Warmer weather is finally here, which means it’s time to break out the picnic baskets and blankets and head outside to enjoy it as much as possible! Here are our favorite places to picnic in Nashville, from under-the-radar parks to scenic city views.
Bells Bend Park in Northwest Davidson County is my favorite place to picnic. Park at the outdoor center and eat at one of the tables behind it for a view of wide-open meadows and bright blue skies. It’s a peaceful, quiet park.
This is another quiet, under-the-radar spot for a peaceful picnic, located in Brentwood. Picnic in a meadow by the Ravenswood Mansion, or choose one of the picnic shelters.
Grab a picnic blanket for a fantastic view at Love Circle, a hill overlooking the city. It’s in a dense West End neighborhood, and you’ll need to park on the circular road leading up to the hill, as there’s no parking lot.
Lake Watauga at Centennial Park. (Margaret Kingsbury / City Cast Nashville)
I love picnicking in a field by the Parthenon, and if it gets too hot, I try to grab a shaded picnic table by Lake Watauga. The lake does get crowded on the weekends, but it’s a great lunch spot during the week. The botanical garden is a great picnic spot, too, and typically less crowded.
Picnic here for a view of the Tennessee State Capitol building. I like to picnic by the carillon bells so I can listen to them ring, but another good spot is on the amphitheater steps.
Shelby has many great picnic spots, but we like picnicking on the shores of Lake Sevier, the little lake in the middle of the park with a great crew of geese, ducks, and turtles to watch. You can even bring your fishing pole! There’s parking right by the lake.
Bike or hike on one of Percy Warner Park’s trails before picnicking at one of their covered shelters.
Picnic by the flowers at Cheekwood! (Marie Cecile Anderson / City Cast Nashville)
While you do have to pay to get into Cheekwood, it’s a gorgeous place to picnic. They have a small cafe and food trucks on the weekend, though you can bring your own food, too.
Want wine with your picnic? Head to Arrington Vineyards, about 40 minutes south of Nashville. Picnic tables fill swiftly, so bring a blanket. Outside food is welcome, though all alcohol must be purchased there.
Picnic and swim at the Percy Priest Lake beach at Anderson Road Day Use. Parking is $5. It’s one of my favorite picnic spots in the summer.
Picnic at the lovely gazebo and iris garden in front of the mansion, or under the shaded trees. It’s a gorgeous spot that doesn’t get many visitors.
If you’re downtown, head to Public Square Park for your perfect city picnic.
If you’re on the other side of the Cumberland, go to Wasioto Park. You can park at Nissan Stadium and walk over to find the perfect picnic spot.
