Heading to the beach is a popular summer activity, and while Tennessee isn't a coastal state, there are still several great beaches near Nashville where you can soak up the sun and enjoy the water. Here are ten of the best Tennessee beaches near Nashville:

1) Cedar Creek Recreation Area

Nestled on the southern banks of Old Hickory Lake, Cedar Creek Beach is a breathtaking destination known for its scenic beauty and proximity to Nashville. Situated 23 miles northeast of Music City, visitors can reach the beach, also known as Cedar Creek Access Area, in roughly 40 minutes by car. The beach boasts crystal-clear waters and a sandy shoreline, perfect for relaxing and unwinding. Visitors can access a play area and campground. They’re also treated to beautiful sunsets, cozy fire pits, and fishing spots, making Cedar Creek one of the best beaches in Tennessee.

Activities & Amenities

• Boat ramp
• Campground
• Beach volleyball
• Playground
• Swimming
• Water sports
• Sunset views

2) Anderson Beach

Just 17 miles from Nashville, Anderson Beach is a refreshing getaway from the city. Visitors enjoy a low daily parking fee of $5, making it one of the most affordable beaches in Nashville. The beach provides a mix of sandy and pebbled shores, grassy embankments, and stunning sunsets. Located on Percy Priest Lake, visitors can access clean facilities, including restrooms, picnic tables, grills, campgrounds, and a boat launch. Canoeing and kayaking are popular activities, and visitors can also hike through the surrounding wooded areas.

Activities & Amenities

• Picnic & grill area 
• Swimming area
• Beach volleyball
• Hiking trails
• Boating access

3) Rock Island State Park Beach

Located at the confluence of the Caney Fork, Collins and Rocky rivers, Rock Island Beach offers a beautiful sandy shoreline, picnic pavilion, and sandbar for swimming or sunbathing. The beach also provides deep blue pools, waterfalls, and scenic trails, making it one of the most picturesque Tennessee beaches on this list. Visitors can go swimming, kayaking, hiking, fishing, and birdwatching, adding to the worthwhile experience. Chattanooga’s world-class attractions are nearby for those who wish to explore more of the area.

Area Activities

• Swimming holes
• Kayaking
• Blue hole
• Cliff jumping
• Hiking
• Fishing
• Waterfalls

4) Edgar Evins State Park

Edgar Evins State Park Beach is a serene destination located on the shores of Center Hill Lake, approximately 70 miles east of Nashville. The beach offers a marina and beautiful sandy shores. The clear, refreshing water makes it ideal for a day of relaxation and beach fun. Surrounded by scenic forests and cliffs, this beach also provides a stunning backdrop for visitors to enjoy Tennessee’s natural beauty. Bird watchers are often equipped with binoculars to spot different species of owls, bald eagles, and songbirds, among other wildlife.

Activities & Amenities

• Camping
• Wildlife viewing
• Fishing
• Boating
• Hiking
• Observation Tower

5) Old Hickory Beach

A roughly 30-minute drive from Downtown Nashville, Old Hickory Beach is one of the closest water getaways from Music City. The beach sits on the shores of Old Hickory Lake, with picnic areas, boat ramps, and playgrounds included on its list of amenities. It’s a wonderful spot for a family day trip from Nashville, featuring a sandy beach, BBQ areas, and more. Night fishing is a popular activity at Old Hickory Beach, and many anglers gather there to try their luck at catching bass, crappie, or catfish.

Activities & Amenities

• Swimming
• Fishing
• Picnicking
• Boating
• Picnic tables
• Grills
• Playground

6) Dry Creek Beach

Located on Tims Ford Lake in Winchester, TN, Dry Creek Beach offers a peaceful escape 90 miles south of Nashville. Nestled next to the Twin Creeks residential area and situated along Dry Creek, the beach provides a quiet environment for picnicking, sunbathing, and swimming. Visitors can enjoy the tranquil surroundings, with amenities like restrooms and parking provided by Franklin County’s recreational department. The beach's untouched beauty and secluded location make it an ideal destination for slowing down and connecting with the outdoors.

Activities & Amenities

• Swimming
• Sunbathing
• Outdoor showers
• Hiking

7) Long Hunter State Park

Long Hunter State Park, located around 25 miles east of Nashville, is one of the best Tennessee beaches in the area. With its convenient proximity to Music City, it offers a peaceful retreat for locals and visitors alike. The park features several quiet beach areas along the shores of Percy Priest Lake. One popular spot is Byrant Grove, providing a serene setting for swimming, picnicking, and enjoying the scenic views. Its natural beauty, combined with its accessibility, makes Long Hunter State Park a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Area Activities

• Alpine Tower Adventure
• Wave runners and pontoons
• Easy to moderate hiking
• Fishing, waterskiing, biking
• Sunset views

8) Cheatham Lake Beach

Cheatham Lake Beach in Ashland City, TN, is an excellent place for water activities and sand sports. It has a large area of golden sand and a designated shallow swim area. Visitors can also find shade, benches, and covered picnic areas for extra comfort on hot days. Activities include swimming, fishing, and boating, and restrooms are a short walk from the swim area. Visitors can also use the volleyball net for games, and plenty of parking is available for just $5 per day.

Activities & Amenities

• Shallow swim area
• ADA accessible facilities
• Covered picnic areas
• Cheatham dam tour
• Hiking trails
• Sunset views

9) Seven Points Campground Beach

Seven Points is a beautiful Tennessee beach on Percy Priest Lake's shores. It's an ideal location for swimming, sunbathing, and camping, whether you have an RV or prefer to pitch a tent. The campground offers 59 spacious campsites, all shaded to provide a comfortable environment. Amenities include drinking water, flush toilets, hot showers, and a dump station. Visitors can also use the playground, boat ramp, and large group picnic shelters.

Activities & Amenities

• Swimming beach
• Boat launch
• Picnic shelters
• Playgrounds
• Hiking & biking trails
• Visitor Center

10) Hamilton Creek Recreation Area

Last on our list of the best Tennessee beaches is Hamilton Creek, a low-key spot on Percy Priest Lake. The beach is great for a quiet day on the water. Its flat-pebbled shore and calm currents make it perfect for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Visitors often hike through the wooded scenery, then dip in the water or head to the nearby marina. The marina offers storage for sailboats, canoes, kayaks, paddle boards, and more. 

Activities & Amenities

• Water sports
• Mountain biking
• Hiking trails
• Swimming
• Marina

The Recap

Check out the top beaches in Tennessee for a perfect summer getaway. Although Nashville isn't by the coast, these beaches offer locals and visitors a chance to enjoy the sun, sand, and water without traveling far. You can relax on the sand, swim, and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Some locations also offer boating, fishing, hiking, and camping activities, making them perfect for a weekend trip or a family vacation. So, why not plan a visit to one of Tennessee's best beaches and enjoy the state’s natural beauty?

To enhance your Tennessee beach day with the best travel gear, consider browsing our online shop for premium toiletry bags, travel blankets, and more. We also offer the Gravel Travels blog, featuring travel tips, destination guides, and travel stories from around the world.

Happy beach day!🏖️😎🩴🚣‍♂️🏐✨