10 Weekend Getaways in Tennessee You Will LOVE!

A weekend getaway in Tennessee is the absolute perfect way to kick back, relax, and enjoy everything from music to the great outdoors.

There are awesome cities like Memphis, Nashville, and Chattanooga where you’ll be hopping around town, enjoying cultural institutions and historical sites by day, and then dancing the night away.

If you’re looking for a weekend away from the hustle and bustle of the city, don’t worry; Tennessee has that covered too. There are so many cute little towns nestled into the mountains and plenty of parks where you’ll be immersed in nature in no time.

If you’re not sure where exactly to spend your next mini vacation, don’t worry. This list has the best weekend getaways in Tennessee to make your planning easy.

1. Memphis

Memphis is seriously one of the coolest getaways in Tennessee. As the home of Blues and Rock’n’Roll, you’ll have tons to do day and night.

Some must-do things in Memphis include visiting the National Civil Rights Museum, the Memphis Pyramid, and Sun Studios. At night, head to Beale Street; it’s still the best place to see live music in Memphis.

Make sure Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley, is on your itinerary. You’ll love exploring where The King lived and seeing his personal possessions, like costumes and private jets.

You won’t be surprised that Memphis is also on my list of the best places to visit in Tennessee!

Memphis Tennessee Hernando de Soto Bridge

2. Chattanooga

Chattanooga has the perfect weekend getaway, no matter what you’re in the mood for. This little city on the river has everything you love about nature and urban life.

Downtown, you’ll find great places to stay, eat, and kick back. Take a stroll across the Walnut Street Pedestrian Bridge and check out the Hunter Museum of American Art.

History buffs will love to explore the National Cemetery and Missionary Ridge.

Get into nature at Chattanooga’s Riverwalk or hike Lookout Mountain. You’ll love the walk and be rewarded with the views at the top.

Read my full list of cool things to do in Chattanooga. I spent several weeks in Chattanooga because I loved it so much!

Walnut Street pedestrian bridge Chattanooga on a sunny day.

Take a walk across the Tennessee River on the Walnut Street pedestrian bridge in Chattanooga

3. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the best weekend getaways in Tennessee. Actually, make that in the whole country.

There’s so much to do in the Smokies that your weekend itinerary will be full of hiking, biking, kayaking, and even driving.

Most importantly, you’ll be surrounded by the beauty of nature, no matter what you choose to do.

The Smokies are beautiful any time of year. But they are especially gorgeous during fall foliage and when spring flowers are in bloom.

Great Smoky Mountains beautiful fall foliage.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

4. Gatlinburg

Known as the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains, many visitors make Gatlinburg their home base to enjoy the national park.

But to be honest, Gatlinburg is a destination all on its own. Specifically, it makes for one of the best weekend getaways in Tennessee.

Nestled in the beautiful mountains, Gatlinburg is a super cute town full of unique shops, cafes, and restaurants.

If you’re looking for adventure, try Anakeesta theme park, Gatlinburg Mountain Coaster, or Ober Gatlinburg.

Gatlinburg Tennessee

5. Knoxville

If you’re looking for an awesome city without all the crazy crowds, then Knoxville is the perfect place for your next weekend getaway in Tennessee.

Definitely plan to spend some time strolling around Market Square. This bustling area of town has cute shops, restaurants, and cafes.

There’s even a farmers market where you can get the best local produce.

Other Knoxville must-dos are the World’s Fair Park, the Knoxville Museum of Art, and the Ijams Nature Center.

6. Nashville

For a super fun weekend getaway, head to Nashville.

Known as the capital of country music, there’s so much to do and see, even if you’re not the biggest country fan.

Must-dos in town are the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Grand Ole Opry.

Then, at night, see and hear the real thing on Lower Broadway.

There, the bars and honky tonks are teeming with incredible live music that will get you up and dancing.

Nashville Tennessee at sunset

7. Fall Creek Falls State Park

Fall Creek Falls State Park is seriously one of the best weekend getaways for nature lovers in Tennessee.

As the name suggests, you’re sure to see some breathtaking waterfalls. There are also tons of trails and gorges to explore.

Staying in the park is easy with campsites, cabins, and a luxury hotel-style lodge.

There’s also a bar, restaurant, golf course, swimming pool, and Canopy Challenge Course in the park, making Fall Creek Falls one of the best weekend getaways in Tennessee.

8. Pigeon Forge

The mountain town of Pigeon Forge is a perfect getaway in Tennessee and full of fun.

Definitely plan a day at Dollywood, Dolly Parton’s very own amusement park.

You’ll have tons of fun riding the coasters, eating county fair-themed food, and exploring Dolly’s life at the Chasing Rainbows Museum.

Shopping reigns supreme at The Island in Pigeon Forge. You’ll also find great places to eat and fun entertainment there too.

Other super interesting places in Pigeon Forge are the Titanic Museum and the Alcatraz East Museum. Both offer insights into these fascinating institutions.

Pigeon Forge Tennessee

9. Roan Mountain State Park

Roan Mountain is one of the best weekend getaways in Tennessee for nature lovers.

Here, you can hike along part of the Appalachian Trail and enjoy the streams that run through the park.

Learn about frontier life, the American Revolution, and even see where David Crockett was born.

The best time to visit Roan is in June, when the rhododendrons are in bloom. Roan Mountain is bursting with color and life.

10. Cumberland Mountain State Park

Cumberland Mountain State Park is another one of the best weekend getaways in Tennessee for nature lovers.

You can do just about anything in the park, including hike, bike, fish, kayak, swim, and play ball (basketball, tennis, and volleyball courts are all right there).

There’s even a restaurant in the park, so there’s no need to venture out for food. To top it all off, it’s home to Bear Trace, a golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—the best weekend getaways in Tennessee. From a stay surrounded by the beauty of Mother Nature to a fun-filled weekend hitting up the sights in the city, this state has it all. Now that you’ve checked them all out, all you have to do is pick one and go.

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