Closest Beach To Nashville – Top 10+ Beaches You Can Visit

Dec 8, 2022

Last Updated on: Mar 24, 2025

Travel Guides

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?

Check out the closest beach to Nashville or even some of the closest beaches near Nashville. 

Nashville is a popular tourist attraction on prestigious lists like the New York Times’ 52 Places to Go. It has a colorful history, great heritage, and architectural excellence. 

However, if you want some coastal fun and some sultry sunbathing seasons, the beaches around Nashville will be your ultimate call!

Closest Beach To Nashville – Top 10 Beaches You Can Visit

So here you are, searching for the closest beach to Nashville, TN! And here we are with a curated list featuring the best beaches near Nashville. 

“The Music City” is the door to cool sand and water pursuits. Let’s check out the names.

1. Dauphin Island, Alabama:

Dauphin Island in Alabama is fairly close to Nashville, and 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 visit the beautiful Fort Morgan 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 quite idyllic and a family-friendly island with beautiful attractions such as the Alabama Aquarium, Mobile Bay Ferry, and others.

Excitement, wildlife, and southern culture are quite apparent in and around Dauphin Island, which has white sand and blue water.

2. 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 has amusement parks, entertainment zones, shopping opportunities, and more. 

Plus, if you love educational activities and history, there’s much to do in this area. So just pack your bags already – because the beach awaits you!

With its warm and soothing water, Gulf Shores also has 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.

Gulf Shores is about to get a Goodwill Center. The 50,000-square-foot facility in Foley will offer job and employment training to the local people. 

With time, it will likely be developed as a community development center. The center is likely to open its doors in the fall of 2025. Then, it will be an added attraction to the places of interest. 

3. 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 mixes a bustling metropolitan center and a relaxing beach town!

4. Destin, Florida:

Why aren’t you considering Destin, located in Florida? Driving to Destin from Nashville will take only around seven hours! 

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 travel 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.

Also, there are waterfalls, pools, tall slides, and Big Kahuna’s water park, so you can explore all these places. The emerald-green waters of the beach are breathtaking, and the geology is unique!

5. Panama City, Florida:

It’s not like there are no beaches in Tennessee. Of course, Tennessee has beaches, 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:

People in the Middle Tennessee area either have or know others with bumper stickers 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 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; 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 do. Explore the local restaurants and shopping outlets at the lighthouse near Tybee Island to make the most of your stay here.

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:

It is not the closest beach to Nashville if you have a packed itinerary. It will take you about nine hours to drive to Myrtle Beach, but it’s so worth the drive. 

We say keep at least three to four days in hand while going to Myrtle Beach in South Carolina! 

From cheering the baseball team and Pelicans, riding the gigantic Ferris wheel, 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, with 86 golf courses and 1800 restaurants to visit. The Myrtle Beach Area Fact Sheet states that around 17 million people visit Myrtle Beach annually. If you plan to visit the beach, you can take your family to the Kingdom amusement park.

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

In 2024, Myrtle Beach was the top trending destination for the Memorial Day weekend in the USA, according to Booking.com reports. 

Tripadvisor also featured it as the second-most coveted destination for the Memorial Day weekend 2024. 

11. Anderson Beach, Tennessee

At just 17 miles from Nashville, Anderson Beach is a popular picnic spot in Tennessee. You will enjoy amenities like picnic grills, tables, and cheap parking sites at this closest beach to Nashville. 

You must pay $5 to park your vehicle for the entire day. Also, restrooms and a shelter make your time at the beach more comfortable. 

Further, on Percy Priest Lake, Anderson Beach is great for canoeing and kayaking. You can even swim in the lake water for a rejuvenating experience. The water here is tranquil, with allocated swimming areas. 

You can relax in the wooded area if you are not in for adventurous outdoor pursuits. 

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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It is helpful mainly on long routes.  The minimum depth, which is a must for all cars in Europe in general and the UK in particular, is 1.6mm across three-quarters of the tyre.  However, experts advise that tyres must be replaced when the tread depth reaches around 3mm. Conduct the 20p Test: First, insert a 20p coin into the main tread grooves of your tires. Can see the outer border of the coin? it indicates that the time to replace the tyre is approaching. Or you can say it has already reached the legal minimum tread depth. Secondly, check for Indicators of Tread Wear. Many tires have indicators of tread wear, such as raised bars or groove markings. However, the right approach signifies that the tire has reached the legal tread depth, and now it's time to replace it.  Thirdly, use a Tread Depth Gauge: Invest in a tread depth gauge. It is a specialized tool that measures the depth of individual tread grooves with the utmost accuracy. These gauges provide the most precise readings. Mover, they helps understand the right time for the tyre to be replaced. In addition to tread depth, check your tyre properly for any signs of damage, like bulges, cuts, or uneven wear patterns.  These issues can compromise the integrity of the tires and increase the risk of blowouts or other issues during your journey. Check Tire Air Pressure Properly inflated fuels enhance efficiency. Moreover, it enhances handling, stability, and, finally, overall safety.  You must make an effort to check tire pressure on a regular basis. It is a must, especially when you are embarking on a long journey. Tire Pressure Check Steps1. First, go through the manual of the vehicle's owner or the sticker on the driver's door jamb.  There, you will find the right recommendation on tyre pressure.2. Now, ake use of a tyre pressure gauge of the highest quality.  It helps to measure the pressure of the tyre when they are cold (after at least 3-4 hours of non-driving).3. Press the gauge firmly by removing the valve stem caps from the valve stem. It can help you to obtain the most accurate reading.4. Adjust the pressure of the tyre, either by inflating it with an air compressor or deflating it with a metal pin on the valve stem.5. After you have made the required adjustments with air pressure, recheck the tire pressure to ensure it's within the recommended range.6. Finally, don't forget to have a look and then adjust the tyre's pressure as well. Please keep in mind that maintaining the tire pressure is one of the steps to enhance safety.   Besides, it also contributes to better fuel efficiency and then extends the lifespan of your tyres. Rotate Tires if Due Tire rotation is one key maintenance practice that helps achieve even wear across all four tires.  Tires wear differently depending on their positions. The front tires wear faster because they have to ensure the effect of the additional steering and braking forces. By rotating the tires at the recommended intervals (typically every 5,000 to 8,000 miles or as specified in your vehicle's owner's manual), you can distribute the tire wear more evenly.  Ultimately, this helps attain the extended overall life of your tires and maintain optimal handling and stability. Replace Tires if Needed If your tires are excessively worn or have reached the legal minimum tread depth, it is a clear indication of replacement. This is a must before you start your long journey. Driving with bald or severely worn tires is detrimental and life-threatening. But also, if you are caught on the highways, it will result in hefty fines and potential license penalties. When replacing the old ones, you must consider investing in high-quality, reputable brands that offer superior performance and longer life.  Additionally, you can replace all four tires one at a time, which ensures persistent handling and traction. With these guidelines, you can regularly inspect and maintain your tires, ensuring a safe and enjoyable journey. Also you can easily bring down the risk of breakdowns or accidents caused by tire-related issues. Perform General Maintenance Checks Here are some important points that you need to consider when we discuss the general maintenance checks. Let's review them all here.  Check Brake Pads and Replace if Needed Take a thorough look at your vehicle's brakes, which are in the best of condition. It is one of the key points attached to a safe and secure journey.  So you must take a look at the brake pads and replace them, if necessary when you start a new journey. Here's what you need to do: Park your car on a level surface and engage the parking brake. Also, look at the brake pads through the wheel. You must be able to see them pressing against the brake disc. Thoroughly check the thickness of the material that makes the brake pad. Most manufacturers recommend replacing the brake pads when the friction material is reduced to approximately 3mm or less. Look for any signs of uneven wear and examine the brake pads' cracks closely. It's better to get new brake pads if they appear to be excessively worn out or damaged. Additionally, be attentive to any warning signs that may indicate worn brake pads, such as: A high-pitched screeching or grinding noise when applying the brakes could indicate that the brake pad wear indicator is making contact with the brake disc. Increased brake pedal travel or a "spongy" feeling when pressing the brake pedal which could signify that the brake pads need replacement. However, you may notice any of these warning signs or if the brake pad material is worn down to the recommended replacement level. Hence, it it's crucial to have the brake pads replaced before embarking on your long journey. Inspect and Replace Air Filters (Engine and Cabin) Clean air filters are essential for optimal engine performance and cabin air quality. Before your trip, inspect and replace both the engine air filter and the cabin air filter if necessary. Engine Air Filter: Locate the engine air filter housing, typically a rectangular box near the engine compartment. Open the housing and remove the air filter. Hold the filter up to a light source and check for excessive dirt or clogging. If the filter appears excessively dirty or clogged, replace it with a new one. Cabin Air Filter: Consult your owner's manual to locate the cabin air filter, which is usually behind the glove compartment or under the dashboard. Remove the old cabin air filter and inspect it for dirt, debris, or discolouration. If the cabin air filter appears dirty or clogged, replace it with a new one. Replacing both the engine and cabin air filters can improve fuel efficiency, engine performance, and cabin air quality. Alongside, it also ensures a more comfortable and enjoyable journey. Check Lights (Headlights, Taillights, Turn Signals) One of the most essential components that determines your vehicle's safety is the lights.  They are the ones who are responsible for providing peace of mind and the most comfortable journeys. So, before your trip, perform a thorough check of all exterior lights, including: Headlights: First, turn the vehicle light on. Then, take a walk around the vehicle. This technique ensures that the lights are working properly. Check for cracks in the lights. Also, look for moisture buildup or discoloration of the headlight lenses. Taillights: If you have a friend or an acquaintance, you could ask them to stand behind the vehicle. However, at this point, you could activate the brake pedal to check the lights' functioning properly. Also, check the reverse lights by engaging the reverse gear. Turn Signals: On the turn signals first. Then, take a walk around the vehicle. See if the front and rear turn signal lights are working properly. Is your vehicle's lights blinking rapidly?  The bulbs might have burnt out. Other Lights: Have you thoroughly checked the license plate lights, side marker lights, and other exterior lights of your car?  Replace the malfunctioning or burnt-out bulbs promptly.  It ensures optimal visibility and ultimate compliance with legal requirements. Inspect Belts, Hoses and Replace if Needed Belts and hoses in your vehicle ensure the proper functioning of the cooling system and vehicle's engine.  Hence, these components must be included in the inspection list. You must not compromise on safety and replace them if necessary. Belts: Pinpoint the serpentine belt(s) in your engine compartment. Look for a potential cracking, fraying, or excessive wearing of your belt. Apply moderate pressure to see the tension of the belt. Do it with your finger. The belt should deflect only a little, not much. Belts with wear and tear and improper tension must be replaced. Hoses: Inspect all coolant hoses, including the radiator hose, heater hoses, and any other visible hoses in the engine compartment. Look for signs of leakage, cracks, bulges, or any deterioration. Gently squeeze the hoses. It will enable you to check for any, internal degradation. Soft or spongy areas indicate the problem.  Replace the worn-out hoses immediately. Replacing the hoses and worn belts can stop costly repairs and sudden breakdowns during your journey. Ultimately, you can enjoy a reliable driving experience. Conclusion You have to check the vehicle from every aspect, especially the once-involved long journey. This can be helpful in making an enjoyable trip. Check your vehicle brakes, tires, and lights.  Also, give a look at the maintenance fluids and the critical components that determine the safety of the vehicle. If you are looking to make the long trip a memorable event, then you have to invest your time. Take a microscopic look at the aspects of the vehicle's conditions given above. The steps on the entire preparation on thorough checking of the vehicle can be tedious as it is time-consuming. But at the cost of it, you can ensure your vehicle is in the best of conditions before you embark on a long journey.  With these guidelines and looking at the potential issues in advance, you can enjoy a trip free from worry. This is because you know that your vehicle is ready to tackle the miles ahead with confidence and reliability. Additional Reading: Car Collisions And Traveling Safely: A Guide Road Trip USA: Adventures Across The States Smart Travel Solutions: Surprising Car Accessories To Enhance Your Journey