Downtown's Top Places to Relax Outdoors

Ready for some fun in the sun? Check out our list of downtown Nashville’s best parks, gardens, and green spaces with public art, play areas, and more.

As the weather heats up, we’re all ready to take in some fresh air, greenery, and fun in the sun! If you’re looking for the perfect place to stretch out in nature, you’ll find it in Downtown Music City. Check out our list of beautiful parks and green spaces that everyone can enjoy!

 

Bicentennial Capitol Mall Park

Opened in 1996 to commemorate Tennessee’s 200th anniversary, Bicentennial Capitol Mall's 19 acres include a number of historic and memorial features, in addition to walking paths and open areas. In the Court of 3 Stars, at the north end of the park, 50 columns house a 95-bell carillon that plays the “Tennessee Waltz” every hour. Walk the Pathway of History, on the western side, to learn about key events of our storied state and the Walkway of Counties, to the east, above time capsules from each community. Whether you visit for the landmarks or simply to enjoy the scenery, it won’t disappoint.

 

Victory Park

Towards the Capitol lies Victory Park, with memorials to our state’s presidents, a statue of WWI hero Alvin York, and a replica of the Liberty Bell. Walk or run up the curved steps to enjoy a view of Bicentennial while getting a great workout in the process!

 

Public Square Park

Home to numerous outdoor festivals and events, Public Square Park was once a surface parking lot. Now, its contemporary design includes a state-of-the-art greenroof, observation deck, and sitting areas. In the summer, it’s also one of the best places to beat the heat with a splash pad and wading pool for the kids.

 

Church Street Park

Nashvillians and visitors can now enjoy FREE events at Church Street Park throughout the summer months. This park is centrally located to all that downtown has to offer and now serves as a comfortable respite where downtown residents, employees and visitors can enjoy lunchtime jazz, a yoga class, even a dance class! Check out the full schedule of events HERE. If the schedule doesn't work for you, consider checking out a book at the Public Library across the street and reading it at the park's welcoming tables. 

 

Walk of Fame Park

If you are interested in music history, don’t miss Walk of Fame Park with tributes to legends like Johnny Cash, Brenda Lee, and Little Richard as well as modern stars like Jack White, Ben Folds, and Lady Antebellum. Don’t see your favorite artist? Just wait! New inductees, who have significantly contributed to our community’s melodic heritage, are added twice a year.

 

Frankie Pierce Park

Named for the barrier-breaking suffrage leader Frankie Pierce (the only African American woman to speak at the first meeting of the League of Women Voters of Tennessee and founder of the Tennessee Vocational School for Colored Girls), downtown’s newest park connects Capitol View with the Gulch Greenway. In addition to a sand volleyball court, dynamic playground, and yoga lawn, the space includes a huge area for your four-legged friends to enjoy. Check out this gem the next time you’re on the west side!

 

Riverfront Park

Set along the west bank, Riverfront Park is a just short walk from Lower Broadway. Developed to celebrate our city’s close connection to the Cumberland River, dating back to when settlers arrived by boat, the space includes gorgeous walking trails, sitting areas, and a recreation of Fort Nashborough you can tour for free. This week, take a morning or evening jaunt with your pup to a vibrant cafe with a distinctly European twist! A short stroll from Riverfront Park and Ascend Amphitheater, Liberty Common is serving everything from Croque Madame ("ooh la la!") to housemade Pappardelle ("delizioso") to Nashville Hot Chicken and Waffles ("yum, ya'll"). Enjoy a cocktail or espresso on their patio for "une expérience totale" that is "très magnifique!"

 

Cumberland Park

One of the most recent additions to downtown, Cumberland Park has something for everyone! On the river’s east bank, you’ll find a huge play area with sand, a bouncing pad, splash pad, green maze, and tandem see-saws. The park also features a stone climbing wall and climbing nets for the more adventurous. If you’d rather relax, take a stroll through the Explorer Trail, specially designed to attract butterflies, or simply stretch out on the greenery and enjoy the skyline.