Closest Beach To Nashville – Top 10 Beaches You Can Visit

Dec 8, 2022

Last Updated on: Sep 19, 2024

Travel Guides

Are you planning a beach trip sometime soon? But why stick to the same beaches in the Nashville area, or even in and around? Have you thought about venturing out to beaches a little far away? First, you need to check out the closest beach to Nashville or even some of the closest beaches near Nashville. 

If you do, then you will be amazed to find out that there are several options to check out! So let’s not waste time – instead, keep reading to find out all the beaches in nearby states situated very close to Nashville! 

Closest Beach To Nashville – Top 10 Beaches You Can Visit

Closest Beach To Nashville Top Beaches You Can Visit

So here you are, in search of the closest beach to Nashville TN! And here we are with a curated list featuring the ten best beaches that are really close to Nashville. You just have to scroll down and stick to the very end – you will just know why we are hyping this up so much. It’s all worth the wait!

1. Dauphin Island, Alabama:

Instead of asking what is the closest beach to Nashville, it’s best that you check out all your options before you make any solid travel plan. Dauphin Island in Alabama is fairly close to Nashville – it will take you about 7 hours to drive to Mobile since the island is located in the southern part of Mobile. You can also fly to Mobile. 

Spend time playing with the waves and collecting seashells, or take a ferry and go up to the beautiful Fort Morgan in order to check out some dolphins. Also, you must not miss out on other prime tourist spots nearby, like,

  • Fort Gaines,
  • Bird Sanctuary, and
  • The Estuarium.

It is a charming place with scenic views, and you can visit with your family. It is quite idyllic along with being a family friendly island with some of the beautiful attractions such as Alabama Aquarium, Mobile Bay Ferry and others.

Excitement, wildlife and southern culture is quite apparent in and around Dauphin Island. With white sand and blue water.

2. Gulf Shores, Alabama:

Gulf Shores, Alabama

While looking for beaches near Nashville TN, there’s no way you can forget about the Gulf Shores in Alabama. It’s pretty popular among tourists, especially Tennessee residents. Located only seven hours drive away from Nashville, the area boasts several lodging options, activities, and fresh seafood. 

The area is filled with amusement parks, entertainment zones, shopping opportunities, and so much more. Plus, if you love educational activities and even history, there’s so much to do in this area as well. So just pack your bags already – because the beach is waiting for you!

So, why is Gulf Shores Alabama so popular? Why is it so special? With its warm water, which is quite soothing, along with bright white beaches. You can perform daytime activities such as dolphin-watching, hiking and scenic cruises.

There is an Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo and a recreation center with bumper boats called The Track, where you can visit with your family.

3. Pensacola, Florida:

Pensacola, Florida

There are several beaches close to Nashville but Pensacola, located in Florida, stands out because it will take you less than seven hours to drive from Nashville! Popular for its charming historic culture and exquisite natural beauty, Pensacola is a must-visit. Spanning over eight acres, the historic village of Pensacola is timeless. 

From golfing and go-karting to other fun activities, there’s so much to do when you are bored of the beach. Pensacola is also known as ‘the city of five flags’ since it was passed around in History – you will spot British, French, Confederate, American, and even Spanish flags all over this charming city.

The beach is at the panhandle of Florida surrounded by coastline across 50 plus miles. There is crystal clear bay areas and emerald-green Gulf of Mexico waters thus, when you visit the beach, you can find a vibe that is a mix between bustling metropolitan center along with some relaxation beach town!

4. Destin, Florida:

Destin, Florida

Looking for the closest beach to Nashville? Why aren’t you considering Destin, located in Florida? Plus, it will take you only around seven hours to drive to Destin from Nashville! Destin has been a prime vacation spot for families! There are several places to eat – you could check out the popular chain dining, Whataburger!

Then there are so many outlet stores for you to visit if you love shopping. If you are traveling with kids, then you have to check out the following places,

  • The Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park,
  • Local Zoo, and 
  • Big Kahuna Water Park (only if you are traveling to Destin during Summer!)

Located in northwest Florida, the area of Destin beach is called Panhandle! There are natural trails through the dunes of Henderson Beach State Park. There are beautiful oak trees and pine trees where they provide wildlife shelter.

There are also waterfalls, pools and tall slides along with Big Kahuna’s water park hence, you can explore all these places. The emerald-green waters of the beach are breathtaking along with unique geology!

5. Panama City, Florida:

Panama City, Florida

It’s not like there are no beaches in Tennessee. Of course, there are beaches in Tennessee, but sometimes, venturing a little away from home feels so much better! And how can you ignore Panama City, located in Florida? Famed as a destination for Spring Break, it will take you about 7.5 hours to drive to Panama City from Nashville. You can also opt for direct flights. 

The beaches span 27 miles, and Panama City farther boats about a hundred public accesses. While you are in Panama City, you must visit Pier Park – you will spot several restaurants, playing areas, bungee jumping opportunities, bumper boats, sky wheels, passenger trains, and plenty of places to shop. 

6. 30A, Florida:

30A, Florida

People who reside in the Middle Tennessee area either have or know others who have the bumper sticker with 30A on them. This is because 30A has now become perhaps one of the most well-known getaway spots for most residents of Nashville! And that too throughout the whole year. 

30A is not your regular Nashville beach! Instead, it’s a pretty coastal highway with solid touristy spots, like,

  • Miramar Beach,
  • Rosemary Beach,
  • Santa Rosa Beach, and
  • Blue Mountain Beach. 

Read More: 6 Things To Do At The Beach This Fall

7. Tybee Island, Georgia:

Tybee Island, Georgia

Tybee Island might not be the closest beach to Nashville, but that doesn’t mean it’s that far away – you can either drive to Tybee Island in the Savannah region or even directly fly to Savannah. If you drive, it will take you more than eight hours, and if you take a flight, it will take a little less than two hours. 

An Atlantic getaway that’s historical – this is exactly what Savannah stands for! Steeped deeply in culture and history, there’s so much to see and so much to do – from local restaurants and shopping outlets to the lighthouse near Tybee Island, you will need about three days to check out the place properly.  

8. Gulfport, Mississippi:

While looking up the closest ocean beach to Nashville TN, it’s impossible not to stumble upon Gulfport, located in Mississippi. The entire Mississippi coastline is unforgettable. It takes about seven hours to drive from Nashville, or you could also do something adventurous and fly to New Orleans – it will be worth the trip!

The area boasts miles of beaches known for their beautiful sand, fun attractions, and exciting water activities. Once you are done spending time on the beach, don’t forget to check out, 

  • The Gulfport children’s museum,
  • INFINITY Science Center, a space facility by NASA,
  • A famous aquarium,
  • Drag racing,
  • Waterparks, and
  • The railroad museum.

9. Charleston, South Carolina:

Move any beach in Tennessee over, because it’s time for Charleston to shine! Yes, it will take you more than 8 hours to drive to Charleston, located in South Carolina, or a flight of 1.5 hours, but who cares? It will be worth the journey. Another coast town in the Atlantic steeped deeply in history, this place is perfect for visiting with your family, especially kids. 

If you love visiting historical spots, you have to visit Fort Sumter. And that’s not all! Pamper yourself with some spa time and some golfing while your kids can enjoy the children’s museum and the aquarium. You will also get to see some world-class restaurants, sandy beaches, and cobblestone paths.

The easiest way to enjoy South Carolina is to dip your toes in the white sand and enjoy the beautiful weather. It is perfect for frolicking as you can walk across the sand and visit the lighthouses. The beaches are wild hence, you gotta have a towel and a sturdy shoes to enjoy your best!

10. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina:

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Forget about the closest beach to Nashville – it will take you about nine hours to drive to Myrtle Beach, but it’s so worth the drive. Plus, the place has so much to explore and so much to do – what’s stopping you from going for only a weekend? We say keep at least three to four days in hand while going to Myrtle Beach in South Carolina! 

From cheering the baseball team, Pelicans, and riding the gigantic Ferris wheel to visiting New South Brewing MicroBrewery or even having a night out at some local dinner theater, there’s so much to do here.

Myrtle Beach has a subtropical climate along with 86 golf courses and 1800 restaurants to visit. Almost 20 million visitors go to Myrtle beach every year. If you are planning to visit the beach, you can take your family with you to the Kingdom amusement park.

If you are someone who loves adventure, the SkyWheel is the way to go considering it is the one of the tallest Ferris Wheels in the world.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Check out the most frequently asked questions related to the closest beach to Nashville mentioned below. 

1. What Is The Closest Ocean Beach To Nashville?

Ans: The closest beaches to Nashville are as follows,

Pensacola,
Panama City Beach,
Tybee Island,
Hilton Head Beach, and
Gulf Shores.

2. What Is The Best Beach In Tennessee?

Ans: The best beaches in Tennessee are as follows,

Big Ridge Lake,
Cheatham Lake,
Cherokee Lake,
Chickamauga Lake, and
Center Hill Lake.

3. What Is There To See Between Nashville And Gulf Shores?

Ans: The top tourist spots between Nashville and Gulf Shores are as follows,

Lotz House Museum, 
Stones River National Battlefield,
Carnton,
Vulcan Park & Museum,
U.S. Space & Rocket Center, and
Jack Daniel’s Distillery Visitor Center.

4. What Is The Most Beautiful Town In Tennessee?

Ans: The most beautiful towns in Tennessee are as follows,

Gatlinburg,
Townsend,
Bell Buckle,
Rogersville, and
Jonesborough.

And It’s A Wrap!

Finding the closest beach to Nashville proved to be an adventure, considering we made sure that you are aware of all your options! So now what? What are you still doing here? Pack your bags and get this trip started! All you have to do is plan a kickass trip and make some memories to treasure forever.

In the meantime, don’t forget to share your thoughts and if you have any related past experiences in the comments below.

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Barsha Bhattacharya is a senior content writing executive. As a marketing enthusiast and professional for the past 4 years, writing is new to Barsha. And she is loving every bit of it. Her niches are marketing, lifestyle, wellness, travel and entertainment. Apart from writing, Barsha loves to travel, binge-watch, research conspiracy theories, Instagram and overthink.

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BY Abdul Aziz MondalSep 2, 2021

When you are searching for a place with natural beauty, and historical ambiances, these national parks in Idaho are the perfect combinations where you can spend your holidays and feel the place’s historical vibes. These parks are the historical landmarks of the US. Not only the beauty of the palace is making it an attractive place for adventure lovers and tourists. For organizing the educational tours, these national parks in Idaho are the best places. These national parks in Idaho are the perfect places for adventurer lover tourists. The natural, adventurous hiking trails and granite rock climbing cliffs make the national parks the favorite places for adventurer sports lovers. In the list of national parks, most of the national parks are the most popular and historical landmarks like the yellow stones. 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Avelo Airlines Reviews You Were Looking For!  

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Did You Know You can Hear Banshee’s Wail at the Killarney National Park!  

BY Sibashree BhattacharyaSep 5, 2024

What is a national park to you? For me, it is a place that brings together nature, history, culture, and outdoor pursuits. Killarney National Park, which has been recently in the news for all the good reasons, is not an exception, for sure! Also, this national park in a 300-year-old town surely has many tales to tell. It is also related to Irish folklore, as you can hear “Banshee’s Wail” in this park.  Moreover, it’s great that woodpeckers have started breeding in the national park for the first time in centuries, and the spotted chicks of woodpeckers look the cutest.   Again, the release of four white-tailed eagle chicks in the national park grabbed much attention. Further, this is an endeavor to bring back the eagles, which were extinct in Ireland.   In addition, there has been a renewed interest in the park among locals thanks to the 100th anniversary of the “Elizabeth Rose” in September 20241. This year, the Muckross Rowing Club and the Muckross Rowing Club Festival this year will celebrate the centenary of “Elizabeth Rose Killarney Six,” the first traditional racing boat to hit the Lakes of Killarney.   So, with all the focus now on Killarney National Park, let’s try to learn more about it.   Where Is The Killarney National Park?  Killarney National Park, the first national park in Ireland, is in County Kerry, southwest Ireland. Killarney town is beside County Kerry.   Further, with an extensive range of wildlife species, this park basks in exceptional ecological value. Moreover, spreading across 10,000 hectares, it has mountains, waterfalls, woodlands, and lakes.   How To Reach Killarney National Park  The cheapest way to reach Killarney National Park is to take a train to the Killarney railway station. Further, from the railway station, you must take just a 10-minute ride to the national park.   The N71 road is the main access point to the national park. However, you can also reach the park by bus or car.   Things You Cannot Miss At Killarney National Park  Killarney National Park is incomparable with its wilderness, and a large part of this national park has been unperturbed for hundreds of years. It is also home to some rare species, like red deer. In fact, the red deer herb currently residing in Killarney National Park is the last herd in Ireland.   Further, the national park has walking and hiking trails, such as the Dundag to Torc Path trail, Old Kenmare Road, and Mossy Woods. Moreover, you can climb the Mangerton and Purple mountains to explore a beautiful vista of the park and its surrounding areas.   So, let’s discuss all the activities at Killarney National Park in detail.   Exploring The Wildlife In Killarney National Park  This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve (1981) is home to Reenadinna Woods and the hub of protected and rare flora. Moreover, it has many endangered and rare mammals, reptiles, and amphibian’s species.   Plants, Animals, And Other Creatures In Killarney National Park Conserved Animals/Birds Red Deer Herd Irish Cuckoo, and Eagle Rare Species of Fauna Native Kerry Cattle Herd Caddisfly Northern Emerald Dragonfly  Rare and Protected Flora St. Patrick’s Cabbage Mountain Sorrel Greater Butterwort Green Spleenwort, and Blue-eyed Grass Mammals Red Deer Wolves Irish Hare Otter Birds White-tailed Sea Eagle Barn Owl Kingfisher Woodpecker Amphibians Smooth Newt Reptiles Viviparous Lizard Other Fauna  Kerry Slug Freshwater Pearl Mussel Marsh Fritillary Atlantic Salmon  It is due to the vast presence of various plants and animals, Killarney National Park promotes responsible behaviors and activities during your outdoor pursuits. Further, you can visit the national park with dogs, but it is better to avoid bringing them to the park during breeding season.   Hiking In Killarney National Park  You will find many trails to cycle or walk in the national park. All the trails offer you the opportunity to explore the wildlife and unique geology of the national park. Here, I will briefly discuss three such hiking and walking trails, but there are plenty more.   Ross Island Mining Trail  How about visiting a 15th-century castle in its full architectural glory? The Ross Island mining trail will take you to Ross Castle. On this trail, you will also find the oldest known metal mine in Ireland. It is even the oldest in the entire Western Europe.   This 3 Km trail will take you around 1.5 hours to complete, and it is the most favorite trail for history lovers. The encampments, ruins, and mines tell the stories of human lives and the economy of a bygone era. You will even get to see some rare flora on this trail.   Knockreer Circular Walk  As the name suggests, the trail is circular, taking you to almost all accessible parts of the national park. You can walk or cycle on this trail to encounter the endangered red deer and enjoy the beauty of the MacGillycuddy Reeks and Lough Leane.   If you want to catch some refreshments, you will find Deenagh Lodge here. Some of the ascents in the hike are tricky, but the overall experience is wholesome, with good food and the company of nature.   Muckross House to Torc Waterfall Lake Loop  The Muckross House to Torc Waterfall Lake Loop trail is ideal for families. The trail is a little challenging. However, the panoramic vista of the Middle Lake and the view of the limestone cliffs make the effort worth it.  You can continue hiking through the woods and then take the stone steps to reach the woods down. Further, from the woods, you will get to behold the Torc Waterfall. Also, this 18m high waterfall is quite powerful.   An Encounter With History And Culture At The Killarney National Park Heritage Sites   Killarney National Park has many heritage sites that tell the tales of human history and life. Further, a trip to the park is incomplete without exploring these places.  Name Of The Heritage Sites Things To Know  Muckross Abbey Graveyard It has modern and old Irish graveyards.  Also, it has the graves of 17th and 18th-century Gaelic poets, such as Geoffrey O’Donoghue, Eoghan Rua O’Suilleabhain, and Aodhagan O’Rathaille.   Further, you will see the graves of many chieftains in the graveyard.  Killarney House and Gardens It is the main visitor center for the park.  Further, Formal Pleasure Gardens in the Killarney Gardens is the “longest Irish Herbaceous Border.”  Also, the 1870 red brick building was the main seat of the Kenmare estate. Ross Castle It is a tower house made in the 15th century with some myths attached to it.   O'Donoghues Mór built the castle, and people still believe that O'Donoghues Mór still sleeps under the lake water. It is said that here you can hear Banshee’s Wail. * Muckross House and Gardens  It is one of the most prominent stately homes in Ireland.  Moreover, the Tudor-style architecture of the mansion speaks of the affluent lifestyle of landowners in the 19th century.  Old Weir Bridge It is a stone-made twin-arch bridge.  Derrycunnihy Church This Roman Catholic church dates back to the late 19th century.  Further, you can see barn owls and Lesser Horseshoe Bats near this church.   Brickeen Bridge It has a pointed arch structure, and it’s an 18th-century bridge.  Innisfallen Island and Monastery The monastery here dates back to 640 AD when it was built by St.Finian the Leper.  Further, it was a place of immersive prayer and meditation for monks.  Moreover, “The Annals of Innisfallen,” written by monks here, are important accounts of Irish history.   Along with these sites, Killarney National Park has another historic area called the “Ladies View.” This was Queen Victoria's favorite place. Also, she was in love with the scenic beauty of the area.   *According to Irish folklore, Banshee is a spirit which appears as a woman and screams in a shrill voice. The appearance of Banshee is believed to bring the death summon for any of the family members.   Visiting The Habitats Of The Killarney National Park   As a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this national park is full of waterbodies like ponds, lakes, rivers, and waterfalls. Further, there are heaths, bogs, rock formations, and grassland.   So, do you want a brief idea about the diverse habitats of the park? Then, check the table below.   Habitats Highlights Yew Woodland Muckross Peninsula Reenadinna Wood and the Carboniferous reef and pavement of limestone Thick bryophytes blanket the limestone structures and especially the presence of “southern Atlantic liverwort Marchesinia mackaii used in labs Yew, Oak, Hazel, Alder, and Ash Trees  Wet Broadleaved Woodland Carboniferous limestone structures near the lake Waterlogged landscape Blanket Bog Bog moss hummocks Crowberry, Heath Rush, and other species Dry Broadleaved Woodland Tomies Wood Glaisín na Marbh Woodland Tracks Upper Doogary Woodland Tracks Sessile Oak Trees Rowan Trees Birch Trees Heath Deer Grass Purple Moor Grass Tormentil Mixed Woodland Game Wood Rhododendron, Sycamore and Various Exclusive Species of Plants Portuguese Laurel Flowering Plants Grassland Rare Flora Species, such as Carnation Sedge, Creeping Bent, Marsh Violet, etc.   Waterfalls, Rivers and Streams Muckross Lake Upper Lake Unique Invertebrate Species Drowned Vegetation Wetlands, Ponds And Lakes Devil’s Punch Bowl  Along with these habitats, you will find commercially established conifer plantations in the national park. You will find them on the slopes of the Muckross or Torc Mountain. These plantations have Scot pines, European larches, Sitka spruce, and many other varieties.   Does Killarney National Park Have Restaurants And Cafes?   https://www.instagram.com/p/C7Q9NLpIr5w/ Yes, you can catch some quick bites and refreshments at Killarney National Park, which has quite a few restaurants and cafes. Further, each restaurant has a standout feature of its history or commitment to a special cause.   So, let’s know the names, their locations, and specialties.   Restaurant/Cafe  Location And Operating Hours  Specialties Muckross House Garden Restaurant Near Muckross House (“Adjacent to main car parks and entrance road”)  Baked salmon Cajon-style chicken breast Rainbow trout and sea-fresh cod duo  (Also, gluten-free options, including various salads, are available here.)  Deenagh Lodge It stands opposite St. Mary’s Cathedral on Port Road. Apple tart with custard Coffee Sandwiches   (It is operated by people with Down syndrome. Also, vegan and vegetarian options are available.) Dinis Cottage Dinis Island (Take the route via N71) Homemade scones Apple pie Fresh sandwiches (It is more than 200 years old. Moreover, it has a Victorian charm.) Ross Castle Garden Cafe Ross Castle Freshly ground barista coffee Cakes and pastries are also available.  Lord Brandon’s Cottage  Gap of Dunloe’s southern end Coffee and snacks (An open-air cafe)  Along with the restaurants and cafes, there are also Muckross Traditional Farms where you will find delicious, sweet meat on these farms.   Further, you can arrange picnics at this national park, provided you do not leave any trace behind. However, BBQing and lighting campfires are not allowed in Killarney National Park.   Final Words Before You Set In For The Killarney National Park  Exploring the natural bounty and history at Killarney National Park is easy and safe, thanks to the available family facilities and first aid and emergency services. Further, you can call 112 or 999 to avail yourself of emergency services. In addition, first-aid services are offered at Muckross House and Gardens and the Killarney National Park Visitor Centre.  Also, there are public toilets in the park. Moreover, for the children, there are changing facilities and playgrounds. So, it does not matter whether you are a solo traveler or you are traveling with your family and friends.   Moreover, Killarney National Park is the go-to destination for you to encounter one of the best bio reserves in the world, an account of human history, and the most fascinating landscapes.  So, if you are planning a trip to Ireland in late spring or early autumn, don’t forget to include Killarney National Park in your itinerary. Moreover, we would love to hear from you about the experience in the comment section below.   Also read Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try. Where To Stay Near Lassen Volcanic National Park? – Explore The Best Options. 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