Tired of giving gifts that just collect dust? This year, skip the generic material item and give the gift of an unforgettable Nashville memory! Music City is the perfect place to give experiences, from floating parties to backstage tours that create lasting stories.
When you choose a Nashville experience gift, you aren’t just handing someone a voucher; you’re giving them an afternoon of laughter on a Nashville party boat, a sunset view they’ll never forget, or a deep dive into the soul of country music. We’ve compiled the ultimate guide to the most fun, unique, and memorable experience gifts in Nashville, starting with the best way to enjoy the water!
Make Waves: The Best of the Cumberland River
The Cumberland River is the heartbeat of the city, offering a unique perspective of the skyline that you simply can’t get from Broadway. Whether you are looking for Nashville things to do for a wild group of friends or Nashville family-friendly outings, the river has two distinct ways to celebrate.
1. The Ultimate Party: Pontoon Saloon Gift Card
If you’re looking for the premier Nashville party boat, look no further. The Pontoon Saloon isn’t just a cruise; it’s a floating honky-tonk and the most unique venue in Nashville!
- The Vibe: Imagine the energy of Lower Broadway, but with a breeze and a moving view. Music is blasting, the decks are rocking, and the city skyline serves as your ever-changing backdrop. It is a high-energy, “bar-style” cruise where dancing is highly encouraged.
- The Story: “We didn’t just go to a bar; we owned the river.” That’s the story your gift recipient will tell. Whether they are playing limbo with a broomstick or toasted to the bride-to-be, the memories made on the Pontoon Saloon are legendary.
- Ideal For: Bachelorette and bachelor parties, 21st birthdays, corporate team-building, or any group of friends who want to celebrate Music City in style.
- The Gift: A Pontoon Saloon gift card offers total flexibility. Recipients can choose their own date and time for a public “Honky Tonk” cruise or put it toward a private charter.
2. The Scenic Perspective: Nashville Water Taxi
For those who prefer a relaxing, picturesque view or a fun way to navigate the city without the traffic, the Nashville Water Taxi is the answer. This is one of the top Nashville family-friendly activities for those who want to see the sights at a slower pace.
- The Vibe: Focuses on convenience, relaxation, and unparalleled views of downtown landmarks like Nissan Stadium and the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge. It’s an eco-friendly way to skip the Uber and enjoy the air.
- The Story: “We saw the city from under the historic bridges.” It’s a peaceful, “main character” moment as you glide past the bustling city.
- Ideal For: Families with kids, visitors who want a narrated history of the river, and anyone looking for a stress-free scenic tour.
The Gift: Nashville Water Taxi gift cards are instant and valid for all cruise options, including point-to-point service or 2-hour scenic tours.
Music City Immersion: Iconic Nashville Experiences
Once they’ve conquered the river, give them a chance to immerse themselves in the culture, music, and flavors that make Nashville famous. These are the Nashville things to do that turn tourists into storytellers.
3. For the Music & History Buff
Nashville is the heart of American music history. These gifts let your loved ones walk in the footsteps of legends:
- Grand Ole Opry & Ryman Auditorium: Don’t just give a concert ticket; give a Backstage Tour. Standing in the famous “circle” on the Opry stage or walking through the dressing rooms where Dolly Parton and Johnny Cash prepared for shows is a bucket-list experience.
- Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum: A membership here is the gift that keeps on giving. With 2.5 million artifacts, it’s a deep dive into the “why” behind the music.
- Hatch Show Print: Gift a “Block Party” workshop. They can see the historic letterpress shop in action and even pull their own iconic poster print to take home—a physical souvenir of a creative experience.
4. For the Foodie & Drink Connoisseur
Nashville’s culinary scene is about more than just a meal; it’s a culture.
- Hot Chicken & Whiskey Tour: Give a specialized food tour that explores the fiery origins of Nashville Hot Chicken. It’s a sensory story involving local distilleries and the city’s most famous (and spicy) export.
- Goo Goo Cluster Candy Making Class: Perfect for families or couples, this hands-on experience at the downtown shop lets them design their own premium “Premium Goo Goo.”
- Speakeasy Food & Cocktail Tour: A walking tour focused on Prohibition-era history. It’s a “hidden” Nashville experience that feels exclusive and sophisticated.
5. For the Adventurer & Creator
For those who want to do rather than just see, Nashville offers high-octane and high-creativity options.
- Axe Throwing & Escape Rooms: Downtown Nashville features world-class venues like The Escape Game. It’s the ultimate “you had to be there” story of teamwork and adrenaline.
- Nashville Glasshaus or Paddywax Candle Bar: Give the gift of a new skill. Whether they are blowing glass or pouring a custom-scented candle, they’ll remember the day they became a Nashville artisan.
- Golf Cart Mural Tour: This is the best way to see the city’s vibrant street art. It’s fast, fun, and provides the perfect backdrop for photos that will live on their Instagram feed forever
Why Experience Gifts Win Every Time
According to psychological studies, experiences provide more lasting happiness than material goods. In a city like Nashville, the “stuff” is the music, the river, and the spirit of the people.
When you gift a seat on a Nashville party boat like the Pontoon Saloon, you aren’t just buying a boat ride. You are buying:
- Anticipation: The excitement leading up to the trip.
- Engagement: Two hours of pure, unplugged fun with friends.
The Afterglow: The photos, the inside jokes, and the “remember when” moments.
Give a Memory That Lasts
This year, be the person who gives the “best gift ever.” Give a gift that sparks joy, creates laughter, and results in a fantastic story the recipient will tell for years to come. Whether they crave a high-energy river party, a peaceful family cruise, or an unforgettable deep dive into Music City culture, you’ve got the perfect gift in hand.
Ready to gift an adventure?
- Party Time: Purchase your Pontoon Saloon Gift Card today!
- Scenic Cruise: Purchase your Nashville Water Taxi Gift Card today!
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Nashville Experience Gifts
What is the best Nashville party boat for a group? The Pontoon Saloon is widely considered the top choice for groups, offering a 50-foot barge with a licensed captain, deckhand, and a high-energy “Honky Tonk on the water” atmosphere.
Are there family-friendly things to do in Nashville on the water? Yes! The Nashville Water Taxi and the Nashville History Tours are specifically designed to be family-friendly, offering narrated tours that are educational and relaxing for all ages.
Can I buy Nashville experience gift cards online? Absolutely. Most major Nashville attractions, including Pontoon Saloon, Nashville Water Taxi, and the Grand Ole Opry, offer instant digital gift cards that can be emailed directly to the recipient.
What are the most unique Nashville things to do? Beyond the music, unique experiences include candle-making at Paddywax, mural tours by golf cart, and taking a cruise on a floating saloon.
