Closest Beaches to Nashville

If you are longing for sun, sand, and swimming waves but happen to be in a landlocked city like Nashville, do not fret! Many beautifully arranged lakes and swimming beaches are near Nashville TN for a perfect day trip or weekend getaway. Whether one is simply lounging on the sandy beach, swimming in the clear waters, or taking a boat ride, several locations within reach will fix the beach itch. These are the closest beaches to Nashville, each well worth a visit. 

Percy Priest Lake- Nashville’s Own Lakeside Escape

Distance: 15 mins from downtown Nashville

One of the more popular beaches near Nashville TN is Percy Priest Lake. Just minutes away from downtown Nashville, Percy Priest Lake offers great swimming beaches that locals have come to appreciate. While two standouts would be:

• Anderson Road Recreation Area

• Cook Day Use Area 

The areas have sandy shores with designated swim zones, picnic tables, and grills, as well as scenic walking trails. Percy Priest Lake is a great option for a short day ride whenever you feel the urge to pull away from the city on a quick getaway. The clear water’s calmness is a delight for swimming, kayaking, or paddleboarding. 

Pro Tip: Get there early on weekends as beach areas fill quickly with people during summer. 

Old Hickory Lake-A Boater’s Paradise

Distance: 30 minutes from Nashville

Another nice option among the closest beaches to Nashville is Old Hickory Lake in Hendersonville. White sandy beaches are left here somewhere down the line, at least for swimming and relaxing by the water.

Old Hickory Lake is home to Sanders Ferry Park, a love-it-or-leave-it local swimming beach. With large grassy areas, a playground, and a shoreline for swimming and sunbathing, this is a popular spot. The lake is also quite popular for all kinds of boating, fishing, and jet skiing-a recreational oasis, if you will. 

Center Hill Lake-Crystal Clear Waters

Distance: 1.5 hours east of Nashville

If you’re willing to make a scenic drive to get there, Center Hill Lake is probably one of the best beaches by which to spend the day or a weekend getaway from Nashville TN. Deep clear waters and the surrounding cliffs make it kind of a rare jewel for Middle Tennessee.

Floating Mill Recreation Area offers a designated swim beach with calm waters, picnic areas, and easy access to the cooling lake. A perfect place for family-oriented fun, a lover of nature, and everyone trying to find a refreshing swim among nature’s splendor.

Kentucky Lake – Weekend Getaway

Distance: 2 hours west from Nashville. 

Want a bigger beach? Kentucky Lake has some of the biggest man-made lakes in the U.S. and really big shorelines and multiple beach sites. Kentucky Lake, the U.S. largest man made lakes shores and popularly spread, is about two hours from Nashville which makes it an excellent weekend trip destination.

Popular beaches include Paris Landing State Park Beach and Benton County Public Beach. Both spots provide sandy shores, swimming areas, and picnic spots, making them ideal for family hunger and playgrounds. Boating, fishing, and water sports rentals are also available.

Dale Hollow Lake – Quiet and Unspoiled

Distance: 2 hours northeast from Nashville

Inhabiting the area of the Tennessee-Kentucky border, Dale Hollow Lake is one more best options when considering the beaches closely associated to Nashville, Tenn. Known for its clear, dazzling waters, Dale Hollow features small beaches, wonderful for swimming, picnics, or just unwinding.

It’s an ideal place for those wanting to spend a day at the beach combined with a little adventure as the lake is famous for houseboat rentals, fishing, and quiet coves. The surrounding nature is also superb for hiking and wildlife watching.

Honorable Mentions – Gulf Coast Beaches (For Longer Trips)

If you are looking for a beach holiday and truly long for sand between your toes, you can find some Gulf Coast beaches within just a day’s drive from Nashville:

• Gulf Shores, Alabama – About 6 hours drive South

• Destin, Florida – Roughly 6.5 hours south

• Pensacola Beach, Florida – Approximately 6 hours away

Those long stretches of white beach are well worth making the trip for if you think on spending a longer time.

Are there beaches in Nashville?

Nashville is not endowed naturally with ocean beaches; however, there are some good lake beaches and swimming holes that come close to making up for the inefficiency: Percy Priest Lake and Old Hickory Lake work excellently and conveniently for the beach-hoarding Nashville crowd.

Plan Your Lakeside Adventure

Those beaches near Nashville, TN, never run short for a quick afternoon swim or a weekend getaway. In just minutes away from calm lake shores to several hours’ driving time away toward the larger beach areas, Middle Tennessee affords plenty of opportunity to soak up the sun and play in the water. 

No matter if you’re planning a quick afternoon dip or a full weekend escape, there’s no shortage of beaches near Nashville TN. From calm lake shores just minutes away to larger beach areas a couple of hours’ drive, Middle Tennessee offers plenty of opportunities to soak up the sun and enjoy the water.

And if you’re looking for even more ways to explore the South, consider joining one of Great American Tours‘ expertly curated trips. We specialize in unique group travel experiences across Tennessee and beyond—perfect for travelers who want to immerse themselves in the culture, history, and natural beauty of our region. Check out our upcoming tours and start planning your next adventure today!