Everyone has heard of Gaylord Opryland. It is one of Tennessee’s (and the South’s) premier destination resort hotels. If you’re planning a trip to Gaylord Opryland, you might be wondering if it’s worth the hype and what there actually is to do once you’re there. After visiting for over 10 years, I can confidently say this is one of those places that feels like a destination in and of itself, and yes it is 100% worth the hype! It’s not just a hotel, it’s a full-service resort that is is quite the experience! Whether you’re going for a weekend getaway, a family trip, or a seasonal visit, there is so much to see, do and explore. And it’s perfect no matter whether you’re looking for a couple’s trip, a family trip or a girls’ trip. I’ve taken all of the above! Here’s your complete guide to Gaylord Opryland, including what to do, where to eat, and my best tips to make the most of your stay.
What Makes Gaylord Opryland So Unique
The moment you walk into Gaylord Opryland, it doesn’t feel like a normal hotel, it feels like you’ve stepped into a lush indoor garden. The entire resort is built around massive glass atriums filled with tropical plants, waterfalls, walking paths, and even an indoor river with boat rides. The hotel is always the perfect temperature because of the gardens in the atrium. So no matter the weather outside, it’s always the perfect temp in Gaylord. Each section of the hotel has its own feel, which makes exploring part of the experience. It’s one of those places where you can spend hours just walking around, taking it all in, and still discover something new each time you visit.
What to Do at Gaylord Opryland
One of the best things about staying here is that you truly don’t have to leave the property. Some of the top things to do:
- Delta Riverboat Ride – such a fun way to see the resort from a different perspective; the kids always love this
- Explore the atriums – this sounds simple, but it’s honestly one of my favorite things to do, the plants are so pretty, and it’s a peaceful way to explore; they also have fountain and light shows nightly
- SoundWaves – this indoor/outdoor water attraction is perfect whether you’re bringing the kids or not
- Pools and hot tub – aside from SoundWaves, they also have other pools and hot tubs at the hotel
- Shopping – there are so many great shops and boutiques here at the resort for adults and a toy store and Build-A-Bear for kids
- Live music – it is often you can catch a live show at one of the restaurants
- Seasonal events – Christmas here is next-level magical, but they also host events throughout the year seasonally
What is SoundWaves?
SoundWaves is a 111,000 square feet, 3-level water attraction that has an adult’s pool indoors, an adults-only pool outdoors, private cabana rentals both indoors and outdoors, a lazy river indoors, a rapid river indoors, a wave pool outdoors, and tons of waterslides both inside and out! During summer, the indoor and outdoor portions are open. And during the cooler months, just the indoor part is open. But no matter which time of year you go, it is 100% worth it! SoundWaves has SO much to offer for everyone! Just make sure to purchase your tickets to SoundWaves when you book your stay at Gaylord Opryland because entry to this attraction is separate.
Indoor Attractions at SoundWaves
Rapid Remix – Climb aboard a mega raft for 4-5 people and get ready for a breathtaking series of vortex complete with 21 LED lights and 12 music speakers. 42″ height requirement. Riders between 42″ and 48″ shall be accompanied by a Supervising Companion.
Stage Dive – This ultimate body sliding adventure features two slides. Choose the translucent tube with LED lights or try the opaque tube with no lights for even more suspense. 42″ height requirement.
Record Launch – Choose your adventure at the top. Pick the tubing bowl path for an intense centrifugal experience with 16 LED lights and four music speakers. Or push the limits of gravity with our two-person serpentine water ride. 42″ height requirement. Riders between 42″ and 48″ shall be accompanied by a Supervising Companion.
Crowd Surfer – Nashville’s only double FlowRider® lets two people surf at once.
Up Tempo Rapids River – Zip along on this 36′ rapid river, complete with waterfalls and spray features.
Down Tempo Lazy River – Grab a tube and float down this relaxing river through cavernous rock features with LED lighting and music.
Groovin’ Lagoon Activity Pool – Fun for all ages, explore this pool area’s rock wall, lily pad walk, basketball hoops and 30′ water curtain.
Quarter Note Cove – Explore this splash pad and pool designed for young children.
Half Note Cove – This multi-level play structure is great for kids of all ages with its multiple small and medium slides, shallow water, and spray features.
Outdoor Attractions at SoundWaves
Beat Drop – The floor drops and riders plunge down a near-vertical tunnel to enter a looping water slide, 48′ height requirement.
Bass Drop – This extreme high-speed, open-flume body ride is a six-story free-fall into six inches of water, 48′ height requirement.
Rock’N Racer – With four lanes, riders race each other through tight 360-degree loops to see who finishes first. A leader board at the bottom shows who won. 42″ height requirement.
Rising Stars Stage – This multi-level play structure is great for kids of all ages with its multiple small and medium slides, shallow water, and spray features.
Tidal Track Wave Pool – Waves come every 10-15 seconds on this beach that goes out to 6 feet deep, complete with a giant LED screen that can be viewed from the water or the hundreds of feet of shoreline.
Diamond Pool – This adults-only flat water outdoor pool area is for ages 18 and up only
No matter what time of year you come to Gaylord Opryland, you will definitely have an amazing time! We honestly love spending all the seasons and holidays here. They are all great in their own unique way. And no matter what time you come, you can still visit the indoor portion of SoundWaves.
Where to Eat at Gaylord Opryland
There are more than 10 dining options inside the resort. They have a little something of everything whether it’s pizza for the kids, steak for you and your significant other, Starbucks coffee for the moms or ice cream for a treat. A few favorites are:
- Old Hickory Steakhouse – perfect for a nicer dinner or date night, this is our favorite!
- Cascades American Cafe – great views and a more relaxed atmosphere, we love the breakfast buffet here each day
- Ravello – make reservations for this incredible Italian restaurant
- Solario Cantina – wonderful Mexican food, and we love the vibes
Amenities at Gaylord Opryland
Beyond the restaurants and activities, the amenities are another reason this resort stands out. The spa is perfect if you’re looking to slow down and add a little relaxation to your trip. It offers massages, facials and a full range of treatments to truly make your trip feel like a relaxing vacation. There’s also an indoor pool, an outdoor pool, a hot tub and a fitness center. There is no shortage of things to do at Gaylord Opryland!
My Tips After 10 Years of Visiting
After visiting for many years, these are the things I always keep in mind:
- It’s bigger than you think – give yourself time to explore, walk and see a lot and know that it will probably be crowded
- Wear comfortable shoes – this is not the place for anything uncomfortable unless you’re taking a short walk to a nice dinner
- Grab a map or use the app on your phone – it’s easy to get turned around in here, trust me this place is HUGE
- Make dining reservations ahead of time
- Visit during the week if possible – weekends and holidays get crowded quickly
Is Gaylord Opryland Worth It?
If you’re looking for a unique hotel stay that feels elevated , unique and will ensure that you don’t even have to leave the resort, this is it. Ther is so much to do here to see, eat, play and explore. And if you have kids, it absolutely has to be on your list! They also have a location in Grapevine, Texas that we love too. But the Nashville location is larger and is our personal favorite.
Final Thoughts
After 10 years of visiting Gaylord Opryland, it’s still one of our favorite places to visit each year. I’ve been taking all the kids since they were born, and they still request to come back often. If you’ve been thinking about going, this is your sign to book it.
