Believe it or not, Tennessee has the top-rated beach in Tennessee, USA. There is more than rolling hills, mountains, and country music. But Tennessee may not be a coastal neighbor with ocean beaches, but it sure is home to some of the most incredible lakeside beaches and riverside parks, and it boasts lakefronts that make for perfect relaxing escapes.
Taking you through the best Beach in Tennessee USA, from the closest beach to Nashville to hidden lakeside beauties. Tennessee’s shores have something to offer if you’re seeking a picnic place to unwind or a day of water activities.
Why Visit Beach in Tennessee USA?
Tennessee doesn’t boast any oceanfront, not in the traditional sense, but its beaches do have their distinct allure and stunning settings that make for a perfect getaway. Be it Percy Priest Lake near Nashville, Chickamauga Lake, or a sojourn at Gulf Shores, there are plenty of places to get your beach on in Tennessee. These untapped gems provide the ideal combination of nature, water sports, and peaceful retreats for families, adventurers, or nature lovers. Pack your bags and your sunscreen, and fly out to Tennessee for your beach vacation!
Closest Beach to Nashville
What’s the Closest Beach to Nashville, TN? The closest beach to Nashville is Cedar Creek Campground on Percy Priest Lake, just 30 minutes away. This scenic spot features a sandy shore, perfect for swimming, kayaking, and picnicking. If you’re looking for ocean beaches, popular options include:
Pensacola, FL: 6 hours 48 minutes
Gulf Shores, AL: 7 hours
Panama City Beach, FL: 7 hours 15 minutes
While Nashville is renowned for its vibrant music scene, it also offers convenient access to these relaxing beach destinations, making it easy to enjoy city life and the great outdoors!
Cedar Creek Campground & Beach
The closest beach to Nashville, Cedar Creek Campground on Percy Priest Lake, is just a short drive (maybe 30 minutes) from Nashville. This quieter scenic spot has a small sandy shore with a few swimmers and kayak and paddleboard access. Combine it with nearby picnic tables and grills, and it’s an ideal stop for a leisurely afternoon at the water.
Cedar Creek Campground & Beach
Location: Cedar Creek Campground, 1320 Cedar Creek Rd, Nashville, TN 37214
Long Hunter State Park is another great beach close to Nashville. Set on J. Percy Priest Lake, this park features a designated beach area that’s ideal for families. Swimming, picnicking, and even hiking on the park’s scenic trails, which provide spectacular views of the water, are a few other ways to enjoy yourself.
Tennessee doesn’t have ocean shores, but the lakes have some quite beautiful beaches. Whether your ideal escape is peaceful relaxation or outdoor adventure, these beaches are the perfect place to get away.
Douglas Lake
Douglas Lake, located in eastern Tennessee, is home to some of the most picturesque beaches in the state. Douglas Dam Beach, where swimming and picnicking are very popular. The lake is also famous for fishing and boating and is great for outdoorsmen.
Douglas Lake
Nearby Resort: The Douglas Lakeview Resort has lakefront cabins, a marina, and beach access for guests.
Chickamauga Lake, south of Chattanooga, features Harrison Bay State Park with a nice beach area and clear water. At the park, you’ll find very good fishing, swimming, and hiking, suitable for families and adventurers alike.
Chickamauga Lake
Location: 7855 Harrison Bay Rd, Harrison, TN 37341
Of course, Tennessee itself lacks ocean access, but there are many beach destinations a short drive away that provide the ideal coastal living experience. If you want to play in the ocean, here are a few nearby beaches in bordering states.
Gulf Shores, Alabama
Only a 5-6 hour drive from Tennessee, Gulf Shores is a most popular beach destination for Tennesseans. Gulf Shores State Park has pristine white, sandy beaches with calm waters. Gulf Shores: If swimming in the surf and lolling on sandy towels and flinging shit in the ocean while eating fried seafood from the beach aren’t your things, Gulf Shores are not your thing.
Gulf Shores, Alabama
Address: 20115 State Park Rd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Another beach retreat nearby is Destin, Florida. Famous for its emerald green waters and sugar-white sands, Henderson Beach State Park is one of the main attractions here. If you want coastal aesthetics and a whole spectrum of recreational activities such as parasailing, jet skiing, and beach volleyball, then you have found the right answers for you in Destin.
Though Nashville itself has no oceanfront, the city has some pretty great lakeside parks and waterfront attractions where you can spend the day on the beach. Here are some urban beach options in Nashville.
Radnor Lake State Park
While it might not offer a proper beach, Radnor Lake is a peaceful oasis in central Nashville. The park provides walking trails around the lake, with a lot of opportunities to spot wildlife, offering a peaceful haven for nature lovers.
Shelby Park is a nice little park located right outside of downtown Nashville. It has a walking trail along the river and a nice area to picnic. Not technically a beach, but the park’s access to the river provides peaceful moments by the water.
For people who dream of ocean breezes, Tennessee is bordered by states that feature ocean beaches.” Here are a few of the greatest coastal spots within a day’s journey.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
And while Myrtle Beach is an 8-hour drive from Tennessee, it’s well worth the trek. Famous for its bustling boardwalk, arcades, and shallow coastline, Myrtle Beach State Park is a popular pick for families. There are many activities on the beach such as jet skiing, boating, and fishing.
Just west of Gulf Shores, Orange Beach generally has a quieter, picturesque setting along the Gulf of Mexico. At Orange Beach Waterfront Park, you can wander along the beach, enjoy a picnic setting, or just get away for the day.
No, Tennessee is an inland state with no ocean beaches. But the state has quite a few lovely lakeside beaches and riverfront parks.
What is the best beach near Nashville, TN?
The nearest beach to Nashville is Cedar Creek Campground on Percy Priest Lake. A short drive from the city, it has a sandy beach ideal for swimming and picnicking.
Can I find family-friendly beaches in Tennessee?
Yes! There’s no shortage of family-friendly beaches in Tennessee, including
Douglas Lake and Chickamauga Lake, both of which offer gentle waters, picnic areas, and plenty of activities for your kiddos.
How far is Gulf Shores, Alabama, from Tennessee?
Gulf Shores: 5-6 Hour Drive from Tennessee. It’s one of the closer ocean beach destinations for Tennesseans who want to visit the Gulf Coast.
What are the best outdoor activities to do at Tennessee’s lakeside beaches?
Tennessee’s lakeside beaches are best for swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and hiking. Many parks provide picnic areas, camping, and wildlife viewing as well.
Conclusion
There’s always a beach experience there in Tennessee, from the golden sands of our sparkling lakes and rivers to a few of the quietest, most scenic in the U.S. Tennessee’s shorelines will surprise you, from the closest beaches to Nashville to ocean retreats in neighboring states. Beaches in Tennessee promise one-of-a-kind adventures, whether your trip is for a family vacation, weekend escape, or some outdoor fun.
