20 Best Places To Visit In Tennessee

If you’re looking at a map of the entire United States, Tennessee is easily one of the most recognizable states. Shaped like an irregular parallelogram, it’s nearly four times long as it is wide — measuring around 420 miles from east to west and 120 miles from north to south. What the two-dimensional view doesn’t tell you, however, is that its borders contain a seemingly endless number of variations in both scenery and culture. “Tennessee is a perfect mix of urban and rural, casual yet sophisticated with easy proximity to the great outdoors,” explains Cassidee Dabney, executive chef of The Barn at Blackberry Farm. “Throw in brilliant musical and cultural heritage, fantastic high and low culinary destinations, and rich and diverse geography, and you have a state that will keep you entertained and engaged.”

Its largest cities — Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga — are on many travelers’ radars, but a true understanding of Tennessee can only be discovered through a more nuanced itinerary. “I think visitors here should get off the interstate to explore and go through small towns. Otherwise, you miss the local places that give this state so much great color and character,” says Tandy Wilson, chef and owner of City House, Nashville. 

To ensure your next trip to the Volunteer State is filled with well-rounded experiences and amazing points of interest, we tapped a few locals for advice on the best places to visit in Tennessee. Read on to see which cities, towns, and sights made the cut.

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Nashville

There’s no doubt Music City, suggested by several of our experts, tops the list. As you plan your trip, be sure to keep in mind some of Wilson’s favorite places to eat. He recommends the mac and cheese at Silver Sands Cafe — “I want real Southern mac and cheese, and this is the only place I know to get it” — the giant prawns and fried squid at Red Perch, and the nachos and wings at Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint.

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Broadway

While Nashville has plenty to offer, there’s one part of the city you absolutely can’t miss: Broadway. “First-timers have to go honky-tonking on Broadway. Hit up Robert’s Western World for cold beers, fried bologna sandwiches, and country music,” says Dabney. David Mishkin, executive property manager at Southall Farm & Inn, also shares this is a crucial addition to your Nashville visit: “There’s so much to see, eat, and experience. Country music is everywhere, and the performances are all high quality. It’s difficult to not enjoy yourself when being immersed in the energy and action.”

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Memphis

“When I think about Memphis, I think about music, art, and beautiful historical architecture,” says Stephanie King, an artist based in the state’s southwesternmost city. This creative side of Memphis can be found in many areas, but King shares that The Memphian Hotel is a good place to start. “To me, The Memphian embodies so many aspects of Memphis in the most inspired, welcoming way. It feels as if the intention when designing the environment was to create pure magic. There is local art lining the walls, layers of colors and texture, whimsy and sophistication all rolled into a comfortable, home-like atmosphere,” she says.

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Graceland

The storied home of Elvis Presley, Graceland is located 12 minutes from downtown Memphis. A destination in and of itself, the historic property includes the King of Rock and Roll’s mansion, gardens, cars, and The Guest House at Graceland, where music fans can stay overnight to experience the resort’s dedication to luxury and Southern hospitality.

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Knoxville

Make your way to Eastern Tennessee to cheer on the Vols in Knoxville. Or, if you’re not a sports fan, spend your day exploring the city. “Downtown Knoxville is a great area to park and walk around Market Square and the Old City. There’s a great farmers’ market on Saturdays in the warmer months that’s a must-visit,” says Dabney. Her ideal visit to the Cradle of Country Music includes stops at Cruze Farm, J.C Holdway, Yassin’s Falafel, and a spirit tasting at PostModern Spirits Distillery.

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Leiper’s Fork

You’ll need to drive 45 minutes southwest of Nashville to find Leiper’s Fork, one of the most charming small towns in Tennessee. According to Mishkin, it’s a “charming place to grab some barbecue, do some antique shopping, and enjoy a delicious drink at the distillery.” Like many places in the state, it has a relationship with music. If that’s up your alley, check out Fox & Locke, which Miskin says is a “well-known place for people to come together for food, drinks, and live music.”

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Chattanooga

Of all the river cities in the South, Chattanooga is one of the best. “You have to visit Rock City and Ruby Falls if you’re in the area, and the art museum is great,” says Dabney, referring to the Hunter Museum of American Art in the Bluff View Art District. In between outdoor activities and cultural sights, you’ll want to fill up with fried chicken and tamales at Champy’s and wash them down with cocktails at The Rosecomb.

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South Cumberland State Park

With 56 state parks, Tennessee is the perfect destination for those who find peace and happiness among the trees and fresh air. South Cumberland State Park is about an hour from Chattanooga, and it’s where you’ll find the Fiery Gizzard Trail. “It’s near Beersheba Springs and Old Stone Fort outside of McMinnville, and it’s just full of natural beauty. To tackle this hike, you need to be able to walk a few miles, but it’s one we take the kids on,” says Wilson.

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Ocoee River

“Ocoee River Area is my favorite area in Tennessee,” says King. “You can whitewater raft, kayak, hike, camp, [and] bike.” Flowing northwestward through the Appalachian Mountains, the river can be easily accessed from Chattanooga. Many people choose to take advantage of the rafting, but the area can also be explored by driving the Ocoee Scenic Byway.

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Walland

Walland might ring a bell because of its association with Blackberry Farm and Blackberry Mountain. “You can hit Blackberry Farm for a high-end luxury experience with trails, mountain biking, a James Beard award-winning restaurant, spa, farm animals, workshops, and concerts,” says King. Dabney also shares her suggestions for the Mountain, saying, “You can’t go wrong with a guided hike to Leo The Enlightened (a large sculpture from Danish artist Thomas Dambo that overlooks the valley), sound bathing, spending an afternoon behind the wheel of a Lexus tacking the Off Road Adventure, and throwing clay at the art studio.”

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Fall Creek Falls State Park

“Fall Creek Falls State Park is another unbelievable spot for camping, biking, and hiking,” says King. Covering 30,638 acres, it’s one of the largest state parks in Tennessee. Along with its size, it has a few other features that set it apart, including interesting geological formations (caves and gorges) and scenic waterfalls.

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Franklin

It’s easy to overlook Franklin in favor of its neighbor to the north, Nashville, but travelers would be remiss to not spend at least an afternoon in this historic community. “Nothing beats walking down this picture-perfect Main Street on a beautiful day. With curated shops and friendly faces everywhere, we often spend our days wandering through town with the family,” says Mishkin. For a longer trip, stay overnight at the gorgeous Southfall Farm & Inn, which opened in late 2022.

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Cummins Falls State Park

“Cummins Falls is a great waterfall to visit, and it’s a great short hike in the summer,” says Wilson. Just make sure to bring your swimsuit along with your hiking clothes to the 306-acre park. “It’s just gorgeous here – it’s more socially recreational and a lot of fun and a cool place to swim.”

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Maryville

A small city close to Knoxville, Maryville is an excellent choice if you love all things outdoors. “Book a room at RT Lodge, a charming lodge tucked away behind Maryville College. You’ll feel secluded while in the center of town, and they have a great restaurant and a gorgeous bar called The Morningside,” says Dabney. “With RT as your base camp, take a quick drive to the Great Smoky Mountains.”

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park

One of the most-visited national parks in the United States, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is notable for its lush forests, wildflowers, rivers, streams, waterfalls, and incredible hikes. “My favorite hike in the Smokies is Indian Flat Falls. It’s about 6 miles and pretty moderate with scenic waterfalls, plus you can turn around at any point,” says Dabney.

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Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg maintains the title of “gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park,” so there’s a good chance your hiking trip will start here. There are three park entrances right in town, and Mishkin says the “immersion within nature is worthy of the trip.” “The history contained within remnants around the parks also shows how people lived hundreds of years ago,” he adds.

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Pigeon Forge

Pigeon Forge has long been synonymous with Dollywood and Dolly Parton — whom King calls “an American icon and a Tennessee favorite” — and it’s filled with activities for the whole family, whether you’re interested in the theme park, shopping, or hiking in the Smoky Mountains. It’s also the location of Parton’s newest venture, Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort, a 302-room lodge that opened this past November.

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The Caverns

“The Caverns is another East Tennessee spot that offers great concerts, especially Bluegrass. There is one indoor, underground cave venue and another outdoor amphitheater,” says King. You can view upcoming shows online as you begin to plot out your trip. And don’t forget to bring your hiking boots, too. “Around The Caverns, there are trails, rock climbing, waterfalls, and stunning overlooks.”

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Bristol

Bristol, Tennessee is the twin city of Bristol, Virginia. Both states even claim the main street, aptly named State Street, as their own — allowing you to stand in two states at once. No matter if you’re staying on the Virginia side or the Tennessee side, there are a few important things to check off your bucket list, including snapping a photo with the iconic Bristol sign, checking out the Bristol Motor Speedway, and visiting the Birthplace of Country Music Museum.

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Reelfoot Lake State Park

King notes that Reelfoot Lake State Park in Northwest Tennessee is “home to the most beautiful Cypress trees” and notable for its birdwatching opportunities with “more than 270 species of birds.” It’s also totally different than other parks in the state. The lake itself is a flooded forest, and the Cypress trees King mentioned rise above the water to set a majestic scene.