Both blues and country music have their origins in Tennessee. However, this beautiful state has more to offer than just the melodious tunes that have been entertaining us for years. Its natural wonders such as the Great Smokey Mountains, endless charming towns and cities, the scorching lowlands, the lush green valleys, and the Southern hospitality are just but a few of the alluring attractions that make Tennessee stand out from the rest. If you are planning a trip to Tennessee, know that you are in for a great treat. There is just so much to see and do, and unless you are planning on moving to the state permanently, you may never exhaust all the attractions it has to offer on a single trip. With that said, scroll down to discover some of the best places to visit in Tennessee, the USA.
1. Memphis (from USD 38.0)
Memphis is one of the most prominent cities in Tennessee and it rivals the capital, Nashville in a number of fronts. It is famous for its musical heritage and if you are passionate about music and performed arts, then this should be one of the very first stops you make. With the presence of attractions such as Graceland, Sun Studios, and Memphis Rock N Soul Museum, you will learn so much about music and get to understand the deep musical heritage that exists in Tennessee. Apart from the music museum, Memphis is also the home to Cotton Museum, Dixon Gallery, and Belz Museum of Arts. For outdoor enthusiasts, places such as Memphis Botanical Garden, Shelby Farms Park, and Overton Park will present more than enough opportunities for outdoor fun.
Memphis Mojo Tour
Duration: 90 to 180 minutes
2. Jonesborough
Jonesborough holds the reputation for being the oldest town in the state of Tennessee, and as such, it comes with a lot of history and culture. The town was founded in 1779 and it became the capital of the State of Franklin in 1784. Since then, it has witnessed a lot of growth but has still retained its old rustic charm, with a plethora of historic sites and museums where its stories are well-documented and preserved. Some of the notable attractions here include Chester Inn Historic Site, Heritage Alliance, Fender’s Farm, Hands Around the World, and International Story Telling Center among others.
3. Franklin
If you drive for about 17 miles (27 kilometers) south of Nashville, you will find the beautiful city of Franklin. It is well-known for its enchanting historic Main Street and it is also the home to a plethora of gentle and historical homesteads, given that is one of the oldest cities in Tennessee. Art lovers will enjoy the thriving art scenes with visits to the museums. History buffs, on the other hand, can also have their day at Lotz House Museum for thrilling lessons about the Battle of Franklin. If you don’t belong to either category, you can enjoy the outdoors at Timberland Park where you will find incredible opportunities for wildlife watching, hiking, swimming, and picnicking.
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4. Gatlinburg
If you are looking for some of the best mountain resorts in the United States, then Gatlinburg will be among the top recommendations you will get. The city is nestled right at the entrance of the Great Smoky Mountains. Other than being a mountain resort city, it is a wholesome destination for all kinds of travelers. With a thriving art scene, museums, amusement parks and easy access to Great Smoky Mountain National Park, there will always be more than enough to see to and do, irrespective of your preferences.
5. Knoxville
Knoxville boasts a perfect blend of music, culture, shopping, and outdoor attractions. With such, you will be impressed with the range of attractions the city has to offer, irrespective of your personal biases. You can start your tour of the city with the Historic Knoxville Downtown walking tours where you will visit more than 50 historical building and learn the incredible history of the city. Then there are museums of all ages and interests, including Children’s Museum of Oakridge, American Museum of Science and Energy, and Knoxville Museum of Art. If you love outdoors, then lots of fun awaits you at Knoxville Zoo and Knoxville Botanical Garden. And if you are a foodie who wants to sample the city’s culinary diversity, there are lots of food tours you can always jump on to relish some of the best cuisines in Knoxville.
6. Chattanooga
Chattanooga is where you head to in Tennessee if you are looking for exciting and unusual attractions that will appeal to all members of the family. It is the home to the unique Ruby Falls which happens to be the largest underground waterfall in the United States. The other notable attractions in Chattanooga include Lookout Mountain Cave, Hunter Museum of American Art, Tennessee Aquarium, Chattanooga Zoo, and Tennessee River Park for outdoor enthusiasts interested in boating, hiking, or walking.
7. Clarksville
Clarksville may be the fifth largest city in Tennessee but when you visit, you will still experience the great small-town feel it has carried along for years. It features a magnificent collection of 1870s buildings which you won’t miss when strolling aound Historic Downtown Clarksville. While still in this area, don’t miss to visit Customs House Museum, Roxy Regional Theatre, and Cultural Center. If you love outdoors, a visit to Dunbar Cave State Park, Liberty Park and Marina, and Clarksville Greenway should not be missed for exciting hiking, fishing, and swimming, walking, and cycling experiences.
8. Johnson City
Johnson City sits gently on the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, and it is where to head to in Tennessee if you are interested in historic and cultural attractions together with a good dose of varied outdoor activities. Apart from the unique shops and galleries, the other notable attractions include Tweetsie Trail, Buffalo Mountain Park, Natural History Museum, and Nolichucky River for adventures such as rafting, kayaking, and fishing.
9. Oak Ridge
Oak Ridge is also known as The Secret City because it was developed as a site for developing an atomic bomb during the Second World War. It has a lot of fascinating history and interesting sites worth exploring, with popular ones being Manhattan Project National Historic Park, K-25 Virtual Museum, and Oak Ridge Playhouse where art lovers can enjoy ballet performances and symphony orchestras.
10. Townsend
Townsend is commonly known as the Peaceful Side of the Smokies, and the moment you set your foot on it, you will understand that this is no exaggeration by any means. It is littered with a plethora of low-key charms, in the form of museums, historic sites, and it is also not short of great outdoor adventures. Due to its laidback way of life, Townsend promises all visitors wonderful experiences, irrespective of tastes and preferences. Some of the attractions you should never miss include a visit to Tuckaleechee Caverns, Cades Cove, Smoky Mountain River Rat, Spruce Flats Falls, and the legendary Swinging Bridge for a blend of both indoor and outdoor fun.
11. Bristol
Bristol was recognized by the US Congress as the official “Birthplace of Country Music.” Currently, visitors travel from far and wide to come and learn all there is to country music at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum. But if you prefer symphony or ballet to country music, then you have Paramount Center for the Arts where you will get a ton of entertainment and information about these types of performed arts. And for outdoor lovers, Bristol has a wide range of attractions that will offer you exciting outdoor opportunities. You can go for tours of the Bristol and Appalachian Caverns, watch a NASCAR Rally at Bristol Motor Speedway, or enjoy boating or hiking at Steele Creek Park.
12. Cleveland
Cleveland is in Bradley County in Tennessee and it is a destination boasting a rich blend of historical and outdoor attractions. The best way to unearth the city’s incredible history is to go for the self-guided tours in the Historic Downtown. Here, you will find a myriad of attractions such as Victorian homes, antebellum churches, and other buildings of historical significance. For outdoor enthusiasts, going for a hike along the Appalachian Trail will give you a great opportunity to explore and appreciate the beautiful landscapes of Cleveland. For fun with water activities, head over to Parksville Lake or Hiwassee River for your dose of excitement.
13. Jackson
Jackson is located right midway between Nashville and Memphis and making it a great base for tourists interested in exploring the state’s famous music and Civil War heritage. You can always start your exploration of the city by finding out the role that Jackson played during the Civil War at sites such as Riverside Cemetery, Britton Lane Battlefield, Parker’s Crossroads Battlefield, and, of course, Lane College Historic District. History and art buffs should check out the Carnegie Center for Arts, and the Casey Jones House and the Train Museum. Outdoor enthusiasts, on the other hand, will find a lot of fun at Century Farm Winery and Vineyards, and Cypress Grove Nature Park.
14. Murfreesboro
Murfreesboro is somewhere along the southeast of Nashville. It has always been used by tourists from all parts of the world as a base for exploring the rich Civil War history of the region. It is a laidback city that still has the authentic small-town charm and apart from the Civil War history, it has lots of incredible attractions that will delight the hearts and souls of all types of travelers. If you are interested in the history of the Civil War, then you should check out Oakland Historic House Museum and Stones River National Battlefield. If you are looking for attractions ideal for families, a trip to Cannonsburgh and Discovery Center at Murfreesboro Springs will be ideal. If you are passionate about the outdoors and looking for great hiking, biking or walking opportunities, then loads of them await you at Stones River Greenway. Then there is Boro Beach Water Park if you will need some cooling down during the hot summer months.
15. Pigeon Forge
Pigeon Forge has a plethora of things to do and see which will appeal to nearly all kinds of visitors. Whether you like keeping it indoors or you prefer to go for full outdoor explorations, the city has more than enough options to ensure that your itinerary will be packed for all the days of your visit. The Great Smoky Mountains is just a stone’s throw away where outdoor enthusiasts can get incredible fun opportunities. There are lots of parks within the city ideal for family picnics and outdoor relaxation. If you love golfing, there is an excellent mini-golf course where you can try out your putting skills and if you are the indoors type, attractions such as the famous Dollywood, Titanic Museum, and Buttonwillow Civil War Theatre are all beckoning to be explored.
16. Tellico Plains
Tellico Plains is a very popular Tennessee destination for families looking for wholesome outdoor fans. Being the vintage mountain town that it is, it is usually seen as the perfect getaway to the Cherokee National Forest and Cherohala Skyway. It boasts a simpler pace of life, where everybody seems to know everyone, and they are always super receptive to visitors. Some of the top attractions in this town include the Charles Hall Museum, Sequoyah Birthplace Museum, Tellico Trout Hatchery, Fort Loudoun State Historic Park, and Lost Sea Adventures.
17. Columbia
Columbia is south of the State’s capital, Nashville, and it is a wonderful base if you are interested in exploring Middle Tennessee. One of the major attractions in this city is the Historic Columbia Square which is the home to more than 90 buildings that have been standing on the streets for more than a century. The best way to get the most of this incredible history is to simply go for the walking tours and explore the plethora of antique shops on the streets. While in Columbia, some of the historic buildings you must see include Athenaeum Rectory and Historic Elm Springs. If you are for outdoor activities, however, Natchez Trace Parkway makes a wonderful site for hiking and biking. If you are interested in paddling, watching wildlife, or fishing, then your best destination is Duck River Blueway.
18. Lynchburg
Lynchburg is a quaint little town full of Southern charm and is well-known for Jack Daniel’s whiskey. It is a beautiful town with a lot of family-friendly attractions that make it a top target for most families touring the state of Tennessee. A visit to Jack Daniel’s Distillery is a must to learn more about the famous drink that is loved by millions of people around the world. If you love indoor attractions and you would like to explore the town and region’s past, then a visit to Lynchburg Old Jail Museum should never be missed. The museum holds lots of artifacts that not only tell about the criminal history and the town’s justice system but also give a great deal of insight into how life was in the past among the town’s early population. The other attractions which you should also check out include Lynchburg Winery, Blue Chair, Miss Mary Bobo’s Boarding House Restaurant, and Barrel House BBQ.
19. Cookeville
Cookeville is a town hidden in the Cumberland areas of Tennessee. It is a relatively smaller town but full of all manner of attractions, including exciting culinary diversity, upscale fashion, and vibrant entertainment and art scenes. Though the town is small, you will not miss out on something fun irrespective of your tastes and preferences. If you love the outdoors, then attractions such as Hidden Hollow Park, Cummins Falls State Park, and Burgess Falls will bring you lots of delight. If you are interested in exploring the town’s history and culture, then museums such as Cookeville History Museum, Cookeville Depot Museum, and Cookeville Children Museum will welcome you with open arms.
20. McMinnville
McMinnville has always been a great weekend destination as well as a vacation spot for those in need of off-the-beaten-path spots and tranquil attractions yet to be discovered by the masses. It is located nearly halfway between Chattanooga and Nashville, which also qualifies it as a suitable base for visitors interested in exploring both the country music heritage in Nashville and the Civil War history in Chattanooga. Currently, McMinnville is on the world map for being the plant nursery capital of the world. This is because it has a plethora of plant nurseries – both wholesale and retail. Some of the other notable attractions include Cumberland Caverns, The Black House, Falcon Rest, and Trail of Tears among others.
21. Morristown
Morristown sits halfway between Knoxville and Bristol. It is the proud home to some of the most popular attractions in Tennessee featuring big names such as Crockett Tavern Museum, Panther Creek State Park, Cherokee Lake, and Rose Center for the Arts. This is a subtle indication that it is well-equipped with the kinds of attractions that will delight the hearts of every visitor. With its unique mix of experiences and attractions, you don’t have to worry whether you are visiting alone, as a couple or with the entire family because there will always be something for everyone. Whether you are interested in camping, golfing, boating, visiting museums, or enjoying the rustic charms of the city’s historic buildings, every second you spend in Morristown will be worth your time.
22. Union City
Union City is located in Obion County and it is another great destination to consider in Tennessee if you are looking for quiet and serene locations with lots of exciting outdoor adventures. It is home to Discovery Park of America as well as Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge where lovers of the outdoors, nature, and wildlife can spend some quality time including a visit to Starship Theatre for a unique interactive motion simulator experience. For travelers interested in a unique shopping experience, Union City Antique Mall has a variety of stores dealing in all manner of unique items that will make very good souvenirs for your trip. And for concerts and shows, indulge in a trip to Capitol Theatre.
23. Paris
Paris is one of Tennessee’s hidden gems. It is a small town with a variety of exciting outdoor adventures, events, and experiences suitable for all members of the family. If you love wine, then you should start your exploration of the town at Paris Winery, where in addition to learning the art and process of wine-making, you will also have a chance to sample over 26 wine varieties produced by the winery. A visit to Clifty Farm is also highly encouraged for an encounter with some of the country’s leading hams, smoked sausages, and pork barbecues. And for shopaholics, a trip to Market Street Antique Mall will expose you to more than 150 dealers of high quality and unique items that you can carry home as souvenirs. If you are interested in learning more about Civil War history, you will be thrilled by the story of the Battle of Paris which did not last for more than 20 minutes but completely changed the direction of the war.
24. Tullahoma
Tullahoma is in Southern Middle Tennessee. Its origins as a town can be traced back to when it was designated as a work camp during the construction of the railway linking Nashville to Chattanooga. During the Second World War, it was used as POW camp, a military training camp, and a US Airforce Test Facility which is still active to this very day. As such, it has incredible war history, but this is not to say that this is all it has to offer. With the presence of the Short Spring Natural Area, Beechcraft Heritage Museum, Rutledge Falls, Ole Shed Brewing, and Hands-On Science Center, the town has incredible activities for both indoor and outdoor attraction lovers.
Tip from Content Creator
Looking for hidden gems in Tullahoma? Rutledge Falls is just a short hike down, and you will find the most perfect summer swimming hole. We had a blast & will definitely be back!
The attraction is located on private land, but the owners allow visitors to come & enjoy the beauty of their property. The water was sooooo cold & refreshing, the perfect respite in this heat.
25. Nashville (from USD 50.82)
Nashville has always been famous as the proud birthplace of country music but the center welcomes all even if you claim that you have never listened to a single country tune. It means that the city is an ideal destination not for just music lovers alone, but also for history buffs, art enthusiasts, and outdoor lovers among others. Some of the notable attractions you shouldn’t miss when you visit Nashville include Bridgestone Arena, the Tennessee Performing Arts Center, the Country Music Hall of Fame, Nashville Zoo, Andrew Jackson Hermitage, and Adventure Science Center among others.
Nashville: Hop-on Hop-off Trolley Tour
Duration: 2.0 day
Enjoy the best of Tennessee
From the above, Tennessee has a lot to offer to every kind of traveler. It is entirely up to you to choose your location based on the experiences you want. Use this list of the best places to visit in Tennessee, the USA, to help you choose the right direction and plan your itinerary.
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