35+ Things To Do In Tennessee

Tennessee offers an incredible mix of mountain scenery, music heritage, outdoor adventure, and vibrant cities. From the Great Smoky Mountains to legendary music venues and charming small towns, there’s something for every type of traveler.

Iconic Places & Attractions

1. Explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Hike waterfall trails, drive scenic roads like Cades Cove and Roaring Fork, and look out for black bears, elk and historic Appalachian homesteads in America’s most-visited national park.

2. Walk Broadway in Nashville

Head to Lower Broadway, better known as Honky Tonk Highway, where live music pours out of stacked bars and neon-lit venues from morning until late at night, often with no cover charge.

3. Visit Graceland in Memphis

Tour Elvis Presley’s mansion, gardens, aircraft and museum exhibits for a much fuller look at his life than a quick photo stop ever gives you.

4. Tour the Country Music Hall of Fame

Step through one of Nashville’s essential music attractions, where major artifacts, films, recordings and interactive exhibits trace country music from its roots to today’s biggest stars.

5. Stroll Beale Street

Spend an evening on Beale Street for blues clubs, live bands, barbecue, neon signs and one of Memphis’s most iconic after-dark atmospheres.

6. See the Parthenon in Nashville

Visit the world’s only full-scale replica of the ancient Greek temple in Centennial Park, then step inside to see the art museum and the towering 42-foot statue of Athena.

7. Explore Lookout Mountain

Lookout Mountain makes a great Chattanooga-area day out, with panoramic viewpoints plus easy access to headline attractions like Rock City and Ruby Falls.

Outdoor Adventures & Nature Things To Do

8. Hike to Kuwohi

Hike the steep paved path to Kuwohi, the peak formerly known as Clingmans Dome, for sweeping high-elevation views from Tennessee’s highest point.

9. Drive the Foothills Parkway

Take one of Tennessee’s most scenic drives, with long mountain views, quieter overlooks and an easier-going alternative to the Smokies’ busiest roads.

10. Chase waterfalls in the Smokies

Make time for classic Smokies waterfall hikes such as Grotto Falls, where the trail passes behind the cascade, or Rainbow Falls for a bigger, more dramatic payoff.

11. Go whitewater rafting on the Ocoee River

Raft the Ocoee for fast Class III and IV rapids on one of the Southeast’s best-known whitewater rivers and a former Olympic competition course

12. Explore Fall Creek Falls State Park

Visit one of Tennessee’s flagship parks for gorge views, major waterfalls, lake activities and a bigger, wilder Cumberland Plateau landscape than many first-time visitors expect.

13. Kayak or paddleboard Tennessee rivers

Paddle the Tennessee River in places like Chattanooga or Knoxville for skyline views, calmer water and an easy way to experience the state from a different angle.

14. Go horseback riding in the Smokies

Book a guided ride in Cades Cove to follow forest and meadow trails through one of the national park’s most scenic valleys.

Cities, Culture & History

15. Discover Chattanooga’s riverfront

Walk or bike the Chattanooga Riverwalk for easy access to river views, public art, the Walnut Street Bridge and downtown attractions along the Tennessee River.

16. Visit the Civil Rights Museum in Memphis

Set at the Lorraine Motel, this is one of Tennessee’s most powerful museums, with exhibitions that trace the civil rights movement and its continuing legacy.

17. Explore historic Franklin

Walk Franklin’s handsome downtown streets, then add Civil War sites like Carter House or Carnton for a much richer sense of the town’s history.

18. Visit the Tennessee State Capitol

Tour this 1859 Nashville landmark to see one of the state’s most important public buildings, with its hilltop setting and major role in Tennessee history.

19. Tour Jack Daniel’s Distillery

Head to Lynchburg for a guided distillery visit that walks you through the brand’s heritage, production process and Tennessee whiskey story.

20. Walk historic downtown Gatlinburg

Downtown Gatlinburg mixes classic Parkway energy with mountain views, easy access to local shops and nearby attractions like the Gatlinburg SkyPark

Family-Friendly Things To Do

21. Ride mountain coasters in East Tennessee

Try rides like the Rail Runner at Anakeesta or Rocky Top Mountain Coaster in Pigeon Forge for fast descents through wooded hills with Smoky Mountain views built in.

22. Explore interactive museums

For strong indoor family options, try Adventure Science Center in Nashville or the Discovery Center at Murfree Spring in Murfreesboro, both built around hands-on exhibits.

23 Take a scenic train ride

Ride with the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum in Chattanooga for vintage railcars, family-friendly excursions and scenic routes that slow the pace right down.

24. Visit Dollywood

Dollywood is much more than a theme park, with major rides, strong live entertainment and Appalachian craft traditions alongside the family attractions.

25. Visit aquariums and discovery centers

The Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga is one of the state’s best all-weather attractions, and it pairs well with nearby family museums if you need a full indoor day.

Unique & Local Experiences

26. Attend a live music show

For a truly Tennessee night out, catch a performance at the Ryman Auditorium, Nashville’s “Mother Church,” or build an evening around the city’s other legendary music stages.

27. Go on a ghost tour

Cities like Nashville, Chattanooga and Franklin all turn their layered history into atmospheric evening ghost tours, especially in their older downtown districts.

28. Try Tennessee barbecue

From Memphis ribs to slow-smoked pulled pork elsewhere in the state, barbecue is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to experience Tennessee’s regional food culture.

29. Visit local moonshine distilleries

Stop by Ole Smoky’s “The Holler” in Gatlinburg for tastings, tours and a more tourist-friendly introduction to East Tennessee moonshine culture.

30. Explore arts & crafts communities

Drive the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community loop in Gatlinburg to browse independent makers working in pottery, woodcarving, jewelry, textiles and other Appalachian crafts.

Scenic & Relaxing Things to Do

31. Watch sunrise in the Smoky Mountains

An early start in places like Newfound Gap or Cades Cove can reward you with layered ridgelines, low mist and some of the state’s most peaceful views.

32. Relax in a mountain cabin

A cabin stay is one of the best ways to enjoy East Tennessee, especially if you want wooded views, a hot tub, a porch and quieter evenings after busy sightseeing days.

33. Picnic in a state park

For a slower-paced outdoor day, head to a large park like Montgomery Bell, where you can pair lake views and green space with easy hiking or boating.

34. Take a riverboat cruise

Cruise the Tennessee River on Chattanooga’s Southern Belle or the Mississippi with Memphis Riverboats for narrated sightseeing and a more relaxed city experience on the water.

35. Explore small towns

Places like Jonesborough and Bell Buckle are great for slower travel, with walkable centers, local shops, artisan goods and a strong sense of Tennessee character.

36. Attend seasonal festivals

Tennessee’s calendar is packed with local events, from the National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough to Bell Buckle’s long-running small-town celebrations.

FAQ's

What is the best time of year to visit Tennessee?

Spring and fall are the most popular times to visit Tennessee due to mild temperatures and beautiful scenery. Fall is especially popular for colorful foliage in the mountains.

What is the main airport in Tennessee?

Tennessee has several major airports. The busiest is Nashville International Airport (BNA), followed by Memphis International Airport (MEM) and McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) near the Great Smoky Mountains.

What is the best time of year to visit Tennessee?

Spring and fall are the most popular times to visit Tennessee due to mild temperatures and beautiful scenery. Fall is especially popular for colorful foliage in the mountains.