This landlocked state in the southeastern region of the country is best known for its contribution to the music scene. From Scottish-Irish folk music to African American rhythms to modern country music, Tennessee has it all! Its two major cities, Nashville and Memphis, are credited with nurturing talents such as Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, and Jerry Lee Lewis to name a few. Besides, the state is also known for its spectacular natural beauty and national parks. The Great Smoky Mountains and its lush green valley provide plenty of recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Apart from the Appalachian Trail and the Natchez Trail, there are also miles of hiking trails and plenty of outdoor activities to keep you busy. Other popular tourist attractions include Graceland with its museum dedicated to the king of rock and roll and theatres. Here is a compilation of some of the best things to do in Tennessee, USA.
1. Enjoy lunch or dinner on the magnificent General Jackson showboat (from USD 113.0)
Get picked up from your hotel in Nashville about half an hour before departure time. Board the showboat, which is among the largest paddle-wheel boats in the country, and find a nice spot on the indoor or outdoor deck as you set sail. Enjoy the scenic landscape along the Cumberland River for a while and then head to the Victorian theater for your meal. Savor a sumptuous Southern-style feast along with live music and a comedy show. The dinner show will also feature live dancers. The meal includes appetizers, entrée, and dessert.
Nashville Cumberland River Lunch or Dinner Steamboat Cruise
Duration: 4 hours
2. Check out the full size replica of The Parthenon in Nashville
Set at the center of Centennial Park, this is a full-scale exact replica of the original monument in Athens. It features a 42 feet (12.8 meters) statue of Athena just as it is in Greece. The fine example of classical architecture was built in 1897 for the Centennial Exposition. Now, it also doubles up as the city’s art museum. One prominent collection of paintings at the museum features the donated works of 19th and 20th-century American artists. Temporary shows and exhibits are also held at the museum on a regular basis.
The Parthenon
Address: Centennial Park, 2500 West End Ave, Nashville, Tennessee
Website: The Parthenon
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 9am - 4:30pm; Sun: 12:30pm - 4:30pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 4 - 6 USD
3. Discover the underground Ruby Falls within Lookout Mountain
Tucked into an ancient cave within Lookout Mountain near Chattanooga, this Ruby Falls is a must-see when in Tennessee. It is just 3 mi (4.8 km) away from Rock City. Discovered in 1928, this is the country’s tallest and deepest underground waterfall at a height of 145 feet (44 m). Lookout Mountain also features a network of caverns where the waterfall is located and cave tours are available if you wish to explore these. Admission tickets are available for timed tours and these tend to sell out quickly, especially during peak tourist season. Zipline adventures and lantern tours can be booked to make the most of your visit.
Ruby Falls
Address: 1720 South Scenic Hwy Chattanooga, TN 37409
Website: Ruby Falls
Opening hours: 8am - 8pm (daily)
Price: 13 - 32 USD
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4. Catch a performance at Ryman Auditorium in Nashville
With a seating capacity of over 2,300, the Ryman Auditorium is a popular venue for various live performances and awards functions. This building has been named a National Historic Landmark for its crucial role in nurturing country music. Best known as the home of the Grand Ole Opry, the auditorium was renovated in 1994. It was initially designed as a house of worship before being turned into a venue for entertainment events. There are quite a few statues in and around the auditorium.
Ryman Auditorium
Address: 116 5th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37219, USA
Website: Ryman Auditorium
Opening hours: 9am - 4pm (daily)
Price: 17 - 22 USD
5. Try some Cajun-Creole classics at The Second Line
Serving up a host of New Orleans style delicacies, this quaint restaurant is ideal for intimate dinners or large gatherings. Incorporating fresh ingredients and authentic flavors, this restaurant offers you po'boys, roasted meats, and seafood plates. Open for lunch and dinner, be sure to try their fresh oysters cooked just right, sandwiches, and burgers. You can relish your food indoors or outdoors depending on the weather.
The Second Line
Address: 2144 Monroe Ave, Memphis, TN 38104, USA
Website: The Second Line
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 11pm
6. Walk across the lively Beale Street in Memphis
This popular street in Memphis runs for about 2 miles (3 kilometers) extending from the Mississippi River to East Street. Festivals and concerts are held here regularly drawing huge crowds. Lined with bars and restaurants, this iconic street is a must-visit attraction. Soak up the vibe as you walk down the street to the strains of music streaming out of every doorway. Watch the street performers and while away the night.
Beale Street
Address: Memphis, Tennessee
Website: Beale Street
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
7. Experience haunted places in Shelby County, Memphis (from USD 30.0)
Set off in search of ghosts and spooky souls in this tour of haunted places that dot the city. Begin the tour on iconic Beale Street and listen as your expert guide narrates the dark history of various other buildings. See the Orpheum Theater where a female ghost is supposed to haunt performances from 1921. John Alexander Austin House, Gayoso House apartment building and Grawmeyer’s, a restaurant with its haunted piano are some other places covered in this eerie tour.
Memphis Ghost Tour
Duration: 2 hours
8. Get the thrill of rafting on Pigeon River (from USD 51.0)
Get an adrenaline rush with this thrilling river rafting adventure down the Pigeon River, right at the heart of the Smoky Mountains. Set off on this 6.5 miles (10.5 kilometers) ride along Class 3 and Class 4 rapids with certified guides for company. Hold on to your seat as they expertly navigate the raft through the big waves and around rocks. Enjoy the feel of the cool water on your face and the beauty of your surroundings amid the raw power of nature.
Upper Pigeon River Whitewater Rafting Trip with Guide
Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
9. Explore Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville
One of the largest museums in the world specializing in vernacular American music, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has a huge collection for you to browse through. Now located at the heart of the city, this museum also has a theater and offers rental spaces. The Hall of Fame was set up in 191 and features legends such as Roy Acuff, Hank Williams, Fred Rose, and Ray Stevens to name a few. There is a special exhibit of bronze plaques with bas-relief portraits of each of the inductees.
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Address: 222 Fifth Avenue South Nashville, TN 37203
Website: Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 23 - 26 USD
10. Head to Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg
Did you know that Seahorses propel themselves through the water by using a small fin on their back that can flutter up to 35 times per second? - Mark
Posted by Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies on Monday, 1 July 2019
Head to this Tennessee aquarium that has more fish than the number of people in town! A fun place for a family outing, this sprawling aquarium is home to over 10,000 species of marine life. The shark tunnel, stingray tank, glass-bottom boat ride, and penguins are just some of the top attractions here. You can easily spend a day here and combined with the other parkway attractions, make it a fun day out. You can also celebrate special events such as kids’ birthdays and enjoy breakfast with a mermaid!
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
Address: 88 River Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA
Website: Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 9am - 9pm; Fri - Sun: 9am - 10pm
Price: 8 - 34 USD
11. Escape the heat at Dollywood's Splash Country
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
This water park situated adjacent to a theme park of the same name has a range of slides and wave pools. Themed around entertainer Dolly Parton’s childhood spent swimming in the rivers that wind across the Great Smoky Mountains this water park has plenty of attractions for the whole family. There are a few eateries and restaurants within the water park making it easy for you to spend a day here without having to worry about meals. There are also stores selling and renting water sports equipment as also souvenirs of different kinds.
Dollywood’s Splash Country
Address: 2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, USA
Website: Dollywood’s Splash Country
Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 61 - 184 USD
12. Check out artifacts from the 17th-century at National Civil Rights Museum
Posted by National Civil Rights Museum on Tuesday, 25 June 2019
This museum chronicles the historical significance of the Civil Rights movement in the country beginning from the 17th century. It was renovated in 2014 and opened with a much higher number of interactive and multimedia exhibits. An affiliate museum of the Smithsonian, this is situated around the site of the Lorraine Motel, the spot where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. Comprising of a complex of buildings, you should set aside at least half a day or even a whole day to take in the exhibits here. A large number of temporary exhibits can be found at the museum throughout the year.
National Civil Rights Museum
Address: 450 Mulberry St, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
Website: National Civil Rights Museum
Opening hours: Wed - Mon: 9am - 6pm (closed on Tue)
Price: 13 - 16 USD
13. Get up close with the animals at Nashville Zoo
With over 6,000 animals, this zoo is a top-rated attraction in the Nashville area. from flamingo chicks, rhinos, giraffes, and Sumatran tigers being just some of the animals that live her, this zoo appeals to young and the old alike. Guided tours are available here as are camps and overnight trips. You can also opt for a behind-the-scenes tour with a backstage pass available at the zoo. This will let you get a good look at the various processes that happen in a zoo.
Nashville Zoo
Address: 3777 Nolensville Pike, Nashville, TN 37211, USA
Website: Nashville Zoo
Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 17 USD
14. Listen to live music at Iron Boar Saloon in Pigeon Forge
Posted by Mike Saeler on Sunday, 30 June 2019
With its typical Southwestern ambiance, this is a cool music venue to hang out. Situated right across the Harley Davidson store, there is a distinct motorcyclist vibe to this joint. With outdoor seating available, enjoy a pleasant summer evening filling up on one of their signature sandwiches and spicy buffalo wings with a cool pint to go along with it. The live music adds to the charm of the place. There’s also a Mexican cantina right next to it if you are in the mood for some margaritas instead of just beer.
Iron Boar Saloon
Address: 104 Waldens Main St, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, USA
Website: Iron Boar Saloon
Opening hours: 11:30am - 10pm
15. Visit the ship-shaped Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge
Posted by Titanic Museum Attraction on Wednesday, 28 August 2019
This unique museum built to resemble the infamous ship has over 400 pre-discovery artifacts on display. The building sits within a pool to give you a feel of being at sea on the Titanic. At the entry point, you will be given a ticket bearing the name of an actual passenger on the ship. Get to know about the stories of many of the passengers and also find out if the person whose name is on your ticket survived the sinking vessel. Among the top-rated attractions here is the largest model of the Titanic built with Lego bricks.
Titanic Pigeon Forge
Address:2134 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Website: Titanic Pigeon Forge
Opening hours: 9am - 9pm (daily)
Price: 15 - 27 USD
16. Take the kids to The Island in Pigeon Forge
Holding onto these summer nights. (?: Jason Moermond)
Posted by The Island in Pigeon Forge on Saturday, 17 August 2019
This family entertainment center is counted among the best amusement parks in the country. Have fun at the different rides and stores here all day and late into the night. Besides the thrilling rides and shows, dancing fountains and restaurants are just some of the popular attractions. The 200 feet (61 meters) tall observation tower aptly named The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, gives you an eagle’s eye view of the surroundings and makes for a memorable experience.
The Island
Address: 131 The Island Drive, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Website: The Island
Opening hours: 10am - 11pm (daily)
Price: 4 - 40 USD
17. Stop by the serene Parrot Mountain and Gardens
Interact with a variety of bird species including some rare ones at this beautiful Bible-inspired garden and parrot preserve. Besides the birds, this natural attraction has numerous flower and plants that lead to comparisons with the Garden of Eden! Besides watching the birds in their natural habitat, you will have the opportunity to feed them and take pictures with them if you wish. Parrot Mountain and Gardens also features a separate lory aviary where you can feed the birds nectar from a cup. At the baby bird nursery, make use of the opportunity to pet the little ones.
Parrot Mountain & Gardens
Address: 1471 McCarter Hollow Rd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37862, USA
Website: Parrot Mountain & Gardens
Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 9 - 20 USD
18. Get an aerial view of the Smokies from Gatlinburg SkyLift Park
This landmark attraction takes you up to Crockett Mountain for some stunning views. Head to the SkyDeck for gorgeous views that extend right up to the Great Smoky Mountain range. The current chairlifts were installed in 2017 and ensure you have a safe and smooth ride. Settle in for the ride as you look upon changing views from your vantage point. Feel the cool breeze as you enjoy the vertical ride up to the majestic mountain and then back down.
Gatlinburg SkyLift Park
Address: 765 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA
Website: Gatlinburg SkyLift Park
Opening hours: 9am - 9pm (daily)
Price: 12 - 15 USD
19. Swing by Stax Museum of American Soul Music in Memphis
Stax Records fans! Unfortunately, the Stax Museum will be closed all day Thursday, August 22nd and will resume regular hours the next day. We regret any inconvenience!!
Posted by Stax Museum of American Soul Music on Friday, 16 August 2019
Learn all about the origins and growth of soul music as you wander across this informative museum. All this with soul music playing in the background right from the parking lot! There is a dance floor that encourages you to shake a leg while classics play in the background and episodes of Soul Train are displayed on the huge screens. Get a look at the collection of recording equipment, some of which is obsolete today. The Hall of Records never fails to impress with its floor-to-ceiling collection of albums and singles ever released by Stax Records.
Stax Museum of American Soul Music
Address: 926 E McLemore Ave, Memphis, TN 38126, USA
Website: Stax Museum of American Soul Music
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 5pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 10 - 13 USD
20. Pop in Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park in Nashville
Set at the heart of the city, this green space sits near the Tennessee State Capitol building. Set up to mark the state’s bicentennial celebration in 199, this park pays tribute to its rich history. Highlights include a 200-feet (61 meters) granite map of the state, beautiful fountains, and a World War II Memorial among others. Guided tours are conducted on a regular basis and the park is also a popular venue for various events such as concerts at the amphitheater and a farmer’s market. Picnic areas are available and there is also a gift shop at the park.
Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park
Address: 600 James Robertson Pkwy, Nashville, TN 37243, USA
Website: Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park
Opening hours: 6am - 10pm (daily)
Price: Free
21. Buy tickets for joy rides at Anakeesta in Gatlinburg
Perfect for an enjoyable outdoor family experience, this theme park offers you various options of enjoying your day. Choose to go on a scenic Chondola ride or get into a Rodge Rambler adventure truck as you head for the magical Firefly Village. Journey to the top of Anakeesta Mountain where you can enjoy scenic views of Mount LeConte, browse through the gift shops, and relish lip-smacking delicacies at the restaurant or food truck. There is a treetop skywalk too for some great views and memories to cherish.
Anakeesta
Address: 576 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA
Website: Anakeesta
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 10am - 8pm; Fri - Sat: 10am - 9pm
Price: 13 - 22 USD
22. Look around the historic Lotz House Museum in Franklin
Posted by Lotz House Museum on Friday, 11 April 2014
This historic house was constructed in 1858 and sits next to the battlefield that witnessed the Battle of Franklin. Learn about the Lotz family that built this beautiful residence and the historic battle during the Civil War, the deadliest military conflict in American history. For a while, this house was converted into a field hospital and it still carries scars of the war. Browse the collection of exquisite Civil War period antiques displayed here.
Lotz House Museum
Address:1111 Columbia Ave, Franklin, TN 37064, USA
Website: Lotz House Museum
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 5pm; Sun: 1pm - 4pm
Price: 6 - 12 USD
23. Ride a jacked up monster truck in Davidson County (from USD 53.0)
Take this great opportunity to do something unusual; hop into a monster truck to roar across Nashville! Enjoy being the center of attraction as you go across town in a monster truck with an expert guide providing interesting commentary along the way. Click some fun pictures with the truck and pose to your heart’s content. Learn all about the local culture, people, and their history as you ride along. Pass by most of the important landmarks in the city such as Nissan Stadium, Country Music Hall of Fame, and Music Row among others.
90-Minute Monster Truck Joyride City Tour of Nashville
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
24. Get your thrills at Adventureworks Zipline Forest (from USD 60.0)
This is an exciting way of enjoying the scenic beauty of Nashville. Get a bird’s-eye view as you zip over the trees in this forest tucked into the hills. Get comfortable in your secure safety harness as you zoom across the sturdy steel cable extending for about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) of terrain with 8 zip lines in place. Learn interesting facts about the local flora and fauna from your guide as you enjoy this refreshing break from the chaos of city life.
Adventureworks Ziplines at Nashville West
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
25. Meet your favorite celebs at Hollywood Wax Museum (from USD 33.0)
Have fun with your favorite celebrities at this interesting wax museum. Explore the museum at your own pace with an all-day pass. Be sure to click a picture with all your favorites here. Children will also enjoy this unique experience of hobnobbing with the stars! There will also be an opportunity to participate in games and pick up trivia about the celebs. Be sure to try out your singing skills as you grab the microphone.
Hollywood Wax Museum Admission Ticket in Pigeon Forge
Duration: 1 to 2 hours
26. Rack your brains at Prison Break Escape Room (from USD 38.0)
Have fun with this immersive game that puts you behind bars, literally! Travel back in time to the year 1955 and find yourself accused of a crime you didn’t commit. With life imprisonment looming ahead, attempting a prison break is the only way to escape the tragic fate suffered by your predecessors! You and your team will be locked up in a room and allotted an hour’s time to complete the mission and escape. This game requires some quick thinking and teamwork to achieve success. So, gear up to exercise your brain and bond with your team members. This is great entertainment for families and friends alike.
Prison Break Escape Room
Duration: 1 hour
27. Visit the iconic Graceland (from USD 78.0)
Set off on this immersive tour of Graceland from Memphis. Head to the erstwhile residence of rock and roll legend Elvis Presley. Browse through the vast collection of memorabilia including photographs, costumes, and other accessories. Listen to the audio narration of how Elvis rose to such great heights as you go on a self-guided tour of the mansion. You can also get a glimpse of Elvis Presley’s personal life at the Sincerely Elvis Museum which is part of this tour. At the Elvis Presley Automobile Museum, get a look at his vast collection of cars and motorcycles.
Graceland Tour Including Automobile Museum and Airplanes
28. Tour across Cades Cove in a comfortable bus (from USD 75.0)
Enjoy this relaxing guided bus tour across the Cades Cove loop. Park your car and hop into this comfortable bus to soak in the natural beauty of the valley tucked into the Smoky Mountains. Get a glimpse of some of the wildlife species in their natural habitat as you drive by. Coyotes, white-tailed deer, raccoons, and black bears are quite commonly seen along this route. Learn the history of the community and other interesting facts from your guide who is a local. Do not hesitate to ask questions and make the experience a truly enjoyable one.
Cades Cove Sightseeing Bus Tour from Pigeon Forge
Duration: 4 to 5 hours
29. Drop by the Sun Studio in Memphis (from USD 15.0)
Enjoy this interesting tour of Sun Studio which is thought to be where rock and roll came to be. In this guided tour, see the place where music legends such as Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash began their illustrious careers. This continues to be a recording studio with most recordings happening in the evening hours while the place is open to the public during the day. Listen to your guide narrate anecdotes about these hallowed rooms before you head to pick up a souvenir.
Sun Studio Guided Tour GENERAL ADMISSION Ticket **PLEASE PRINT**
Duration: 40 minutes
30. Try zorbing at Outdoor Gravity Park in Pigeon Forge (from USD 22.0)
Turn back time and let loose the child within as you hop on for some zorbing at this outdoor adventure park. There are four different tracks here that promise you some unique experiences. The funnel and zigzag course can accommodate up to three persons at a time as also the fast tracks which takes you down a 1,000 feet (305 m) hill. The extreme zig-zag course is navigated solo and take up the challenge if you feel invincible! Kids over the age of five can participate in these recreational activities.
Outdoor Gravity Park Zorbing Admission Ticket in Pigeon Forge
Duration: 1 hour
Be prepared to change your opinion
At first glance, it might seem that this quiet state does not have much to offer besides its strong roots in music. Experiencing only a few of the above-mentioned things to do in Tennessee will show you just how wrong first impressions can be!
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