Looking for an easy day trip from Nashville to Clarksville? Clarksville is only about an hour up I-24, and after spending a long weekend there, I can tell you it has more than enough to fill a full day: a museum with a bubble cave, a state park with a historic cave entrance, a long-running winery, a distillery with a great outdoor space, and hands-on art workshops downtown. This is how I’d condense my weekend into one perfect day trip.
Thank you to Visit Clarksville for hosting me on my trip. As always, all opinions are my own.
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Table of Contents
In a Rush? The Day Trip at a Glance
9:30 a.m.: Breakfast at The Amsterdam Local
10:00 a.m.: Customs House Museum and the Starry Night mural
12:30 p.m.: Dunbar Cave State Park
1:30 p.m.: Wine tasting at Beachaven Winery
2:30 p.m.: Late lunch at Old Glory Distilling
4:30 p.m.: Stained glass or pottery workshop downtown
6:30 p.m.: Dinner at Yada on Franklin, then drive back to Nashville
Book Ahead: ArtLink Clarksville workshops | River City Clay pottery classes
Why Take a Day Trip from Nashville to Clarksville?
If you’re based in Nashville or visiting for a few days, a day trip from Nashville to Clarksville is a great break from Broadway crowds. Clarksville has a walkable historic downtown along the Cumberland River, easy outdoor spots just minutes from the city center, and a surprising number of hands-on activities, all without the big-city prices or parking stress.
Getting from Nashville to Clarksville
Clarksville is roughly 45 miles northwest of downtown Nashville, and the drive takes about an hour via I-24 West. You’ll want a car for this day trip (if you’re flying into Nashville, rent a car at BNA), since Dunbar Cave, Beachaven Winery, and Old Glory are a short drive outside downtown. Once you’re downtown, park once and walk.
My Nashville to Clarksville Day Trip Itinerary
9:30 a.m.: Breakfast at The Amsterdam Local
Start at The Amsterdam Local, a Dutch-inspired cafe and bakery on Madison Street. When I was there, I ordered an iced salted honey cream latte and a bagel with cream cheese. The lot next door is paid, but you can often find free spots behind First Christian Church. For more breakfast and brunch options, see my guide to where to eat in Clarksville.
10:00 a.m.: Customs House Museum and the Starry Night Mural
The Customs House Museum opens at 10 a.m. and is the best way to start your day trip from Nashville to Clarksville. Go straight to the lower level for the Bubble Cave and the model train exhibit, then explore the upstairs galleries, including the exhibit on Clarksville’s Olympic legend Wilma Rudolph. Afterward, walk a few doors up Madison Street to see the huge Clarksville Starry Night mural.
12:30 p.m.: Dunbar Cave State Park
Drive a few minutes to Dunbar Cave State Park and walk the one-mile loop past the cave’s stone-arched entrance and along the boardwalk by the lake. Guided cave tours only run June through August and on weekends in May and September, so check the schedule if you want to go inside. Bring water for the trail, like this Hydro Flask from my travel essentials.
1:30 p.m.: Wine Tasting at Beachaven Winery
Beachaven Winery has been open at its location near I-24 since 1986. I did a flight of two sparkling wines and two dry whites and took it outside to the picnic tables on the lawn. If you’re the designated driver, keep the tasting small or skip ahead to lunch.
2:30 p.m.: Late Lunch at Old Glory Distilling
Next, head to Old Glory Distilling for a late lunch. I had the Mexican street corn dip, a strawberry lemonade, and the Grind burger with fries, then walked around Silo Park, the outdoor space out back with a converted silo, a stage, and red Adirondack chairs.
4:30 p.m.: A Hands-On Workshop Downtown
Head back downtown for a workshop. I did a two-hour stained glass workshop at ArtLink Clarksville and made a ghost suncatcher I could take home the same day, which makes it ideal for a day trip. River City Clay also offers pottery wheel classes on the same street, but keep in mind your pieces get mailed to you later.
6:30 p.m.: Dinner at Yada on Franklin
End your day trip from Nashville to Clarksville with dinner at Yada on Franklin, right on the same street as the workshops. I had the parmesan fries, a non-alcoholic cocktail, and a ribeye with broccoli before heading out.
Visiting on a Sunday? Swap in These Stops
The Amsterdam Local is closed on Sundays, so plan your day trip for a Friday or Saturday if you want breakfast there. On a Sunday day trip, start with brunch at The Mad Herbalist instead. I had their tea flight, avocado toast, and a small French toast there. Then trade the workshop for an afternoon hike at Rotary Park and a walk along the Cumberland Riverwalk in McGregor Park, and grab treats for the drive home at Silke’s Old World Bakery.
Tips for Your Day Trip
Go Friday or Saturday. You’ll have the most options open, including the downtown shops, which mostly open around 11 a.m.
Book your workshop before you go. Classes have set times and limited spots, so plan the rest of your day around your session.
Want more time? If one day isn’t enough, my Clarksville weekend itinerary spreads all of this over three days. If you stay overnight, the DoubleTree by Hilton downtown is within walking distance of most of the downtown stops.
FAQs About a Day Trip from Nashville to Clarksville:
How far is Clarksville from Nashville?
About 45 miles, or roughly an hour’s drive on I-24 West.
Is Clarksville worth a day trip from Nashville?
Yes. Between the Customs House Museum, Dunbar Cave, Beachaven Winery, and the downtown workshops, there’s easily enough to fill a full day.
Do I need a car for a day trip from Nashville to Clarksville?
Yes. There isn’t an easy public transit option between the two cities, and several stops are outside downtown.
Final Thoughts: Day Trip from Nashville to Clarksville
A day trip from Nashville to Clarksville is an easy way to see a different side of Tennessee: history, nature, wine, and local art, all within an hour of the city. If you have time to stay longer, it’s worth turning into a full weekend.
More From My Clarksville Trip
Plan your trip: The Perfect Clarksville Weekend Itinerary | What to do: 11 Best Things to Do in Clarksville, TN | Where to eat: Where to Eat in Clarksville, TN
More day trips: Day Trip from New York City to Beacon, New York
Until next time, happy wanderings!
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