Tennessee is packed with live music, stunning natural wonders, and Southern charm that makes every trip unforgettable. Whether you’re craving a hike through misty mountains, a night on Broadway in Nashville, or a taste of world-famous barbecue in Memphis, this beautiful state delivers. Here’s your complete guide to the best things to do in Tennessee.
Key Takeaways
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the country with over 12 million annual visitors and free admission
- Nashville and Memphis are music capitals offering nonstop live entertainment, historic venues, and incredible food scenes
- Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg provide family-friendly attractions like Dollywood Theme Park and access to stunning mountain scenery
- Tennessee offers diverse experiences from waterfalls and hiking trails to civil rights history and world-class distillery tours
Ready to explore Tennessee? Book your stay with CozySuites and enjoy comfortable apartments in Nashville and Louisville perfectly positioned for your Tennessee adventure.
Discover the Great Smoky Mountains
The Great Smoky Mountains are Tennessee’s crown jewel and offer some of the most beautiful scenery in the entire country. This national park straddles the Tennessee-North Carolina border and welcomes visitors year-round with zero entrance fees. The Smoky Mountains get their name from the blue mist that hovers over the peaks, creating photo opportunities at every turn.
Must-See Spots in the Smokies
Cades Cove is an 11-mile loop road that winds through a historic valley surrounded by mountains. You’ll spot wildlife like black bears, deer, and turkeys while exploring preserved cabins and churches from the 1800s. Get there early in the morning to beat the crowds and catch the best light for photography.
Clingmans Dome stands as the highest point in Tennessee at 6,643 feet. A steep half-mile paved trail leads to an observation tower with 360-degree views that stretch for miles on clear days. The access road typically closes from December through March due to weather conditions.
Pro Tip: Visit Cades Cove on Wednesday or Saturday mornings before 10 AM when the loop is closed to vehicle traffic until 10 AM, making it perfect for cyclists and walkers.
The park features over 800 miles of hiking trails ranging from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry adventures. Popular trails include Laurel Falls (2.6 miles roundtrip), Alum Cave Trail (5 miles roundtrip), and Rainbow Falls (5.4 miles roundtrip). Each trail rewards hikers with waterfalls, mountain views, or unique geological features.
Learn more about Great Smoky Mountains National Park on the official National Park Service website.
Explore Pigeon Forge and Dollywood
Pigeon Forge sits at the gateway to the Smoky Mountains and packs more family fun per square mile than almost anywhere in Tennessee. The main strip features attractions, dinner shows, and shopping that keep visitors entertained day and night. This mountain town transforms into a winter wonderland during the holidays with millions of twinkling lights.
Dollywood Theme Park
Dollywood Theme Park ranks as Tennessee’s most-visited ticketed attraction and combines thrilling roller coasters with authentic Appalachian culture. The park features world-class rides like Lightning Rod (the world’s fastest wooden coaster), live musical performances, and crafts demonstrations by local artisans. Dollywood’s festivals celebrate everything from spring blooms to gospel music to Christmas traditions.
The park stays open year-round with seasonal events that draw repeat visitors. Spring brings the Festival of Nations with international food and entertainment. Summer features live concerts and extended hours. Fall showcases the Harvest Festival with Southern gospel music and craftsmen. Winter transforms the park into Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas with millions of lights.
Check current Dollywood hours and ticket options before you plan your visit.
Other Pigeon Forge Attractions
The Island in Pigeon Forge offers shopping, dining, and entertainment centered around a 200-foot observation wheel. Titanic Museum lets you walk through recreated ship rooms and touch an iceberg. Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Show serves a four-course feast while performers reenact the famous family feud with comedy and music.
Experience Nashville’s Music Scene
Nashville earned its “Music City” nickname honestly, with live music pouring out of honky-tonks, concert halls, and street corners every night of the week. The city’s Broadway entertainment district never sleeps, and you can catch incredible talent without paying a cover charge at many venues. Nashville blends country music heritage with a thriving food scene, pro sports, and Southern hospitality.
Top Nashville Attractions
- Grand Ole Opry – The legendary live radio show that made country music famous; performances happen multiple times weekly at the Grand Ole Opry House
- Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum – Three floors of costumes, instruments, and artifacts telling the story of country music from its roots to modern stars
- Ryman Auditorium – The “Mother Church of Country Music” offers daytime tours and evening concerts in incredible acoustics
- Broadway Honky Tonks – Multi-level bars like Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, Robert’s Western World, and Acme Feed & Seed feature live bands from morning until late night
- The Parthenon – A full-scale replica of the Greek Parthenon sits in Centennial Park and houses an art museum
- Printer’s Alley – A historic alleyway packed with clubs, bars, and restaurants dating back to Nashville’s printing industry days
Pro Tip: Skip the crowded pedal taverns on Lower Broadway and head to East Nashville’s Five Points neighborhood for local favorites, craft cocktails, and a more authentic vibe.
Explore more Nashville attractions through the official tourism site. When you’re ready to book accommodations, CozySuites offers stylish apartments in Tennessee that give you the comfort of home with hotel-quality amenities.
Dive Into Memphis Music and History
Memphis sits in the southwest corner of Tennessee along the Mississippi River and pulses with blues, soul, and rock and roll history. This city gave the world Elvis Presley, B.B. King, and countless other musical legends. Memphis also played a central role in the civil rights movement and offers powerful museums that tell important American stories.
Memphis Must-Sees
Beale Street is the heart of Memphis nightlife and has hosted blues musicians since the early 1900s. Today the street features clubs like B.B. King’s Blues Club, Rum Boogie Cafe, and Alfred’s on Beale where live music starts in the afternoon and goes until late. Street performers add to the atmosphere as crowds move between venues.
Graceland preserves Elvis Presley’s mansion exactly as it was, complete with the jungle room, trophy building, and meditation garden where Elvis is buried. Tours include his automobile collection and private jets. The complex has expanded to include museums dedicated to his career, cars, and personal life.
Sun Studio is where rock and roll was born when artists like Elvis, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins recorded their first hits. The studio still records music today and offers tours where you can stand in the exact spot where Elvis recorded “That’s All Right.”
National Civil Rights Museum occupies the former Lorraine Motel where Dr. Martin King Jr. was assassinated in 1968. The museum chronicles the American civil rights movement from slavery through the present day with powerful exhibits and preserved rooms.
Discover more Memphis attractions and start planning your visit.
Chase Waterfalls Across Tennessee
Tennessee is home to hundreds of waterfalls that range from roadside cascades to hidden gems requiring challenging hikes. The state’s diverse geology creates falls in every region, each with unique character. Waterfall chasing makes for an incredible road trip adventure across the beautiful state.
Top Tennessee Waterfalls
Ruby Falls plunges 145 feet underground inside Lookout Mountain near Chattanooga. Guided tours take you through cavern passages to the illuminated waterfall deep inside the mountain. The experience combines cave formations, underground pools, and the dramatic falls reveal. Book your Ruby Falls tour in advance during peak season.
Burgess Falls State Park features a series of four waterfalls along the Falling Water River, with the main cascade dropping 136 feet. The 1.5-mile trail to the big waterfall is moderate with some steep sections but rewards hikers with spectacular views. The park offers picnic areas and fishing spots along the river.
Fall Creek Falls in Fall Creek Falls State Park is Tennessee’s highest free-falling waterfall at 256 feet. The state park surrounding the falls offers camping, hiking, swimming, and mountain biking on over 26,000 acres. Multiple overlooks provide different perspectives of the massive cascade.
Pro Tip: Visit waterfalls in spring after heavy rains for maximum flow, or come in fall when crowds thin out and autumn colors frame the cascades.
Other notable waterfalls include Laurel Falls in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Foster Falls near Chattanooga, and Cummins Falls State Park where you can swim in the pool below the 75-foot drop during summer months.
Compare Tennessee’s Regions
| Region | Main Cities | Best For | Vibe |
| East Tennessee | Knoxville, Chattanooga, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge | Mountain adventures, national park access, family attractions, outdoor recreation | Laid-back mountain town feel with tourist-friendly amenities |
| Middle Tennessee | Nashville, Franklin, Murfreesboro | Live music, honky-tonks, history, food scene, college town energy | Urban energy mixed with Southern hospitality and creative culture |
| West Tennessee | Memphis, Jackson | Blues and rock history, civil rights landmarks, barbecue, Mississippi River | Soulful, historic, deep musical roots with Delta influence |
Enjoy Outdoor Adventures
Tennessee’s landscape invites outdoor enthusiasts to explore beyond the famous attractions. From mountain biking to paddling to fishing, the state park system and natural areas offer endless ways to connect with nature.
Douglas Lake in East Tennessee spans 30,400 acres and provides excellent fishing for bass, crappie, and catfish. The lake hosts fishing tournaments year-round and features multiple boat launches and marinas. Surrounding mountains create a scenic backdrop for water sports and boat tours.
Tennessee State Parks protect diverse ecosystems across 56 parks covering over 185,000 acres. Popular parks include Radnor Lake near Nashville (hiking and wildlife viewing), Reelfoot Lake in the northwest corner (fishing and bald eagle watching), and Rock Island State Park (waterfalls and swimming holes). Most state parks charge modest entrance fees and offer camping facilities.
Mountain biking trails wind through forests at locations like Raccoon Mountain near Chattanooga and Montgomery Bell State Park west of Nashville. The trails range from beginner-friendly to technical terrain that challenges experienced riders.
Find Tennessee State Parks information including hours, fees, and amenities.
Discover Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path
Tennessee rewards curious travelers who venture beyond the main tourist destinations. Small towns, unusual attractions, and local favorites offer authentic experiences and great stories.
Peter Kern Library in downtown Knoxville occupies a historic building and serves craft cocktails in a sophisticated speakeasy atmosphere. The bar features leather chairs, dark wood, and an extensive spirits selection. It’s named after the founder of the Oliver Hotel and attracts locals and visitors seeking quality drinks.
Chattanooga’s Creative District showcases street art, independent galleries, and the Hunter Museum of American Art. The city has transformed its waterfront into a destination with the Tennessee Aquarium, walking paths along the river, and the Walnut Street pedestrian bridge offering sunset views.
Small towns like Franklin (south of Nashville), Jonesborough (Tennessee’s oldest town), and Lynchburg (home of Jack Daniel’s Distillery) offer historic buildings, antique shops, and local restaurants worth the detour. These towns move at a slower pace and preserve Tennessee’s heritage.
Plan Your Tennessee Road Trip
Tennessee stretches 440 miles from east to west, making it perfect for an epic road trip that samples each region’s unique flavor. Interstate 40 runs the entire width of the state and connects the major cities. Plan at least a week if you want to experience the highlights without rushing.
A classic Tennessee itinerary might look like this:
- Start in Memphis (2-3 days) exploring Beale Street, Graceland, and barbecue restaurants
- Drive to Nashville (2-3 days) for live music, honky-tonks, and hot chicken
- Head east to the Smoky Mountains (3-4 days) with stops in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and national park hiking
- Visit Chattanooga (1-2 days) for Ruby Falls, Rock City, and the riverfront before heading home
Pro Tip: Book your accommodations in advance during peak summer months (June through August) and fall foliage season (October). Consider staying in CozySuites properties for spacious apartments that work great for families or extended trips.
Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) offer the best weather for outdoor activities with comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds than summer. Winter brings snow to the mountains while cities stay relatively mild.
Experience Tennessee’s Food and Drink Scene
Tennessee’s culinary scene goes way beyond hot chicken and barbecue, though those specialties absolutely deserve attention. Each city has developed its own food identity while honoring Southern cooking traditions. Local restaurants source from Tennessee farms and put creative spins on classic dishes.
Nashville Hot Chicken originated at Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack and has inspired countless imitators. The spicy fried chicken comes in heat levels from mild to “shut the cluck up” and is traditionally served on white bread with pickles. Hattie B’s, Bolton’s, and Prince’s all have devoted followings.
Memphis Barbecue focuses on pork prepared low and slow, with ribs as the signature dish. The city’s barbecue joints use dry rubs and serve sauce on the side, letting the smoke flavor shine through. Central BBQ, The Bar-B-Q Shop, and Payne’s are local institutions.
Distillery Tours let visitors see how Tennessee whiskey gets made and taste the results. Jack Daniel’s in Lynchburg offers tours of America’s oldest registered distillery. George Dickel near Tullahoma provides a more intimate experience. Nashville’s downtown area now hosts several craft distilleries within walking distance of honky-tonks.
Craft breweries have exploded across Tennessee cities in recent years. Nashville alone has over 30 breweries producing everything from classic lagers to experimental sours. Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga each have thriving beer scenes as well.
Find Events and Festivals Year-Round
Tennessee hosts festivals celebrating music, food, culture, and seasons throughout the calendar. These events draw locals and visitors together for communal fun and often feature free admission. Planning your trip around a festival adds an extra layer of excitement to your visit.
Major annual events include:
- CMA Fest (June, Nashville) – Country music’s biggest stars perform across downtown venues
- Beale Street Music Festival (May, Memphis) – Three-day festival kicking off Memphis in May with rock, blues, and soul performances
- Dollywood’s Harvest Festival (September-October, Pigeon Forge) – Gospel music, crafts, and fall decorations throughout the theme park
- Bonnaroo (June, Manchester) – Multi-genre music and arts festival on a 700-acre farm
- Riverbend Festival (June, Chattanooga) – Nine-day music festival along the Tennessee River
- Tennessee State Fair (September, Nashville) – Agriculture exhibits, carnival rides, concerts, and fair food
Smaller festivals happen in towns across the state celebrating everything from storytelling to barbecue to bluegrass music. Check local tourism websites when planning your trip to see what events align with your travel dates.
Make the Most of Your Tennessee Vacation
Tennessee delivers incredible variety in a relatively compact area. You can hike a mountain trail in the morning, catch a live show at night, and feast on authentic Southern cooking in between. The state welcomes families, couples, solo travelers, and groups with equal enthusiasm.
When planning your visit, consider:
- Booking accommodations centrally in Nashville or near the national park entrance depending on your focus
- Renting a car for maximum flexibility, especially if visiting multiple regions
- Downloading parking apps for Nashville and Memphis to avoid meter hassles
- Making dinner reservations at popular restaurants ahead of time
- Checking weather forecasts and packing layers since mountain weather changes quickly
Family reunions and group trips work exceptionally well in Tennessee thanks to the mix of activities that appeal to different ages and interests. Kids love Dollywood and the aquarium while adults appreciate live music venues and distillery tours. Everyone enjoys scenic drives and easy waterfall hikes.
Start planning your Tennessee adventure today and discover why locals call it the Volunteer State. From the Smoky Mountains to the Mississippi River, Tennessee offers so much fun packed into one beautiful state.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Steven Best’s Unbelievable Magic show in Tennessee?
Steven Best’s Unbelievable Magic is a family-friendly magic and illusion show performed in Pigeon Forge. The show features grand illusions, comedy, and audience participation suitable for all ages. It’s located along the main Parkway among other Pigeon Forge dinner shows and attractions.
Where is Peter Kern Library and what makes it special?
Peter Kern Library is a sophisticated cocktail bar located in downtown Knoxville inside the historic Oliver Hotel building. The bar features an extensive spirits collection, craft cocktails, and an atmosphere that feels like an upscale library with leather seating and dark wood. It’s a great place to enjoy quality drinks away from the typical tourist scene.
What can you do at Douglas Lake in Tennessee?
Douglas Lake in East Tennessee offers fishing for bass, crappie, and catfish, as well as boating, swimming, and boat tours. The lake covers over 30,000 acres and features multiple marinas, boat launches, and waterfront camping areas. It’s popular for family vacations and fishing tournaments throughout the year.
Is Tennessee a good destination for family reunions?
Yes, Tennessee is excellent for family reunions because it offers diverse activities for all ages and interests. The state provides spacious vacation rentals and condos (like those from CozySuites), attractions ranging from theme parks to museums, outdoor adventures, and affordable dining options. Multiple regions mean you can find the perfect setting whether your family prefers mountains, cities, or a mix.
Are there boat tours available in Tennessee?
Yes, Tennessee offers various boat tours including paddle wheeler cruises on the Mississippi River in Memphis, lake tours at Douglas Lake, and river cruises in Chattanooga. Many tours provide narrated history, dinner options, and scenic views. The General Jackson Showboat in Nashville combines a cruise with live entertainment and dining.
What civil rights landmarks can you visit in Tennessee?
Tennessee played a significant role in the civil rights movement. The National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis (located at the former Lorraine Motel where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated) is the most comprehensive site. Nashville’s Civil Rights Room at the public library documents the city’s lunch counter sit-ins. Knoxville and Chattanooga also have markers and museums highlighting local civil rights history.
