Do you reside in Nashville, Tennessee? Are you interested in planning a road trip to a fantastic beach destination? Pack the car and head from Nashville, TN, to Gulf Shores, Alabama! It’s the perfect change of scenery, and the travel time from Nashville to the Gulf Coast is a breeze. To learn how to make this dream vacation a reality—read on!
When you arrive at your destination of Gulf Shores, AL, you’ll want to be sure to plan exciting activities to fill your time. Let our team do the searching for you, so you can focus on what matters most: making unforgettable memories with your loved ones.
How to Get From Nashville, TN, to Gulf Shores
The distance from Nashville to the Alabama Gulf Coast is about 470 miles. You’ll arrive at your destination in no time!
By Car
The most common way to travel from Nashville, TN, to Gulf Shores is via car. The drive from Nashville will take a little over seven hours. The quickest route begins on I-65 South, which you will stay on for 412 miles. You’ll take Exit 37 and get on I-10 East in Loxley from AL-59 South. Follow I-10 East for about 23 miles to Baldwin Beach Express. Take Exit 49 and follow Baldwin Beach Express, Foley Beach Express, and AL-59 South/Gulf Shores Parkway to your Gulf Shores destination.
Make Pit Stops Along the Way
If you’re not in a rush to get to Gulf Shores and are interested in making your journey into a road trip with some interesting pit stops, we’ve got you covered. Choose from these unique cities and make some stops along the way.
- Birmingham, AL – Birmingham is a beautiful city with a rich history and many interesting things to do. Some of the best attractions include Birmingham Zoo, Oak Mountain State Park, Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame, Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, and more!
- Montgomery, AL – A fantastic stop to make on your road trip is in the capital of Alabama—Montgomery. Some of the top attractions here include The Hank Williams Museum, the Alabama State Capital, Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, Rosa Parks Library and Museum, and Alabama Safari Park.
- Mobile, AL – Mobile is known for being a port city on Alabama’s Gulf Coast. During your visit, you can view the USS Alabama battleship from the WWII era anchored in Battleship Memorial State Park. You can also visit the Mobile Carnival Museum, the 1850 Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, and the Mobile Museum of Art.
By Plane
If a road trip isn’t your style, you can also fly into Pensacola International Airport. The flight time is less than an hour and a half. When you land, you can rent a car or take a transportation service and drive to Gulf Shores, which only takes about an hour.
Once You Arrive in Gulf Shores
You did it! You’ve reached your destination and arrived in the one and only Gulf Shores! Now what? It’s time to relax, catch some waves, and soak up some rays of sunshine. There’s so much to see and do on the Alabama Gulf Coast; you’ll never be bored. Some favorite activities among locals include:
- Dolphin cruises
- Parasailing
- Jet skiing
- Sunset cruises
- Visit OWA entertainment park
- Mini golf
- And more!
Browse our complete collection of things to do in our TripShock program and start getting excited about your vacation!
Find Your Perfect Gulf Shores Alabama Vacation Rental
Here at Harris Vacation Rentals, we have been helping families create their dream vacations come true throughout Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan, for over three decades. We specialize in pet-friendly beach rentals so every family member can join you on your getaway. We are dedicated to making sure you have nothing short of a magnificent experience on the Alabama coastline. Our team is here to show you what true Southern hospitality is all about. With a solid reputation for providing unmatched customer service, we are proud to show you everything this beautiful region has to offer.
We offer beach rentals in all sizes to accommodate both small and large groups. Our beach rentals include condos and vacation houses directly on or near the white sands of the Gulf Coast, and many properties include private pools. Each of our Gulf Shores condos on the beach are kept in pristine condition and feature a myriad of amenities that will ensure you and your travel companions genuinely feel at home throughout your stay. All of our rental locations are conveniently within a short distance of the area’s popular attractions, activities, restaurants, shops, and of course, striking white sands and clear, blue waters. Browse our properties and find your perfect vacation spot today!
