Nashville Destination Guide: A Group Planner’s Saving Grace
Why Nashville works as a home base, especially for groups
Nashville, Tennessee is one of the most popular group trip destinations in the U.S. People fly or drive in from all over the country (and the world) to experience the glory of its unique country music scene and Southern hospitality. And it reigns supreme for groups for a few reasons. Nashville’s central location in the south makes it easy to get to from areas all along the east coast and southern states, which helps groups from dispersed areas come together. Nashville’s Berry Field International Airport, for example, runs hundreds of direct flights every day from all over the country, so even folks coming from the West Coast can arrive quickly.
And then of course there’s the city’s renowned nightlife. Walkable avenues lined with bars, music, and live entertainment make it easy for big groups to squeeze their way into watering holes and dance halls, hopping from one music venue to the other without having to call a rideshare in between. The palpable energy of Lower Broadway (also called the Honky Tonk Highway) sets the scene for big group experiences like bachelorette parties or a college friend reunion.
Best Time to Visit
So many areas of Nashville are walkable. Which means good weather makes it easier and more fun to get around town. To avoid sweltering summers or chilly nights, head there in the spring, from March to May, or fall, from September to November. That being said, if you’re looking to hit up some of the country’s best music festivals, June is the month for CMA Fest and Bannaroo Music & Arts Festival. Just keep in mind you’ll be sharing the streets, restaurants, and accommodations with some serious crowds, so book ahead and be ready to wait. But if you’re looking for deals and less people, July and August, as well as December through February, are your best windows.
Where to Stay: Neighborhoods That Make Sense
If you’re traveling with a crew and Broadway is your main going out spot, check out these neighborhoods for Nashville vacation rentals. Some are close enough to the Honky Tonk Highway, while others require an Uber.
The Gulch
Plunge pool, sleeps 12, save $631 vs Airbnb
What was once an industrial area just south of downtown is now a walkable neighborhood full of quintessential Nashville energy. Amongst the high-rise condos you’ll have access to great restaurants, rooftop bars, live music venues, breweries, and street art to jazz up those group photo backgrounds. You can walk to Lower Broadway bars and venues from rentals in The Gulch.
12 South
Perfect for large groups, sleeps 20, save $230 vs Airbnb
For even funkier murals and exceptional food, 12South is the place. Along with being one of the most walkable and charming stretches of the city, this is where you can go to shop for anything from local clothing stores to high-end designer boutiques, or stop in at top of the line restaurants, great coffee shops, and bars.
East Nashville
Two private rooftops, sleeps 24, save $819 vs Airbnb
The East Nashville neighborhood is located across Cumberland River from downtown. It’s considered a hip, quieter area with historic homes dating back to the early 1900s and a strong creative class. Think dive bars, coffee shops, vintage stores, record shops, and a bumping food scene that helped put Nashville on the map as a culinary destination.
Downtown
In the heart of the city, sleeps 12, save $593 vs Airbnb
For anyone wanting the postcard Nashville experience and direct access to the heart of the city. The best honky tonks, food, and rooftop bars are at your fingertip.
Getting Around
Nashville is a car city. But once you get to your destination, the neighborhoods themselves are pretty walkable, especially downtown or around The Gulch and 12 South. Unless you’re planning on taking a few trips outside the city, a rental car isn’t really necessary, especially because downtown parking is expensive ($20-$40 for the night). The solution? Ride shares. Uber and Lyft both run in the city and can get you from vacation rental to whatever activity or restaurant you’re headed to.
Other options include scooters from the usual suspects like Lime and Bird, or the city’s public e-bike bike system, BCycle, has stations in most neighborhoods. Downtown you can hop on the Nashville Trolley (yes it’s touristy) to see the major attractions like the Country Music Hall of Fame and learn a little about the city’s history.
For more thematic activity-style vehicles, the pedal taverns are the ultimate bachelor/bachelorette mode of transport and a fun way to do some bar hopping downtown. Or go big with party buses if you’re staying outside the city and want your own personal non-stop dance party to and from bars and music venues.
Things to do in Nashville: Beyond the honky-tonks
If you don’t two-step at least once in Nashville, can you really say you’ve been? Your group can’t leave Music City without a night out on the Honky Tonk Highway. But not everyone wants to line dance with hoards of crowds for three days straight. Here’s what else your crew can check out in Nashville:
Honest take on Broadway
Lower Broadway, or the Honky Tonk Highway, is definitely touristy. But so is the Eiffel Tower, and you wouldn't leave Paris without seeing it. And especially with a big group, when you’re looking for big energy and a good time, Broadway delivers. We recommend you plan to spend one night bar hopping on Broadway. Did you have the time of your life and want more? You can always go back for a second round. It’s just probably not going to be worth your whole trip.
Ryman Auditorium
With over 130 years of history (it was originally a church), the Ryaman served as the original Grand Ole Opry in the ‘50s and ‘60s and now is considered one of the most iconic music venues in the world, having hosted a range of artists from Johnny Cash to Lizzo. To catch a show, be it a concert or comedy show, you’ll need to snag tickets well in advance, especially for big groups. Ryman's official online calendar is the best place to find and purchase them.
Country Music Hall of Fame
Whether country music is your beat or not, this museum is actually well worth a visit, especially if you need a little cultural break from the party atmosphere of a typical bachelor/bachelorette weekend. The place sets the scene for the city Nashville; music is the essence of its soul. Along with the actual hall of fame, check out Elvis’s gold piano and cadillac, for example, or the displays on performers like Taylor Swift who are shaping modern music and culture even beyond the country genre. If your crew is full of country music fans, it's worth checking out the group tours for exclusive access and tailored activities.
Rooftop bars
Nashville's rooftop bar selection allows your group to go full honky tonk with live country music, or keep it classy at rooftop restaurants and hotel bars with skyline views. The Twelve Thirty Club is more of the former, with a honk tonk on the ground floor and The Rooftop Bar on, well, the rooftop. Tall Tales in East Nashville works well for smaller groups looking for a great daily happy hour, whereas Harriet’s Rooftop downtown has more of a nightclub vibe. For scorching summer days, snag a day pass at The Pool Club for exceptional views of Music Row, weekend DJ sets, and poolside cocktail pitchers ideal for a group.
Centennial Park
Swiftie fans, it’s time to head outside. Mentioned in one of Taylor Swift's songs (“Invisible String”), Centennial Park is also home to a reading bench dedicated to the artist. But beyond the Swiftdom, the urban green space is most famously known for the Pantheon museum, as well as walking trails, a lake, and performing arts studios. It’s a great place to get outside, rest in between brunch and an indoor group activity, or hit up the sand volleyball courts if you need to move around. Look out for the free Musicians Concert series in May, June, and September.
Nashville Day Trips
You could easily spend your whole trip in the city. But if you’re looking to get out of town, these day trips are easy to organize for groups and individuals alike:
Jack Daniel’s Distillery: Get a guided tour of the distillery (90 minutes from town) and of course an ample whiskey tasting at the source. This whiskey tour transports you to and from downtown Nashville and includes skip-the-line reservations.
The Loveless Cafe: The famous Loveless Cafe is more than its homemade biscuits, country ham, and 22-hour smoked barbecue. There is a country market, gifts with local crafts, and pottery store on site, along with weekly events like car shows. Ask about group-friendly reservation options and don’t leave without a slice of homemade pie.
Franklin: This town is only 30 minutes south of Nashville, but feels worlds away from the city chaos. Shop along the insanely charming Main Street, visit the Leipor’s Fork Distillery, or check out the nearby historical sites.
Arrington Vineyards: Just outside Franklin, Arrington Vineyards is worth the trip for a day of wine tasting, hillside picnics (bring your own or pre-order a gourmet basket), and weekend live music.
Food Worth Planning Around
Hot chicken
Nashville’s fiery fried hot chicken is as quintessential to the city as a bagel is to New York. Prince’s is the OG, the inventors of the iconic dish, and there are locations all around the city. Though the one on Nolensville Pike is your best bet. But don’t stop there. Brave Idiot’s permanently parked food truck in East Nashville delivers insanely crispy skin.
Bolton’s humble shack brings some serious heat and hot fish along with the typical poultry, and Red’s 615 does boneless thighs and tenders. (Local tip: grab a beer next door at Springwater, the oldest bar in Nashville.)
Heat levels explained:*
Southern: Just good ol’ fashioned southern fried chicken without the burn.
Mild: Nashville style but already bringing some heat. It just won’t overwhelm you.
Medium: Expect a persistent, lip-tingling burn that really shows off the Nashville hot chicken’s true colors.
Hot: A sweat-inducing heat that lingers well after you’ve finished and demands respect.
Extra Hot: Daring eaters usually get hiccups and a “spice drunk” feeling.
Nashville Inferno: Totally inhumane heat levels that have nothing to do with flavor and are all about the story. Some restaurants literally require you to sign a waiver.
*Not every restaurant has the same standard of heat. Mild in one spot could be more on the medium-hot spectrum in another. Tread lightly.
Brunch culture
Brunch culture is strong in Nashville. But not all bloodies are made equal. Here are some standouts:
Noko: Their “Big Baller Brunch” features waffles, eggs, hashbrowns, and a 42-ounce tomahawk ribeye.
Shugga Hi: You’ll probably need to Uber up north to this spot on Dickerson Pike but it's worth it for the Jazz and Eggs Sunday Brunch, a 90-minute all-you-can eat breakfast feast with live music and serious soul food offerings like smothered pork chops and donut casseroles. Don’t miss the mimosa bar and chicken and waffles either.
The Butter Milk Ranch: Instead of waiting to sit for brunch, be the group hero and grab a box of honey butter-glazed croissants and take them back to your vacation rental.
Audrey: For a high-end brunch outing complete with melon mimosas and peach sticky buns, this East Nashville spot is a cut above the rest.
Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery: For some of the best bloody marys and cheesy breakfast grits in the city, head to the Green Brier grand dining room at this local distillery.
Dinner reservations you actually need to make
Because you can’t live on a diet of hot chicken and bottomless mimosas alone.
The Catbird Seat: A converted reservation in town (book two months in advance), this experimental fine dining Michelin-starred concept is worth the price tag for an intimate group (max parties of 4) of serious foodies.
Tailor Nashville: This South Asian American restaurant in Germantown feels like a swank dinner party you somehow got invited to.
Maiz de la Vida: You aren’t going to need a reservation at the permanently parked truck in front of Chopper Tiki, but you can also head to the dining room at The Gulch for life-changing quesabirria tacos and upscale traditional Mexican dishes.
International Market: Affordable and great for people watching, the contemporary renditions on Thai classics bring almost as much heat as Nashville chicken.
Tantísimo: Head here on Tuesday for their Latin dance nights or just revel in the sharable dishes like the shrimp aguachile with fermented habanero.
Turkey and the Wolf Ice House: A New Orleans transplant, this award-winning sandwich spot is not only delicious (keep your eyes peeled for their collaborative dinners with other local restaurants) but a roaring good time.
Late-night food that holds up
Where to grab a late-night bite after you’ve closed down the dance floor:
Dino’s: Order the famous cheeseburger or butcher burger with local beef here at Nashville’s oldest dive bar until 3 a.m.
Mother’s Ruin: The Old Bay Waffle Fries with chorizo, green chile queso, and a secret sauce are technically on their secret late-night menu.
Duke’s: Build your own sandwich until 3 a.m. or go for the London broil.
Inglewood Lounge: Get their piri piri chicken sandwich slathered in lemon basil mayo until 1 a.m.
Two Boots Nashville: Craving late-night hot chicken? Grab a slice of the “The Kitty” pizza topped with Hattie B’s hot chicken.
Monell’s: Their midnight country breakfast on Saturday nights includes all-you-can-eat fried chicken, biscuits, and more.
The Nashville Group Trip Reality: Bachelor/Bachelorette Parties and Planning for a Crew
If you’ve planned a group trip before, be it a bachelorette party or guy’s weekend or for just a crew of friends heading out of town, you’ve seen what can go wrong. Learn from the past and take a few of these group planning tips into account as you set things up. Here’s how to pace it so everyone is still speaking by night three.
Go for the vacation rental
For groups (and especially for Nashville bachelorette/bachelor party rentals), a vacation rental beats hotel rooms by astronomical levels. You’ve got shared common space, can get ready together, and the bill clocks in at way less per head (see our breakdown below). For big groups that may not all know each other super well (like bachelor/bachelorette parties) there’s also that benefit of not getting stuck in a hotel room all weekend with someone you’ve never met before. And when you’re coming home at the end of the night, nobody has to worry too much about noise or that lobby awkwardness with the hotel staff. In other words, you can make the place your own.
How to pick the right property
The kind of property you choose is obviously all about your group size and needs. The first thing to think about is the location. Where are you planning to explore or spend most of your time while in town? Consider the distances from the vacation rental and how you’ll get to each spot. If you’re driving into Nashville or renting a car while in town, you probably want a vacation rental with easy on-site parking for you and the other group members.
Then it’s about the property itself, specifically bedrooms vs. number of beds. Are people okay sharing beds? Is someone sleeping on the pullout couch? Those bunk beds may look like a fun idea but is someone really going to want to climb up to the top bunk at 2 a.m.? Then you’ve got to think about bathrooms. Can 8 people realistically get ready in 2 bathrooms? Probably depends on your crew.
Outdoor space can be a real game changer for a Nashville group vacation. A big patio with a grill gives you the flexibility to stay in one evening or spend lunchtime just hanging in the rental to rest up for a night out. And especially in the summer, a Nashville vacation rental with a pool is clutch for heat relief and ultimate relaxation. Again, it’s all about your needs and priorities.
Nashville-centric activities that actually work for groups
Here’s what can keep a group happy for 2-5 days:
Pedal taverns: We mentioned this before, but pedal taverns are actually a fun way to see downtown. Cruise around the city and stop at popular landmarks and bars along the way. These group party bikes are usually BYOB which can save you some cash on drinks if you don’t want to pull up to a bar. If you're up for a real adventure cruise music city by way of the Nashville Tractor.
Line dancing lessons: Unless you grew up in the south (or even if you did), you may need a little boost of confidence on the country western dance floor. You can book communal or private group line dancing lessons at Broadway’s Stompin’ Grounds, for example, or check out free sessions at spots like the Hurricane Hall in Wildhorse Saloon.
Boat tours: Cruise along the Cumberland River with views of the Nashville skyline on a party cruise. The Pontoon Saloon boat tours are basically a honky tonk on a boat with a party host, sound system, and on-board bar. Or check out the Nashville Water Taxis. Book private cruises for your group or go for the public tours to meet other boat cruisers and travelers.
Spa mornings: Rejuvenate your tired dancing legs and wake up just a little earlier for a spa morning. The non-night owls in the group will really appreciate this, but so will anyone who loves a massage, facial, or some time in the sauna. The Spahaus does specific group packages so you can all stick together, stay on a timeline if needed, and still relax.
3 Night Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival
Line dancing lessons
Dinner at Maiz de la Vida Gulch location
Night out on the Honky Tonk Highway
Day 2
Brunch at Audrey
All day pontoon boat party
Dinner at Tailor Nashville
Rooftop drinks at Harriet’s
Day 3
Breakfast at the vacation rental (who’s picking up croissants from The Buttermilk Ranch?)
Spa morning
Lunch at Turkey and the Wolf Icehouse
Visit Country Music Hall of Fame
Dinner at International Market
Show at Ryman Auditorium
Late night snacks at Mother’s Ruin
Day 4
Brunch at Shugga Hi
Departure
Tips for avoiding group trip stress
- Plan ahead: Coordinate transportation and travel logistics ahead of time. That means vacation rental, transportation, parking, etc. Book activities in advance and make reservations where you can. And anywhere you can’t, try to arrive early to other activities to avoid the long lines.
- Prepare for crowds: Crowds are inevitable during peak season. Be prepared and stay calm. Lean into the crowds, and make some friends. You’re on vacation, remember?
- Name a meeting spot: When you’re out in a crowd, name a designated meeting space in case your group gets separated. It’s not uncommon for cell phones to die, go unheard, or even get lost in the chaos.
- Incorporate downtime: Schedule time so everyone can relax and actually enjoy each other, whether that’s at the rental, spa, or pool.
- Make a budget: Not everyone in the group may have the same amount of expendable cash. Find out what kind of budgets you're working with, accommodate them as much as possible, and stick to them so everyone feels heard and not stressed about paying for drinks all weekend.
Group budget breakdown
Here’s a breakdown of a Savvy vacation rental vs. the average hotel. This gorgeous 4-bedroom house in near broadway that can sleep up to 12 people. But let’s just say you’re going with 12, so everyone gets a bedroom. For a long 3-night weekend in October, you’re looking at a total of $4,085 for the whole group. A stay at a hotel in East Nashville, like the Drift Hotel, will cost you $738 per couple for the most basic room for those 3 nights, coming in at a total $4,428 for the whole group. The savings are honestly insane. You’re looking at over $3,000 in savings for the group, or exactly $118 per person. And, let's not forget that booking this home on Savvy vs Airbnb will save you over $200.
More Nashville Travel Insider Tips
Booking windows
Nashville fills up fast for weekend bookings, and that includes restaurants. To make sure you’ve got your share of large Nashville vacation rentals, group dining experiences, and available activities, make reservations as early as possible. At least one month in advance, if not two or three.
Respect the neighbors
While you’re not in a hotel, most vacation rental properties are in residential areas. Which means there are noise ordinances you have to abide by. That doesn’t mean you can’t have a little karaoke party before bed, but it does mean you’ve got to keep the music down to a normal level. Just be respectful and considerate.
Whether by season
Spring: Average lows between 39ºF and 57ºF, and highs up to 78ºF. May is the rainiest season.
Summer: Average highs get up to about 89ºF. You’ll need AC.
Fall: Average lows between 39ºF and 61ºF, highs up into 82ºF.
Winter: Average lows dip down to about 31ºF, and highs up to 52ºF. Snow is rare but it happens.
What to pack
No matter the season, you’re going to want comfortable walking (or dancing) shoes, casual shoes for normal activities, and nicer ones for going out. And always feel free to bring along a little western wear if you’re feeling the vibe.
Spring: Layers, light jackets, jeans, breathable shirts, linen pants, umbrella
Summer: Shorts, sleeveless shirts, dresses, breathable clothing, sunglasses, hats, sunscreen, a light cardigan or long-sleeved shirt for air-conditioned spots
Fall: Lightweight knits, button-downs, light jackets, jeans, long and short sleeve shirts
Winter: Pants, long-sleeved shirts, sweaters, medium-weight jacket, layers, boots, scarf, hat
