If you love picturesque lakeside views and charming small towns then you’re in for a treat. As great of a city as Nashville is some people just want to spend their days by the lake fishing, swimming or just enjoying the beautiful views. So lets dive into some of the most beautiful lake towns you can visit near Music City! And First on the list is one of my favorite lake towns and that is Hendersonville Tennessee. 

Hendersonville

First up is Hendersonville. Located just 18 miles northeast of Nashville, this town is perfect for lake lovers. It's nestled on the shores of Old Hickory Lake, offering stunning views and plenty of recreational activities. The area boasts a vibrant community with a mix of local shops,  beautiful parks and restaurants, including a couple of great lakeside restaurants like The Rudder and Moby Dickys. Hendersonville also has a couple of great local marinas such as Anchor High Marina and the very prestiges Drakes Creek Marina. They also have some beautiful parks which makes Hendersonville one of the most sought after towns in Middle Tennessee. 

Gallatin

Next, we have Gallatin. So Gallatin is about 30 miles northeast of Nashville right next to Hendersonville. Some of you know in my previous career  I used to be a firefighter for the City of Gallatin and lucky for me one of my duties at the station I was at was covering the lakeside with the departments boat we called Marine 1. So we went all over this body of water and I have to say not only is it a fantastic lake but some of the lake homes that I would see were the nicest luxury homes I’ve ever seen! So Gallatin is known for its historic charm and scenic beauty located near Old Hickory Lake. You can enjoy fishing, boating, or simply relaxing by the water. Don’t miss the charming downtown area either with its many shops and dining options like Starr Ranch, Prince Street Pizza and Awe Daddy’s Bar and Grill which is right by the lake.

Mt Juliet

One of the best cities in Middle Tennessee is Mt Juliet. Now Mt Juliet offers a variety of recreational activities for lake lovers. Kayaking paddleboarding and fishing are popular pastimes and there are plenty of spots for picnics and family gatherings at all the local parks that are available. The sense of community in Mt juliet is strong, and the town hosts numerous events and festivals throughout the year. From summer concerts by the lake to fishing tournaments theres always something happening.  And the amount of shops and restaurants available in the town will make sure that you always will have something to do. 

Hermitage

Next up is one of my favorite cities, which I actually lived right by the lake with my wife many years ago and that is Hermitage, TN. Just 15 miles east of Nashville, Hermitage is home to the historic Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage estate. But beyond its historical significance, Hermitage is also close to Percy Priest Lake. I have so many memories going to the dam and trying to catch some big ole catfish for dinner but hardly ever working out so we would go to one of the great waterfront restaurants they have down here. Sams Bar and Grill or we would go to our favorite place which is Black Jack Cove. Now Black Jack Cove is a restaurant in the Elm Hill Marina  and not only was the food good, but they would play live music on the weekends which was always fun too. But Hermitage has more to offer than alot of people realize, you can enjoy the natural beauty of the area with opportunities for boating, hiking, and picnicking and still be just minutes from Downtown!

Old Hickory

Right around the corner from Hermitage is another great lake community and that is Old Hickory, Tennessee. Old Hickory is a small community located right on the shores of Old Hickory Lake. With its relaxed atmosphere and beautiful waterfront, it’s a great spot for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Nashville. One thing about Old Hickory is that it in Davidson County which is where Nashville is and also alot of people dont know but part of Old Hickory is in Wilson County. This area of Old Hickory is a little more sought after due to the fact that the taxes are a good amount better in Wilson County and most of this part is where the lake is at.  But also another great thing about Old Hickory is that they have a sandy beach. I’ve taken my kids there a couple of times and they always have alot of fun. So if youre looking for a cheap family outing on the water come on down! You wont regret it!

Lebanon

Ok next on the list is the great city of Lebanon, located about 30 miles east of Nashville, and this town is gem. The town is known for its friendly atmosphere and its proximity to the beautiful Center Hill Lake as well as Old Hickory Lake.  This lake offers fantastic options for fishing and water sports. One of the bigger attractions to Lebanon is Laguardia Recreation Area. Just like in  Old Hickory, this area has a fantastic beach where your family can come and swim and play and if you have good enough imagination you can pretend you’re in Hawaii! But it really is a great town, Lebanon itself is filled with historic sites, a great downtown area and local eateries so come check it out!!

KINGSTON SPRINGS

About 20 miles west of Downtown Nashville, Kingston Springs is a charming river town with  a population of just under 3,000 people: it offers a peaceful escape with its beautiful setting along the Harpeth River. Now I gotta tell yall something, I got some buddies that like to go kayaking in the summer time and they are OBSESSED with Harpeth River and especially the Narrows area of it and I dont blame them.  The Harpeth River State Park is a linear park that manages nine river access sites along 40 river miles. Sites include several natural, archaeological and historic areas.   Also if you don’t have a canoe or kayak they have rentals available. Kingston Springs is known for its natural beauty, the town provides a peaceful environment with opportunities for kayaking of course, they also have many sites for hiking, and exploring all the local parks with many outdoor activities that they have available.

So there you have it—7 of the best lake towns near Nashville, each offering its own unique charm and outdoor adventures. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun day out by the water, these towns have something for everyone. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon for information on the Nashville area. And if you have any questions at all or looking to move to the Middle Tennessee or south central kentucky area give me a call send me a text or shoot me an email and I would be happy to help. But until the next time. See ya later.