Guided Segway Tour of Downtown Nashville

If you’re visiting Nashville for the first time and want to make the most of your limited time, a guided Segway tour of downtown offers a lively, efficient way to get your bearings. This experience promises a blend of fun, sightseeing, and local insight—all in a small-group setting that keeps things personal and engaging. Whether you’re a bit nervous about balancing on a Segway or eager to explore Nashville’s top sights, this tour might just become the highlight of your trip.

One of the things we love about this tour is its emphasis on safety and training. The 30-minute orientation ensures everyone feels comfortable before hitting the streets, which is a big plus for first-timers. Plus, the small group size (limited to 12-15 travelers) makes for a friendly, less rushed experience—good news for those who prefer quality over quantity. Plus, the tour covers an impressive selection of landmarks, giving you a solid overview of Nashville’s heart, from the Country Music Hall of Fame to the Tennessee State Capitol.

A minor consideration might be the weather, as this is an outdoor activity, and you’ll need to dress accordingly. Also, the tour’s duration—ranging from 1 to 2.5 hours—means you should plan your day around it if you want to maximize sightseeing. If you’re after a relaxed, fun way to see the city with knowledgeable guides, this Segway tour is definitely worth considering.

This experience is ideal for first-time visitors, families, or anyone looking for a different way to explore Nashville’s vibrant downtown. It’s also a good choice if you want a quick orientation before digging deeper into the city’s music, history, and culture.

Key Points

• A guided Segway tour offers a fun and efficient way to see downtown Nashville.
• Small group size ensures personalized attention and safety.
• The tour includes a thorough 30-minute training session for beginners.
• Highlights include major landmarks like the Country Music Hall of Fame and Tennessee State Capitol.
• Tour durations are flexible—choose between 1.5 or 2.5 hours to fit your plans.
• The experience garners high praise for guides, views, and value.

The Tour Experience in Detail

Starting at the iRide Nashville location on 6th Avenue North, the tour begins with a 30-minute indoor orientation. This part is crucial—it’s not just a quick how-to but an opportunity to get comfortable with the Segway controls. The training involves a brief video and one-on-one coaching from your guide, which helps ease nerves and build confidence. Helmets are provided—it’s a must for safety—and you’re encouraged to wear flat, comfortable shoes, whether open or close-toed.

Once everyone’s ready, your guide will lead you out into downtown Nashville, where the real fun begins. The tour combines education and entertainment, mixing interesting facts about Nashville with lively storytelling. Many reviews mention how guides like Brett make history and city facts feel both fun and memorable, often adding humor and local anecdotes. As one reviewer put it, “Brett was fantastic. He took us through the city, gave us history, and made it fun with true stories about the city’s walls, parks, and capital.”

Landmarks and Highlights

The core of the tour revolves around Nashville’s most iconic sights. You’ll cruise past the Country Music Hall of Fame, a must-see for music fans, and the Ryman Auditorium, a legendary music venue. The Bridgestone Arena, home to the Nashville Predators, provides a glimpse into the city’s sports scene. The open-air live event venues and the Nashville Symphony at the Schermerhorn Center are also part of the route, offering an auditory and visual feast.

For those opting for the longer 2.5-hour version, additional stops include the Bicentennial Mall, a sprawling park in the city center celebrating Tennessee’s bicentennial, and the Tennessee State Capitol—both are impressive symbols of Tennessee’s history and governance. The grounds around the Capitol feature statues of historic figures and graves of President Polk and his wife, providing a fascinating glimpse into political legacies.

Riding Through Nashville’s Neighborhoods

Beyond the landmarks, you’ll experience the vibe of Nashville’s different neighborhoods. 16th Avenue, known as the heart of the country music industry, features a walking star path honoring country legends. This stretch offers a lively, music-filled atmosphere that captures Nashville’s essence.

The tour’s pacing is generally smooth, though some reviews mention that it can feel slow or that not enough of the city’s highlights are covered within the time frame. One reviewer noted, “For a 2.5-hour tour, we should learn more and see more,” highlighting that some might wish for a deeper dive into Nashville’s neighborhoods or history.

What Travelers Say

The majority of feedback is extremely positive. Many appreciate the professionalism and friendliness of guides like Eric, who offer not just routes but local recommendations. “Eric was very attentive and pointed out a lot of history, not only about music but also about the city,” one traveler shared.

Reviewers also love how fun and accessible the Segway experience is, especially for those who haven’t tried one before. Comments like “Segways are very fun,” or “It’s a great way to see the city with no fatigue,” are common. Families and groups of friends have found it a memorable way to spend an afternoon, with some noting they’d have liked to do it earlier in their trip for orientation purposes.

Value for Money

At around $64.54 per person, the tour offers a compelling mix of entertainment, education, and sightseeing. Considering the inclusion of the training, helmets, bottled water, and access to major sights, many agree it’s worth the price—particularly for first-time visitors wanting a quick city overview. The reviews reflect this, with many describing the tour as “worth every penny” and “a highlight of their trip.”

Practical Details and Tips

The tour starts at 217 6th Ave N, conveniently located near public transportation options. Booking in advance is advisable—most travelers book about 19 days ahead—since the tour is popular and limited to just 12-15 participants. Confirmations are received immediately, and weather can impact the experience, so dress accordingly and check the forecast.

The tour is suitable for ages 12 and older, but pregnant women and those under the influence of alcohol are not permitted. Besides that, most travelers can participate comfortably, provided they wear flat shoes and are able to balance on a Segway.

The group size ensures that guides can give attention to each rider, making for a safer experience. The tour durations—1.5 hours with a training session or 2.5 hours including additional sights—allow flexibility depending on your schedule.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour Best For?

This Nashville Segway tour shines for first-timers wanting a quick, engaging overview of downtown Nashville. It’s especially appealing to those who enjoy light adventure and storytelling, and who value guided insights without the hassle of navigating alone. Families, couples, or solo travelers eager to get a sense of the city’s key sites will find it a worthwhile experience.

If you’re short on time but want to hit the highlights with a knowledgeable guide and enjoy a bit of fun on two wheels, this tour hits the mark. It’s a relaxing, informative, and above all, memorable way to start your Nashville adventure.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, the 30-minute indoor training session ensures everyone feels comfortable riding a Segway, even if it’s your first time. Most travelers find it easy to pick up the controls with guidance.

What should I wear on the tour?
Comfortable, flat shoes are recommended—both open and closed-toed options are acceptable. Dress for the weather, as the tour is outdoors.

How long does the tour last?
You can choose between a 1.5-hour version with training or a 2.5-hour tour that covers more sights, including bicentennial park and the Tennessee State Capitol.

Are helmets provided?
Yes, helmets are included and required for safety. You’re welcome to bring your own if preferred.

What’s included in the price?
Your fee covers the guided Segway tour, training, helmet and headsets, bottled water, and ponchos for light rain. The tour does not include gratuities.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

Is the tour family-friendly?
Yes, as long as participants are 12 or older and able to balance on a Segway. It’s a fun activity suitable for families and groups.

In summary, the Guided Segway Tour of Downtown Nashville offers a lively, enjoyable way to see Nashville’s top sights with a friendly guide. It’s a fantastic choice for first-timers, history buffs, and anyone looking to combine sightseeing with a bit of fun on two wheels. With a focus on safety, high praise for guides, and the chance to see the city from a fresh perspective, it’s worth considering as part of your Nashville itinerary.