Germantown, Tennessee: 10 Short Day Trips to Explore
10 Easy Road Trips from Germantown, Tennessee for a Fun Day Out
|
| Trade your routine for river sunsets, quiet lake mornings, small-town downtown strolls, and wildlife watching on easy day trips from Germantown, Tennessee. |
Need a quick break from everyday life in Germantown, Tennessee? You do not have to go far to find a fresh view, a good meal, a quiet trail, or a fun small-town stop. One of the best things about living in or visiting Germantown in Shelby County is how many short road trips and day trips are close by.
For this list, I stuck to out-of-county escapes only, focusing on nearby places in DeSoto County, Mississippi; Marshall County, Mississippi; Fayette County, Tennessee; Tipton County, Tennessee; Crittenden County, Arkansas; and Mississippi County, Arkansas. These are the kinds of nearby getaway spots that work when you want to leave after breakfast and still be back by dinner.
So, where should you go first? Here are 10 fun ideas for a weekend trip, a casual afternoon drive, or a simple day trip near Germantown, TN.
1) Explore Historic Hernando Square in Hernando, Mississippi
Just south of Germantown, Hernando Square in DeSoto County, MS is a great first pick for an easy road trip. The town square has that classic small-town feel with local shops, old buildings, and an easy pace that makes you want to slow down for a while.
This is the kind of place where you can grab lunch, walk around, and enjoy not having a packed schedule. I always think town squares like this feel a little like stepping into a postcard. Simple, charming, and very easy to enjoy.
- Best for: casual strolling, shopping, lunch
- Drive time: about 35 to 45 minutes
- Good idea: pair it with coffee and a slow afternoon
2) Visit the DeSoto County Museum in Hernando, Mississippi
While you are in Hernando, another worthwhile stop is the DeSoto County Museum. If you enjoy learning about local history without needing a full-day commitment, this is a smart choice.
The museum gives you a better sense of how the region grew over time. It is small enough to feel manageable, which honestly can be a relief. Not every outing needs to be huge and flashy. Sometimes a quiet museum visit is exactly the reset you need.
- Best for: history lovers, rainy-day trips, quiet exploring
- Drive time: about 35 to 45 minutes
- Good idea: combine it with the town square for a full day trip
3) Take in the Views at Arkabutla Lake in DeSoto County, Mississippi
If your idea of a nearby getaway includes open water and fresh air, head to Arkabutla Lake. This spot is perfect when you want a change of scenery without driving hours away from Germantown, TN.
You can enjoy the shoreline, picnic, fish, or just sit and watch the water. It is one of those places that helps clear your head fast. You know that feeling when your brain has too many tabs open? A lake day can close a few of them.
- Best for: relaxing, fishing, scenic drives, picnics
- Drive time: around 50 minutes to 1 hour
- Good idea: bring folding chairs and snacks
4) Spend Time Outdoors at Sardis Lake in Marshall County, Mississippi
Sardis Lake is one of the most popular short day trips from Germantown, Tennessee if you are craving a bigger outdoor setting. Located in Marshall County, MS, it offers plenty of room to spread out and enjoy nature.
This is a nice pick for families, couples, or even a solo drive with a playlist you have been meaning to revisit. There are spots for boating, fishing, and relaxing by the water. If you want a little more breathing room than the city gives you, this is a solid option.
- Best for: lake views, boating, family outings
- Drive time: about 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes
- Good idea: pack sunscreen and make a full afternoon of it
5) Walk the Trails at Herb Parsons Lake in Fayette County, Tennessee
For a peaceful road trip near Germantown, Herb Parsons Lake in Fayette County, TN is a lovely choice. It is known for fishing and quiet outdoor time, but the area is also great if you simply want a walk in a natural setting.
Some trips are about doing a lot. Others are about doing almost nothing, in the best way. This is more like the second kind. It is calm, scenic, and easy to enjoy without much planning.
- Best for: hiking, fishing, quiet nature time
- Drive time: about 35 to 45 minutes
- Good idea: go early for a peaceful start to the day
6) See Local History at the Tipton County Museum in Covington, Tennessee
Head north to Covington in Tipton County, TN for a visit to the Tipton County Museum. This museum is a nice blend of regional history, culture, and local stories, which makes it a good fit for travelers who like meaningful stops.
It is an easy place to explore at your own pace. And because it is not overwhelming, it works well for families or anyone who wants a simple but interesting day trip. Sometimes these local museums end up being the biggest surprise on a road trip.
- Best for: local history, easy indoor activity, family visits
- Drive time: about 50 minutes to 1 hour
- Good idea: check for exhibits before you go
7) Enjoy a Small-Town Break in Covington’s Historic Downtown
While in Covington, take some time to explore the historic downtown area. This makes for a simple nearby getaway from Germantown, Tennessee when you want a mix of architecture, local flavor, and a laid-back afternoon.
There is something refreshing about walking through a downtown that is not in a rush. You can browse, grab a bite, and enjoy a town that feels rooted in its own story. It is a great reminder that not every good trip needs a major tourist attraction.
- Best for: browsing, photos, easy lunch stop
- Drive time: about 50 minutes to 1 hour
- Good idea: look for local cafes and storefronts
8) Cross the River for Big Views at Big River Crossing in Crittenden County, Arkansas
If you want one of the most memorable road trips from Germantown, TN, head west to Big River Crossing in Crittenden County, AR. This walking and biking bridge gives you sweeping Mississippi River views and a totally different perspective on the region.
This is a fun option when you want something active but not too hard. The bridge experience itself feels special, especially around sunset. It is one of those spots that makes a short trip feel bigger than it really is.
- Best for: river views, walking, photos, active outings
- Drive time: around 30 to 40 minutes
- Good idea: bring water and go near golden hour
9) Watch for Wildlife at Wapanocca National Wildlife Refuge in Crittenden County, Arkansas
Nature lovers should put Wapanocca National Wildlife Refuge on their list. Also in Crittenden County, AR, this peaceful area is a great choice for birdwatching, wildlife spotting, and quiet outdoor time.
If your usual week feels loud and packed, this place can be a real change of pace. It is calm and wide open, with the kind of scenery that makes you want to put your phone away for a little while. Or at least use it only for photos.
- Best for: birding, nature drives, peaceful escapes
- Drive time: about 45 minutes to 1 hour
- Good idea: bring binoculars if you have them
10) Discover the Sights of Downtown Blytheville in Mississippi County, Arkansas
For a slightly longer but still manageable weekend trip or full day trip near Germantown, head to Downtown Blytheville in Mississippi County, AR. This area offers historic buildings, local character, and a chance to see another side of the Mid-South.
Blytheville works well when you are in the mood for a drive with a destination that feels a little different. It is not flashy, and that is part of the appeal. Think of it like finding a hidden track on an album you already liked. Unexpected, but worth the time.
- Best for: architecture, local history, a longer scenic drive
- Drive time: about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes
- Good idea: turn it into a lunch-and-walk kind of day
Tips for Planning a Short Day Trip from Germantown
Before you hit the road, here are a few easy tips to make your trip smoother:
- Start early if you want more time to explore and avoid traffic.
- Pack snacks and water, especially for lake and nature stops.
- Check hours ahead of time for museums and small-town shops.
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking downtown areas, trails, or bridges.
- Keep your plans flexible. Sometimes the best part of a road trip is the unexpected stop.
Final Thoughts on Nearby Getaways from Germantown, Tennessee
Whether you are in the mood for lakes, local history, scenic walks, or charming downtowns, there are plenty of great things to do near Germantown, Tennessee without staying in Shelby County. These short road trips prove you do not need a big vacation to enjoy a refreshing change of scenery.
Have you visited any of these spots already? Which one would you pick first for a quick day trip or nearby getaway? Share this post with a friend who loves a spontaneous drive, and feel free to leave a comment with your favorite escape from Germantown. I would love to hear where the road takes you next.
Comments
Post a Comment