Nashville is known for its music, its food, and its legendary nights out, but the city’s waterways deserve a spot on that list too. From downtown paddling to sprawling lake views, Tennessee has a water day for every type of traveler. This is your guide to making the most of it!
Kayaking the Cumberland River with River Queen Voyages
If you’re looking for a unique way to experience Nashville’s iconic skyline, River Queen Voyages on the Cumberland River is your answer. One of the most talked-about water activities Nashville has to offer, River Queen specializes in downtown kayak rentals with two great options: a simple out-and-back paddle or a scenic 3-mile float from Shelby Park straight into the heart of the city. They also offer guided Kayak Scavenger Hunts, an interactive on-water game where groups solve clues and paddle to win prizes, and BYOB Party Pontoon Cruises, a 1.5-hour captained ride that’s perfect for bachelorette parties, corporate outings, or any group looking to celebrate in style. Whether you’re a solo explorer or coordinating a large crew, River Queen makes kayaking in Nashville accessible and fun for every experience level.
Percy Priest Lake: Nashville’s Premier Water Sports Hub
Just 15 minutes from downtown, Percy Priest Lake is the undisputed home of Nashville water sports. Spanning 14,200 acres, this sprawling reservoir is where locals and visitors alike come for boating, jet-skiing, and wakeboarding from spring through fall. Cap’n Dave’s Water Sports is the go-to full-service rental outfitter on the lake, offering everything from beginner-friendly options to adrenaline-pumping activities like FlyBoard and Water JetPack experiences through their neighbors at Nashville FlyBoard. Elm Hill Marina is another popular launch point for pontoon boat rentals. For a laid-back afternoon on the water or an action-packed day with the whole group, Percy Priest Lake is the kind of place that turns a good Nashville stay into an unforgettable one.
Nashville Shores Waterpark
Nashville Shores is the clear frontrunner for families and groups searching for water parks near Nashville. Situated right on the shores of Percy Priest Lake in Hermitage, just 10 miles from downtown, this 385-acre resort is home to the largest waterpark in the Nashville area. Expect Tennessee’s widest lazy river, a massive wave pool, high-speed slides including the Mega Mayhem raft ride, and a sprawling water treehouse and sprayground for the little ones. Beyond the daytime fun, Nashville Shores hosts special summer events including family movie nights at the wave pool, dive-in gatherings, and “Shores After Hours”, an adults-only 21+ evening featuring live DJs and foam parties. The resort also offers RV and cabin camping and a full-service marina, making it a true all-in-one destination for a multi-day escape right outside the city.
Wave Country: Nashville’s Classic Wave Pool
If you’re after a budget-friendly, no-frills splash without the resort price tag, Wave Country is a beloved Nashville staple. Just minutes from downtown, this classic outdoor water park operates seasonally from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The wave pool visitors keep returning to is the heart of the experience, complemented by two large flume slides, two speed slides, and a kiddie pool with water features. Wave Country has a retro, laid-back charm that sets it apart from the bigger resort parks. It’s affordable, community-rooted, and exactly the kind of hidden gem that GoodNight Stay loves to tip guests off to. Think of it as a local’s afternoon escape on a warm Tennessee day.
The Pontoon Saloon: Nashville’s Floating Honky Tonk
Leave it to Nashville to put a honky tonk on the water. The Pontoon Saloon is a 50-foot party barge operating out of Lower Broadway on the Cumberland River, and it’s arguably the most entertaining of all Nashville boat rentals. Public and private 2-hour cruises come with a full bar stocked with beers, seltzers, wines, and canned cocktails, a live party host/DJ, and the kind of energetic, only-in-Nashville atmosphere you can’t manufacture. The barge holds up to 130 passengers and comes with a licensed Captain and Deckhand, prioritizing safety throughout. It’s a top pick for bachelorette parties, birthday celebrations, and corporate events alike, and it pairs beautifully with the rest of Lower Broadway’s entertainment for a full night out on the town.
Cruisin’ Tikis Nashville: BYOB Tiki Bar on the Water
If you want your own private floating party, Cruisin’ Tikis Nashville delivers a tiki bar Nashville experience unlike anything else in Middle Tennessee. These BYOB floating tiki boats hold up to 6 guests and are captained by a U.S. Coast Guard-certified guide. Think of it as your own exclusive booze cruise, minus the crowd. It’s a smaller, more personal vibe than the Pontoon Saloon, but no less fun. Cruises run seasonally from approximately April through September out of two locations: Downtown Nashville on the Cumberland River (skyline views included) and Old Hickory Lake in Gallatin, complete with stops in popular swimming coves for a mid-cruise dip. The Gallatin location is a bit of a drive from the city, but for a small group looking for a memorable afternoon on the water, it’s absolutely worth it.
River Adventures: Red River Tubing
Sometimes the best water day is the simplest one. River Adventures in Adams, TN takes you out on the Red River, a smooth, slow-moving stretch of water surrounded by nothing but natural beauty and good vibes, for a few hours of pure, unplug-and-float bliss. Pack a cooler (they rent cooler tubes, too), gather your people, and just drift. It’s the kind of afternoon that’s hard to describe but impossible to forget. Worth noting: River Adventures is about 45 minutes outside Nashville near Clarksville, and runs Fridays through Sundays from Memorial Day through Labor Day, so a little planning goes a long way. But for the right group, that drive is half the adventure.
Paddle Dog: Bring Your Pup Out on the Water
Nashville’s lakes and rivers aren’t just for the two-legged crowd; stand-up paddleboarding with your dog on Percy Priest Lake or the Cumberland River is one of the most rewarding (and adorable) ways to spend a Tennessee afternoon. Before heading out, outfit your pup with a properly fitted canine life jacket, practice basic commands like “sit” and “stay” on the board while still on land, and consider an inflatable dog ramp (like Paddle North’s) to help them climb back on after a swim. It’s the kind of experience that makes any paddle that much better.
Plan Your Perfect Nashville Water Day with GoodNight Stay
Tennessee’s waterways are made for summer, and Nashville delivers on every end of the spectrum. Floating the Red River, dancing on a pontoon barge, or racing down a waterslide at Nashville Shores, the right home base makes all the difference. At GoodNight Stay, we take care of where you stay so you can focus on making memories. Ready to make it official? Browse our Nashville homes and book your stay today!
