Step inside Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville, where indoor gardens, hotel rooms, and restaurants sit beneath acres of glass ceilings. Winding pathways lead through tropical greenery, past rushing waterfalls, and alongside a river flowing right through the hotel.
Around every corner, there’s something different to see. Follow the sound of a waterfall, wander through the gardens, or stop to watch a riverboat glide past.
Whether you’re staying for a weekend or visiting for the afternoon, here’s what to know about the rooms, dining, gardens, and planning your time at Opryland.
Disclosure: This site contains links from our trusted partners, including Amazon. If you book or purchase through these, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting Tennessee Trekkn!
Exploring the Gaylord Opryland Atriums
Nine acres of indoor gardens stretch beneath the glass ceilings of Gaylord Opryland, where three main atriums—Garden Conservatory, Cascades, and Delta—are connected by pathways and bridges. Each has something different to see.
Garden Conservatory: A Walk Through the Gardens
Brick paths wind through tropical plants, flowers, and towering greenery. Morning light filters through the glass, falling across the gardens below. Follow the smaller paths to quiet corners hidden among the plants.
Cascades: Waterfalls Beneath the Glass
You’ll hear the waterfalls before you see them. Water spills over tall rock formations, while pathways offer different views of the Cascades Atrium.
Delta Atrium: A River Runs Through It
A quarter-mile indoor river winds through the Delta Atrium, passing restaurants, shops, and gardens. Flatboats carry visitors along the water, while bridges offer a place to stop and watch.
Trekkn Tip: Wear comfortable walking shoes. The resort is enormous, and it’s easy to spend a couple of hours exploring the atriums.
Gaylord Opryland Rooms: Where to Stay
Room choice matters at Gaylord Opryland Resort. Garden-view rooms overlook the indoor atriums, and some have balconies where you can enjoy the views of the gardens below.
Both room categories offer king and double-bed options. Accessible rooms are also available.
Whichever you choose, you’re just steps from theRoom choice matters at Gaylord Opryland Resort. Garden-view rooms overlook the indoor atriums, and some have balconies where you can enjoy the views of the gardens below.
Trekkn Tip: Dreaming of a balcony overlooking the indoor gardens? Look for a garden-view room with a balcony when booking. Holiday dates are especially popular, so plan ahead.
Riverboats, Water Park & Spa at Gaylord Opryland Resort
There’s more to Opryland than wandering through the gardens. Riverboats pass beneath bridges, shops line the Delta Atrium, and a water park and spa offer a change of pace.
Ride the Delta Riverboat
Take a flatboat ride along the indoor river, passing tropical gardens, restaurants, and walkways. It’s a different view of the Delta Atrium from the water. Tickets are required.
Spend Time at SoundWaves
SoundWaves is Gaylord Opryland’s indoor and seasonal outdoor water park, featuring slides, pools, and areas for younger children. Inside, you’ll find tropical plants, natural light, and water attractions for the whole family.
It’s a fun way to spend part of your stay, especially with kids. Admission is separate from standard room bookings, so check availability and admission options before visiting.
Visit Relâche Spa
Relâche Spa offers massages, facials, and other treatments. Appointments are recommended, particularly during busy weekends.
Wander Through the Shops
Between the atriums, you’ll find shops, places to grab coffee, and pathways worth exploring. Take another walk through the gardens after dark, when the lights reflect off the water.
Gaylord Opryland Restaurants: Where to Eat
From dinner overlooking the gardens to coffee between atrium walks, Gaylord Opryland restaurants offer plenty of variety.
Dining at Gaylord Opryland Resort is part of the experience, with restaurants and casual options throughout the atriums.
Old Hickory Steakhouse: A Special Dinner
Old Hickory Steakhouse sits among the gardens of the Delta Atrium, serving steaks, seafood, and fine wines. In the evening, soft lights glow throughout the gardens, adding to the dining experience.
Ravello: Italian Dining
Ravello serves house-made pasta and Italian dishes in the Garden Conservatory. Just beyond the restaurant, pathways wind through tropical greenery beneath the glass ceilings.
Cascades American Cafe: Casual Dining
Overlooking the Cascades Atrium, this restaurant serves American favorites with a Southern influence. Waterfalls and tropical plants surround the dining area.
Coffee and Quick Bites
Stop by Cocoa Bean for morning coffee or Delta Marketplace for sandwiches, salads, and grab-and-go meals. You’ll find other casual dining spots throughout the resort.
Trekkn Tip: These are just a few of the restaurants at Opryland. Dining hours can change seasonally, so check current hours before your visit, especially during holidays.
Exploring Nashville Beyond Opryland
There’s plenty to see beyond the gardens of Opryland Hotel Nashville. From country music to shopping and riverboat cruises, several Nashville attractions are just minutes away.
Grand Ole Opry
Just down the road, the Grand Ole Opry has welcomed country music legends and rising stars for generations. Catch a live show or take a backstage tour to explore this Nashville tradition.
→ Explore Grand Ole Opry Shows & Tours
Opry Mills
Located next to Gaylord Opryland Resort, Opry Mills offers shopping, restaurants, and entertainment under one roof. It’s an easy place to shop or grab a bite to eat.
Nashville Riverboat Dinner Cruise
Enjoy an evening on the Cumberland River aboard a Nashville paddlewheel riverboat. This two-hour cruise includes a Southern-inspired buffet dinner, live music, and views of the Nashville skyline.
→ Explore Nashville Riverboat Dinner Cruises
Downtown Nashville
Head downtown for Broadway’s honky-tonks, live music, historic landmarks, and restaurants. It’s roughly 10 miles from the resort, so plan for traffic and parking.
Parking at Gaylord Opryland
Before visiting this Resort, plan ahead for parking. The property is large, so allow extra time to park and find your way inside.
Self-Parking and Valet Parking
The resort offers both self-parking and valet parking for day visitors and overnight guests. Overnight guests have in-and-out privileges, while day visitors generally pay per entry. Rates may change, so check current parking fees before you go.
Visiting for the Day
You don’t have to stay overnight to explore the indoor gardens. Parking charges still apply, and access may be limited during busy holiday periods.
Opryland During the Holidays
Christmas brings a different look to Opryland’s indoor gardens. Millions of lights fill the resort, decorated trees rise beneath the glass ceilings, and holiday displays line the pathways.
Outside, the grounds glow with Christmas lights, while seasonal shows and activities fill the calendar. There’s also ICE!, featuring elaborate scenes carved from more than two million pounds of ice.
Explore the decorations, seasonal attractions, and helpful planning tips in our complete Christmas guide.
→ Christmas at Gaylord Opryland: Lights, Activities & Tips
Gaylord Opryland Resort FAQ
About 15 minutes from Nashville International Airport, depending on traffic.
Weekday mornings are generally quieter. November and December are especially busy, so book holiday stays early.
Yes! Kids can explore the indoor gardens, ride the Delta riverboat, and enjoy SoundWaves. Even spotting fish in the river is fun.
You can compare room options, check availability, and book your stay online. Room rates vary by date and availability.
→ Explore Rooms & Availability at the Resort
A Nashville Stay Beyond the Ordinary
There’s something about Gaylord Opryland Resort that makes it more than a place to spend the night. From morning walks through the gardens to evening lights reflecting off the river, there’s plenty to enjoy without leaving the hotel.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or exploring Nashville, leave time to wander the atriums.
Ready to plan your stay?
→ Check Rooms & Availability at Gaylord Opryland Resort
Happy Trekkn’, Friends!
Disclosure: This site contains links from our trusted partners, including Amazon. If you book or purchase through these, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting Tennessee Trekkn!







