Tennessee is full of some of the most exciting attractions in the U.S. From theme parks to historic distilleries, there’s a little something for anyone who loves music, history, or just getting outdoors.
Maybe you’re itching to explore the Great Smoky Mountains or catch some live music in Nashville or Memphis: either way, Tennessee’s got you covered.
You can tour legendary homes, hike scenic trails, catch a show on a famous street, or just learn the stories that helped shape the nation.
Here are 10 top things to do and see in Tennessee:
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Things to See & Do in Tennessee: The Best Ideas
10. Jack Daniel’s Distillery in Lynchburg
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The Jack Daniel’s Distillery is located in the small town of Lynchburg. It’s actually the oldest registered distillery in America, dating back to 1866.
You can tour the place and see how Old No. 7 Tennessee whiskey is made. The whole process, from start to finish, is on display.
There are several different tours and experiences to choose from. Pick whichever fits your mood or schedule.
Most tours offer tastings, so you’ll get to sample the whiskey and learn about the brand’s history and craft. It’s a pretty cool peek behind the curtain.
The distillery is open every day from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except on big holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving. Double-check opening hours before planning your trip.
Need to get around? There’s a Jack Daniel’s Bus that stops at the distillery, plus local restaurants and shops in downtown Lynchburg.
After your tour, swing by the downtown area for Jack Daniel’s swag or grab a bite. The town’s small, about 6,700 people, but it draws visitors from all over.
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9. The Arts Scene in Knoxville
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Knoxville’s arts scene is way more lively than you might expect. Galleries, theaters, and museums all show off work from local and national artists.
The Knoxville Museum of Art is a good place to start. They’ve got rotating exhibitions that highlight both regional talent and contemporary pieces.
The city’s art district is actually ranked among the top 10 art hubs in the country. There’s street art, classic galleries, and some pretty wild installations if you keep your eyes open.
Live music venues and theaters are everywhere. Whether you’re into acoustic sets or big productions, there’s usually something going on.
Art festivals are available throughout the year, bringing together artists, performers, and visitors for creative celebrations. Really, it’s hard not to stumble into something interesting.
Walking downtown, you’ll spot murals and sculptures that add color and personality to the streets.
Local galleries showcase East Tennessee artists. Some spaces even host artist talks or opening nights where you can chat with the creators themselves.
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8. Dollywood Theme Park in Pigeon Forge
(Dollywood Theme Park, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee by Kristopher Harris, CC BY 2.0)
Dollywood is Tennessee’s top theme park, tucked right in the Smoky Mountains. It’s got rides, shows, and entertainment for just about every age.
Thrill-seekers can hit roller coasters, but there are plenty of family-friendly attractions too. The Dollywood Express train winds through the mountain scenery for a nice break from the crowds.
Live entertainment is a big deal here. There’s Southern charm everywhere, but also enough modern attractions to keep things fresh.
Food options? Tons. Seasonal festivals keep things interesting year-round. There’s even a water park and resort if you want to stick around longer.
You could easily spend a whole day exploring. The park’s great for families, couples, or anyone looking for a bit of adventure in the Smokies.
If you want to beat the crowds, get there early. Dollywood manages to mix big theme park energy with the natural beauty of the mountains: the best of both worlds!
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7. The Chattanooga Riverwalk
(Chattanooga Riverwalk by Shannon McGee, CC BY-SA 2.0)
The Chattanooga Riverwalk runs for 16.1 miles along the Tennessee River. Walk, jog, or bike, whatever suits you, on this paved trail connecting downtown to Chickamauga Dam.
Those iconic blue rails? They’ll help guide your way. The paths are safe and accessible, so anyone can enjoy them.
Start near the Tennessee Aquarium on Broad Street. From there, you can head south through industrial areas or uphill toward the Bluff View Art District.
Fishing is an option from the riverbank or little piers along the route. Birdwatchers and photographers will find plenty to love too.
Biking’s pretty popular, and you can rent bikes nearby if you didn’t bring your own. The views of the river and city skyline are worth the ride.
There are plenty of spots to pause and enjoy the scenery. The Riverwalk links up different neighborhoods, making it easy to reach restaurants, shops, and other attractions.
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6. The Tennessee State Museum
Want to dive into Tennessee’s history for free? Head to the Tennessee State Museum in Nashville. It reopened in 2018 in a bigger, better space.
Your visit kicks off in the Tennessee Time Tunnel. After that, there are six permanent exhibits to wander through.
The Natural History section covers the state’s prehistoric days. First Peoples tells the story of Native American history in the region.
You’ll find detailed exhibits about the Civil War and Reconstruction, including real artifacts from Tennessee’s role in the conflict.
The museum covers everything from ancient times to today, showing how Tennessee has changed over the centuries.
Interactive displays and educational programs make it more hands-on and engaging. It’s not just reading plaques, thankfully.
The museum is right by the state capitol. You can easily tack it onto a day of Nashville sightseeing.
Give yourself a few hours to see it all. Whether you’re a history buff or just curious, there’s plenty to check out.
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5. Hiking Lookout Mountain and Visiting Rock City Gardens
Lookout Mountain is just six miles from Chattanooga, right by the Georgia-Tennessee border. There are over 4,100 feet of walking trails that wind through wild rock formations and lush gardens.
The Sunset Rock hike is the most popular trail around Chattanooga. Expect stunning mountain views and, if you’re there in autumn, some seriously good fall colors.
Rock City Gardens covers 14 acres at the top. You’ll walk paths linking waterfalls, bridges, stone overlooks, and quirky rock features like the Needle’s Eye.
The gardens mix natural wonders with carefully designed botanical displays. You’ll spot native plants, flowers, and, yep, a bunch of garden gnomes along the way.
The drive up is a winding road around 3 miles from Chattanooga’s St. Elmo neighborhood. Rock City Gardens is at 1400 Patten Road in Lookout Mountain, Georgia.
Hiking trails are accessible from various spots. Between the trails and garden walks, it’s a solid day trip for outdoor lovers of any age.
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4. Beale Street and Live Music
Beale Street is Memphis’s most famous entertainment strip. Live music venues, blues clubs, and restaurants line the street from the Mississippi River to East Street.
This place is known as the “Home of the Blues.” Musicians and artists have been flocking here for generations, giving the street its legendary vibe.
B.B. King’s Blues Club and other classic spots host live shows every night. There’s music 365 days a year, concerts in Handy Park, and club gigs up and down the street.
Walking Beale Street is the best way to experience Memphis’s music culture. You’ll hear blues, rock, and more, played by both local legends and touring acts in cozy clubs.
The W.C. Handy House Museum sits right on Beale, honoring the man who helped shape blues music. It’s a cool stop if you want to dig into the street’s musical roots.
Beale Street is all about live music, food, and nightlife. Hop between venues, try some Southern cooking, and feel the energy of this iconic district.
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3. Graceland: Elvis Presley’s Home in Memphis
Graceland is where Elvis Presley lived, and it’s one of Tennessee’s most visited places. The mansion sits on a 13.8-acre estate in Memphis.
You can walk through the house, preserved just like when Elvis lived there. It’s a glimpse into how the King of Rock and Roll did things.
The tour includes his collection of cars, jumpsuits, and gold records. There are plenty of personal items on display.
Don’t skip the Lisa Marie jet: Elvis’s custom plane. You can actually step inside and see how he traveled.
Elvis Presley’s Memphis complex holds the world’s largest Elvis museum, with exhibits covering his entire life and career.
More than 600,000 people visit Graceland every year. It’s among the most popular private homes in America.
There are a few tour options. The basic one covers the main house, while the Platinum Tour adds more exhibits and both planes.
Audio guides are available if you want extra stories and details about Elvis’s life at Graceland.
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2. The Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is right in downtown Nashville’s SoBro neighborhood. It’s across from Bridgestone Arena, in the middle of the city’s action.
The museum covers the full history of country music. There are thousands of instruments, costumes, and artifacts from legendary artists.
Exhibits feature everyone from old-school stars like Gene Autry to current icons like Miranda Lambert. You’ll see how country music started and how it grew over the years.
Doors open at 9 a.m. and close at 5 p.m. daily. Even if country music isn’t your thing, the museum’s worth a look. The displays are easy to navigate and packed with fun details.
You’ll see personal items from famous singers and hear their stories. The museum does a really solid job blending history and pop culture.
Plan to spend at least a couple of hours. It’s one of Nashville’s top attractions for a reason.
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1. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park stretches across the border of Tennessee and North Carolina. It’s a massive place: over 800 square miles of mountains, thick forests, and winding valleys.
It’s actually the most visited national park in the country. Millions swing by every year just to enjoy the scenery.
There are hiking trails for everyone, whether you’re just out for a stroll or ready to tackle a steep climb. The highest peak? The view up there is something else.
Waterfalls pop up all over the park. Some are just a short walk away, and the sound of water rushing over rocks really sets the mood.
Wildlife’s everywhere. Maybe you’ll spot a black bear or a deer, or catch a flash of wings from one of the park’s many birds. Just, you know, don’t get too close.
You’ll find old cabins and weathered buildings scattered around, leftovers from the days when pioneer families lived here.
When fall rolls in, the trees go wild with color: reds, oranges, yellows. It’s really breathtaking, though you’ll be sharing the view with plenty of other leaf-peepers.
There’s no fee to get in, but parking tags are required. You can cruise along scenic roads or set up camp and lose yourself on the trails for days.
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