From misty mountain overlooks to music-filled cities and history-rich towns, Tennessee offers an incredible variety. After exploring 19 destinations firsthand, this guide highlights where to go for culture, nature, food, and unforgettable experiences—proving Tennessee isn’t one trip, but many trips in one state.
Highlights
- Features 19 spots spanning East, Middle, and West Tennessee
- Iconic experiences from the Smoky Mountains and Dollywood to Nashville and Memphis
- Practical tips on what’s new, where to eat, sip and stay in each stop
Editor’s Note: The writer was hosted at some of these locations.
What to See in Tennessee
Over the past few years, I’ve spent a lot of time in Tennessee, visiting vibrant music cities, serene mountain overlooks and welcoming Main Streets. Culture one weekend, nature the next. History is layered throughout the state, and the cuisine is excellent.
I’m not alone in loving it. Tennessee welcomed 147 million visitors in 2024, making tourism the state’s second-largest industry. Jill Kilgore of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development says, “Tourism in Tennessee is thriving. We’re seeing momentum in both domestic and international visitation.”
Here are 19 of the best places to visit in Tennessee, all seen through my own travels.
East Tennessee
1. Chattanooga
Chattanooga consistently surprises me with how smoothly it blends outdoor adventure and urban energy. Chattanooga is home to Moon Pies and the deepest underground waterfall, Ruby Falls. During my visit, I found Ruby Falls to be a memorable highlight. The walk through the cave is engaging and leads to a beautiful view of the falls.
- Best For: Active travelers, couples
- Don’t Miss: Tennessee Aquarium and Ruby Falls
- What’s New: Riverfront redevelopment projects
- Unique Dining: The Feed Co. Table and Tavern
- Take a Sip: Rooftop bars overlooking the river, like the Whiskey Thief
SheBuysTravel Tip: Stay downtown for walkability.
2. Lookout Mountain
The views from Lookout Mountain are breathtaking. Standing where you can see seven states is a unique and remarkable Tennessee experience.
- Best For: Scenic views, photographers
- Don’t Miss: Rock City overlooks and fun photo ops in Rock City
- What’s New: Enhanced visitor trails
- Unique Dining: Mountaintop cafés
- Take a Sip: Casual mountain-side patios
SheBuysTravel Tip: Visit early or near sunset and drive carefully on the curvy road.
3. Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum
Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum brings rail history to life through vintage locomotives and scenic train rides. Step aboard restored passenger cars and experience how railroads shaped the region. It’s an immersive journey through American transportation heritage.
- Best For: Families, history lovers
- Don’t Miss: Scenic train rides
- What’s New: Seasonal-themed excursions
- Unique Dining: Classic diner-style fare nearby
- Take a Sip: Local sodas or craft beer
SheBuysTravel Tip: Themed rides sell out quickly; book ahead.
4. Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg sits at the doorstep of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, blending mountain scenery with a variety of attractions. From scenic chairlifts and craft shops to hiking trails and cozy cabins, Gatlinburg provides a balanced mix of outdoor adventure and classic Smoky Mountain ambiance
- Best For: Families, Smoky Mountains access
- Don’t Miss: SkyLift views and Fowler’s Clay Works for an authentic hands-on experience
- What’s New: SkyTrail at SkyPark and Bodies Human
- Unique Dining: The Park Grill
- Take a Sip: Fun drinks at Ole Red Gatlinburg
SheBuysTravel Tip: Parking can be hard to find. I recommend the free downtown trolley.
5. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Each season in the Smokies offers something new. Morning fog, lively streams, and wildlife sightings draw people back. The Smoky Mountains National Park is the nation’s most visited, with over 12.2 million visits in 2024. Projections expect similar numbers in 2025.
- Best For: Nature lovers, hikers
- Don’t Miss: Cades Cove
- What’s New: Improved trail access
- Unique Dining: Picnic stops with a view
- Take a Sip: Coffee thermos at sunrise
SheBuysTravel Tip: Sunrise equals fewer crowds.
6. Anakeesta Mountaintop Adventure Park
The views from Anakeesta alone are worth the visit. If you are there in the evening, be sure to visit Astra Lumina. It is a stellar add-on experience worth every penny.
- Best For: Scenic fun, families
- Don’t Miss: Treetop skywalk and, for an extra fee, Astra Lumina, a magical nightwalk experience
- What’s New: Expanded dining and the beginning of the $100 million expansion to include a new scenic lift, a nighttime firefly experience and much more.
- Unique Dining: Cliffside restaurants
- Take a Sip: Craft cocktails with mountain views
SheBuysTravel Tip: Evening visits are magical. Be aware that due to the expansion, Anakeesta is closed till spring.
7. Pigeon Forge
Pigeon Forge is a lively gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains, known for Dollywood, family-friendly attractions, and mountain views at every turn. New experiences are added every year.
- Best For: Families, entertainment
- Don’t Miss: The Titanic Museum, The Island and the Old Mill
- What’s New: Pigeon Forge Racing Coaster, Crayola Experience and Truth Traveler
- Unique Dining: Try one of these Pigeon Forge dinner shows
- Take a Sip: Ole Smoky Moonshine
SheBuysTravel Tip: Weekdays are calmer. Book a country cabin like Eagle’s Ridge Resort.
8. Dollywood
Dollywood exceeds every expectation. It blends thrill rides, Appalachian culture and genuine hospitality. The scent of Cinnamon Bread at the Grist Mill will guide you, and you can watch it being made.
- Best For: All ages
- Don’t Miss: Roller coasters, fun shows and the Cinnamon Bread
- What’s New: NightFlight Expedition, a $50+ million indoor family coaster with river rapids
- Awards:
- #1 Theme Park in the U.S. (TripAdvisor users, July)
- USA TODAY 10 BEST Top 10
- Unique Dining: Wilderness Pass Restaurant
- Take a Sip: Seasonal festival drinks
SheBuysTravel Tip: Arrive at opening. You will want to stay all day. Wear comfortable shoes — you’ll cover a lot of ground!
9. Knoxville
Knoxville blends college-town energy with Appalachian heritage. Home to the University of Tennessee, it offers a walkable downtown, thriving arts scene and easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains.
- Best For: Arts, affordability
- Don’t Miss: Market Square and Zoo Knoxville
- What’s New: Tennessee Smokies baseball stadium
- Unique Dining: Kern’s Food Hall
- Take a Sip: The Vault for cocktails or a literary-themed speakeasy, the Peter Kern Library.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Check festival calendars for events you won’t want to miss.
10. Sevierville
Sevierville provides access to the Smoky Mountains with a more relaxed pace than some nearby towns. Known as the birthplace of Dolly Parton, it offers mountain views and family-friendly activities.
- Best For: Families, shopping
- Don’t Miss: Dolly Parton statue, Skyland Ranch and XPERIA: Ocean Journey
- What’s New: The second-largest Buc-ee’s is still new, and The Pines Downtown
- Unique Dining: The Appalachian and Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant
- Take a Sip: Local cider and Shine Girl
SheBuysTravel Tip: Great Smokies basecamp, fill your tank at one of Buc-ee’s 170 pumps and allow time for shopping.
11. Bristol
Visiting country music’s birthplace creates a strong sense of history and place. Standing with one foot in Tennessee and one in Virginia is a memorable experience. Historic recordings and Bristol Motor Speedway are central features of the city. From music heritage to racing, Bristol combines Appalachian tradition and modern energy.
- Best For: Music and history lovers
- Don’t Miss: Birthplace of Country Music Museum
- What’s New: NASCAR Tripleheader at Bristol Motor Speedway
- Unique Dining: Hickory, at Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards
- Take a Sip: Elderbrew or Cascade Draft House
SheBuysTravel Tip: Time it with live music.
Middle Tennessee
12. Nashville
Nashville never feels like a one-note destination. Every visit shows me a new neighborhood, a new sound, or a new chef redefining Southern cuisine. Beyond Broadway, the city reveals depth, creativity and history that reward curiosity.
- Best For: Music lovers, food-focused travelers and first-time visitors
- Don’t Miss: Live daytime music on Broadway, Country Music Hall of Fame
- What’s New: The Pinnacle at Nashville Yards, and coming in 2026, Dolly’s Life of Many Colors Museum
- Unique Dining: Rolf and Daughters is an intimate and innovative restaurant
- Take a Sip: Check out the Liquor Lab for a fun experience and delicious cocktail.
SheBuysTravel Tip: The Four Seasons Nashville is well located for most downtown destinations.
13. National Museum of African American Music
The National Museum of African American Music offers an immersive journey through American music history, featuring influential voices that have shaped the sounds we hear today.
- Best For: Culture seekers, music historians
- Don’t Miss: Interactive listening stations
- What’s New: Rotating exhibits spotlighting contemporary artists
- Unique Dining: Nearby Assembly Food Hall
- Take a Sip: Local Tennessee whiskey
SheBuysTravel Tip: Allow at least two hours to see all of the impressive exhibits.
14. Franklin
Franklin is the first place I visited in Tennessee. Located about 20 miles south of Nashville, it features an inviting main street. The city balances history and modern touches and is notably dog-friendly.
- Best For: Couples, history
- Don’t Miss: Downtown strolls and Carnton
- What’s New: The Factory at Franklin Renovation
- Unique Dining: Puckett’s, 1799 Kitchen & Bar Room
- Take a Sip: Amendment XVIII Cocktail Club
SheBuysTravel Tip: Pair with Nashville, and if you want a luxury stay, consider Southall Farm & Inn.
15. Lynchburg
Lynchburg is a well-known small town, recognized as the home of the Jack Daniel’s Distillery. Visitors can stroll the square and learn about the town’s role in whiskey history.
- Best For: Whiskey lovers
- Don’t Miss: Distillery tour
- What’s New: Expanded visitor experiences and Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Heritage Barrel Whiskey
- Unique Dining: Miss Mary Bobo’s Restaurant
- Take a Sip: Jack Daniel’s tastings
SheBuysTravel Tip: Reserve tours early and book your distillery tour to include lunch at Miss Mary Bobo’s for a complete experience.
16. Clarksville
Clarksville surprised me with its riverfront, great food and creative energy. It buzzes with local music, military pride from nearby Fort Campbell and a growing food scene. Stroll the Cumberland Riverwalk and feel the vibe of a city on the rise in Middle Tennessee.
- Best For: History, military heritage
- Don’t Miss: Public Art, Custom House Museum and the Mad Herbalist tea lounge
- What’s New: Riverwalk improvements, Red River Pedestrian Bridge coming soon
- Unique Dining: The Mailroom and Legends Smokehouse & Grill
- Take a Sip: Beachaven Vineyards & Winery , Strawberry Alley Ale Works and Old Glory Distilling Co.
West Tennessee
17. Memphis
Memphis pulses with musical legacy and soul-deep history. From Beale Street blues to Elvis at Graceland and the National Civil Rights Museum, the city tells America’s story through rhythm, resilience, and barbecue.
- Best For: Culture travelers, food lovers
- Don’t Miss: Beale Street and the Peabody Ducks
- What’s New: Downtown revitalization, and coming this year, the Memphis Art Museum
- Unique Dining: Felicia Suzanne’s or the legendary barbecue joints
- Take a Sip: Fun Cocktails at the Peabody Memphis
SheBuysTravel Tip: Stay at the Peabody for a historic, luxury hotel experience and watch the ducks march.
18. Graceland
As an Elvis fan, I couldn’t wait to visit Graceland. It’s much more than a mansion and I was surprised by how personal it feels; more reflective than flashy.
- Best For: Music fans
- Don’t Miss: Elvis’s living quarters
- What’s New: Expanded exhibits
- Unique Dining: Vernon’s Smokehouse or Ep’s Bar and Grill
- Take a Sip: Southern sweet tea
SheBuysTravel Tip: Go early to avoid crowds and allow several hours to immerse yourself in the life and legacy of Elvis Presley.
19. National Civil Rights Museum
One of the most powerful museums I’ve visited anywhere. The National Civil Rights Museum stays with you long after you leave.
- Best For: History, reflection
- Don’t Miss: Lorraine Motel rooms
- What’s New: Updated interpretive exhibits
- Unique Dining: Good Fortune Co. for Asian-influenced dishes
- Take a Sip: Old Dominick Distillery
SheBuysTravel Tip: Give yourself time to see everything and reflect.
After visiting all 19 destinations, I can say this with confidence: Tennessee isn’t one trip, it’s many trips waiting to happen . Mix cities with mountains, history with music, and you’ll see why travelers keep coming back. Save this guide and start planning your Tennessee road trip.
People Also Ask: Visiting Tennessee
What is the best place to visit in Tennessee for first-time travelers?
Nashville is the best place to visit in Tennessee for first-time travelers because it offers live music, museums, food tours and walkable neighborhoods, making it easy to experience the state’s culture in one trip. But you are sure to want to come back to Tennessee to experience so much more.
What is the most beautiful part of Tennessee?
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is considered the most beautiful part of Tennessee, known for its misty mountain views, scenic drives, waterfalls and diverse hiking trails.
Is Tennessee good for family vacations?
Yes, Tennessee is excellent for family vacations. Destinations like Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg offer theme parks, interactive attractions, outdoor activities and kid-friendly lodging.
When is the best time of year to visit Tennessee?
The best time to visit Tennessee is spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) when the weather is mild, wildflowers or fall foliage are at their peak and outdoor activities are most enjoyable.
What is Tennessee best known for?
Tennessee is best known for its music heritage, including country, blues and rock ’n’ roll, as well as the Great Smoky Mountains, Southern food and historic sites.
Is Tennessee expensive to visit?
Tennessee is generally affordable compared to many U.S. travel destinations. Smaller towns, free outdoor attractions and moderate lodging costs make it a good value for families and couples.
