Things to Do in Tennessee
Searching for the best things to do in Tennessee? Well, you are in the right place! One of the most charming and diverse states to visit in the U.S., Tennessee is packed with soulful music, hearty Southern food, rolling mountain scenery, and warm hospitality. From the neon-lit streets of Nashville to the smoky peaks of the Appalachians, it’s a place that blends tradition with a vibrant new energy. It’s also accessible and affordable, making it perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer road trip. From my own recent four week road trip, here are some of my favorite spots and experiences in Tennessee that I’d love to share with you.
1. Letting Nature Lead at Ijams Nature Center
Just minutes from downtown Knoxville, Ijams Nature Center felt like a deep breath. From the moment I set foot on the trails, I knew this place was special.
Trails laced through thick woods, birds chirped overhead, and the scent of pine and damp stone grounded me. I stepped onto a boardwalk that wound across a glimmering pond and thought, "How does this even exist inside a city?"
The 300-acre nature preserve offered so many ways to explore, hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, even a canopy adventure course.
I followed a quiet trail along the Tennessee River, pausing to watch turtles sunbathe and dragonflies zip past.
What makes Ijams such a gem is how it balances relaxation with adventure.
One moment you can be picnicking by the river, the next you can be paddling through quiet waters or exploring caves. Every visit feels different, which is why it’s one of my favorite outdoor spots.
Afterward, I headed to Wild Love Bakehouse for lunch and ordered a roasted vegetable tart with a side salad and an iced matcha latte. Cozy, locally sourced, and full of flavor—it was the kind of meal that lets you keep your peaceful pace even after you’ve left the trail.
Ijams Nature Center in Knoxville, Tennessee, is one of my favorite hidden gems and, honestly, one of the most underrated outdoor destinations in the state.
Local Tip: Bring water and good shoes—some trails are steep and unpaved.
Things to Do in Memphis
2. Chasing the Blues Down Beale Street
Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee, is one of my favorite places in the South and, to me, one of the best yet still underrated cultural gems in America that completely won me over.
Everyone knows it as the “Home of the Blues,” but what I love most is that it’s not just about music. Beale Street is also about atmosphere, history, and pure energy that you can feel the moment you step onto the street.
At night, Beale Street comes alive. Neon lights glow, live music pours out from every doorway, and the air is filled with the sounds of blues, jazz, rock, and soul.
I wandered past clubs, blues bars, and barbecue joints, each spilling rhythm into the air. I ducked into B.B. King’s Blues Club for a set that made the walls shake, then into Rum Boogie Café, where guitars hung from the ceiling and the band played like they meant it.
Even just walking was electric, every step a beat, every stranger a fellow traveler in the groove.
3. Stepping Into the Legend at Graceland
Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee, is hands down one of my favorite hidden-in-plain-sight gems in American travel.
Graceland wasn’t just Elvis Presley’s home. It was his sanctuary, and walking through it felt like entering the heart of a myth.
The mansion itself was smaller than I expected, but the personality was huge. From the peacock stained glass to the jungle room with shag carpet on the ceiling, every detail felt like a page from a very personal song. I took the iPad tour, pausing in the meditation garden, where Elvis and his family are buried. It was quiet there, eerily peaceful.
After exploring the Elvis Presley’s Memphis complex across the street—with its cars, jumpsuits, and archives, I headed to Arcade Restaurant, one of Elvis’s favorite diners. I ordered the fried peanut butter and banana sandwich, of course, and paired it with a chocolate milkshake. Over-the-top? Maybe. But it felt like the right kind of tribute.
I checked into The 4-star Guest House at Graceland two days, just steps from the mansion. Southern-style hospitality with Elvis flair, it kept the experience going right through to bedtime.
4. Where Rock Was Born at Sun Studio
Stepping into Sun Studio in Memphis felt like crossing a line between “then” and “now.” The tiles on the floor, the mic in the corner—it was all original.
Sun Studio in Memphis, Tennessee, is one of my absolute favorite hidden gems, and honestly, I think it’s still underrated considering how important it is to music history.
The tour was short but electric. Our guide told stories with rhythm and reverence, leading us from the front café to the studio where Elvis recorded his first song.
The memorabilia scattered throughout the studio adds to the charm, including vintage recording equipment, old photographs, and personal stories that make the place come alive. It’s not flashy or overproduced, it’s raw and real, which is why it’s such a gem.
5. National Civil Rights Museum
Walking into the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis felt like stepping into a living timeline. Every room, every exhibit, seemed to hold its breath between past and present.
Located at the Lorraine Motel, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, the museum is both a memorial and a call to keep moving forward. It’s one of the most powerful places I’ve ever visited, and I think it deserves even more recognition for how deeply it connects history to today.
The exhibits are immersive and emotional, guiding you from slavery and segregation through the modern fight for equality. The storytelling is vivid and human, filled with photographs, personal accounts, and artifacts that make history tangible.
What makes the museum unforgettable isn’t just the information—it’s the feeling. Standing outside Room 306, looking at the wreath on the balcony, time seems to pause. It’s not a flashy experience, but it’s deeply real, and that’s what makes it so moving.
6. Discovery Park of America
Exploring Discovery Park of America in Union City, Tennessee, felt like uncovering a hidden wonder in the middle of small-town America. The grounds are huge and beautifully designed, with something fascinating around every corner.
Discovery Park of America is one of those places that surprises you with its range—part science museum, part history exhibit, part art gallery, and all curiosity. It’s not just for kids; it’s for anyone who loves to learn and be amazed.
The exhibits move from dinosaur fossils to space exploration to local history, all connected by a sense of wonder and discovery. The architecture itself is striking, with glass walls that open up to wide fields and sky, reminding you how much there is to explore beyond the building.
What makes it stand out is the balance between education and imagination. It’s immersive without being overwhelming, detailed without feeling stuffy. Whether you’re peering into a replica of a 19th-century town or touching a meteorite, it all feels alive and inviting—proof that curiosity never goes out of style.
Things to Do in Pigeon Forge
7. Titanic
I think that the Titanic Museum Attraction is one of the best things to do in Tennessee. Why? From the moment you enter the grand staircase replica at museum, you’re not just a spectator, you’re part of the voyage.
Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge goes far beyond displaying artifacts. It invites you to walk on the decks, touch an iceberg, and trace the stories of passengers whose journeys ended far too soon. The care and authenticity in every detail make it both educational and deeply moving.
Each exhibit blends historical precision with emotional depth. You can explore recreated staterooms, admire recovered relics, and even experience what it felt like to stand on the ship’s sloping deck. It’s a place that connects history with humanity, reminding you that the Titanic was more than a ship—it was a floating world of dreams, hopes, and stories.
What makes it unforgettable is how it balances spectacle with reverence. It’s immersive without being theatrical, respectful without losing its sense of wonder. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply curious, the Titanic Museum leaves you with a profound appreciation for how fragile and extraordinary human ambition can be.
Check into 3-star Music Road Resort Hotel for two days.
8. Dollywood
Visiting Dollywood in Pigeon Forge feels like stepping into a place where joy, music, and mountain heritage come together in perfect harmony. It’s more than just a theme park—it’s a celebration of Tennessee’s spirit, wrapped in the warmth and creativity of Dolly Parton herself.
Dollywood captures the heart of the Smoky Mountains in every detail, from the scent of cinnamon bread drifting through Craftsman’s Valley to the sound of bluegrass music echoing between the hills. The rides range from thrilling coasters to gentle train rides through the woods, but the real magic lies in how everything feels personal—like a story told just for you.
What sets Dollywood apart is its blend of excitement and authenticity. You can soar through the sky on the Wild Eagle, then watch blacksmiths, glassblowers, and woodcarvers keep Appalachian traditions alive. Every part of the park feels infused with Dolly’s signature mix of heart, humor, and hope.
Dollywood isn’t just about fun—it’s about feeling connected: to family, to community, and to the beauty of the Smokies themselves. Whether you come for the music, the food, or the memories waiting around every turn, you leave with the same thing everyone else does—a smile, a song, and a little more light in your heart.
Things to Do in Chattanooga
9. Tennessee Aquarium
Exploring the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga feels like diving into another world—one where rivers, oceans, and the creatures that inhabit them come alive in breathtaking ways. Set along the banks of the Tennessee River, the aquarium’s glass-pyramid architecture mirrors the sense of discovery waiting inside.
Tennessee Aquarium offers an experience that flows seamlessly from freshwater streams to the deep sea. The journey begins with native river species and winds through exhibits of turtles, otters, and alligators before plunging into the colorful expanse of coral reefs and open ocean life. Every turn reveals something unexpected and mesmerizing.
What sets it apart is how beautifully it connects local ecology with global wonder. The exhibits tell stories—not just of animals, but of ecosystems, conservation, and the delicate balance that sustains life underwater. It’s a living classroom where science meets art and every ripple feels intentional.
Whether you’re standing in awe before the towering Ocean Journey tank or watching penguins waddle through icy habitats, the experience is equal parts relaxing and inspiring. The Tennessee Aquarium captures the magic of water in motion—reminding you how vast and vital our natural world truly is.
10. Lookout Mountain
Standing atop Lookout Mountain feels like stepping into a living postcard—where Tennessee’s natural beauty stretches endlessly in every direction. The view alone is worth the journey, but what makes this place truly unforgettable is how it blends history, legend, and wonder into one breathtaking experience.
Lookout Mountain’s a collection of marvels. From the misty enchantment of Ruby Falls to the panoramic vistas of Rock City and the historic incline railway, each stop tells its own story. Together, they create a tapestry of adventure that feels both timeless and deeply rooted in the landscape.
The mountain’s trails and overlooks invite you to slow down and take it all in—the rolling hills, winding rivers, and quiet majesty of the Appalachians. Every path feels steeped in memory, from Civil War echoes to local folklore that gives the mountain its name and spirit.
What makes Lookout Mountain stand out is its harmony of natural beauty and human imagination. It’s a place that celebrates wonder without losing its sense of peace. Whether you’re watching the sunrise from a cliffside or wandering through Rock City’s stone bridges, you can’t help but feel connected—to the land, the past, and the awe that only nature can inspire.
11. Andrew Jackson's Hermitage
Exploring Andrew Jackson's Hermitage means stepping back into the early chapters of America’s story. The preserved mansion and grounds tell the tale of a complex man and a changing nation—woven through grand architecture, quiet gardens, and echoes of the past that still linger in the Tennessee air.
The Hermitage is a living museum that brings 19th-century life into sharp focus. From the stately mansion filled with original furnishings to the tranquil family tomb shaded by old trees, every detail feels intentional, preserved with reverence and care.
Walking the paths, you can almost hear the hum of daily life from two centuries ago: the clatter of carriages, the rhythm of plantation work, and the conversations that shaped the nation’s politics. The site doesn’t shy away from the complexity of its history—it invites visitors to learn, reflect, and understand the full scope of the people who lived and labored there.
What makes The Hermitage stand out is its balance between grandeur and truth. It’s both beautiful and thought-provoking—a place that honors history while encouraging reflection on its legacy. Whether you’re drawn by curiosity, scholarship, or a love of Southern history, the experience leaves you with a deeper sense of how America grew, struggled, and changed on this very ground.
12. Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium
Exploring Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium in Kingsport, Tennessee, feels like stepping into a place where nature and wonder meet under the same wide sky. It’s a sanctuary for both curiosity and calm—a blend of forested trails, mirrored waters, and cosmic exploration that invites visitors to slow down and look deeper.
Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium spans over 3,500 acres, making it one of the largest city-owned parks in the country. The lake at its heart reflects towering trees and endless blue, while miles of hiking and biking trails wind through quiet woods alive with wildlife. Every path feels like a breath of fresh mountain air.
Then there’s the Planetarium—a gateway to the stars. Inside, the dome comes alive with stunning visuals that transport you across galaxies, blending science with awe in a way that makes the universe feel both infinite and intimate. It’s a rare balance: a place where you can hike with deer in the morning and explore Saturn’s rings by afternoon.
What makes Bays Mountain special is its harmony of earth and sky. It’s a place that nourishes the senses and the spirit, reminding you how interconnected everything truly is. Whether you’re standing at the lake’s edge, listening to the wind move through the trees, or gazing up at distant constellations, Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium offers a quiet kind of wonder—the kind that stays with you long after you’ve left.
13. Immersed in Underwater Wonder at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg was like stepping into another world, one where sharks glide above your head and jellyfish pulse with color.
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is one of my favorite attractions in the Smokies and, in my opinion, one of the most underrated aquariums in the country.
While Gatlinburg is known for its mountain charm and outdoor adventures, this aquarium is a true hidden gem that delivers some of the best family-friendly fun in the region.
The aquarium was full of surprises. including interactive exhibits, playful penguins, and stingray touch pools.
I watched divers feed sea turtles and smiled at kids pressing their faces against glowing tanks. It was pure wonder, start to finish.
I loved the Penguin Playhouse, easily one of the best exhibits. You can crawl through clear tunnels and pop up right in the middle of the penguins’ habitat, which made me feel like I was interacting with them up close. It was playful, fun, and totally unique.
This aquarium is truly one of the best treasures in the Smokies.
14. Carnton
Visiting Carnton in Franklin, Tennessee, feels like stepping into a poignant chapter of American history—one marked by courage, loss, and quiet remembrance. The house and its grounds stand as both a preserved landmark and a place of reflection, where the echoes of the Civil War still seem to linger in the air.
Carnton was built in 1826 and became forever tied to history during the Battle of Franklin in 1864, when it was transformed into a field hospital for hundreds of wounded soldiers. Walking through its rooms, you can still see faint traces of that day—bloodstained floors, hurriedly scrawled notes, and the silent weight of stories untold.
Beyond the house lies one of the largest Confederate cemeteries in the South, its rows of markers stretching across the field in solemn symmetry. Yet, amid the sorrow, there’s also beauty—towering trees, blooming gardens, and the stillness that invites contemplation. The contrast between tragedy and peace gives Carnton its quiet power.
What makes Carnton unforgettable is how it bridges the past and present. It’s not just a relic of war; it’s a reminder of resilience, humanity, and the cost of conflict. Whether you come to learn, to honor, or simply to feel the weight of history beneath your feet, Carnton leaves you changed—humbled, reflective, and deeply aware of how the past continues to shape the world around us.
15. Finding Myth and Majesty at The Parthenon Nashville
What makes the Parthenon such a gem is how unexpected it feels. One moment you’re in the heart of Music City, and the next you’re standing before an ancient Greek temple, talk about unexpected!
For me, the Parthenon is one of Nashville’s best surprises, a favorite spot where history, art, and architecture meet. It’s a cultural gem that adds the best new dimension to a Nashville trip.
Inside, the Parthenon is even more incredible. My favorite part was seeing the 42-foot statue of Athena, covered in gold leaf, standing tall in the main hall.
It’s awe-inspiring and easily one of the most impressive works of art I’ve seen in the U.S.
The museum inside also houses an impressive collection of 19th- and 20th-century American art, which I thought was a hidden treasure many visitors overlook.
The Parthenon in Nashville, Tennessee, is one of my favorite hidden gems in the city.
16. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Exploring Great Smoky Mountains National Park feels like stepping into nature’s masterpiece where rolling mist, ancient forests, and endless ridgelines remind you how small and wondrous the world can be. It’s the kind of place that quiets your thoughts and stirs your soul all at once.
The park spans the border between Tennessee and North Carolina, offering miles of scenic drives, waterfalls, and trails that weave through some of the oldest mountains on Earth. From the peaceful beauty of Cades Cove to the sweeping views atop Clingmans Dome, every path feels like a story written by the land itself.
The park’s magic lies in its contrasts—morning fog lifting off the valleys, sunlight filtering through dense canopies, and wildflowers blooming beside rushing streams. It’s a living sanctuary for countless species, a place where biodiversity thrives and the rhythm of the earth still feels untouched.
What makes the Smokies unforgettable is the sense of peace they offer. Whether you’re hiking a quiet trail, watching elk in the meadow, or simply breathing in the mountain air, the experience feels both grounding and transcendent. The Great Smoky Mountains don’t just invite you to explore—they invite you to belong, if only for a moment, to something timeless and vast.
Conclusion
Tennessee offered more than just sights, it gave me sound. It hummed through museums and guitar strings, whispered through pine trees, and thundered through stories carved in stone. From Elvis’s jumpsuits to Appalachian trails, each stop left a note that stayed with me long after I’d moved on.
Whether you’re here for the music, the mountains, or the memories, Tennessee will hand you a soundtrack, and all you have to do is press play.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, buy the America the Beautiful Pass.
