35 Best Places to Visit in Tennessee (Local’s Guide)

Tennessee has become one of the top tourist destinations in the United States, and it’s so easy to see why! This popular southeastern state is full of natural beauty, famous landmarks, and fun attractions.

Whether you’re interested in visiting the Smoky Mountains in East Tennessee, the country music capital in Middle Tennessee, or the historical destinations in West Tennessee, the Volunteer State has something for you!

In the post below, we will provide an extensive list of the best places to visit in Tennessee this year. The attractions and activities included in this article are perfect for couples, families, or singles to enjoy. 

Whether you’re searching for outdoor hiking options, educational museums, or fun parks, our list includes all the exciting and beautiful places in Tennessee you’ll want to add to your list. As you read through our list, you’ll undoubtedly notice familiar activities; but, you may also be surprised at some of the unique places to visit in Tennessee that we include. These hidden places in Tennessee are additional great items to add to your itinerary.

Since I have lived in the eastern, middle, and western parts of the state of Tennessee, I will provide insight on these hidden gems as well as the popular places to visit throughout the state. So, continue reading below for a full guide to the best spots to visit in Tennessee!

Downtown Nashville

The bustling downtown area of Nashville is full of fun places to visit, especially the Lower Broadway area. Visitors to this popular city will find all kinds of restaurants, shops, honky-tonks, and historical sites located right in the heart of the city.

If you’re looking for things to do near Broadway and downtown Nashville, you’ll find the famous Ryman Auditorium, Tootsies Bar, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and The Wildhorse Saloon among other great attractions. You can also check out a concert or an NHL game at Bridgestone Arena, which sits in the downtown Nashville area as well.

Graceland

Graceland Mansion is located in Memphis, TN and is known as the home of Elvis Presley. Visitors to Graceland can tour rooms throughout the home and see exhibits featuring Elvis’s jewelry, clothes, awards, and memorabilia. Additionally, guests can climb aboard Elvis’s airplanes to get a true feel for how he traveled in style.

Lookout Mountain

Take a trip to the Chattanooga area and Lookout Mountain to enjoy some natural beauty and family friendly attractions year round. Visitors can take the Incline Railway up to the top of Lookout Mountain where guests can tour Rock City Gardens.

This popular tourist attraction provides stunning views, caverns, a waterfall, and a rope bridge. Plus, Rock City hosts numerous festivals and events throughout the year that feature live music, activities, and seasonal foods. You can find out more in our our full Review of Rock City Gardens where we provide tips for visiting this stunning attraction with kids.

Beale Street

Beale Street, also known as the Home of the Blues, is located in Memphis, Tennessee and is a great spot for singles or couples. With lots of bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues, Beale St. always features something fun to do.

If you’re planning a visit to Beale Street, make sure you check out their list of events as they often host seasonal festivals that are tons of fun. Additionally, the Orpheum Theatre is located just off of Beale Street and is the site for touring Broadway shows and other live entertainment.

Watauga Lake

Watauga Lake is located in the Cherokee National Forest in eastern Tennessee. Not only does this lake provide beautiful scenery of the Appalachian Mountains, but it also offers lots of activities for visitors.

From boating, fishing, and camping to viewing waterfalls and visiting nearby wineries, Watauga Lake is a great option for a weekend getaway in Tennessee. For additional lake recommendations in the Volunteer State, you can check out our post on the Best Tennessee Lakes.

Arrington Vineyards

Arrington Vineyards sits in Middle Tennessee between the towns of Franklin and Murfreesboro. This beautiful vineyard is co-owned by Kix Brooks from the popular country music duo Brooks and Dunn. In addition to wine tastings, Arrington Vineyards features seasonal live music and food trucks on select evenings. This family friendly winery also offers plenty of outdoor space that kids enjoy as well.

Midtown Memphis

Located just east of the downtown area, Midtown Memphis is full of fun things to do. Visitors can explore nearby attractions like the Memphis Zoo and the Children’s Museum of Memphis. You’ll also find lots of restaurants, bars, and shops in this area of town. Don’t forget to check out the local event schedule before your arrival as Midtown often hosts festivals and live entertainment options throughout the year.

Dollywood

If you’re looking for a great theme park experience in Tennessee, we highly recommend checking out Dollywood. Located in East Tennessee near Pigeon Forge, Dollywood features an expansive theme park complete with roller coasters, live shows, and other attractions.

If you’re visiting during the summer months, you can also visit Dollywood’s Splash Country Water Park to cool off in the pools, slides, and lazy river. Visitors looking for a place to stay near the Dollywood amusement park should check out the DreamMore Resort as it offers several perks that overnight guests can take advantage of at the theme parks.

Gaylord Opryland Resort

If you’re heading to the Nashville area for a vacay, the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center is one of our top choices for where to stay. This stunning hotel consists of several massive atriums where visitors can stroll through the indoor gardens. With loads of restaurants, shops, and bars located right inside the hotel, you don’t even need to leave the property. Plus, visitors can enjoy live entertainment, an indoor boat ride, waterfalls, and fountain shows daily.

While at Opryland, don’t forget to check out Soundwaves, which is the indoor/outdoor water park that features waterslides, lazy rivers, pools, and more. Additionally, Gaylord Opryland often holds seasonal events with special activities for Christmas, Halloween, Easter, etc. If you’re planning a visit to Gaylord Opryland Resort, we highly recommend checking out our posts on Fun Things to Do at the Opryland Hotel. In that post, we cover free activities, seasonal fun, and more!

Downtown Memphis

While we covered the iconic Beale Street above, we also wanted to mention the downtown Memphis area that sits outside of Beale St. Visitors to the downtown area can enjoy all sorts of attractions like the Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid and FedEx Stadium where the Memphis Grizzlies play.

If you’re looking for a great place to stay in downtown Memphis, we recommend checking out the Peabody Hotel. This historic resort sits in a prime location in the downtown area and features luxurious accommodations and activities. Plus, visitors to the hotel can experience the popular Walk of the Ducks as the resident ducks take a stroll through the hotel lobby.

Discovery Park of America

Discovery Park of America is located in Union City, which sits near the Kentucky border in West Tennessee. This family friendly attraction offers exhibits that are both fun and educational. Visitors to Discovery Park of America can enjoy things like an earthquake simulator, dinosaur fossils, and an aquarium. 

Ruby Falls

Ruby Falls is a popular tourist attraction located in Chattanooga and Lookout Mountain. At Ruby Falls, guests can travel underground with a tour guide who walks visitors through the cave.

Guests are then wowed by the massive waterfall known as Ruby Falls. After enjoying this beautiful site, guests can head over to the High Point Zip Adventure for some zip lining fun.

Nashville Zoo

The Nashville Zoo is my family’s favorite Tennessee zoo. Sitting just outside the downtown area, the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere features great animal exhibits, rides, and attractions. We particularly love the atmosphere at this zoo along with the shaded walkways it provides.

Make sure you check out the events page before your visit as the Nashville Zoo often hosts seasonal activities and events. For our full review on this family friendly attraction, check out our Guide to the Nashville Zoo. In that post, we cover all the fun animal exhibits and extra activities available at the best zoo in Tennessee!

Downtown Knoxville 

If you are visiting the eastern side of the state of Tennessee, we recommend checking out the downtown Knoxville area. With quaint walkways and outdoor dining options, downtown Knoxville is a great spot to visit. If you’re in town during football season, make a stop at Neyland Stadium to cheer on the Tennessee Vols. Zoo Knoxville is also a family friendly attraction located near the downtown area.

Centennial Park

Centennial Park sits just west of the downtown Nashville area. It offers lots of activities for visitors to enjoy, including trails, a dog park, and historical monuments. If you’re planning a stop at Centennial Park, you’ll also want to check out the Parthenon for its impressive architecture and artwork.

Cumberland Caverns

Cumberland Caverns is located in McMinnville, which is between Nashville and Chattanooga. Visitors can explore the caverns on foot and even enjoy live music at the popular concert series offered here.

Tennessee Safari Park

Tennessee Safari Park is located in West Tennessee near Jackson. This drive through park offers an amazing experience that families love. Purchase a bucket of feed to see animals up close and personal from your vehicle windows. Some of the animals you’ll enjoy feeding at the Safari Park include emus, zebras, and bison.

Visitors can also view and interact with additional animals on the walk through trail and at the petting zoo. This is one of my family’s favorite activities in West Tennessee, and it’s sure to be a huge hit with your kids! Just note that you may want to roll up the window when the ostriches appear. Although they’re super friendly, they can be quite intimidating.

Franklin, Tennessee

Franklin, Tennessee is located just outside the city of Nashville and is the home of many popular country singers. This beautiful city also features a quaint downtown area full of shopping and dining venues. History buffs will enjoy taking a walking tour of Franklin where you can view historical churches, museums, and other landmarks.

Jackson, Tennessee

The city of Jackson sits in West Tennessee between Memphis and Nashville. This community is home to popular experiences like Casey Jones Village, the Jackson Generals minor league baseball games, and the trendy downtown area. If you’re planning to drive between West and Middle Tennessee, Jackson is a great place to stop.

Bristol, Tennessee

Bristol sits in East Tennessee near the Virginia border. It’s the home of the famous Bristol Motor Speedway, which hosts Nascar races throughout the year. Additionally, visitors to Bristol can enjoy the beautiful scenery the city offers as well as the quaint downtown area.

Downtown Gatlinburg

Downtown Gatlinburg is full of amazing attractions and activities. From live shows to mini golf to fun museums, you’re sure to find plenty of entertaining experiences in this eastern Tennessee community. Some of the most popular area attractions include Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies and Anakeesta.

Additionally, visitors will find lots of restaurants, wineries, and shops sitting right in the center of downtown Gatlinburg. For a full guide to this popular tourist spot, check out our post on the Best Things to Do in Downtown Gatlinburg. In that article, we include free activities as well as unique attractions to experience in the area.

Natchez Trace State Park

Natchez Trace State Park sits in Wildersville, which is in West Tennessee near the city of Jackson. This beautiful state park features all kinds of activities, including archery, hiking, boating, and horseback riding. 

If you’re looking for a place to stay near Natchez Trace, the state park offers a lodge, campgrounds, and cabins. Additionally, visitors will find a restaurant located on site.

Shiloh National Military Park

History buffs will want to check out Shiloh National Military Park in West Tennessee. Here, visitors can tour museums and view films about the infamous Shiloh Battlefield from the Civil War. The park also hosts several special events throughout the year.

Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum

The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum is located in Chattanooga. This educational spot offers views of impressive trains and memorabilia. Visitors can also choose from several different scenic train rides around the Chattanooga area.

Additionally, Tennessee Valley Railroad hosts numerous special events throughout the year that are great for families. These include a Halloween ride and a Christmas ride with Santa. You can find out more in our Review of Chattanooga Train Rides.

Pigeon Forge

Pigeon Forge is located in East Tennessee and is home to all sorts of kid friendly activities. Visitors can enjoy numerous dinner shows, including Dolly Parton’s Stampede. You’ll also find mini golf, go karts, escape rooms, magic shows, and the Titanic Museum! Plus, you’ll want to check out The Island in Pigeon Forge, which offers rides, museums, and other activities.

Pigeon Forge is located just a short drive away from Gatlinburg, making it easy to enjoy the attractions in both cities.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

If you enjoy being in the great outdoors, you’ll love visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in East Tennessee. This popular tourist destination offers all kinds of fun activities from hiking, biking, and fishing to horseback riding and the popular Cades Cove. Visitors love the beautiful views of the Tennessee Smokies along with the multiple waterfalls you’ll find in the park.

It’s easy to see why the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the country. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a beautiful spot to visit in any season. If you’re planning a winter vacation in Tennessee, you’ll want to check out our article on the Best Places to See Snow in Tennessee. That article includes popular spots to enjoy skiing, tubing, ice skating, and more!

Downtown Chattanooga

Another eastern Tennessee city that’s full of fun activities is Chattanooga. The downtown Chattanooga area offers attractions like the Tennessee Aquarium, Creative Discovery Museum, and the Chattanooga Zoo. Plus, you’ll find lots of great Chattanooga restaurants sitting in the heart of downtown.

Visitors can also spend time touring popular spots like the Chattanooga Choo Choo, the Walnut Street Pedestrian Bridge, and Coolidge Park. If you’re planning a visit to the Chattanooga area, we highly recommend checking out our post on the Best Things to Do in Chattanooga. In that article, we go into detail on the best activities in downtown Chattanooga and beyond.

Ocoee River

Outdoor adventure seekers will want to experience the Ocoee River in East Tennessee. Here, visitors can experience white water rafting on the Ocoee, which was featured in the 1996 summer Olympics. In addition to rafting, guests can spend time on the Zipline and at the Aerial Challenge Course. 

Grand Ole Opry

The famous Grand Ole Opry is located in Nashville near Opry Mills Mall. This iconic Tennessee attraction offers backstage tours for visitors and an impressive list of performers at its live shows. The Grand Ole Opry is a popular attraction, especially if you’re a country music fan. If you’re looking for places to stay near the Grand Ole Opry, Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center is located just a short walk away.

Chickasaw State Park

Chickasaw State Park is located in West Tennessee, and it features numerous activities for guests to enjoy. From water activities like kayaking and paddle boarding to fun activities on the land like hiking and horseback riding, Chickasaw is a nature lover’s paradise. Visitors will find campsites and cabins available for overnight stays too. 

Ober Gatlinburg

Ober Gatlinburg is located in eastern Tennessee and is a huge tourist attraction for visitors to the area. During the winter months in Gatlinburg, this fun attraction becomes a popular ski resort and offers snow activities like tubing, ice bumper cars, and ice skating.

The aerial tramway at Ober Gatlinburg provides beautiful views of the Smoky Mountains. And kids love the rock wall, alpine slide, and chair swings. No matter what time of year you choose to visit Ober Gatlinburg, you’ll find all sorts of fun activities available. Additionally, guests can enjoy multiple shops and dining options on site.

Fall Creek Falls

Fall Creek Falls State Park is located north of Chattanooga in East Tennessee. This beautiful park offers adventurous activities like rock climbing, a canopy course, boating, hiking, and biking. 

With amazing scenery, including waterfalls, Fall Creek Falls State Park is a great spot to add to your list of places to visit in Tennessee. If you’re planning an overnight stay in the area, Fall Creek Falls offers campgrounds, cabins, and a lodge.

The Hermitage

The Hermitage is located in Middle Tennessee just east of Nashville. This famous home of Andrew Jackson offers multiple tours of the mansion and grounds.

Visitors can view exhibits, dine at the restaurant, and even take part in wine tastings. The Hermitage is conveniently located to downtown Nashville, Opryland, and the Nashville Airport.

Reelfoot Lake State Park

Reelfoot Lake sits in Western Tennessee, and it’s a super unique place to visit in the state. The lake was created by earthquakes and is essentially a forest covered in water. The large trees growing out of the lake provide an interesting scene that you won’t want to miss.

Reelfoot Lake State Park is a great spot to view wildlife, including birds of prey. Additionally, this state park features activities like kayaking, paddle boarding, hiking, and fishing. Visitors will find campgrounds available for overnight stays as well as cabins to rent at Reelfoot Lake.

Appalachian Trail

Located on the eastern border of Tennessee, the Appalachian Trail draws in millions of visitors each year. While the whole trail stretches over several states, Tennessee is home to 94 miles of trails. Thousands of hikers seek to backpack the entire trail each year; although, only about a quarter of them make it across the full 14 states. If a long, strenuous hike isn’t your thing, visitors can enjoy a day hike on the trail to view the beautiful scenery and wildlife.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the state of Tennessee offers so many amazing places to visit. Whether you’re traveling as a family or as a couple, the Volunteer State features lots of historical landmarks, outdoor activities, and exciting attractions. From the popular Beale Street in Memphis to the downtown Nashville area to the Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee is full of beautiful scenery, live entertainment, museums, zoos, and more.

Plus, it offers some of the most popular State and National Parks that you can find in the United States. Since the state boasts fairly mild weather year round, you really can’t go wrong when choosing a time to visit Tennessee. We highly recommend taking a road trip across the state to gain a full taste of everything Tennessee has to offer!

Did we forget to include a Tennessee destination? Let us know below! What are your favorite places to visit in Tennessee? Comment below to share with us!