Nashville Packing List (15 Things People Forget)

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Figuring out the perfect Nashville packing list is essential to having a great time in Music City. And as a Nashville local, I’m here to help!

First off, the most important thing is to bring clothes that you will be comfortable in while exploring all the things to do in Nashville. Plus, make sure you bring clothes to handle potential weather swings – they’re known to happen!

To help you figure out what to bring and what to wear in Nashville, I’ve put together the ultimate Nashville packing list to help you get started. Let’s get into it!

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Nashville Packing Checklist

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Clear Bag

If you’re headed to a concert in Nashville, you probably can’t bring your normal bag or purse inside with you. Most of Nashville’s best concert venues have a clear bag policy. Make sure you have a clear bag that fits the allowed size guidelines. The Vorspack Clear Bag is hands-free and lets you bring everything you need.

Earplugs

One thing people always seem to forget is earplugs. They’re helpful for more than just getting a good night of sleep! Tuck a pair of earplugs into your bag if you’re headed to a concert, especially if your seat is near the stage.

Rain Poncho

Most of the time, you won’t need a rain poncho in Nashville, but I still highly recommend bringing this travel-friendly rain poncho. 

I’ve learned from experience that if there’s rain forecasted for a day when there’s an NFL game or a stadium concert, the stores here will completely sell out of ponchos when everyone rushes to buy one. It’s better to have one ahead of time just in case.

Carry On Luggage

If you’re a carry-on-only traveler, then you need a reliable carry-on suitcase. Especially if you’re only in Nashville for a weekend, you want to have enough room for the essentials without having to waste time at the baggage claim.

The Nomatic Navigator Carry-On is well-designed and durable enough to last for years of travel. Read Taylor’s review of Nomatic Navigator for the full breakdown.

Day Pack

If you’re traveling to Nashville with kids or if you plan on hiking near Nashville, then you’ll want a lightweight day bag to hold a few extra things while exploring. The G4Free 20L Lightweight Packable Backpack is big enough to carry what you need for the day, and takes up very little space when packed away the rest of the time.

Bug Repellent

If you plan to spend any time outdoors while in Nashville, you’ll probably need bug repellent, especially in the evening. There’s nothing worse than not having bug repellent when you need it. I like these OFF Insect Repellent Towelettes because they’re easy to throw in your bag and are travel friendly.

Packing Cubes

If you’re not already using packing cubes when you travel, then you are missing out on a game changer. Packing cubes are great for keeping your clothing and items organized.

The Well Traveled Packing Cubes are particularly good because they compress to allow you to fit even more in your bags. So, you can pack everything you need for all the different things to do in Nashville.

Toiletry Bag

I refill my toiletry bag every time I get home from a trip so that packing for my next trip is even easier. Use a hanging toiletry bag to keep all your items in one place.

Sunscreen

Whether you’re walking around Downtown or taking a day trip from Nashville, the sun is harsh in most of Tennessee. Put on sunscreen when outside and continue reapplying throughout the day. This Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Sunscreen is easy to apply and isn’t greasy like most sunscreen. 

Makeup Setting Spray

During the summer, the humidity and the heat are going to cause your makeup to run. Living in the south, I’ve learned that makeup setting spray is the trick to keeping makeup in place when it’s humid outside.

The Coola Organic Makeup Setting Spray is the one I use when I’m at outdoor concerts where I know I won’t be able to touch up my makeup for a while. As an added bonus, it offers some sun protection as well.

👉 Get a Printable Version of this Checklist Here

Emergency Kit

If you like being prepared for every scenario, having a tiny emergency wardrobe kit can make packing much easier. With the Pinch Provisions MiniEmergency Kit, you won’t have to panic if you lose a button or need an extra hair tie. I throw this in my bag every time I travel.

First Aid Kit

On your trip to Nashville, don’t forget to pack a first aid kit. This small first aid kit has the basics you need to handle small emergencies without having to stop your day to find a pharmacy.

Blister Pack

Blisters can happen any time you walk more than normal. Bring bandages so you can enjoy your visit to Nashville to the fullest. 

Power Bank

When you travel, you need your phone for everything including following directions and taking lots of photos. Have a small power bank with you so you don’t have to worry about your phone dying when you need it most.

Reusable Water Bottle

Nashville gets hot, especially during the summer. While you might be able to get away without a water bottle during the spring and fall, you’ll want one for any day you plan to be outside in the summer. 

Use this refillable Owala water bottle to stay hydrated and save money by not purchasing bottled water while you’re out and about.

Other Nashville Essentials to Pack

• ID
• Wallet
• Toothbrush
• Toiletries
• Chapstick
• Glasses or contacts
• Contact solution
• Hand sanitizer 
• Makeup remover wipes
• Cell phone and charger 
• Books or e-reader
• Sleep mask
• Travel pillow
• Prescription meds
• Over-the-counter meds
• Sunglasses

Clothing to Pack for Nashville

Nashville is mostly a casual city. Very few places have dress codes. If you want to dress up a bit for a special occasion or for photos, you won’t look out of place though. 

My biggest piece of advice for clothes is to bring items you can layer. Also, check the forecast when packing. Nashville has all four seasons, but the weather doesn’t always match the calendar.

So what clothing should you pack for Nashville? Here is a quick clothing checklist for 3 days in Nashville: 

• 1-2 pairs of shorts or long pants
• 1-2 dresses
• 1 swimsuit
• 1 ball cap or sunhat
• 1 pair of blue jeans
• 1 pair of sandals
• 1 pair of sneakers
• 4 pairs of underwear
• 1-2 shirts 
• 1 dressier shirt
• 1 cardigan or light jacket
• 1 rain jacket
• 1 coat in the winter
• 3-4 pairs of socks
• 1-2 sets of pajamas

Need a little more direct advice on what to bring on your trip? Here are a few specific suggestions on what to wear when visiting Nashville.

Linen Pants

Blue jeans are fine in the fall and winter, but in the summer heat and humidity, linen pants are my top choice. Linen is going to wrinkle, but it’s worth the trouble of using an iron before leaving your hotel room. Pair these wide-legged linen pants with tank tops or t-shirts.

Sandals

Sandals are the way to go when visiting Nashville in the hot summer months. Pick a pair that are sturdy and comfortable enough because you’ll be walking around a lot.

These Chacos come in a women’s version and a men’s version. They’re great with a casual outfit during the day, and each pair will last a long time. My husband has been wearing the same pair for years.

Light Jacket or Cardigan

One thing that absolutely should be on your packing list is layers. During the summer, it’s hot outside, but the air conditioning is usually on full blast inside. Bring a cardigan or jacket to carry with you while sightseeing. I keep this BB&KK Cardigan in my bag and put it on whenever I go inside.

Rain Jacket

Nashville gets pretty rainy during the spring. Keep a rain jacket nearby so you’ll be able to keep exploring even if a shower pops up. The Columbia Glennaker folds up and can be stored in its front pocket. This is a similar women’s rain jacket also by Columbia.

👉 Get a Printable Version of this Checklist Here

Nashville Packing Tips

Leave the Cowboy Gear at Home

Nashville may be the home of country music, but most people don’t wear cowboy boots or hats around Nashville. They take up a lot of space in your suitcase, although you may see a few cowboy boots on Broadway. 

Plus, unless you wear cowboy boots often, they’ll be uncomfortable while walking around. 

Wear Your Preferred Style

There really is no wrong or right way to dress in Nashville when it comes to style. Even though I’ve said don’t bring cowboy boots, you can totally wear them if you want to go through the trouble of packing them. People tend to dress in a variety of different styles. 

You’re unlikely to look out of place no matter what you wear in Nashville.

Do Laundry

It’s easier to plan on packing light and doing laundry if needed. There are laundromats located across town. Several will even let you drop off your laundry to be washed and folded. 

If you’re staying for more than a few days, you can just pack several outfits and do laundry rather than trying to stuff everything into a checked bag or carry-on suitcase.

Pack for Activities

Nashville is packed with activities. You can visit the Country Music Hall of Fame, bar hop on Lower Broadway, go hiking near Nashville, or enjoy Nashville’s live music venues. 

Planning out what you want to do in Nashville before you get here can help you adjust your packing list to only include what you need. 

Bring Layers

Whether you visit Nashville in the summer or winter, you should bring outfits you can layer. It can be cooler or warmer than you expect, and it’s difficult to predict in advance exactly what the temperature will be. 

Check The Weather

Sometimes it’s unseasonably warm or cool. It can snow one week in the winter and then be 70 degrees and sunny the next. The best way to make sure you have the right thing to wear in Nashville is to look at the weather forecast while packing. 

In general, you can expect to wear t-shirts and tank tops in the spring and summer and wear long sleeves in the fall and winter. However, you should expect temperatures to vary.

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That’s it for our ultimate packing list for Nashville! Remember you can also get the printable version here.

If you’re looking for more information for planning your trip to Music City, check out my guide to the best time to visit Nashville.

🖨️ Get a printable version of this checklist