15 Bucket List Places to Visit in Tennessee

One of the most scenic places in the country, Tennessee is known for its beautiful mountains, forests, and waterfalls, along with a rich history and vibrant music scene. This means there’s always something fun to do in Tennessee.

While in Tennessee you can explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited national park in the country. Here you’ll find stunning mountain landscapes, lush forests, and abundant wildlife. With plenty of hiking trails to explore and beautiful waterfalls, lakes, and scenic overlooks, it’s a perfect vacation spot in the Southeast.

There’s also abundant history and culture to explore in Tennessee, from the Civil War battlefields to the legendary music scene in both Memphis and Nashville.

Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, or a music fan, you’re sure to find something to love in Tennessee.

Here’s my list of 15 best places to visit in Tennessee.

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1.    Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The Great Smoky Mountains is the most visited National Park in the whole country.

So, there’s gotta be something to it, right? Well, there is. The Great Smokies is an absolutely gorgeous stretch of American landscape that is perfect any time of year.

You’ll have the best time surrounded by the beauty of nature while you hike, bike, and even drive through the park.

Must-do attractions include Clingmans Dome and Cades Cove, which are both in the Tennessee section of the park. Check out my list of things to do in GSMNP.

 

2.    Memphis

Memphis is the home to not one but two music genres: Blues and Rock ‘n’ Roll.

Any visit here is guaranteed to have an incredible soundtrack.

Head to Beale Street to hear live music any night of the week.

For a look at music history, make sure your itinerary has STAX Museum of American Soul Music, Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul, Sun Studios, and Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley. Read our full list of things to do in Memphis.

No visit to Memphis is complete without tasting some of the best barbecue in the South. And biscuits. And fried chicken…

 

3.    Chattanooga

Chattanooga is a lovely city by the river and definitely one of the best places to visit in Tennessee.

You’ll love exploring downtown with great shops, art, and restaurants.

Something that makes Chattanooga so interesting is its love of trains.

Plan to see the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum and take a ride up the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway.

You can even stay at the Chattanooga Choo Choo hotel, which was originally a train station.

Read my full list of Fun Things to Do in Chattanooga! I spent over a month in Chattanooga I liked it so much.

 

4.    Pigeon Forge

Pigeon Forge is a quaint mountain town with a fun personality.

It’s tons of fun to ride the Smoky Mountain Wheel and catch a show at the Smoky Mountain Opry.

The Titanic Museum and Alcatraz East Museum are both super interesting and right in Pigeon Forge. Who knew?

As the home to Dolly Parton, Pigeon Forge has so many Dolly-tastic things to do.

You can visit Dollywood and even enjoy dinner theater at Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede.

Instead, if you want dinner without the theater, be sure to head over to the Old Mill Restaurant for Southern country cooking at its best.

 

5.    Nashville

The home of country music is clearly one of the best places to visit in Tennessee, even if you’re not the biggest country fan.

Those looking for the music experience it’s only right to check out the Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame.

At night you’ll want to be on Broadway listening to live music and kicking up your heels at the Honky Tonks.

Nashville has an outstanding food scene and great shopping too.

 

6.    Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is a super cool place nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains and totally one of the best places to visit in Tennessee.

Considered the Gateway to the Smokies, it’s easy to escape into the great outdoors in Gatlinburg.

You’ll have a bird’s eye view of it all from the Space Needle, a 407-foot lookout tower.

If you’re looking to get your adrenaline pumping, head to Anakeesta theme park for outdoor adventure.

 

7.    Dollywood

A visit to Dollywood is something that you probably didn’t know you needed to do. But seriously, you do.

It’s an insanely fun Appalachian theme park with tons of rides for kids of all ages. In the summer bring your suits to ride the water slides too.

In 2024 the new Dolly Parton Experience offers an interactive way for folks to celebrate the life and work of Dolly Parton.

You’ll be able to learn more about her amazing life and see her gorgeous costumes and gowns.

8.    Knoxville

Knoxville is a lovely city with lots to offer except the crowds.

That’s right, a visit to Knoxville is one of the best places to visit in Tennessee.

Start by exploring Market Square. It has the best restaurants and shops that are perfect for perusing.

Art lovers should check out Knoxville Museum of Arts and it won’t hurt your wallet because admission is FREE!

Everyone will enjoy exploring Ijams Nature Center. It’s the place to hike, bike, rock climb, and view wildlife.

 

9.    Franklin

Franklin is the place history buffs will love to visit.

To begin, it’s named after founding father, Benjamin Franklin.

More significantly, it was the site of one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War in 1864.

Franklin has several historical sites, including the Battle of Franklin, Carter House, and Carnton House.

Franklin’s Main Street is a lovely area with cute shops and great places to grab a bite to eat.

10.    Jonesborough

Jonesborough is a historic town filled with fun things to do, so of course it has a place on the list of the best places to visit in Tennessee.

As the oldest town in the state, you’ll enjoy exploring the historical landmarks and architecture.

Some date back to 1779, when Jonesborough was established.

A great adult activity is going for a tasting at the Tennessee Hills Distillery.

The International Storytelling Center is fun for the whole family.

 

11.    Fall Creek Falls State Park

Fall Creek Falls is so much more than a simple State Park. Yes, okay it is a state park. But more so, it’s an escape into the beauty of nature.

In Fall Creek Falls you’ll find incredible gorges and waterfalls, of course!

To make your escape even more immersive, you can stay right in Fall Creek Falls. Options range from campsites to a luxury hotel-style lodge.

What more could you ask for in one of the best places to visit in Tennessee?

12.    Rock Island State Park

Rock Island State Park is yet another one of the great places to visit in Tennessee for people who love the outdoors.

Okay, so it’s actually not an island, but don’t let that sway you. It’s a great place for hiking, biking, fishing, and birding.

The Rock Island State Park has some of the best hiking trails in the state, some of them leading to incredible waterfalls, including Great Falls Gorge and Twin Falls.

13.    Burgess Falls State Park

Located on the Falling Water River, Burgess Falls State Park is an awesome place to explore the greatness of Mother Nature.

The park is perfect for hiking, fishing, and kayaking. Just make sure you bring your own boat because there are no rental services at Burgess Falls.

The hiking in the park is really cool. One trail alone will take you past four different waterfalls.

You can even kayak to the base of Burgess Falls, super cool!

 

14.    Radnor Lake State Park

Get out of the hustle and bustle at Radnor Lake State Park.

This special place has everything you’d need to enjoy the serenity of the great outdoors.

Hiking the trails you’re bound to see the incredible wildlife that calls Radnor Lake home. Keep your eyes peeled for herons, otters, and even mink. 

Radnor Lake is definitely one of the best things to do in Tennessee, and the best part? It’s free!

15.    Roan Mountain State Park

Hands down, one of the most beautiful places in Tennessee is Roan Mountain in June. This is when the rhododendrons are in full bloom, and it’s one of the best places to visit in Tennessee.

Don’t worry if you can’t make a trip in June; Roan Mountain State Park is awesome any time of year.

The location is stunning, right in the Blue Ridge of the Appalachian Mountains, so you know you’ll have spectacular views.

You’ll have fun hiking and also learning about the American Revolutionary War.

Final Thoughts

It’s easy to see why Tennessee is a favorite. It has everything from historical sites to great live music to incredible ventures in the great outdoors. No matter where you choose to go, you’ll be in for a good time.

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