Featured Hotels Near Old Hickory Beach

Hampton Inn Nashville - Old Hickory is a top choice located just steps from Old Hickory Beach, offering free breakfast, an indoor pool, and accessible facilities. The hotel is within a 30-minute drive of downtown Nashville, making it perfect for families seeking both relaxation and city access.

Guest rooms feature plush bedding, free high-speed Wi-Fi, and kid-friendly amenities including a dedicated play area. Located along the Cumberland River, the property provides easy access to kayaking, fishing, and scenic riverside walks. Nearby restaurants and grocery stores ensure convenience for guests. With its blend of nature and comfort, this hotel delivers a seamless Tennessee lakeside experience.

Driving from downtown Nashville to Old Hickory Beach takes about 30–40 minutes via I-65 South and Exit 107, with clear signage along Tennessee State Route 259, which offers smooth and well-maintained roads.

For public transit, Nashville Area Transit (NAT) operates limited bus routes connecting to the Old Hickory area, but service frequency is low—check schedules in advance. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available and ideal for short trips.

Given that Old Hickory Beach lies on the shores of Cumberland Lake, car rental or private vehicle is the most convenient option, especially for families or travelers with mobility needs. Use GPS navigation apps to monitor real-time traffic and avoid delays.

At Old Hickory Beach, visitors can engage in a variety of outdoor adventures. Popular options include kayaking, canoeing, and fishing on the expansive, clear waters of Cumberland Lake, with rental stations offering equipment and safety briefings.

The shoreline features well-maintained walking and biking trails, perfect for jogging or cycling while enjoying scenic lake views and spotting wildlife such as ducks, kingfishers, and bald eagles.

Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the rich ecosystem, making it a hotspot for birdwatching and photography. Seasonal events like lakeside music festivals and bonfire gatherings celebrate local country music culture, creating a vibrant community atmosphere.

Bring sunscreen, water, and appropriate gear to fully enjoy these experiences safely and comfortably.

Old Hickory Beach is a natural photography haven, especially during sunset when golden light reflects off the calm waters of Cumberland Lake, creating stunning backlit scenes perfect for portraits and landscapes.

The wooden dock and vintage lampposts by the shore provide nostalgic, cinematic backdrops. Nearby Hickory Hill Park features open lawns and elevated viewing platforms offering panoramic views of the lake and distant hills, ideal for wide-angle shots.

In spring, blooming cherry blossoms and wisteria transform the park into a vibrant photo oasis. Historic monuments and ancient oak trees along the shoreline also offer compelling compositions blending history and nature.

Bring a tripod and use slow shutter speeds to capture dreamy reflections on the water—perfect for enhancing your travel photography.

The Inn at Old Hickory Lake is a top choice for families, offering fully equipped apartments with private docks and lake access perfect for kayaking and fishing. The resort features a kids' play area, indoor heated pool, and direct access to scenic trails.

Alternatively, Holiday Inn Nashville - Old Hickory provides modern rooms, complimentary breakfast, and free Wi-Fi, just minutes from the lakefront. Both properties offer free parking and pet-friendly accommodations, making them ideal for relaxed, hassle-free getaways near Nashville's natural beauty.

Drive south on I-65 toward Exit 104 (Old Hickory Boulevard)—approximately 25 minutes from downtown Nashville. The route passes near Nashville International Airport, with clear signage and smooth traffic flow.

For public transit, take MTA MetroBus Route 39 to the Old Hickory Lake Transit Stop, then walk about 10 minutes to the lakefront. Some local tour operators also offer shuttle services, ideal for visitors without a car seeking convenient access to this scenic destination.

Popular activities include kayaking and fishing on the calm waters of Old Hickory Lake, ideal for both beginners and experienced enthusiasts. Summer brings outdoor concerts and picnic festivals celebrating Tennessee’s country roots.

The nearby Cumberland River Greenway offers miles of biking and hiking trails through lush forests and scenic river views, perfect for nature lovers. In winter, birdwatching tours attract wildlife photographers and ornithologists.

Many resorts also rent out jet skis and offer snorkeling experiences, allowing guests to explore underwater habitats and enjoy immersive lake adventures.

Try The Dockside Grill, a lakeside eatery famed for fresh seafood and farm-to-table ingredients. Must-order dishes include grilled bass with herb butter and smoked corn cakes, served on an open-air patio overlooking the water—perfect for sunset dining with live folk music.

For Southern flavors, visit Hickory Hollow BBQ & Blues, specializing in slow-smoked ribs and house-made sauces, paired with blues tunes and cold craft beer. Both restaurants are located in the main lakeside district, easily accessible by foot or short drive.