The 10 Best Parks in Nashville

Take a break from the cityscape of downtown Nashville for a breath of fresh air at one of the many parks found around the city.

Trade concrete for grass and skyscrapers for trees as you embrace nature at these Music City parks.

The Best Parks in Nashville

Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park

Find a mix of urban, natural, and historical, all within one 19-acre parcel. Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park is just northwest of the city’s capital building, which highlights the state’s history, culture, and musical heritage.

This unique mix of industrial and natural creates a unique space to gather with friends or family and experience activities and events that go on throughout the year.

There’s even a full map for those who wish to take a self-guided tour of the entire space.

Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park is a celebration of Tennessee that’s the perfect urban park for spending time outside and in the city.

• Location: 600 James Robertson Pkwy, Nashville, TN 37243

Centennial Park

Here you’ll find a 132-acre urban park complete with trails, greenery, and a Parthenon. Centennial Park is just two miles from downtown Nashville, yet it seems like a whole other world.

Established in 1903, this park has long been a favorite for locals and visitors alike.

This vibrant space includes many shelter areas, a playground, a dog park, and tons of more specific areas for events and learning.

There’s something to be enjoyed by every member of the family, and you’ll find yourself spending more and more time at Centennial Park in Nashville.

• Location: 2500 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203

Cumberland Park

Along the beautiful Cumberland River is where you’ll find this family-friendly and welcoming space.

Cumberland Park is an innovative space where kids can play; you can walk the trails or gather to hear a concert in the amphitheater.

Kids and adults alike will have a great time here with rock-climbing walls and splash pads to play in.

Plus, there’s tons of lush green grass to lounge on or run around and even a trail that weaves through a garden designed to attract butterflies.

Cumberland Park is a wonderful example of a welcoming urban park and the perfect new place to spend your time off.

• Location: 592 South First St, Nashville, TN 37213

Elmington Park

Here you’ll be able to gather and play all your favorite sports in a large and lush lawn space.

Elmington Park offers a playground and picnic areas for families to gather, along with lawns that are perfectly curated for a variety of athletic events.

At 13.34 acres, it’s a pretty large space and has been a local favorite for over 80 years.

Enjoy the shade trees, baseball diamonds, tennis courts, and picnic tables. Elmington Park has fun for the whole family, no matter what you’re hoping to do at the park.

• Location: 3531 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37205

Fannie Mae Dees Park

While this may not be the largest park in this lineup, it’s the perfect place to get away for a few hours with the whole family.

Fannie Mae Dees Park is known by locals as Dragon Park because of the large mosaic mural that sprawls throughout the space.

Here is a go-to spot for weekend picnics as they offer enclosed spaces with tables and benches. There’s also a playground for kids of all ages to play for hours.

The local art featured is a massive mosaic dragon which makes a fun backdrop to the lively local park. Fannie Mae Dees Park is a great place in Nashville to spend a leisurely afternoon with the family.

• Location: 2400 Blakemore Ave, Nashville, TN 37212

Nashville Public Square Park

Instead of taking a break from the urban oasis that is Music City, this park embraces it.

Nashville Public Square Park is a large public area in front of the courthouse, which includes a lush lawn, an observation deck, and a walking path.

Here there are often events going on, so you never know what you’ll stumble upon.

In the background is the colossal 1930s-style courthouse, which creates a beautiful cityscape background for your picnic or while you read a book on your lunch break.

Take a walk around the 7.5-acre property and enjoy the urban Nashville Public Square Park.

• Location: Union St + 3rd Ave N, Nashville, TN 37243

Percy Warner Park

One of the major public parks in Nashville, this natural area is a popular place to see wildlife and explore the natural side of Music City.

Percy Warner Park is only 9 miles from downtown and spans a whopping 3,100 acres of forest and field.

There’s no shortage of things to do at this park, with picnic areas, a dog park, overlooks hiking trails, horse trails, and even a golf course on the property.

Percy Warner Park is the perfect palace to take a break from nature.

• Location: 50 Vaughn Rd, Nashville, TN 37221

Radnor Lake State Park

This state land is filled with natural areas and hiking trails to be enjoyed.

Radnor Lake State Park is one park that will totally immerse you in the wildlife and environment of rural Tennessee.

The park is a whopping 1,368 acres of natural forest and water features, including Radnor Lake. You’ll find unpaved trails throughout the park, which are perfect for an afternoon of exploring.

Wildlife is abundant, from different birds and waterfowl to amphibians and even mink or otters.

Plus, tons of vegetation and wildflowers grow throughout the forest. Radnor Lake State Park is the perfect escape from urban Nashville.

• Location: 1160 Otter Creek Rd, Nashville, TN 37220

Sevier Park

When you think of a classic city park, this one would probably come to mind.

Sevier Park is a lush and tranquil spot with a large lawn, trees, a walking path, and a creek, plus a historical and community center on site.

People of all ages can enjoy this park as there’s plenty to enjoy, from the colorful playground to the natural views and sounds along the creek.

You can also learn a bit more about local history with a visit to the Sunnyside. The whole family can gather and enjoy a picnic or a leisurely stroll along the pathway.

Sevier Park is the perfect park for all ages.

• Location: 3021 Lealand Ln, Nashville, TN 37204

Shelby Bottoms

This natural area in Nashville is only minutes from downtown Nashville but feels like a whole other world.

Shelby Bottoms is an oasis within the city with a multi-use trail that runs along the Cumberland River and a spacious forest.

You’ll find numerous unpaved trails that loop throughout the forest and wide open areas at this park.

This route is about 4.5 miles, but with additional trails can be increased to 6.4 miles. Enjoy the wildlife and views that the Shelby Bottoms Greenway and Natural Area has to offer.

• Location: 1900 Shelby Bottoms Greenway, Nashville, TN 37206

Final Thoughts

Explore more than bars and music venues. The parks around Nashville are filled with history and nature that’s just waiting to be enjoyed.