Nashville Itinerary for Your 40th Birthday Getaway

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Amazon
• Pinterest

If you’re looking for a Nashville itinerary for a fun, music-filled, slightly rowdy, yet totally unforgettable 40th birthday trip, this guide maps out a long weekend in Music City with where to stay, what to do each day, where to eat, and where to go out at night. In fact, that’s where I just celebrated my big 4-0 with a group of girl friends and some hubbies, and we had the absolute best time, so I wanted to share our Nashville itinerary for anyone planning a special adults-only getaway with friends, a partner, or a mix of both.

Nashville is packed with live music, incredible restaurants, rooftop bars, shopping, tours, and plenty of places to toast to turning 40, which is exactly why it works so well for a milestone celebration. Whether you want a lively weekend or a trip with a little downtime mixed in, here’s how to make the most of a long weekend in Music City, plus a few ideas for stretching it into an extra day or two.

And, if you’re looking for more 40th birthday travel ideas, check these out.

Where to Stay in Nashville

Nashville has no shortage of fun, centrally located hotels that will make your birthday feel special. I chose to stay in the trendy Gulch neighborhood. It’s a bit removed from the chaos of Broadway, but still plenty close to some of the must-dos on my Nashville itinerary, such as the murals, brunch places and cute shops.

Check out this breakdown of the best neighborhoods to stay in while visiting Nashville.

A few favorites hotels to consider:

• The Graduate Nashville – A vibrant, Instagram-worthy hotel with Dolly Parton vibes, a rooftop bar (White Limozeen), and a fun, playful atmosphere. Perfect for a girls’ trip.
• Thompson Nashville – This is where we stayed. Located in The Gulch, this chic hotel has sleek rooms and a rooftop bar with amazing city views.
• The W Nashville – A stylish, upscale choice in The Gulch with a rooftop pool, a lively lobby bar, and easy access to Nashville’s best dining and nightlife. We used the pool here (with ResortPass) since the Thompson doesn’t have a pool.
• Noelle Nashville – A boutique hotel downtown with a cool, artsy feel. Bonus: it’s within walking distance to Broadway but not right in the chaos. This is one of the top boutique hotels in Nashville.

Nashville Itinerary Day 1: Settle In and Celebrate

Check-in & Afternoon Drinks: Drop your bags and kick things off at White Limozeen (even if you’re not staying at The Graduate). The rooftop poolside bar has great cocktails and plenty of photo-worthy moments. And it’s just off of Lower Broadway, so a great spot to start your first day in the Broadway District, known as Honky Tonk Highway.

The first thing we did after checking in was grab a cab to Broadway. We wanted to go boot shopping so we’d have cute boots for our trip. Boot Country on Broadway has a standing deal where you can buy 1 pair and get 2 free (and you can mix and match sizes, making the deal shareable). It’s a great spot to check out if you want some cute Nashville boots!

• Dinner: If you want a more traditional, sit-down experience, head to The Southern Steak & Oyster This is a lively spot with fresh oysters, delicious steaks, and a celebratory vibe. Or, you can do a taste of Nashville like we did, and just order some appetizers along the way on Broadway. Ole Red, Jason Aldean’s and Friends all have delicious menus.
• After-Dinner Fun: Continue on Broadway to check out more honky tonk bars along honky tonk highway, where many spots have live bands playing great music and no cover charge. Even if you’re not a huge country music fan, the energy is contagious. Pop into Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge or Robert’s Western World for a classic Nashville experience.

Nashville Itinerary Day 2: Country Music, Murals, and Nightlife

• Brunch: Start with Hampton Social, a bright, coastal-inspired restaurant with great brunch cocktails and a “rosé all day” vibe. Or if you’re staying in the Gulch neighborhood, breakfast at Biscuit Love is a must.
• Daytime Activities:
  • Tour the Country Music Hall of Fame, which opened in 1964, and is worth it for all music lovers.
  • Stroll through The Gulch to check out boutiques and grab a photo with the famous “What Lifts You” angel wings mural.
  • If you’re into history, swing by Ryman Auditorium for a tour of this historic venue, which opened in 1892 and is known as the Mother Church of Country Music.
  • Add RCA Studio B to your plans too—this historic recording studio gives music enthusiasts a look at Nashville’s rich history, where Elvis Presley recorded, Elvis recorded extensively, Willie Nelson is part of the studio’s legacy, and many hit songs were made.
  • Take a free line dancing lesson at Category 10. We did, and it was so much fun!
• Dinner: Treat yourself to Kayne Prime, one of the best steakhouses in town with elevated sides and craft cocktails.
• Nightlife: For a more upscale evening, head to L.A. Jackson, the rooftop bar at the Thompson, or grab tickets to a show at the Grand Ole Opry, at the Grand Ole Opry House—it was founded on November 28, 1925, has been running ever since, and remains a cornerstone of American music with a diverse range of performances.
  • We booked the Grand Ole Opry tickets that included lounge access with unlimited drinks and appetizers. We also got to meet a performer there and have our photo taken with our group.

Nashville Itinerary Day 3: Explore Beyond Broadway and Grand Ole Opry

• Brunch: Pinewood Social, where you can sip mimosas, enjoy Southern-inspired dishes, and even bowl a few frames at their in-house lanes.
• Daytime Activities:
  • Check out 12South, a trendy neighborhood with fun shops, murals (including the “I Believe in Nashville” mural), and plenty of coffee stops.
  • Spend some time in Centennial Park, a 123-acre green space that’s home to a full-scale replica of the Parthenon.
  • Visit Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park near the Capitol area. The 19-acre park pays tribute to Tennessee history through its monuments and layout.
  • Stop by the Nashville Farmers’ Market for its lively atmosphere—it’s open year-round with over 150 vendors, plus fresh produce and plenty of food options if you want a casual place to eat.
  • If you want to keep things active, book a pedal tavern or party bus tour—a very Nashville way to celebrate.
  • Looking to cool off and not walk as much? Book a cabana at a hotel pool. We booked a cabana at the W, which is right across the street from the Thompson where we stayed.
• Dinner: For something lively, book The Twelve Thirty Club (especially their rooftop for views and cocktails). It’s perfect for a birthday celebration. I recommend the espresso martini tower!
• Nightcap: End the night with live music at The Listening Room Café (pictured above), which offers a more intimate experience than the honky-tonks.

Optional Day 4: Relax and Recharge at Centennial Park

If you’re staying a fourth day, keep it low-key:

• Grab breakfast at Biscuit Love (if you haven’t already).
• Enjoy lunch or a late-night snack at Hattie B’s if you haven’t already. It’s a staple in Nashville.
• Walk along the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge for skyline views and photos in downtown Nashville. Check out Printers Alley for a laidback vibe and a unique experience you won’t want to miss.
• Book a murals tour to catch all of the amazing murals in Nashville.
• If you’re craving more music history, stop by the Johnny Cash Museum before heading home. This former home-style tribute opened in April 2013 and houses over 1,000 artifacts tied to Cash’s life and career.
• The National Museum of African American Music is another great stop if you want more entertainment history. The museum offers a look at African Americans’ role in music.
• The Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum is also worth considering if you’re interested in studio and touring musicians across genres.

Final Tips to Visit Nashville for a Perfect 40th Birthday Itinerary

• Make restaurant reservations early. Nashville’s food scene is busy, especially on weekends, and the vibrant city is known for everything from hot chicken to trendy brunch spots.
• Spring and fall are some of the best times to visit Nashville, with pleasant weather from April through early June and again from September through October. Summer is peak tourist season, while winter tends to be quieter and less crowded. If festivals and special events are a priority, spring and fall also have some of the busiest event calendars.
• Getting around is easy to plan. The Music City Circuit is a free bus service, Nashville GreenBikes offers a bike-sharing program, e-bikes are handy for exploring neighborhoods, and rideshare services are best for longer distances unless you want the flexibility of a rental car.
• If you’re not into Broadway crowds, focus on neighborhoods like The Gulch, 12South, or Germantown for dining and nightlife.
• For a first time visit, Nashville is a perfect place for a quick getaway or even a day trip if you want to mix the main sights with a little extra exploring.
• To help you plan when to visit Nashville, we were there mid-week in July. We arrived on a Wednesday and left on a Saturday. Wednesday was a lot quieter and easier to snag tables. Thursday got busier, and by Friday, places had lines and were jam packed (they closed Broadway at night!). Keep that in mind when you choose your dates. We were so thankful we only had one crazy busy day while we were there.

Interested in more southern fun? Check out some of my other popular blog posts:

• Top Family Hotels in Gatlinburg
• The Best Water Park Hotels in Pigeon Forge
• The Best Fall Destinations for Families
• Top 4th of July Destinations Throughout the U.S.

Note: Affiliate links on this page may earn me commission if used to make purchases. This doesn’t cost you a penny extra, and it helps to keep my website up and running for free.