The 34 Essential Things to Do in Tennessee (By a Local)

👉 Jump to: Best Things | East Tennessee | Middle Tennessee | West Tennessee

Tennessee has a ton of attractions including natural wonders like the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and legendary music sites like the Ryman Auditorium. With so much to see, it can be hard to know where to start!

I’m a Tennessee local, and I’ve visited a lot of the best places in Tennessee. In this article, I’ll help you sort through all the options starting with the top overall things to do in Tennessee.

Then, the rest of the suggestions are sorted by region: East, Middle, and West Tennessee. Let’s get to planning!

34 Best Things to Do in Tennessee

Dollywood

A one-of-a-kind theme park with rides and entertainment for all ages located right next to the Great Smoky Mountains.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (800) 365-5996 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 9 pm daily | Entrance: $99.99 adults, $89.99 children ages 4-9, and seniors

Dollywood is a theme park in Pigeon Forge that’s co-owned by country music legend Dolly Parton. The entire park is based around the culture of the Great Smoky Mountains, which makes it a unique theme park.

Dollywood has nine roller coasters, including the Tennessee Tornado. You’ll also find plenty of gentle rides for little children, like Busy Bees.

Besides fun rides, the amusement park has great entertainment and food options. You’ll want to make sure to try the cinnamon bread at the Grist Mill. 

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The most-visited National Park in the United States with hundreds of hiking trails and scenic mountain views. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (865) 436-1200 | Website 

Great Smoky Mountains National Park encompasses over half a million acres. It’s one of the best things to do for outdoor enthusiasts. 

The abundance of wildlife including white-tailed deer, groundhogs, and black bears along with the stunning scenery make it one of the best places to visit in Tennessee. 

There are hundreds of hiking trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park for every mobility and fitness level. You can also take a scenic drive like the 11-mile Cades Cove Loop. However, on certain days in the summer, the loop is vehicle-free and only open for bicycling and hiking. 

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

With one of the largest collections of country music memorabilia in the world, this museum is a must-visit for music lovers. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (615) 416-2001 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily | Entrance: $31.95 adults, $21.95 youth, Free 5 & under  | 👉 Get tickets to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville contains over 2 million artifacts related to country music. You’ll see lots of rhinestone-studded costumes and instruments along with other cool memorabilia like original hand-written lyrics to chart-topping songs. 

Along with the permanent collection, there are several rotating exhibits, so you’ll always find something new. It’s also worth checking to see if there are any hands-on workshops scheduled like block printing (with Hatch Show Prints), songwriting workshops, and more. 

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is one of the top attractions in Nashville. I’d recommend the museum to all music lovers, not just country music fans. For more, check out my guide to visiting. 

Grand Ole Opry House

The iconic stage and broadcast introduced the sounds of country music to homes around the world and launched the careers of legendary musicians.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (615) 871-6779 | Website | Hours: 9:30 am – 4 pm daily, Evening hours vary | Entrance: $39-98 | 👉  Grand Ole Opry Show Admission Tickets

The Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville has been home to the historic Grand Ole Opry since it moved from the Ryman Auditorium in 1974. The iconic broadcast is the longest-running broadcast in the world and is responsible for introducing the sounds of country music into homes across the nation.

Music lovers can take a behind-the-scenes tour of the Grand Ole Opry to find out more about legends who have performed at the Opry over the years, including Elvis Presley, Hank Williams, and Loretta Lynn.

The Grand Ole Opry show is still recorded here, and you can book tickets to be in the audience for the show. Artists from all genres also perform at the music venue on other nights.

Ryman Auditorium

Listen to one of your favorite artists in this iconic music venue converted from an old tabernacle.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (800) 733-6779 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 4 pm daily, only open 3 – 5 pm Thursdays, evening hours vary | Entrance: $36.39 adults (self-guided tour) | 👉 Take a backstage tour of the Ryman Auditorium

The Ryman Auditorium is one of the most iconic landmarks in Nashville. The Ryman began as a tabernacle before being turned into a music venue. It’s one of my favorite spots to catch a show in Nashville because it’s such an intimate setting. Church pews are still used for seating, and the acoustics are outstanding.

You can take a behind-the-scenes tour of the Ryman Auditorium if you don’t have time to see a show during your trip.

National Civil Rights Museum

Built around the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, this museum is dedicated to the history of the civil rights movement.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (901) 521-9699 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily, Closed Tuesdays | Entrance: $25 adults, Discounts for children, students, seniors, and military 

The National Civil Rights Museum is a compelling museum dedicated to the history of the civil rights movement. The Memphis museum is built around the Lorraine Motel where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. It is an immersive experience with interactive exhibits and original artifacts.

The National Civil Rights Museum is one of the best attractions in Memphis. The museum traces the history of civil rights back to the 17th century throughout its role today. You can expect to spend an hour and a half minimum in the National Civil Rights Museum.

Tennessee Whiskey Trail

Bourbon and whiskey lovers will enjoy sipping their way across Tennessee on this trail.

Website 

The Tennessee Whiskey Trail is made up of 30+ distilleries located across the state. You can plan out your route depending on what part of the state you plan to visit.

I particularly like Old Dominick Distillery, one of the stops on the trail, because it’s so easy to access in Downtown Memphis. 

Sun Studio

The Birthplace of Rock ‘n Roll where legends like B.B. King, Johnny Cash, and Elvis Presley recorded.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5:15 pm daily | Entrance: $20 adults, $15 ages 5-11 

Sun Studio is a legendary Memphis recording studio where countless artists recorded including B.B. King and Johnny Cash. Fun fact about Tennessee, Elvis Presley recorded his first song here, and the studio is even nicknamed “the Birthplace of Rock ‘n Roll.”

You can take a tour of the studio and the small upstairs museum filled with memorabilia. Sun Studio is likely going to be smaller than you expect, but it is an incredible experience. Serious music fans will love being able to stand in the room where so many outstanding hit songs were recorded.

Tennessee Aquarium

See the otters, penguins, sharks, and much more at this huge aquarium in Chattanooga.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (423) 265-0695 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Sun-Fri, 9 am – 8 pm Sat | Entrance: $39.95 adults, $29.95 ages 5-17, Free 4 & under

The Tennessee Aquarium is a giant aquarium in Chattanooga, one of Tennessee’s best cities. The aquarium is located right on the banks of the Tennessee River. It’s home to over 10,000 aquatic and marine animals.

Tennessee Aquarium consists of two buildings – River Journey focuses on freshwater exhibits and Ocean Journey focuses on ocean exhibits.

Two of the most popular exhibits are the Appalachian Cove Forest which features river otters and Penguins’ Rock which features macaroni penguins and gentoo penguins. A visit to the Tennessee Aquarium is fun for all ages.

Things to Do in East Tennessee

Ruby Falls

Head underground to see the tallest cave waterfall that’s accessible to the public in the US.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (423) 821-2544 | Website | Hours: Varies seasonally | Entrance: $29.95+ adults, $19.95+ ages 3-12

Ruby Falls is an attraction on Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga. Visiting Ruby Falls is a must-do if you like both caves and waterfalls. At 145 feet, Ruby Falls is the tallest underground waterfall that you can see in the United States. 

You have to take an elevator down 26 stories to reach the cavern. The pathway is relatively accessible for children as well as adults.

Tuckaleechee Caverns

Take a tour and learn about unique cave formations at one of the most popular caves in Tennessee.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (865) 448-2274 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily | Entrance: $28+ adults, $15+ ages 5-11, Free 4 & under

Tuckaleechee Caverns is one of the highest-rated caves in Tennessee. Tuckaleechee Caverns is located underneath the Great Smoky Mountains and has some of the most unique cave formations you’ll see anywhere. Tuckaleechee Caverns is popular with cave enthusiasts because it’s such an active cave. 

I don’t normally enjoy caves because I don’t like small spaces, but the public part of Tuckaleechee Caverns is large enough that I felt fine on a tour.

Dolly Parton’s Stampede

Marvel at the horse riding stunts and enjoy light-hearted competition at this one-of-a-kind dinner and show.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (865) 453-4400 | Website | Entrance: Starting at $59.99

Dolly Parton’s Stampede is a unique twist on the classic dinner and show concept. The attraction in Pigeon Forge includes a four-course meal and a show featuring horse riding stunts and cool special effects.

Tickets are a bit pricey for a family. However, the entire experience is as much fun as you’d expect from something Dolly Parton puts her name on.

Rock City Gardens

See for yourself why this rock garden has drawn visitors from all over the US since the 1930s. 

📍 Google Maps | (706) 820-2531 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 8:30 pm daily | Entrance: $43-45 adults, $33-35 ages 3-12

Rock City has been a popular attraction on Lookout Mountain near Chattanooga since the 1930s. So much so that the See Rock City barns advertising the gardens have become part of American pop culture. However, over the years the attraction has expanded beyond the original rock garden.

Visitors can enjoy the sights around the trails, view 7 states from Lovers’ Leap, and admire the dioramas at Fairyland Caverns. Rock City is a fun spot to visit as a family.

World’s Fair Park

Enjoy the unique structures designed for the 1982 World’s Fair in Knoxville.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (865) 215-8160 | Website | Hours: 6 am – 12 am daily 

World’s Fair Park is located on the site where the 1982 World’s Fair was hosted in Knoxville. The Sunsphere and the Tennessee Amphitheater are two of the structures originally built for the fair that still exist. 

Today, concerts and other events are held at the World’s Fair Park. You can also still ride to the observation deck of the Sunsphere.

K-25 History Center

History buffs shouldn’t miss out on this site that played a pivotal role in the Manhattan Project during WWII.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (865) 685-8050 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm Mon-Sat, 1 – 5 pm Sun | Entrance: $15 adults, Discounts for seniors, military, and youth, Free ages 5 & under

The K-25 History Center in Oak Ridge traces the history of the work done on the Manhattan Project in this rural area of East Tennessee. The work being done here was kept a secret during WWII.

More than 12,000 men and women worked at the K-25 uranium enrichment complex, and the K-25 History Center is dedicated to telling their stories.

Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum

Ride on Tennessee’s only regular full-size train ride and get an up-close look at cars and equipment dating back to the Golden Age of Railroading.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (423) 894-8028 | Website | Hours: 9:30 am – 5 pm Sun-Thu, 9:30 am – 8 pm Fri-Sat | Entrance: $10-95 

The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum in Chattanooga preserves the “Golden Age of Railroading.” The collection includes steam-powered locomotives and diesel-powered locomotives. There is also a variety of specialized railroad equipment like refrigerator cars.

You can just buy a ticket to see the exhibits at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, but it’s even more exciting to book one of the train rides (which includes admission to the museum). Options range from the short 65-minute Homefront Tea Room ride to the 9-hour Summerville Steam Special.

Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum

Abraham Lincoln never visited Tennessee, but one of the largest collections of artifacts related to the president is housed in the state.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (423) 869-6235 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Mon-Fri, 12 – 5 pm Sat, 1-5 pm Sun | Entrance: $6 adults, $4 ages 6-12, Free 5 & under

The Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum is located at Lincoln Memorial University. The collection includes tens of thousands of objects related to Lincoln and the Civil War despite Lincoln never having visited Tennessee.

There are interactive features children will love like a room with fun costumes and Lincoln logs. The Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum is a hidden gem in Tennessee, and the relatively inexpensive admission fee is a big plus. Just know that sometimes the museum is closed during the university’s breaks.

Fiery Gizzard Trail

A challenging, but beautiful, trail that’s consistently named one of the best hikes in the US.

📍 Google Maps 

Fiery Gizzard Trail is a challenging hike in Fiery Gizzard State Park (formerly South Cumberland State Park). The full-day hike involves climbing over boulders and other elements best suited to experienced hikers. Despite the difficulty, the scenic view makes this trail worth the trouble.

The Fiery Gizzard Trail is one of the best places in the state for a real outdoor adventure.

Knoxville Museum of Art

A free art museum that showcases artwork by local and regional artists.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (865) 525-6101 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Tue-Sat, 1 – 5 pm Sun, Closed Mondays | Entrance: Free 

Knoxville Museum of Art is a free museum dedicated to highlighting artists from East Tennessee. The museum is a great place for art lovers as well as those just looking for some inspiration. You’ll find a mix of contemporary and old works as the Knoxville Museum of Art preserves the legacy of older artists and encourages new talent.

One of the most memorable pieces is a 7-ton structure made of both steel and glass by local artist Richard Jolley called Cycle of Life: Within the Power of Dreams and the Wonder of Infinity. Since the museum is free, there’s no reason not to visit when you’re in Knoxville.

Things to Do in Middle Tennessee

Centennial Park

Take a walk about Lake Watauga and admire the full-size replica of the Greek Parthenon.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (615) 862-8400 | Website | Hours: 6 am – 11 pm daily

Centennial Park is one of the most popular parks in Nashville. The grounds were first used for Tennessee’s centennial celebration in 1897. The replica of the Parthenon was preserved and the entire area was later turned into a park. Centennial Park is a favorite for both locals and visitors.

Taylor Swift fans should make sure to look for the bench dedicated to Swift in Centennial Park.

Johnny Cash Museum

A museum dedicated to the life and impact of one of country music’s biggest stars.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (615) 256-1777 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 7 pm daily | Entrance: $27.95 adults, $23.95 ages 6-15, Free 5 & under 

The Johnny Cash Museum in Nashville is a must-visit for fans of the iconic musician. The museum is small, but it’s set up well. You’ll find lots of Johnny Cash memorabilia, and you’ll also learn how Cash influenced American pop culture. It’s one of the best museums in Nashville

Broadway

The home of Nashville’s famous honky tonks where you’ll find cold drinks and live music well into the night.

📍 Google Maps

Broadway is Nashville’s most famous street packed with honky tonks, bars, and clubs. Broadway is perfect for you if you want to listen to live music and party all night.

Many of the honky tonks have live bands playing country music, but you’ll find all different genres. Besides enjoying the music, I’d suggest trying one of the fried bologna sandwiches at Robert’s Western World or taking a line dancing class at one of the honky tonks.

The Caverns

An underground music venue (literally) where you can see your favorite musicians in a subterranean amphitheater.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (931) 516-9724 | Website 

Located in Pelham, the Caverns is a unique spot where you can enjoy live music underground. The cave’s amphitheater has excellent natural acoustics, and seeing a show here is a fun experience. Camping passes are typically available for each show, so you can enjoy a night under the stars afterward.

You can also just book a tour of the Caverns if you’re more interested in having a cave adventure than seeing a show.

Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival

Listen to music and sleep under the stars at the incredible 4-day summer music festival.

Website

Bonnaroo is a 4-day music festival that takes place on a farm in Manchester every summer. The atmosphere at the festival is laid-back, and every music lover should go at least once. The Bonnaroo line-up usually includes over 100 artists and musicians from every genre you can think of.

Around 80,000 people come to Bonnaroo each year and it’s always a good time. Just make sure to get your tickets in advance because they sell out early some years.

Fall Creek Falls State Park

See multiple waterfalls, go rock climbing, or try the canopy challenge course at this popular state park.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (888) 867-2757 | Website | Hours vary, Open daily 

Falls Creek Falls State Park is the second-largest state park in Tennessee and home to the tallest free-falling waterfall in this part of the US. In fact, Fall Creek Falls State Park has 10 different falls.

The Fall Creek Falls Viewpoint trail made it onto my list of best hiking trails around Nashville. Plus, you can also go rock climbing or do the canopy challenge course while at the state park. 

Jack Daniel Distillery

Get a peek behind the scenes at one of the most recognizable whiskey brands in the world.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (931) 759-6357 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 4:30 pm daily | Tours: $35 Adults (21+), $15 Ages from 3-20, Free for 2 and under

The Jack Daniel Distillery in Lynchburg is where the famous Tennessee whiskey is made. According to the company, the limestone spring water found nearby is the secret to the distinctive Jack Daniel’s taste.

Take one of the tours of the Jack Daniel Distillery. Then, make your way to Lynchburg Hardware General Store to buy whiskey memorabilia.

BlueBird Antiques & Ice Cream Parlor

Step back in time at this charming shop in Downtown Bell Buckle.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (931) 389-6549 | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Mon-Sat, 12 – 5 pm Sun

BlueBird Antiques is a quaint antique store located in Bell Buckle. The entire downtown area has a charmingly old-fashioned atmosphere, and BlueBird Antiques is no exception. You can browse through the goods and then get an ice cream cone to enjoy at one of the checker-clothed tables. I highly recommend buying some of the fudge to take home with you!

BlueBird Antiques and the other stores nearby in Bell Buckle are a treasure for anyone who loves antiques and cute boutique shops.

Burgess Falls State Park

Hike to four impressive waterfalls at this family-friendly state park

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (888) 867-2757 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 6 pm Daily

Tennessee has a number of state parks that are known for their waterfalls, but Burgess Falls State Park is one of my favorites. The park is located on the Falling Water River and has four waterfalls.

The River Trail is a strenuous 0.8-mile hike that leads you past the increasingly tall waterfalls. While the hike is difficult, you have the option of taking the service road back to the parking lot, which is what my family did. I was able to hike the trail with a baby in a baby carrier and my 3-year-old was able to walk most of the trail by herself.

It’s a good family-friendly adventure. The trail is short enough that most children can do it, and you can spend plenty of time resting at each waterfall.

Things to Do in West Tennessee

Beale Street

The most famous street in Memphis is linked with both the Civil Rights Movement and the development of blues music.

📍 Google Maps 

Today Beale Street is most known for its entertainment options like B.B. King’s Blues Club and for its shopping and restaurants. However, the historic street has played an important role in the development of Memphis over the years. 

Artists including B.B. King and Louis Armstrong played in the area during the first half of the 20th century, which helped create the distinctive Memphis blues sound. If you like blues music, you’ll enjoy spending time on Beale Street. See my full guide to things to do in Memphis for ideas on what to do once you’ve finished exploring Beale Street!

Memphis Music Hall of Fame

Enjoy the tribute to Memphis’s musicians and see cool memorabilia originally owned by stars like Jerry Lee Lewis and Elvis Presley.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (901) 205-2532 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily | Entrance: $8 adults, $6 youth  | 👉 Get admission tickets to the Memphis Music Hall of Fame

The Memphis Music Hall of Fame honors local musicians, and given Memphis’s music history, many of the local musicians are household names. The Memphis Hall of Fame is fairly small, but it’s packed with interesting items. You’ll see objects like one of Elvis’s jumpsuits and one of Jerry Lee Lewis’s Cadillacs. 

Memphis Zoo

A fun spot where the whole family can enjoy seeing the animals, riding the carousel, or playing in the splash park.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (901) 333-6500 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 6 Daily | Entrance: $20.95 – $30.95 adults & youth, $15.95 – $25.95 ages 2-11

The Memphis Zoo is one of the best things to do in Tennessee with kids. More than 500 different species of animals including polar bears and sloths live at the Memphis Zoo. Check the zoo schedule to find out the animal feeding times. It’s always fun to show up to see the penguins get their dinner!

Shiloh National Military Park

Explore the site where one of the first (and one of the worst) Civil War battles took place.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (731) 689-5696 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily | Entrance: Free

The Shiloh National Military Park preserves the site where one of the Civil War’s first military conflicts occurred. History buffs can visit the museum to learn more about the battle and see the award-winning film Shiloh: Fiery Trial. There’s also an option to take a self-guided audio tour of the park.

Graceland

Wander through the over-the-top rooms at the Memphis mansion owned by rock ‘n roll legend Elvis Presley.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (901) 332-3322 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 4 pm daily | Entrance: $85 adults, $49 ages 5-10, Free ages 4 and under

Graceland is the extravagant estate that rock ‘n roll singer Elvis Presley bought for himself during the height of his fame. Elvis fans can tour the property and see memorabilia including his jumpsuits, gold records, and his extensive collection of cars and planes.

Graceland was state-of-the-art for its time and the mansion’s rooms are preserved as they would have been when Elvis was 22. Serious Elvis fans should also book a day trip tour to Tupelo to see the singer’s humble family home before he became a worldwide sensation. Transportation is included in the tour.

Casey Jones Rail Museum

Discover the story behind the folk hero made famous in Wallace Saunders’ “The Ballad of Casey Jones.”

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (731) 668-1222 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm Mon-Sat, 1-5 pm Sun | Entrance: $12 adults, $8 ages 4-10, Free 3 & under

The Casey Jones Railroad Museum is located in Jackson. The museum tells the story of Casey Jones, a railroad engineer who died trying to prevent a train crash. At the Casey Jones Railroad Museum, visitors can see Jones’ home, watch a film about Jones, and take photos of a steam engine.

Anyone who is interested in trains will enjoy this hidden gem in West Tennessee. Children, especially, tend to enjoy visiting the museum.

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Thanks for reading my guide to the best things to do in Tennessee. Before you go, make sure to check out our guide to when to visit Tennessee!