If you have the urge to get outside and enjoy a jaunt into the gorgeous parks surrounding Music City, we’ve found a couple of places for a picnic in Nashville where you can spread a blanket, wrangle your little ones, and give them a sweet afternoon out. Or, you know – these are fantastic first date spots. Just sayin’. Check out the best picnic spots in Nashville.

11. Percy Warner Park
Percy Warner Park, 50 Vaughn Rd, Nashville, TN 37221, USA
Michael Hicks / Flickr
The gorgeous expanse of the park is perfect for an afternoon alone, paired with some good cheese and a bit of crusty bread.
10. The Natchez-Trace
Natchez Trace State Park, 22390 Natchez Trace Rd, Wildersville, TN 38351, USA
Whatknot / Flickr
Located a bit outside of the city, this protected park stretches for miles and offers quite a few opportunities and spots to eat lunch in the great outdoors.
9. The Hermitage
Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage, 4580 Rachels Ln, Hermitage, TN 37076, USA
MA1216 / Flickr
History AND food? We're in. Take your kids to Andrew Jackson's historical home, and feed them something good on the lawn outside.
8. Shelby Park
Shelby Avenue & South 20th Street, Shelby Ave & S 20th St, Nashville, TN 37206, USA
Brent Moore / Flickr
Runners frequent the park, but the fields and expansive grassy areas make this the spot for East Nashvillians.
7. Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park
Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, 600 James Robertson Pkwy, Nashville, TN 37243, USA
Brent Moore / Flickr
Located right downtown, this popular park may get a little busy but there's nothing like the nearby Farmers Market. There's also a kids' splash pad in the summertime. It's easily one of the best Nashville picnic spots!

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6. Arrington Vineyards
Arrington Vineyards, 6211 Patton Rd, Arrington, TN 37014, USA
Denise Mattox / Flickr
Located in Arrington, a hot second out of the city, it feels more like a destination picnic in California wine country than Tennessee. Take that, Sonoma!
5. Cumberland Park
592 S 1st St, Nashville, TN 37213, USA
Daniel Lobo / Flickr
The newly renovated Cumberland Park is located across the river from downtown, next to Nissan Stadium. The quirky set-up is great for those of you who are looking for a solid bit of distraction.
4. Love Circle
Love Circle, Love Cir, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
Sean Davis / Flickr
Any romantics out there? Join a plethora of starry eyed lovers up on Love Circle, where you can indulge in a hefty sandwich AND a view of downtown.
3. War Memorial Plaza
War Memorial Plaza, Union St, Nashville, TN 37219, USA
soupstance / Flickr
This downtown, concrete plaza is frequented by nine-to-fivers during the week, and also hosts festivals throughout the year.
2. Downtown Library Courtyard
Nashville Public Library, 615 Church St, Nashville, TN 37219, USA
D Smith / Flickr
A perfect oasis for all you day workers, the public library helps those tied to their computers take in a sweet picnic in the middle of the day. Plus, you can take the kids after the Saturday puppet show!
1. Centennial Park
Centennial Park, 2500 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
Ron Cogswell / Flickr
We. LOVE. Centennial Park. The one mile loop is great for running, and the renovated pond area makes the best place for a picnic. Plus, all the little ducklings are out and about - your grandbabies will love them!

Where do you think are the best picnic spots in Nashville? Tell us about them on our nomination page, and you just might see your suggestions featured in an upcoming article.

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More to Explore

out and about in Nashville

Katie Lawrence | July 20, 2022

What are the most beautiful hikes in Nashville?

One of the most scenic hikes in Nashville is definitely the Edwin Warner Park Nature Loop. Located at the ever-popular Edwin Warner Park in the Belle Meade neighborhood, this 2.5-mile trail is just a hop, skip, and a jump away from downtown. The park's Nature Center even provides hikers with informational booklets detailing the flora and fauna you'll see along the way. It's the perfect way to get your exercise in while learning some new things! The Edwin Warner Park Nature Loop will quickly become one of your new favorites hikes in Nashville that you'll want to embark on again and again.

Which hikes in Nashville are short and sweet?

If you're in search of easy hikes in Nashville, it's hard to beat the Rogers Walk Trail. Located at the Ellington Agricultural Center in south Nashville, this short and sweet stroll is only 2.4 miles from start to finish. The loop trail is scenic as can be, lined on either side by some of the lushest vegetation you've ever seen. With hardly any elevation gain, the whole family can enjoy this hike - including your four-legged friends, as leashed dogs are allowed.

Can I hike to abandoned places in Nashville?

Feeling adventurous? If so, you'll definitely want to visit Big South Fork National Recreation Area. Once home to a town called "No Business," the park offers one of the only hikes to abandoned places near Nashville. The town was founded in 1796 and remained populated until 1960, when the last-remaining resident finally left. Few remnants of No Business remain, but some parkgoers claim to have spotted it on a remote horse trail near the John Muir overlook following No Business Creek.

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