the sweltering temperatures and tourist rush during the summer.

Longer trips from Nashville (Over 8 hours each way)

18. Natchez, MS

9 hours 20 minutes from Nashville (460 miles)

Why you should visit: Well known for the abundance of antebellum mansions and historical charm, Natchez is the oldest town on the Mississippi River.

Of course, this is a great trip for history lovers, but the way to Natchez is strikingly beautiful and the outdoorsy types can enjoy numerous state parks and trails on the way. Even high rollers can have their fun on the Lady Luck riverboat casino docked in Natchez.

How to get there: Take Tennessee Highway 100 south of Nashville to find the terminus of the Natchez Trace Parkway, marked by milepost 444, and from here you can begin your journey through ample green spaces and roadside attractions the 444 remaining miles to Natchez.

Our highlights: On your way into Natchez, you can see one of the oldest structures in Mississippi, Mount Locus. Built in 1780, this site was at one point an inn, then a plantation. The building is open to visitors from Thursday through Sunday and has a regular schedule of interpretive tours.

One of the most impressive offerings in Natchez is Stanton Hall, a painstakingly maintained, 14,000-square-foot Antebellum Classical Revival mansion.

Surrounded by fuchsia rhododendrons and filled with antiques that were as rare in their own time as they are today, a guided tour can give you deeper insights into the historical background and unique features of this impressive estate.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live inside an octagon? Even if you haven't, Longwood, the unfinished 1860 mansion of a plantation owner, is an interesting example of this ambitious architectural style.

In addition to the aesthetic features, which also led to it being chosen as a filming location for “True Blood”, this house is also a piece of tangible history which was left unfinished due to the outbreak of the Civil War.

Time seems to move just a bit slower down south. Ease into the relaxed pace here and stroll along the well-maintained paths of Bluff Park where you can take in the sweeping views of the Mississippi River. There are also interpretive plaques along the way which tell more about this historic port town.

Learn more about the people who built the eye-catching mansions in Natchez and formed the backbone of the local economy dating back to when the area was under French control at the Natchez Museum of African American History and Culture.

Bonus: The modern Natchez Trace Parkway follows a route through the wilderness that had been used by Native Americans for over 10,000 years before being developed into a road after President Jefferson's authorization.

There are six ancient mounds along the route, including two neat Natchez, as well as a small wooden inn where the explorer Meriwether Lewis likely took his own life.

Our travel tips: The route we've laid out follows the Natchez Trace Parkway between Nashville and Natchez. If you'd like to shorten the driving time, stick to the Interstates between Nashville, Memphis, and Jackson.

Because this is a scenic parkway, you won't readily see gas stations or towns from the road itself, but behind the greenery, there are tons of cute towns to explore and refuel at.

19. Destin, FL and Gulf Shores, AL

9 hours from Nashville (530 miles)

Why you should visit: Sparkling white sand as far as the eye can see will meet you at both these fun-in-the-sun destinations. Grab your shades and get ready to embrace the summer!

In addition to pristine beaches and the warm, azure waters of the Emerald Coast, you can cycle, kick it in a cabana, and try to spot some wildlife on this trip.

How to get there: Drive south on I-65 past Birmingham, AL all the way to Georgiana, AL. Here you'll take a series of smaller highways towards Florala near the Florida border, then take Florida Highways 2, 285, and 293 all the way south to Destin.

Gulf Shores is 80 miles west of Destin; start out on US Route 98 west, head across the Pensacola bridge and keep along the coastal roads until you reach Gulf Shores.

Our highlights: After all that driving, you'd better get straight to a seaside happy hour. Head no further than Destin Harbor, which contains a long stretch of bars, restaurants, and entertaining attractions.

Once you're rested and ready for full beach mode, Henderson Beach State Park in Destin will be calling your name. There's also plenty of space to spread out your beach towel or even make an epic piece of seashell art in the sand. Snorkeling is another popular activity in these crystal-clear waters.

No matter how you like to enjoy the beach-splashing in the waves, reading a novel with the sand between your toes, or by enjoying a sunset walk that never seems to end, Gulf State Park, Alabama welcomes all kinds of beachgoers with sugar-like sand and the crashing waves.

There are also 28 miles of paved trails in case you're up for a shoreline hike or cycle.

When you're out fishing, you never know what you're going to catch, and when you fish on a pier, you never know what kind of colorful characters you could meet. Whether you're out to catch dinner or just get those steps in with an ocean view, you'll have a wonderful time at the Gulf State Park Pier.

Bonus: Destin is a great place to spot some Dolphins. There are at least two species you can see, the Atlantic spotted dolphin and the more common bottlenose dolphin.

From the land, a great place to try and spot these aquatic cuties is the Okaloosa Island Pier. Alternatively, you can climb aboard a pontoon boat for a morning of marine life watching.

Our travel tips: You can also see dolphins frolicking across the horizon from the upper floors of the high-rise hotels along the Destin shores.

There are six different species of jellyfish that live in the waters near Destin and Gulf Shore, including ones that can pack a powerful sting like the Man of War. There seem to be higher numbers of jellyfish from mid-July to when the weather cools off in the fall

20. New Orleans, LA

8 hours 10 minutes from Nashville (550 miles)

Why you should visit: Beyond the revelry of Mardi Gras, New Orleans is a simmering cultural hotspot where Cajun and Creole combine to make one of the most enjoyable and vibrant cities in America.

Whether you'd like to wander the French Quarter, catch an exhilarating jazz performance, try to spot a ghost, or simply eat your way through the city, there are oh too many ways to enjoy your time here and on a road trip from Nashville to New Orleans .

How to get there: From Nashville, start going south on I-65 to Birmingham, AL. From there take I-20 to Meridian, then I-59 to Slidell, where you'll hop on Interstate 10 for the last few miles into New Orleans.

Our highlights: If you've come to NOLA for the music, you won't want to miss an evening on trendy Frenchmen Street. There are dozens of bars and venues along this two-block stretch that is more toned down than Bourbon Street, but by not much. For starters, check out The Maison and Three Muses.

To see the intersection of music and history in New Orleans, head to Preservation Hall at the outskirts of the French Quarter. Being the oldest jazz venue in NOLA with live music 350 nights a year, this rustic venue is for the diehard fans of jazz.

What is it about wrought iron that just screams whimsy? There are literally tons of this ornate metalwork around the quiet Garden District, which was primarily developed between the mid-19th century and WWI.

This neighborhood is also home to St Louis Cemetery No. 1, the oldest in New Orleans, which features many elaborate, above-ground tombs and the occasional haunting.

It would be a shame to come to New Orleans without spending at least a little time in the French Quarter, even if crowds aren't your thing. This vibrant district dates back to the early 18th century.

This beating heart of the city is centered around the iconic Jackson Square and St Louis Cathedral. Here you can watch local performers and knock back a few beignets.

Many casual visitors to New Orleans might not know that it is also home to America's official World War II Museum. This extensive museum is expertly curated and is an affiliate of the Smithsonian.

Bonus: Gumbo is a southern Louisiana delicacy with West African roots, getting its name from “ki ngombo”. For a fancier take on the dish head to one of the famous restaurants in the city.

Our travel tips: Of course, this city is completely transformed around Mardi Gras in the early spring, so if you are weary of high prices, crowds, and beads, plan your trip any other time.

READ MORE - Road Trip from Nashville to New Orleans

21. Savannah, GA

10 hours 30 minutes from Nashville (620 miles)

Why you should visit: Come wander tree-lined streets, where Spanish moss hangs as if frozen in time in Georgia's oldest city. With oodles of colonial architecture, southern comfort food, and welcoming locals, walking around this riverside city is an absolute delight.

How to get there: From Nashville, take I-40 to Knoxville. From there, head towards Gatlinburg and the winding US-441 to tour the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This road reconnects with I-40 and heads towards Asheville.

Once you've spent at least a day here, head south from Asheville on I-26, passing Columbia, until you come to the I-95 junction. Take I-95 south all the way to the outskirts of Savannah, then follow signs into town.

Our highlights: Take a tour of the historic downtown Savannah, where Neoclassical civic buildings mingle with Georgian and Gothic Revival homes.

This area is also home to Georgia's oldest Catholic Church, the majestic Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. Interspersed are tree-filled squares where the sweet aroma of magnolia blossoms lingers.

In the southern Historic District, you'll find Forsyth Park, a sprawling, 30-acre, urban green space. Filled with paths, historic statues and plaques, the centerpiece of the park is an utterly photogenic 150-year-old fountain.

On the other side of the Historic District, to the north, you'll find the cobblestone River Street along the Savannah River. There are street performers, souvenir shops, a bevvy of bars and restaurants, making this a lively spot to kick back in the evening after a day of historical tours.

Bonaventure Cemetery, one of America's oldest and most prominent cemeteries, is both historic and hauntingly beautiful. If you'd like to make a more intimate acquaintance with the residents of old interred here, you can take a guided tour.

To go all the way back to the early 18th-century origins of Savannah, visit the Wormsloe Historic Site. This is where you'll find that iconic oak-lined avenue for the perfect road trip pic.

At the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters learn about the complex relationships of master and slave beyond all the grandeur and obvious wealth that once flowed through the city. This is a wonderfully preserved house and garden which offers self-guided audio tours.

Bonus: The oldest African American Church in America is located in the north Historic District. The First African Baptist Church was established in 1777 and later served as a safe house along the underground railroad. The church is open the visitors and offers guided tours.

Our travel tips: As you make your way to Savannah, you'll pass through some gorgeous places that are worth a peek. Any outdoor enthusiast can't help but love the Great Smokey Mountains and Asheville is an artsy mountain town with charm to spare.

22. Yellowstone National Park, WY

25 hours from Nashville (1,640 miles)

Why you should visit: The environment of Yellowstone is so incredible that it inspired Congress to deem it the first national park in America, and the whole world, starting a trend of preservation with global impacts.

Thermal springs, rugged mountains, and thundering falls are only a few of the natural wonders on full display in this extensive park that is perfect for adventure any time of the year .

How to get there: Start out on I-24 west towards St Louis, then find the scenic Missouri Route 36 towards St. Joseph, MO. From there, hop on I-29 north to Nebraska City, where you'll again start going west towards Lincoln, NE.

Navigate to I-80, which you'll stay on for 270 miles, then change onto US-26 in Ogallala, NE. Take that all the way to Moran, WY, where you'll finally get on US-191 for the final stretch into Yellowstone.

Our highlights: The most famous feature of Yellowstone is undoubtedly Old Faithful. This thermal geyser erupts every 1-2 hours and has been wowing visitors to Yellowstone for hundreds of years.

If you are a bit more intrepid and would like to see a less crowded backcountry geyser, try the 8.5-mile hike out to the Shoshone Geyser Basin.

Where there are mountains, there are valleys and Yellowstone has some striking ones. On an early morning trip to Lamar Valley, you can see the park's most magnificent wildlife, such as buffaloes, elk, wolves, and eagles, just going about their daily lives. A pair of binoculars would be really handy to get the most out of a trip here.

Dramatic waterfalls can be found in the Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River, where rushing water plunges 300 feet from the rocky cliff. A less crowded alternative is Fairy Falls, which can be reached after a short hike over flat terrain.

No trip to Yellowstone would be complete without seeing at least one of the thermal springs. By far the most striking is the aptly named Grand Prismatic Spring. Here vibrant tones of aquamarine contrast with yellow and rust-colored hues as steam rises up from pools which can get as hot as 188 degrees Fahrenheit.

Bonus: Yellowstone is home to 1,800 archaeological sites. You can learn more about the area's pre-history and geological history at the Museum of the Yellowstone near the park's west entrance.

Our travel tips: To skip the crowds and increase your chance of viewing wildlife, aim to visit during the shoulder season months of April, September, and October.

Any campsite in one of the park's 12 campgrounds must be reserved in advance on the National Park Service website. Only Mammoth Campground is open year-round.

Most of the park roads close in winter, though the park remains open, and you can go on guided snowshoe and snowmobile tours.

READ MORE - Road Trip from Nashville to Yellowstone National Park

23. Los Angeles, CA

29 hours from Nashville (2,000 miles)

Why you should visit: What could be more exciting than a trip from Nashville to sunny Los Angeles and Hollywood , where stars are born?

In addition to the magic of studios and celebrity spotting, LA also has amazing food and world-class art museums. You can top off every day by taking in the sunset over the Pacific Ocean beachside or in a trendy rooftop bar.

How to get there: For such a massive trip, the route is surprisingly simple: head due west on Interstate 40 for 2,000 miles to Los Angeles.

Our highlights: Through an iconic gate you'll find exhilarating rides and the chance to tour operational filming locations at Universal Studios. This is one of LA's most popular attractions with themed rollercoasters like Jurassic World and daily performances around the sprawling amusement park.

Santa Monica is a town in west Los Angeles that is home to some of the area's most iconic beaches, including Muscle Beach, and the buzzing Santa Monica Pier. A night here under the neon lights, passing by carnival games and roller coasters will make you feel like you're back in high school on a sneak away date by the beach.

How about a little natural history? Los Angeles is a major oil-producing region and this was actually one of the area's earliest industries.

Along with plenty of oil, America's largest tar pit is also located in LA. At the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum, you can learn about the early uses of tar and the 3.5 million Ice Age fossils that have been found here.

For fashionistas, a must-see stop will be Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. This road is studded with every major designer you can think of with thousands of dollars of opulent handbags, shoes, clothes, and sunglasses on display. This is the palm-tree lined street that really makes you feel like you're in LA.

A little north of downtown LA, perched on a hill, is the sprawling Getty Center. Replete with classical Greek and Roman sculptures, this art museum, estate, and gardens was developed from the home and private collection of J.P. Getty, one of America's early billionaires.

On the other end of the artistic spectrum, contemporary art lovers can revel in the excellent selection of modern art on display at The Broad, back in downtown LA. Their collection of over 2,000 pieces is housed in a fluid building that announces the boldness of many of the works within. We think the Infinity Mirror Room is especially cool.

Bonus: The film industry in LA began because of intellectual property disputes! At the time, Thomas Edison owned most of the patents for filmmaking equipment and could keep a closer eye on East Coast activities from his New Jersey home.

Hence Nestor Studio moved to Los Angeles in 1911 and built Hollywood's first filming stage to save on production costs. While the original building was demolished, Columbia Square facility stands on the site today.

Our travel tips: L.A. is a sprawling patchwork of smaller cities and there is horrific traffic around the commuting hours. Plan to stay close to the sites you most want to visit and leave lots of time to get to any show times or fixed appointments.

When there isn't gridlocked traffic, Los Angelenos like to drive fast. While the speed limit might proclaim to be 65 miles per hour, the average flow of vehicles is closer to 80. If you want to drive like a granny, stick to service streets.

READ MORE - Road Trip from Nashville to Los Angeles

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Dallas to Nashville via New Orleans

Dallas to nashville road trip planner.

Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Dallas to Nashville. If you're planning a road trip to Nashville, you can research locations to stop along the way. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. Traveling with a dog or cat? Find pet-friendly stops . Camping along the way? Search for RV campgrounds . Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the most talked about places recommended by Trippy members.

10:00 am  start in Dallas drive for about 1.5 hours

11:33 am   Tyler stay for about 1 hour and leave at 12:33 pm drive for about 1.5 hours

2:09 pm   Shreveport stay for about 1 hour and leave at 3:09 pm drive for about 3 hours

day 1 driving ≈ 6 hours find more stops

10:00 am  leave from Mamou drive for about 3 hours

12:47 pm   New Orleans eat at Café du Monde stay for about 4 hours and leave at 4:47 pm drive for about 3 hours

day 2 driving ≈ 6 hours find more stops

10:00 am  leave from Meridian drive for about 2.5 hours

12:17 pm   Birmingham (Alabama) stay for about 1.5 hours and leave at 1:47 pm drive for about 1.5 hours

3:23 pm   Huntsville stay for about 1 hour and leave at 4:23 pm drive for about 2 hours

6:20 pm  arrive in Nashville eat at Bluebird Cafe stay at Gaylord Opryland Resort

day 3 driving ≈ 6 hours find more stops

Where should I stop along the way?

Tyler   (4 answers) Shreveport   (20 answers)     R.W. Norton Art Gallery   (2 mentions)     questions about Shreveport:         Best free things to do in Shreveport? Mamou New Orleans   (255 answers)     Frenchmen Street   (47 mentions)     Bourbon Street   (26 mentions)     Jackson Square   (18 mentions)     The Spotted Cat Music Club   (13 mentions)     Magazine Street   (13 mentions)     restaurants around New Orleans:         Café du Monde         French Quarter         Commander's Palace Restaurant         K-Paul's Louisiana Kitchen         Muriel's Jackson Square     questions about New Orleans:         What is your favorite restaurant in New Orleans?         Breakfast in New Orleans?         Where can I find the best jazz bars in New Orleans?         What are the must-try foods and restaurants in NOLA?         When is the best time to go to New Orleans? Meridian   (3 answers) Birmingham (Alabama)   (60 answers)     questions about Birmingham (Alabama):         locate a good breakfast or coffee shop on the west side of Birmingham Huntsville   (13 answers)     questions about Huntsville:         What airport is in Huntsville Al

Where's the best place to stay in Nashville?

Are you going straight to a hotel, or looking for a vacation rental or Airbnb?

The best resource on neighborhoods, areas, and hotels is the Trippy page on where to stay in Nashville .

If you're looking for a quick answer, you can check out Gaylord Opryland Resort , which was mentioned 10 times on Trippy.

Here are some more hotels people talk about:

Want to research more popular hotels in Nashville? Click the blue button below.

Where's the best place to eat in Nashville?

Need some recommendations on somewhere to get food?

Trippy members suggest Bluebird Cafe , which was mentioned 5 times.

Here are some more restaurants people talk about:

Want to research more popular restaurants in Nashville? Click the blue button below.

What are some things to do in Nashville?

This section could be endless, so rather than trying to suggest every local activity or attraction, we'll leave it open-ended.

These are some of the places people talk about on Trippy:

Of course, Trippy is the perfect place to ask questions because there's an entire community of travelers talking to each other and sharing tips and advice. Trippy is where you can get answers personalized for your tastes, budgets, trip dates & more!

For example, here are some questions people have asked about Nashville. Click on any question to see answers from the community!

Click the button below to explore more questions and answers related to Nashville.

Do I really have to go back home?

Yes, even this step is optional, because if you're on vacation who wants the trip to end? It's okay, you can start planning your next trip!

Want to plan the trip back? Get the reverse directions for a Nashville to Dallas drive , or go to the main page to plan a new road trip .

You can also compare the travel time if you're flying or driving by calculating the distance from Dallas to Nashville . Or get a full Dallas to Nashville flight plan .

Don't forget about exploring your own hometown with a staycation. You can also find some cool day trips or get away for a weekend. Maybe try typing in a faraway location like London, Hong Kong, or Sydney, and get inspired for your dream trip around the world.

And if you know Dallas well, please help your fellow travelers and answer their questions about Dallas!

More info on this route:

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25 Things to Do in Nashville to Get Your Cowboy Boots Dirty

Updated : April 26, 2024

Table of Contents

Music and entertainment , history and culture , eats and treats  , book a trip to music city with aaa .

Nashville, the capital of Tennessee, is rich in history, music and culture. It’s a place many have on their bucket list thanks to its infectious energy. While spring and autumn may be considered the best times to visit Nashville , there are many fun things to do in Nashville to soak in the city’s vibrant atmosphere. 

Use this guide to help plan your Nashville trip, whether you want to two-step in a lively square dance or savor delicious Southern comfort food.

Most know Nashville as the “Music City” due to its deep roots in American music, especially the country genre. There are many places to check out to get a taste of that Nashville sound, but below are some of the most popular musical things to do.

1. Attend a Live Broadcast at the Grand Ole Opry

Time needed: 1 hour to ½ day (depending on show and/or tour) 

Address: 600 Opry Mills Drive Nashville, TN 37214

The first on the list is none other than the famous Grand Ole Opry House . Its respected history and exclusive membership makes the Grand Ole Opry one of the biggest stage shows in country music. If you can snag tickets (highly recommended!), you'll witness a show featuring six or more artists performing a diverse range of country music styles. Beyond the main event, guided tours offer a glimpse behind the scenes, showcasing the stage, backstage areas and even the dressing rooms.

2. Take a Stroll on Broadway 

Time needed: ½ to full day 

Address: Broadway St, Nashville, TN 37201

You’ll find the best Nashville bars and nightlife on Broadway. This iconic street is bursting with amazing live music from each honky tonk, each with its themes and details. See famous artists performing live in their bars or catch upcoming stars captivating new audiences with their sound. Broadway is also a great place to purchase a new pair of cowboy boots or some souvenirs to bring home. Most enjoyable at night, Broadway boasts bright neon-lit signs that illuminate the street.

3. Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame

Time needed: One to two hours

Address: 222 Rep. John Lewis Way S Nashville, TN 37203

Dive right into the culture and history of country music at the Country Music Hall of Fame. Explore the interactive exhibits to see iconic instruments, legendary musicians and how country music has evolved over the years. The exhibits include recording snippets, historic video clips and live performances to allow you to fully immerse yourself in the Nashville attraction. Be sure to stop by the famous RCA Studio B that's attached to the museum.

4. Enjoy the Music at Bluebird Cafe 

Time needed: Two to three hours

Address: 4104 Hillsboro Pike, Nashville, TN 37215

Since its opening in 1982, the Bluebird Cafe has curated a list of famous country music stars who got their start performing there, including Taylor Swift, Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood. This intimate venue offers live music throughout the day, so you might just discover the next country star in these smaller Nashville concerts. Be prepared for crowds, as the Bluebird Cafe is a beloved Nashville destination, but the unforgettable experience is well worth it.

5. Experience the Johnny Cash Museum 

Time needed: 30 minutes to one hour 

Address: 119 3rd Ave S, Nashville, TN 37201

Although it's one of the smaller museums in Nashville, the Johnny Cash Museum is a cool treasure for music lovers to check out. The museum holds one of the world's largest collections of Johnny Cash memorabilia, generously collected by his close friend Bill Miller.

Walk through the halls to learn more about the singer’s turbulent life, from his upbringing in Arkansas to his famous live album recording at Folsom Prison. The museum also includes interactive exhibits and a gift shop to purchase a piece of Cash history to take home.

6. Visit the National Museum of African American Music 

Address: 510 Broadway Nashville, TN 37203

The National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) preserves the legacy of music genres influenced and created by African Americans. This museum celebrates the enduring influence of Black artists on American culture, showcasing the evolution of genres like jazz, gospel and blues. 

Explore six captivating exhibits featuring artifacts, memorabilia and historical objects. Use your time at this museum to gain a deeper appreciation for the impact of these music genres and the stories behind them. 

7. Tour the Famous RCA Studio B

Time needed: One hour

Address: 1611 Roy Acuff Pl, Nashville, TN 37203

See the origins of the Nashville music scene yourself at the famous RCA Studio B . The studio has a recording history of well over 35,000 songs, with many recorded by legendary artists like Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson. 

Now part of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the studio retains its original 1970s decor. Take a tour to learn about the studio's fascinating history, see the original equipment used by music legends and even sit at the very piano Elvis Presley once played.

8. Attend a Concert at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center

Time needed: Two hours

Address: 1 Symphony Pl, Nashville, TN 37201

Unlike the Grand Ole Opry, The Schermerhorn Symphony Center puts on Nashville concerts for various music genres. Home to the acclaimed Nashville Symphony Orchestra, the Schermerhorn stages concerts encompassing classical, jazz, contemporary pop and even music inspired by popular Broadway shows and films like Harry Potter. 

They also cater to families with children's concerts held in the Mike Curb Family Music Education Hall. Tickets sell out very quickly, so book well in advance to secure your spot!

No Nashville adventure is complete without exploring its vibrant history and rich culture. Below are the top places that most Nashville travel guides will point you to.

9. Learn About Nashville’s Parthenon 

Address: 2500 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203

You may have heard of Nashville's nickname, "The Athens of the South." It owes thanks to Nashville's Parthenon, a full-scale replica of the Athenian landmark located in Centennial Park. Built for the 1897 Centennial Exposition, the Parthenon is the only exact-size replica of the original Parthenon. 

Today, it houses an art museum where you can learn more about the history of the original Parthenon and explore its current exhibitions.

10. Stop by the Tennessee State Museum 

Address: 1000 Rosa L. Parks Blvd, Nashville, TN 37243-1120

The Tennessee State Museum is one of the many free things to do in Nashville . It includes artifacts from the American South dating back 12,000 years to the early 1900s. 

The museum includes permanent exhibits that cover different eras of Tennessee, including its role in American wars like the Spanish-American War and World War II. History buffs will enjoy seeing the museum’s random oddities, like Daniel Boone’s cutlery set and pocket knife. 

11. Experience the Frist Art Museum

Address: 919 Broadway Nashville, TN 37203-3822

Art lovers visiting Nashville can't miss the First Art Museum . Originally built as Nashville's main post office in 1934 and re-opened as a museum in 2001, the Frist offers a unique experience. Unlike traditional museums, it has no permanent collection. Instead, it showcases themed exhibitions that rotate every six to eight weeks. 

You might encounter a beautiful Michelangelo classic one week and a collection of modern American photography the next. The museum also includes 30 interactive stations, perfect for visitors of all ages to create stop-motion animations or learn printmaking techniques. 

During the summer months, plan your visit to coincide with live music performances that complement the artwork beautifully.

12. Take a Nashville Bus Tour 

Time needed: One to three hours

Explore the Music City in style with a Nashville bus tour. Let an expert guide show you the best parts of the city, highlight landmarks to check out and tell you more about Nashville's rich history. 

A bus tour is a great way to start your trip off right, get oriented and better understand the city’s background. Plus, it's always fun to people-watch the bustling crowds on Broadway!

13. Check Out Sweet Rides at the Lane Motor Museum 

Address: 702 Murfreesboro Pike, Nashville, TN 37210

Speaking of rides, car enthusiasts will love visiting the Lane Motor Museum. Founded by Jeff Lane in 2003, the museum is home to 150 displayed vehicles from Lane’s 550-piece collection. You’ll encounter European sports cars, unconventional microcars, vintage American vehicles and even one-of-a-kind creations. 

Whether you have a deep passion for cool automobiles or love checking out weird and unique places , the Lane Motor Museum is a must-see.

Indulge in Southern cuisine during your stay, like Nashville’s famous hot chicken, cheesy macaroni and cheese and delicious craft beverages. Below are some of the best activities to savor the city’s unique flavors. 

14. Enjoy a Tasting at Nelson’s Green Briar Distillery 

Time needed: One to one and a half hours 

Address: 1414 Clinton Street, Nashville, TN 37203

Immerse yourself in the rich history of Tennessee whiskey at Nelson’s Green Briar Distillery . Opt for a guided tour to learn about the distillery’s generational history and the whiskey-making process, then end with a tasting of their handcrafted products. 

Whether you’re a whiskey enthusiast or simply curious about the craftsmanship behind the drink, Nelson's Green Briar Distillery offers an enjoyable experience in the world of fine spirits.

15. Catch the Heat from Nashville Hot Chicken 

• Prince's Hot Chicken: 123 Ewing Dr #3, Nashville, TN 37207
• Bolton's Spicy Chicken & Fish: 624 Main St, Nashville, TN 37206 
• Hattie B's Hot Chicken: 112 19th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203

For the spice lovers or foodies out there, you can’t visit Nashville without trying some authentic hot chicken. Every restaurant will have its own unique take on the dish, but you should expect some spicy kick and bold seasoning in the chicken. 

A popular order is a hot chicken sandwich with traditional white bread and pickles. Some popular hot chicken spots are Prince's Hot Chicken, Bolton's Spicy Chicken & Fish, and Hattie B's Hot Chicken. 

16. Explore Nashville’s Craft Brewery Scene 

Time needed: Three hours

With a ton of breweries throughout Nashville, why not go on an independent craft brewery tour? From rich stouts to light Mexican lagers, you’re sure to find your ideal pint. Even those who prefer nonalcoholic options can enjoy them, with breweries like Southern Grist brewing alcohol-free beers. 

Take a brewery tour for a glimpse into the brewing process, or enjoy a casual sit-down to hang out with friends or meet some locals with a cold one in hand. 

17. Embark on a Guided Food Tour in Downtown Nashville 

There are many great restaurants in Nashville , so we recommend taking a self-guided or private food tour to see what the city’s cuisine is all about. 

Guided tours take you to the best spots and local favorites, where you can enjoy popular dishes like hot chicken, meat-and-three and slow-cooked barbecue. During, you’ll learn more about the city’s culinary history, and what makes Southern comfort food so satisfying to the soul.

18. Enjoy a Meal at One of Nashville’s Food Halls

Assembly Food Hall Address: 5055 Broadway Place, Nashville, TN 37203

Nashville has several food halls and large indoor marketplaces with multiple food vendors. These unique dining spots usually have restaurants of different cuisines, so everyone in your party can get exactly what they’re craving. Popular options include Assembly Food Hall in downtown Nashville and Hunter’s Station. From international cuisine to Southern food, everyone will find something delicious to enjoy in these food halls. 

Beyond its reputation for great music and delicious food, Nashville is also known for its outdoor sights and attractions. Below are some of the best outdoor things to do in Nashville, Tennessee. 

19. Stroll Through Centennial Park 

Nestled in the heart of Nashville, Centennial Park offers a vibrant escape from the city bustle. Nicknamed "Nashville's Central Park," this 132-acre urban oasis boasts several walking trails, gorgeous gardens and charming bridges. 

The park's popularity even reached the music world, with a mention in Taylor Swift's song "Invisible String." Centennial Park is also home to a replica of the Parthenon, making it a two-in-one attraction for your visit.

20. Explore the Cheekwood Estate and Gardens 

Address: 1200 Forrest Park Drive, Nashville, TN 37205

Since opening in 1960, the Cheekwood Estate and Botanical Gardens has grown into a popular Nashville attraction, welcoming over 400,000 visitors annually. Explore the 55-acre estate’s mansion, which holds a permanent collection of paintings and sculptures. Or take a stroll through the several themed gardens and a sculpture trail.  

The estate is enjoyable to visit all year, with its seasonal flower displays, holiday season activities and special events like concerts. 

21. See the Sights on a Riverboat Cruise

Riverboat cruises are a popular way to see the city from a new perspective. Set sail on the Cumberland River aboard a paddlewheel vessel or the iconic General Jackson Showboat. 

While onboard, take in the sights of nearby Nashville landmarks , like the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge and Ryman Auditorium. If you’re lucky, your boat captain might play a few country tunes during the ride, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the city’s unique charms and sounds. 

22. Birdwatch at Radnor Lake State Park

Address: 1160 Otter Creek Road, Nashville, TN 37220

Radnor Lake State Park is a 20-minute drive from downtown, but it's some of the best hiking you’ll find around Nashville . This picturesque lake is surrounded by various trees and shrubbery. Observe the different birds that call the area home, like woodpeckers and waterfowl. Spanning over 1,400 acres of protected natural area, the park has 10 trails winding over seven miles, offering something for every outdoor explorer.

23. Take a Bike Ride Through Percy Warner Park

Address: 50 Vaughn Road, Nashville, TN 37221

After a long day of traveling or taking a bus tour, it's sometimes nice to stretch out your legs. Enjoy a walk or bike ride through Percy Warner Park, part of The Warner Parks. 

Located southwest of the city center, the park spans over 3,100 acres, with nine color-coded trails that range between 150 yards and 4.5 miles. Take in the fresh air while enjoying beautiful overlook views and scenic roadways.

24. See the Colorful Murals in the Gulch 

Time needed: Thirty minutes

Address: Located southwest of Downtown Nashville

The Gulch is a vibrant neighborhood in Downtown Nashville that offers beautiful street art and an array of shops and restaurants to check out. Many colorful murals adorn buildings throughout the area, each representing unique themes and eclectic styles. 

These vibrant murals provide a fresh perspective on the city’s artistic spirit and culture. The Frist Art Museum is also in this neighborhood. 

25. See Your Favorite Animals in the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere

Address: 3777 Nolensville Pk, Nashville, TN 37211

Booking a trip to Nashville with your kids ? We highly recommend taking your family to the Nashville Zoo in Grassmere. It’s one of the most visited destinations in the state, and for good reason. 

The zoo spans over 188 acres, with more than 3,700 animals from 350 different species. Some of the most popular areas of the zoo are the Tiger Crossroads, Giraffe Savanna and Alligator Cove. 

There are plenty of things for kids of all ages to do, from watching animal demonstrations at the Unseen New World plaza to riding the Soaring Eagle Zip Line. Plus, the zoo puts on a Zoolumination display during the winter months, displaying 1,000-lit custom-made Chinese lanterns. 

AAA Travel can help bring your Nashville travel plans to life. Use our Trip Canvas tool to easily build and book your trip, and use your AAA Membership to save on accommodations and things to do in Nashville throughout your stay. Let AAA be your trusted partner in creating amazing memories in Music City. 

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Dallas to Arizona Road Trip Itinerary

See the best of West Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona as you hit the open road on this Dallas to Arizona road trip itinerary!

Straight through from Dallas to Flagstaff in the middle of Arizona is 14 hours driving time on I-40.

But that’s no fun.

I love a good road trip, and if I have a long trip to complete, you know I’m going to be researching different places to stop along the way.

Below, you’ll find just that for each step of your journey from the heart of Texas into the Grand Canyon State.

I’ve also shared ways to extend your trip into various areas of Arizona.

In short, prepare for an epic road trip into the Southwest filled with national parks visits, roadside attractions, and vintage Americana!

Dallas to Arizona Road Trip Itinerary: Stop-by-Stop

NOTE: If you’re looking for a place to camp while you’re in the Dallas area, I highly recommend the Vineyards campground in Grapevine, Texas .

Not only is this one of the prettiest campgrounds we’ve stayed at, but it also has huge lots, water sports rentals, a private beach, and daily activities. It’s like summer camp without the counselors!

Stop 1: Abilene, Texas

Begin your road trip by heading out of Dallas towards New Mexico.

Pick up I-20 on the western side of Fort Worth and follow it 150 miles to our first stop in Abilene.

NOTE: About 75 miles west of Fort Worth, you can stop at Palo Pinto State Park , Texas’ newest state park. While it isn’t fully completed yet, the state park will eventually have hiking, camping, fishing, and non-motorized boating. If you’re planning to visit this area in 2025 and beyond, check to see which of the park’s planned recreational activities has been completed.

Next, we need to stop in Abilene, Texas , where you’ll find plenty of Texas history and arts-themed activities.

The Grace Museum is excellent for the entire family with kid-friendly exhibits, history areas, photography gallery, and more across 5 different sections.

For even more American history, step into yesteryear at Frontier Texas!, an interactive history museum tracing the steps of both the Native Americans and the pioneers during Westward Expansion.

Your childhood literary favorites are larger than life along the storybook trail through downtown Abilene, where you can find sculptures of Horton (from Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hears a Who ), Charlotte and Wilbur (from E.B. White’s Charlotte’s Web ), and so many more. See the entire route on the storybook sculpture map here .

Abilene Zoo boasts more than 250 species across 8 areas of the park. In addition to viewing the animals, kids can go gem mining, ride a train, go fishing in Tittle Lake, and go on behind the scenes tours.

Stop 2: Carlsbad, New Mexico

Today, we’re visiting the oil fields of West Texas on our way to Carlsbad, New Mexico.

Keep on I-20 until you get to Big Spring, and then take Texas Highway 176 from Big Spring to New Mexico Highway 62. Highway 62 will take you directly into Carlsbad.

Once you leave Big Spring and Interstate I-20, the area becomes very remote very quickly, and you will likely go miles without seeing anything but oil rigs bobbing up and down.

As someone who’s from a place without any oil production, I found this area fascinating, but I also freely admit that it is rough and tumble, and not the place that I’d like to have car trouble.

Fill up and eat before you leave the interstate because the gas stations and food options between Big Spring and Carlsbad are sparse at best.

Once you get to Carlsbad, you’ve got plenty to do, see, and eat as it’s easily the largest city in the southeastern corner of New Mexico.

Here, you can pick up supplies from Walmart, dine out at one of the area’s many restaurants, and explore 2 different national parks.

Start with 2 days at Carlsbad Caverns , one of the most incredible cave systems we’ve visited so far.

Don’t forget to book the ranger-led King’s Palace Tour for extra time exploring a less-traveled section of the caverns. There is a small fee associated with the tour, but it’s worth it!

Just 30 minutes south of Carlsbad Caverns is the less-visited but still amazing Guadalupe Mountains National Park.

Located on the border of New Mexico and Texas, Guadalupe Mountains National Park boasts 8 of the 10 highest peaks in Texas.

The park’s development has been an emphasis on hiking in the park, as many of the most spectacular overlooks are accessible only on foot. (This is in direct opposition to other national parks, like Shenandoah National Park , which are organized around a roadway.)

You’ll want to bring a good pair of hiking boots, a day pack, and plenty of water to see the Salt Basin sand dunes, Frijole Ranch, McKittrick Canyon, and more.

If you’re not sure what you need for this adventure, check out my gear guides:

Best Hiking Clothes for Women

Best Hiking Gear for Kids + Printable Checklist

Best Toddler Hiking Shoes

Suggested place to camp near Carlsbad, New Mexico : Lake Brantley State Park, which I think is one of New Mexico’s best campgrounds . This inexpensive campground has areas for RV and primitive camping. While it feels remote, the campground is just minutes from Carlsbad on Highway 285.

FREE U.S. National Parks Checklist

Keep up with every national park adventure with this 3-page printable checklist, exclusive to our email subscribers.

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Thank you! You can download your printable national parks checklist here or by clicking the link in your inbox.

Stop 3: Roswell, New Mexico

Yes, it is weird, and that’s just the way that Roswell likes it.

This little town’s claim to fame occurred back in 1947 when a rancher about 80 miles away claimed to have found pieces of a flying saucer . The military quickly got involved, but the plot just thickens from there.

Was it a weather balloon prototype? Some sort of secret military craft? Or something truly alien?

Whatever was going on all those decades ago still has the world enraptured as Roswell sees visitors from all corners of the globe (including the Camping Kiddos since I can’t resist a weird locale!).

From the UFO-shaped streetlights to the massive alien-themed murals, you quickly get the idea that this town loves the hype.

If you’d like to dive into the strangeness that started all of it, head into the International UFO Museum and Research Center . Here, you’ll get detailed accounts of what happened back in 1947 and beyond, including video and audio interview clips, newspaper articles, and other ephemera.

Even if you’re not a believer, the kitschy alien displays (with moving UFO!) and the extensive library are worth a stop.

Stop 4: Alamogordo, New Mexico

Add in your second national park of this trip when you visit Alamogordo.

Here, you can explore the incredible White Sands National Park, which only became a national park in 2020 after decades of being a national monument.

See how you can effectively spend one day in White Sands with hikes, the Junior Ranger program, ranger-led events, and more.

You’ll absolutely want to spend part of your day sand sledding, so check out my complete guide to White Sands sledding tips !

Extend your trip with even more incredible places to visit near White Sands and Alamogordo , ranging from space history museums to mountain hikes.

You really need at least 2 or 3 days here to fully explore everything. Don’t forget to try the pistachio ice cream at Pistachioland, a working pistachio farm just north of Alamogordo.

Suggested place to camp near Alamogordo : We stayed at the Alamogordo/ White Sands KOA in Alamogordo, and it was wonderful. The owners are incredibly nice, offering up free coffee and hot chocolate in the mornings, a huge game room, and a movie library.

Stop 5: Santa Fe, New Mexico

Take Highway 54 out of Alamogordo and then follow it out of Tularosa.

You’ll pick up New Mexico 3, which is a very rural road, at Duran. Follow New Mexico 3 to Encino, then hop onto 285 North towards Santa Fe. While 285 is a bigger road than New Mexico 3, there are still very, very few gas stations and food options along the way.

Stop at Clines Corners, which is has been serving customers since historic Route 66 came through here. (Nearby I-40 is now overlaid on Route 66 in this part of the state.)

Cline Corners is huge with multiple gas pumps, RV parking, a convenience store, and a gift shop.

You’re less than an hour to Santa Fe from here, so keep on Highway 285 and you’ll run straight into Santa Fe.

Stop 6: Albuquerque, New Mexico

Did you know that Santa Fe was established in 1607, the same year that the English colony of Jamestown was settled?

Unlike Jamestown, Santa Fe has thrived since its first days, and it is now a hub of art and culture in the Southwest.

You cannot visit Santa Fe without spending some time exploring the historic downtown area. You’re walking in the footsteps of Native American traders, Spanish monks, and early European explorers who traveled the Old Santa Fe Trail.

Visit the Museum of New Mexico History to get a grasp on the major events that have happened in the state. As part of this experience, you’ll be able to walk into the original Governor’s Palace, which is the oldest public building in the United States.

The Plaza outside of the Palace is a great place to eat lunch while listening to one of the live musicians that are often set up here.

After lunch, explore some of the other historic spots within walking distance, including the Loretto Chapel and the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi.

Elsewhere in Santa Fe, you can’t miss Meow Wolf: House of Eternal Return , which is a mind-bending interactive art project.

Suggested place to camp in Santa Fe : We enjoyed our time at the Santa Fe KOA, which had on-site gem mining, a game room with arcade games, and a playground. The sites were small but level and shaded. There were lots of kids around, which my children appreciated.

Stop 7: Grants, New Mexico

As you set out from Albuquerque, the landscape outside of your car will be filled with rolling red deserts, sagebrush, and craggy cliffs.

However, as you approach Grants, New Mexico, that landscape begins to resemble the surface of the moon.

Huge chunks of a matte black substance push their way past the grass on either side of the road, and you might be left wondering if an asphalt truck blew up on this section of the highway.

But the answer is one that’s far more exciting than a malfunctioning piece of road machinery.

You’re seeing the results of volcanic activity that reshaped this part of western New Mexico between 700,000 and just 3,900 years ago.

You can explore more of this incredible natural wonder at the 2 main sites near Grants, New Mexico.

El Malpais National Monument

This NPS sites allows you to hike through and learn about the lava flows.

You’ll see how the unique geological formations here provided shelter to generations of Native Americans, particularly the Zuni and Acoma tribes, as well as Spanish explorers, the Navajo nation, and pioneers.

There are a variety of surface trails that allow you to access the different lava flow areas. More adventurous visitors can take a self-guided tour into one of the many lava tubes, but you’ll want to bring the appropriate safety gear.

The national monument is open year round, although some of the caves are off limits to the public during the winter to protect resident bats.

Ice Cave and Bandera Volcano

A privately owned site, the Ice Cave and Bandera Volcano is another great way to explore this fascinating landscape.

It’s not as large as the nearby NPS site, but it’s still worth a visit.

Included in the admission cost is a museum filled with Native American artifacts and 2 self-guided hikes. The Ice Cave stays chilly year round with naturally occurring sheets of ice on the walls.

It does close in the winter from November 1-March 1.

Stop 8: Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona

The next major stop on I-40 West is going to be the exit for the Painted Desert Visitors Center at Petrified Forest National Park.

At the visitors center, you can grab a map of the park, pick up a souvenir, watch the park’s history movie, or have a picnic.

There’s also a gas station here. It’s really expensive, but convenient. There’s no other gas at this exit or anywhere in the park for another 25-30 miles.

Once you’re in the park, you’ll be able to see the southern end of the Painted Desert, which has red, orange, grey, blue, purple, and yellow layers in the worn away rock.

For a larger national park, it’s surprisingly easy to tour Petrified Forest National Park in one day . By sticking to the main park road and touring north to south, you’ll be able to see the park’s highlights in a relatively short period of time.

The best way to see the park is to complete a couple of the easy hikes in Petrified Forest , which will allow you to get into the heart of the petrified wood fields, the Painted Desert, Blue Mesa, and more.

On the end of the park closest to Holbrook, you’ll be able to see fields of petrified trees from the forest that once stood here more than 250 million years ago.

Suggested place to camp near Petrified Forest : Holbrook/ Petrified Forest KOA, which I think is the best camping near Petrified Forest National Park . You can’t RV camp inside the park, so the closest place to leave your rig is at this KOA. We loved the daily breakfast and dinner options, heated pool, and large playground.

Stop 8: Route 66 Towns

There are 2 towns on the original Route 66 that are worth stopping at during your road trip from Dallas to Arizona.

First, Holbrook, Arizona, is home to several fun spots, including the inspiration for the Cozy Cone Motel in Cars . We stayed in one of the sister locations of the Wigwam Villages while in Cave City, Kentucky !

Holbrook also has a couple of shops that sell petrified wood and other minerals. It’s illegal to take wood from the national park, so this is a good alternative if you’d like a souvenir.

Winslow, Arizona, is about 30 minutes west, and it’s bigger than Holbrook with even more reasons to stop.

For fans of ‘70s rock, you won’t want to miss Standin’ on a Corner Park in the heart of downtown Winslow, Arizona.

This little town was immortalized in the second verse of The Eagles’ 1972 hit, “Take It Easy.” Winslow is noted in the song and was inspired by a road trip that the members took as they were trying to finish their debut album.

>> Check out more things to do in Winslow, Arizona on Route 66 here! <<

Another interesting stop near Winslow is Homolovi Ruins State Park, where you can hike to a Mormon pioneer cemetery and see 2 Native American living areas dating from 1000-1300 CE.

Bring a picnic to eat under one of the covered shelters. Several have incredible views of the desert. You might even see some of the native donkeys that roam the park.

Stop 9: Meteor Crater

If you’ve ever wanted to feel small, Meteor Crater is an excellent place to do so.

Created by a meteor about 50,000 years ago, this massive site is so much more than just a big hole in the ground.

Of course, the crater itself is a highlight—and you must make time for the 45-minute tour of the crater rim (included in the cost of admission).

You can also see and touch a piece of the meteor, walk through multiple interactive museum areas, experience a 4D ride about space and the crater, and shop for space-themed souvenirs.

Kids should complete the scavenger hunt booklets to receive a free science ranger patch.

Meteor Crater was one of my kids’ favorite things to do—and they still talk about visiting here regularly. It’s SO much more than just a hole in the ground!

Final Stop: Flagstaff (and Beyond)

While I’m ending the road trip itinerary here in Flagstaff, this doesn’t really mean goodbye.

Flagstaff is the central Arizona, so you’re set up for ending your road trip here, or continuing to explore the Grand Canyon State.

There are several other incredible places to visit in Arizona depending on where you’d like to your end destination to be!

You could head south to Sedona, Phoenix, and Saguaro National Park.

Or, you could continue on west to Kingman, additional Route 66 towns, and, ultimately Las Vegas.

To add a third national park to your trip, you can head north from Flagstaff to visit the Grand Canyon. Check out our guides to make sure your visit is great:

Guide to the Grand Canyon with Kids

1 Day Grand Canyon Itinerary

7 Day Grand Canyon Itinerary

Visiting Monument Valley with kids is a guaranteed amazing family vacation!

Located on the border of Arizona and Utah, this stretch of land is one of the most beautiful parts of Arizona that we’ve visited.

Here, you can explore the Navajo Nation’s incredible site, where you’ll learn about unique geological features, see where dozens of Westerns were filmed, and drive the scenic loop around the valley.

New England Revolution set attendance record as Lionel Messi visits Gillette Stadium

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Another road trip for Lionel Messi and Inter Miami CF , another attendance record broken.

The New England Revolution welcomed 65,612 fans to Gillette Stadium for Saturday's 4-1 defeat to Inter Miami, surpassing the club's previous home attendance record (61,316) from hosting MLS Cup 2002. Messi produced 2g/1a, establishing two MLS records .

This comes just two weeks after Messi and Miami visited Sporting Kansas City , a match attended by 72,610 fans at Arrowhead Stadium – the fourth-largest standalone crowd in MLS history.

* MLS Cup 2022 ^ Doubleheader with USA vs. Mexico

New England's new attendance milestone occurred exactly 28 years after the club's inaugural home match at Foxboro Stadium in 1996. It also follows a 2023 season where New England set a new single-season average attendance mark with 23,940 fans per game.

Aside from hosting Revolution matches, Gillette Stadium is one of five MLS venues that will host games during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Most MLS teams play in soccer-specific stadiums, but Gillette Stadium (New England Patriots) and Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City Chiefs) were originally constructed for NFL purposes. The Revs have played at Gillette since 2002, while SKC normally play at Children's Mercy Park.

🫶 to all 65,612 of you in @GilletteStadium ! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/6bsWm94NgW — New England Revolution (@NERevolution) April 28, 2024

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2024 NFL Draft live updates: Tennessee Titans draft OL JC Latham with No. 7 pick

The  2024 NFL Draft  begins Thursday in Detroit.

The Chicago Bears have the No. 1 pick and are expected to pick Caleb Williams. After that? We'll wait and see how things play out.

Here in Nashville, the Tennessee Titans have the No. 7 pick.

Mock drafts have Notre Dame offensive tackle Joe Alt as the Titans' pick. He is the best offensive lineman in the 2024 NFL Draft and would go a long way in solidifying the left side of the offensive line.

But mock drafts no longer matter. It's the real thing Thursday.

Follow our live coverage through the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft here.

2024 NFL Draft ties 1983 record with 6 QBs taken in first round

Bo Nix became the sixth quarterback picked in the 2024 NFL Draft, tying the record set in 1983. Nix was picked 12th overall by the Denver Broncos.

Here are who were picked.

• Caleb Williams, Southern Cal, No. 1 (Chicago Bears)
• Jayden Daniels, LSU, No. 2 (Washington Commanders)
• Drake Maye, North Carolina, No. 3 (New England Patriots)
• Michael Penix Jr., Washington, No. 8 (Atlanta Falcons)
• J.J. McCarthy, Michigan, No. 10 (Minnesota Vikings)
• Bo Nix, Oregon, No. 12 (Denver Broncos)

The 1983 draft saw quarterbacks John Elway and Dan Marino, Jim Kelly, Ken O'Brien, Todd Blackledge and Tony Eason picked in the first round.

Minnesota Vikings draft Michigan's J.J. McCarthy after trade with New York Jets

Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy has been picked at No. 10 by the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings' selection came after they picked up the draft selection via trade with the New York Jets. The Vikings traded the No. 11 overall pick, a fourth-round pick and a fifth-round pick to the Jets in exchange for the No. 10 pick and the No. 203 overall according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

McCarthy led Michigan to an undefeated season and the 2023 CFP national championship.

Tennessee Titans draft Alabama's JC Latham with No. 7 pick

Notre Dame lineman Joe Alt was the Titans projected first-round pick but the San Diego Chargers selected Alt with the No. 5 pick. The Titans have shifted to chosen Alabama OT JC Latham at No. 7.

LSU's Malik Nabers is No. 6 draft pick by Giants

The New York Giants, looking to shore up its passing game, selected explosive wide receiver Malik Nabers with the No. 6 pick. Nabers is the second LSU player selected in the first round of the NFL Draft, joining Tigers QB Jayden Daniels (Washington).

Here are the top 5 picks of the 2024 NFL Draft

∎ No. 1 QB Caleb Williams (Chicago Bears)

∎ No. 2 QB Jayden Daniels (Washington Commanders)

∎ No. 3 QB Drake Maye (New England Patriots)

∎ No. 4 WR Marvin Harrison Jr. (Arizona Cardinals)

∎ No. 5 Joe Alt (Los Angeles Chargers)

Cardinals draft Marvin Harrison Jr. as No. 4 pick in draft

Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. was the first player selected that isn't a quarterback, in the first five picks of the 2024 NFL Draft. He was selected by the Arizona Cardinals.

Drake Maye drafted No. 3 by New England Patriots

North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye made it three straight quarterbacks taken in the first three selections of the 2024 NFL Draft.

Washington Commanders draft Jayden Daniels as No. 2 pick

Quarterbacks have gone 1-2 as the first two picks of the NFL Draft have been selected. Washington selected LSU star Jayden Daniels as the No. 2 pick, minutes after the Chicago Bears selected USC's Caleb Williams.

Caleb Williams selected No. 1 in 2024 NFL Draft by Chicago Bears

The 2024 NFL Draft is under way as the Chicago Bears made the decision most thought the organization would make. USC quarterback Caleb Williams was selected by the Bears as this year's top pick.

Is Detroit a better NFL Draft host than Nashville?

Nashville broke the league draft record in 2019 with an estimated 600,000 attendees over three days, according to the NFL but a league insider used the X platform, formerly Twitter, to suggest that Detroit , the site of this week's draft, is "insanity"

Titans fans making trip to Detroit

The city that hosts the NFL Draft have a solid week of professional football eyes on that town. This year Detroit is the focal point and Titans fans have already made the trek to Michigan to show their support as the organization is set pick No. 7.

How Titans could crush the NFL Draft

There are several scenarios that could play out for the Titans that would have the potential to put the organization on solid footing going into the 2024 season.

What time does the NFL Draft start?

∎ Round 1: Thursday, April 25, 7 p.m. CT

∎ Rounds 2-3: Friday, April 26, 6 p.m. CT

∎ Rounds 4-7: Saturday, April 27, 11 a.m. CT

ADONAI MITCHELL How former Cane Ridge WR Adonai Mitchell has become a first-round NFL Draft prospect

What channel is the NFL Draft on?

The NFL Draft will air on NFL Network, NFL+, ABC, ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes all three days.

How to watch, stream the 2024 NFL Draft:

∎ Cable: NFL Network, NFL+, ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN Deportes

∎ Streaming:  NFL+ ,  ESPN+ ,  Hulu+ ,  FuboTV

GRAHAM BARTON How Duke OT Graham Barton's journey began as a young Ravenwood lineman

What picks do Tennessee Titans have in 2024 NFL Draft?

Here are the Titans' picks for the 2024 NFL Draft:

First round: No. 7

Second round: No. 38

Third round: No pick

Fourth round: No. 106

Fifth round: No. 146 (From MIN)

Sixth round: No. 182

Seventh round: No. 242 (from PHI)

Seventh round: No. 252 (from KC)

NO. 7 PICK BIG FOR TITANS Past Tennessee Titans missteps make this 2024 NFL Draft huge for GM Ran Carthon | Estes

WHAT TITANS NEED: Ranking Tennessee Titans NFL draft needs: Is adding WR, TE more urgent than fixing D-line?

2024 NFL Draft Round 1 order

1. Chicago Bears (from CAR)

2. Washington Commanders

3. New England Patriots

4. Arizona Cardinals

5. Los Angeles Chargers

6. New York Giants

7. Tennessee Titans

8. Atlanta Falcons

9. Chicago Bears

10. New York Jets

11. Minnesota Vikings

12. Denver Broncos

13. Las Vegas Raiders

14. New Orleans Saints

15. Indianapolis Colts

16. Seattle Seahawks

17. Jacksonville Jaguars

18. Cincinnati Bengals

19. Los Angeles Rams

20. Pittsburgh Steelers

21. Miami Dolphins

22. Philadelphia Eagles

23. Minnesota Vikings (from CLE through HOU)

24. Dallas Cowboys

25. Green Bay Packers

26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

27. Arizona Cardinals (from HOU)

28. Buffalo Bills

29. Detroit Lions

30. Baltimore Ravens

31. San Francisco 49ers

32. Kansas City Chiefs

Frontier Airlines launches new nonstop flight from Nashville to Dallas-Fort Worth

by Sydney Keller

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — Wanna get away?

There is a new nonstop service to Texas from Tennessee on Frontier Airlines!

The airlines launched the new nonstop service from Nashville International Airport to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport on Sunday.

“We are thrilled to grow our operations in Nashville this spring, offering even more low-cost travel options to and from this iconic city,’” said Josh Flyr, vice president of network and operations design, Frontier Airlines. “These new routes to two popular destinations for both leisure and business support our commitment to providing ‘Low Fares Done Right’ to consumers in the greater Nashville area.”

Frontier expects the nonstop flight to Dallas-Fort Worth will be offered four times a week, but frequency and times are subject to change. To celebrate the new nonstop service, Frontier Airlines is offering flights as low as $29 one way.

This nonstop service come after Frontier announced a new nonstop flight from Nashville to Chicago which is set to start on May 16.

Follow FOX Nashville on Facebook , X , Instagram and TikTok !

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9 days, 1 country

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8 Breakfasts, 2 Dinners

Average 30 people

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Wanna explore the icons of the South in 9 days? Kicking off in Nashville with a singalong or two, this trip takes you from the home of Elvis to the home of NASA – with the unmissable vibes of New Orleans in between. Learning about civil rights, the Space Race and much more, you’ll be utterly flawed by the majestic culture, scenery and seriously good steakhouses.

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General FAQs

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What is Contiki?

Contiki are the world leaders in organized youth travel. We’ve been providing amazing travel experiences for young travellers, from 18-35 years old, since 1962. Imagine how good you would be at something if you had been doing it for more than 60 years?

Everything about Contiki is deeply rooted in our two values ‘Make Every Moment Count’ and ‘We’re About People’. We don’t just talk, we walk the walk and live by our brand philosophy of ‘ Travel.Together. ’ which means to travel with one another, with the destinations we visit, the people and cultures we enjoy and the environment.

You’ve never experienced travel like this.

Why only 18-35?

Focusing on 18-35 year olds allows us to tailor a dramatically more powerful travel experience and an itinerary so fun it feels like all of your best Friday nights combined.

Tailoring to select ages brings together like minded, likeable people, and allows us to use Social Travel planning to build great groups of people so fast you’ll wonder if you’ve been friends forever.

What destinations can I go to with Contiki?

A sunrise, shoreline or bright light for every whim. We are proud to offer more than 350 Global trips, intelligently designed for a seamless and simple social travel experience. Visit our search page to discover your perfect travel destination.

How does it work?

We’re reinventing hassle free travel. Whether you are a solo traveller or group you can be rest assured that there has been tonnes of planning behind every trip.

Booking with Contiki means you are saying yes to a smile inducing trip where the typically stressful elements just seem to magically happen.

No one does trips like Contiki, essential accommodation, transport, reservations and so much more is all taken care of. You can multiply the magic with trip add ons and numerous customisations for your free time.

Every single Contiki social travel trip is managed by one of our expert Trip Managers, who are there to provide hands-on support and ensure your trip runs smoothly whilst you stay in the moment.

From 2022 your good time will be good for the planet as all Contiki trips are carbon natural. Find out more here.

How many other travellers are on each trip?

Group sizes are completely dependent on where and how you choose to travel with Contiki. 

In Europe and in most of North America and New Zealand, group sizes can range between 24 – 53 awesome travellers. 

In regions like Asia, Australia, Africa and Latin America, and on some North America and New Zealand trips, our group sizes are considerably smaller – as low as 12 or up to 30 travellers max.

Detour trips offer a different type of experience and max out at 16 people led by a local host.

Wondering what is so great about travelling together? Check out the Contiki Social travel page.

Each group is administered according to our strict Covid policies which can be viewed here.

What’s included?

All essential trip elements have been catered to ensure a great time, with great people in great places. But you mean more specifically right?

Your accommodation, essential trip transport, and a good handful of meals are included in the cost of your Contiki trip (on most trips we offer breakfast every day, plus a hand-picked selection of authentic and tasty meals). 

To fill your days and Insta feeds we have Included Experiences, which are basically the sights and activities we think you just can’t afford to miss. Of course you also get our expert and highly trained team of Contiki staff to support throughout.

A day by day breakdown of inclusions and Free Time Add-Ons are available on the trip specific pages. 

We always try to accommodate special requests such as birthdays, proposals etc. Please chat to our team and we can explore how we may support the request.

What’s not included?

Contiki social travel trips have a large degree of flexibility built into them to enable you to truly own your experience. This means that some trip elements are not included in the initial cost and may require additional budgeting. 

Flights to and from your starting and ending points are not included in the cost of your trip. These can be added on during the booking process either online or via our contact center or booked independently by you.

Each trip contains the right amount of free time for you to explore or indulge your travel desires. We offer Free Time Add-Ons, which are additional experiences that are not included in the overall price. These add ons are highlighted on the specific trip page. Your Trip Manager will highlight these to you and organise their booking on trip. Exceptions may apply where pre booking is required but this will be made known to you in your pre departure information.

A number of meal times are left open for you to explore a region and its foodie offerings in greater detail, so budgeting for your taste in non-catered meals is important. 

Travel insurance and visas are also not included in the cost of your trip, and should be booked separately.

What are Contiki's sustainability credentials?

Travel comes with responsibilities. That’s why we’re determined to travel sustainably and consciously, and that’s why we’re willing to take a stand on issues closest to our hearts. Find out more details here . With the help of our four-point Climate Action Plan, we're now on a journey to Net Zero - committing to carbon reductions and evolving to support the transition to a low-carbon future. Find out more details here .

Do I need to purchase travel insurance for this trip?

Yes! It’s a requirement of traveling with Contiki that you take out comprehensive insurance cover for cancellation, personal injury, death, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, evacuation expenses, personal liability & loss of personal property and Covid related expenses before you travel with us. It’s also super important to check that your insurance covers all of the activities you’ll be trying out, particularly any adventure activities (for all you adrenaline junkies). For more information check out our full travel insurance FAQs.

Can I stay in my destination a few days before/after the trip starts/ends? And can Contiki help me arrange this?

Yes and yes! You can add pre- and post-trip accommodation to your booking in one of three ways:

When booking your trip online

In the 'My Travel Portal' after you've made your booking

By calling us any time on 0808 281 1120

In certain cities, you may even be able to secure a preferential rate for you pre- or post-trip accommodation.

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