Looking for things to do in Woodbine or South Nashville? From international restaurants and local coffee shops to parks, live entertainment, shopping, and some of Nashville’s most interesting cultural attractions, this part of the city offers plenty to explore beyond downtown.
Located just south of Nashville’s urban core, Woodbine and South Nashville are home to a diverse mix of neighborhoods, businesses, restaurants, parks, and attractions. Whether you’re a Nashville local, new to the area, or visiting Music City and looking for something outside the usual tourist destinations, there are plenty of reasons to head south.
Here are some of the best things to do in Woodbine and South Nashville.
1. Explore Nolensville Pike
If you’re looking for one place that captures the diversity and personality of South Nashville, start with Nolensville Pike.
The corridor runs through Woodbine and South Nashville and is packed with locally owned restaurants, international markets, bakeries, cafés, and small businesses. It’s one of the best areas in Nashville to experience the city’s international food scene.
You can find everything from Mexican and Middle Eastern food to Thai, Chinese, Kurdish, Turkish, and Persian cuisine.
Rather than looking for one particular destination, give yourself some time to explore. Stop for coffee, pick up ingredients at an international grocery store, and try a restaurant you’ve never visited.
Nolensville Pike is one of the best places to experience a less-touristy side of Nashville.
2. Get Coffee at a Local Woodbine Coffee Shop
Woodbine has a growing coffee scene that’s worth exploring.
Red Bicycle Coffee Co. is a popular neighborhood option offering coffee, breakfast, crêpes, and lunch in a casual café setting.
For something different, check out Primitive Coffee Company along Nolensville Pike. Independent coffee shops like these are part of what gives Woodbine its neighborhood character.
If you’re heading toward 12 South, there are even more cafés and bakeries to explore.
A local coffee stop is an easy addition to almost any Woodbine Nashville itinerary.
3. Visit Nashville Zoo at Grassmere
One of the biggest attractions in South Nashville is Nashville Zoo at Grassmere.
The zoo makes a great destination for families, couples, or anyone looking for an activity that can fill several hours. In addition to its animal exhibits, the property includes the historic Grassmere estate.
Because the zoo is located in South Nashville, it’s easy to combine a visit with lunch or dinner along Nolensville Pike.
Planning a family day in South Nashville? Nashville Zoo is one of the easiest places to start.
4. Experience Plaza Mariachi
For a completely different Nashville experience, visit Plaza Mariachi Music City.
Located along Nolensville Pike, Plaza Mariachi combines restaurants, shopping, entertainment, and cultural experiences in a setting inspired by a traditional Latin American town square.
Depending on the schedule, visitors may find live music, mariachi performances, dancing, and other entertainment.
It’s a particularly good option if you’re searching for things to do in South Nashville at night but don’t want to spend the evening downtown.
6. Spend Time Outdoors at Whitsett Park
Looking for something free to do in Woodbine?
Head to Whitsett Park, which provides access to the Mill Creek Greenway and offers opportunities for walking, running, and enjoying the outdoors.
It’s a quieter alternative to some of Nashville’s larger parks and a convenient place to get outside without leaving the neighborhood.
For locals, it’s also a reminder that Woodbine isn’t just about restaurants and businesses—there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, too.
7. Have a Neighborhood Night at Rosie’s Twin Kegs
If you’re searching for where to go out in South Nashville, consider skipping Broadway and heading to a neighborhood bar.
Rosie’s Twin Kegs is a longtime South Nashville institution known for its casual atmosphere, burgers, drinks, karaoke, and live entertainment.
It’s a very different experience from the massive honky-tonks downtown—and that’s exactly why locals and visitors looking for a more relaxed Nashville night may enjoy it.
Grab a burger, order a drink, and settle in for a classic neighborhood-bar experience.
8. Shop at International Markets
Nolensville Pike isn’t just a restaurant destination. It’s also a great place to shop for ingredients and products from around the world.
K&S World Market is one of the area’s best-known international grocery stores, with a huge selection of ingredients and products from different countries.
Even if you’re not planning to cook, an international market can be a fun stop while exploring South Nashville.
Pick up something you’ve never tried before and make your own Nashville food adventure.
9. Explore Wedgewood-Houston
Just north of Woodbine is Wedgewood-Houston, another neighborhood worth adding to your South Nashville exploration.
The area is known for its art galleries, creative businesses, restaurants, breweries, and converted industrial spaces.
It’s particularly fun to explore during an art crawl or neighborhood event.
Combine Wedgewood-Houston with Woodbine for a full day of exploring some of Nashville’s most interesting neighborhoods outside the downtown core.