When driving between the bustling cities of Boston, Massachusetts and Nashville, Tennessee, you have over 1,000 miles of open road ahead. With so many options along the way, choosing where to stop can be overwhelming. Do you push through and try to complete the 15+ hour drive in one shot? Or do you take your time, sampling some of the sights and flavors the Eastern and Southern states have to offer? The route you take and stops you make along the way will shape your road trip experience.
The Best Route from Boston to Nashville
The most direct route from Boston to Nashville primarily follows I-81 S and I-40 W, connecting major cities like New York City, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Knoxville and Memphis along the way. This route is about 1,060 miles and would take around 16 hours of nonstop driving to complete. It’s the fastest way to get between the two cities, but doesn’t allow much time for stops and sightseeing. If you want to add in some pit stops and detours, consider taking I-95 S from Boston to I-81 S for a more coastal drive through New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia and the Carolinas before cutting inland. This adds about 2 hours of drive time, but allows you to soak in ocean views and hit beach towns along the East Coast.
Typical Drive Times and Distances Between Major Stops
Here are some typical drive times and distances between major stops you may want to make on a Boston to Nashville road trip:
- Boston to New York City: 4-5 hours, 215 miles
- New York City to Philadelphia: 1.5-2 hours, 90 miles
- Philadelphia to Washington D.C.: 2.5-3 hours, 135 miles
- Washington D.C. to Raleigh, NC: 4.5-5 hours, 325 miles
- Raleigh to Charlotte, NC: 3-3.5 hours, 180 miles
- Charlotte to Asheville, NC: 2.5-3 hours, 125 miles
- Asheville to Knoxville, TN: 2-2.5 hours, 115 miles
- Knoxville to Nashville: 3.5-4 hours, 180 miles
This gives you a sense of the driving times between major cities and destinations along the Boston to Nashville route. When planning your stops, be sure to leave ample time to enjoy each location – don’t just drive through! It’s better to see fewer places and really experience them than it is to rush through many stops.
Best Places to Stop on a Boston to Nashville Road Trip
Now let’s get into some of the best places to consider stopping on a Boston to Nashville road trip:
New York City, NY
The Big Apple needs no introduction – it’s one of the most iconic and exciting cities in the world. Spend at least 1-2 nights exploring the neighborhoods of Manhattan, seeing sights like the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, Central Park and the 9/11 Memorial. Catch a Broadway show, go shopping in SoHo, wander through galleries in Chelsea or stroll across the Brooklyn Bridge. With world-class museums, restaurants and entertainment, the only problem with New York City is fitting it all in!
Philadelphia, PA
Philly combines small town charm with big city vibes. Chow down on an authentic Philly cheesesteak, see the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, run up the “Rocky steps” of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and check out the murals and hip shops in the South Street neighborhood. Don’t miss eastern state penitentiary – it’s one of the country’s most famous former prisons. Grab an outdoor table at a cafe in Rittenhouse Square to watch the world go by as you recharge.
Washington D.C.
The U.S. capital has a staggering number of world-class museums and monuments that are mostly free to visit. Spend time on the National Mall taking in sights like the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, White House and U.S. Capitol. Dedicate a whole day to the massive Smithsonian Institution museums – Natural History, American History and Air & Space are fan favorites. Other D.C. highlights include the National Zoo, arty/foodie H Street Corridor and waterfront areas like Georgetown and The Wharf.
Charleston, SC
Charleston exudes old world southern charm. Stroll the cobblestone streets of the historic downtown area, taking in antebellum houses, walled gardens and historic churches. Visit the bustling City Market and dine at one of the city’s many outstanding restaurants focused on Lowcountry cuisine and fresh seafood. Don’t miss Fort Sumter where the first shots of the Civil War were fired. It’s easy to explore by foot, bike or carriage tour. Nearby beaches and plantations like Boone Hall and Magnolia Gardens make for great day trips.
Asheville, NC
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is one of those special places that combines natural beauty with artsy flair. Downtown has a lively mix of breweries, farm-to-table restaurants, galleries, street musicians and unique shops. Architecture buffs will love the Art Deco buildings. Nature lovers can hike to waterfalls, mountain summits or through the countryside, or take a driving tour along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Don’t miss the grand Biltmore Estate and the eclectic River Arts District.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Stretching across North Carolina and Tennessee, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited National Park in the country – and for good reason. Lush forested mountains, wildflowers, rivers, scenic drives, hiking trails, waterfalls and abundant wildlife make it a must-visit on a road trip between Boston and Nashville. Spend at least a few hours driving along the 11-mile Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. Hike to thundering Grotto Falls or Clingmans Dome, the highest point in Tennessee. Picnic or fish in Cades Cove, hike part of the Appalachian Trail, or stay overnight in a cabin to fully soak in the beauty.
Knoxville, TN
Home to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville is filled with energy and southern spirit. Downtown has hip cafes, bars, breweries and shops. Catch a show at the Tennessee Theatre, or head to Market Square to see street performers and sample food truck fare. The renovated Old City neighborhood is full of converted warehouses housing boutiques, galleries and restaurants. Knoxville is also home to great museums like the McClung Museum of Natural History & Culture and fun neighborhoods like the Old Sevier Distillery District. Sports fans may want to catch a Volunteers football game at Neyland Stadium.
Lynchburg, TN
Famous for whiskey production, no road trip through Tennessee is complete without a stop in Lynchburg. This small town is home to the iconic Jack Daniel’s Distillery, which offers fascinating tours detailing the entire whiskey-making process. Watch as they turn grains into alcohol, get inside aging warehouses packed with whiskey barrels, and even sample the finished product. Downtown Lynchburg is charming with antique shops and diners serving classic comfort food to refuel after a day at the distillery.
Memphis, TN
As the quintessential city of the south, Memphis has plenty of barbecue joints, blues bars and Elvis attractions to fill your time. Walk down Beale Street to listen to live music and indulge in Memphis BBQ nachos. Tour Elvis’ Graceland mansion or visit Sun Studio where he and other legends recorded hits. The city is also home to grand Victorian mansions in areas like Annesdale and Central Gardens, the National Civil Rights Museum, the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, and artsy South Main Street. Just over the river you’ll find attractions like the iconic Pyramid sports arena.
Nashville, TN
Last but not least, Nashville is the perfect place to wrap up your Boston to Nashville road trip! Nicknamed “Music City”, it has a pulsing live music scene that spills out from the neon-lit honky tonks of Broadway into venues across town. The lively downtown is also packed with trendy restaurants, shops, art galleries, and a full-scale replica of the ancient Parthenon. The Country Music Hall of Fame traces the roots of country music and its biggest stars. Don’t miss the popular Bluebird Cafe in the Green Hills neighborhood where stars like Taylor Swift were discovered.
Best Places to Eat From Boston to Nashville
One of the joys of a road trip is sampling local flavors in each place you stop. Here are some top restaurants and foods to try along the Boston to Nashville route:
Boston – Yankee Lobster Fish Fry
Get your road trip off to a great start by feasting on fresh lobster rolls, fried seafood platters, chowder and more coastal New England specialties at this casual, counter-serve seafood spot.
New York City – Joe’s Pizza
No visit to New York is complete without trying a slice of authentic New York-style pizza. Joe’s in Greenwich Village has been serving up perfect thin crust pies since 1975.
Philadelphia – Reading Terminal Market
One of America’s oldest and largest public markets, Reading Terminal Market is foodie heaven with dozens of stalls selling regional specialties from Pennsylvania Dutch to classic cheesesteaks.
Washington D.C. – Ben’s Chili Bowl
Ben’s Chili Bowl is a D.C. institution that’s been serving their famous chili for over 60 years. Get a chili dog or half-smoke for the full experience.
Charleston – Hominy Grill
Charleston has incredible southern food across the board, but Hominy Grill stands out for their mouthwatering Lowcounty breakfasts and brunches complete with shrimp and grits, biscuits, and more.
Asheville – 12 Bones Smokehouse
12 Bones Smokehouse is always packed for good reason – they serve some of the most tender, juicy BBQ in North Carolina. Don’t skip the blueberry chipotle ribs and cornbread.
Great Smoky Mountains – Carver’s Applehouse Restaurant
Enjoy homestyle Southern cooking with a side of scenic mountain views at Carver’s Applehouse Restaurant right in the heart of the national park.
Lynchburg – Miss Mary Bobo’s Boarding House
For authentic Southern cuisine served family-style, make reservations at Miss Mary Bobo’s Boarding House. Fried chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, biscuits and peach cobbler transport you back in time.
Memphis – Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken
Gus’s does the best fried chicken in Memphis. The secret is in the spicy batter coating each juicy piece. Served with baked beans and slaw, it’s a fried chicken lover’s idea of heaven.
Nashville – Hattie B’s Hot Chicken
Nashville hot chicken is a local specialty with a serious kick. Hattie B’s does it right, with melt-in-your-mouth fried chicken drenched in cayenne-spiked oil. Choose your heat level from Southern (mild) to Shut the Cluck Up (burn notice).
Where to Stay from Boston to Nashville
Planning where to stay along your road trip route is key. Here are some of the best lodging options in key stops between Boston and Nashville:
Boston – The Liberty Hotel
For a truly unique Boston stay, book a room at The Liberty Hotel. This former 19th century jail has been converted into a stylish and modern hotel, complete with luxury amenities and gorgeous city views. You’ll really feel like you’re escaping the slammer!
New York City – PUBLIC Hotel
The PUBLIC Hotel offers affordable luxury right in Manhattan’s Lower East Side. Beyond the sleek rooms, guests love the rooftop bar, healthy dining options, and fitness classes.
Philadelphia – The Notary Hotel
Located right in the heart of the city, The Notary Hotel mixes history and modern amenities, from the ornate hotel lobby to the rooftop bar overlooking City Hall.
Washington D.C. – The Watergate Hotel
The Watergate Hotel gives you front row seats to D.C. landmarks like the Kennedy Center. Despite the notorious name, it has stylish guest rooms, a spa and rooftop whiskey bar with Potomac River views.
Charleston – The Dewberry Hotel
This boutique hotel in a former 1960s federal building has gorgeous Southern charm, from the citrus-hued rooms to the rooftop lounge overlooking Marion Square.
Asheville – The Foundry Hotel
With an unbeatable downtown location, this trendy hotel has modern-chic decor inspired by Asheville’s art and music scene – plus a lively basement pub.
Great Smoky Mountains – LeConte Lodge
For a truly rustic experience, stay at LeConte Lodge, accessible only by hiking 5-8 miles. You’ll be surrounded by sweeping mountain views at this off-the-grid getaway.
Lynchburg – Hilton Garden Inn Lynchburg
This reliable, affordable chain hotel has comfy beds and mini fridges to keep bottled water chilled after sampling whiskey on a hot Tennessee day.
Memphis – The Peabody Memphis
Soak up old Memphis grandeur at this historic hotel famous for the Peabody Ducks marching to the lobby fountain each day. The rooms have an elegant, updated style.
Nashville – Thompson Nashville
Expect sleek, modern style fused with Music City vibe at this Gulch neighborhood hotel with a rooftop lounge overlooking downtown.
Tips for Roadtripping from Boston to Nashville
Here are a few final tips for ensuring your road trip between Boston and Nashville is epic:
- Allow enough time – Don’t try to cram this all in a few days. Plan at least 1-2 weeks to fully enjoy the journey.
- Share driving duties – Trade off driving every few hours with any travel companions to avoid fatigue.
- Make use of audio books/playlists – Load up some engaging podcasts, audiobooks and playlists to make those long stretches of highway more enjoyable.
- Book some lodging in advance – Reserve hotel rooms in advance for bigger cities during peak season. Other nights you may be able to wing it.
- Pack healthy snacks/water – Bring nutritious snacks and drinks to save money and minimize junk food pit stops.
- Take scenic routes – Opt for side roads and scenic byways over highways when possible to soak in views.
- Check event listings – See if any festivals, concerts or art events coinciding with your trip.
- Allow flexibility – Leave room for unexpected pit stops and detours you stumble across along the way!
Conclusion
A road trip from Boston to Nashville provides the perfect blend of northern city vibes and southern hospitality. Over 1,000 miles of opportunities await you in between the two cities. Take your time exploring East Coast and Southern culture through food, music, nature and history. Let the freedom of the open road lead you on an unforgettable journey across this beautiful section of the United States! Just be sure to map out some key stops along the way to maximize your experience on the route between these two iconic American cities.