Are you looking for an enjoyable and budget-friendly trip within the US? Well, Tennessee is ready to welcome you! From Nashville’s renowned music scene to East Tennessee’s beautiful mountains, there are countless must-see destinations and fun things to do in this state.

If you love connecting with nature, you can hike in the Great Smoky Mountains or explore the caves at Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. If you wish to experience some culture, take a tour of the historic homes in Chattanooga or visit the Memphis Zoo. And if you want to experience some of Tennessee’s famous Southern hospitality, the locals at Nashville’s Honky Tonk Row will be more than happy to welcome you!

Too much to do, right?

Well, to help you extract the most out of your trip, here are the best places to visit in Tennessee:

Pigeon Forge:

Have you visited a mountain town home to more than 400 shops, dozens of restaurants, and theaters? If not, Pigeon Forge will surprise you with its quaint yet vibrant atmosphere. Spend the day roaming around The Island, a 23-acre entertainment complex with rides, shopping centers, and more.

You can also take the kids to Dollywood, a theme park owned by the country singer Dolly Parton. In addition to amusement rides and live music, the park offers a variety of food choices and entertainment options.

The fun doesn’t end here! You can watch a show at the Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Theater or tour the Titanic Museum at night. A masterpiece of art, the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel stands out with its 200-foot views of the town at night.

When finding the right accommodation, the large cabins nestled in majestic mountain peaks are the perfect pick! Timber tops cabin rentals, for instance, offer the most breathtaking views of the Smokys. They also feature 6+ bedrooms, private pools, and fully-operational kitchens for a perfect stay.

The Great Smoky National Park:

The jewel of Tennessee, the Great Smoky National Park, is a can’t-miss. With more than 800 miles of hiking trails, you can spend days exploring the park’s beauty. Some of these trails will take you to the most promising waterfalls. With its 25-foot drop, Grotto Falls is one of the most popular. Abram Falls and Rainbow Falls are also worth a visit. Some of these trails are also great for bird-watching.

If camping is your thing, the park has plenty to offer with its ten campgrounds and various backcountry sites. 

You can also drive around the park and witness some remarkable wildlife, like black bears and white-tailed deer. We suggest maintaining distance. 

What attracts 11 million people to the park is the availability of activities. You can ride a horse, visit a working museum and explore the thousand-year-old historical structures.

And if you’re visiting in the Spring, watch the mountain laurels and flame azaleas in full bloom. 

Nashville:

No trip to Tennessee can be complete without visiting the state’s capital, Nashville. The city is home to iconic music venues, like the Grand Ole Opry and Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

If you’re a country music fan, visit the Bluebird Café and experience live performances by some of the most renowned artists.

Apart from the music scene, you can also explore Centennial Park in Nashville. This park is home to a full-scale replica of the Parthenon, a Greek temple. You can also join the city’s tour and visit all its famous hotspots, such as Fort Nashborough and the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park.

The locals at Nashville will also treat you to delicious cuisines and fantastic nightlife. Honky Tonk Row is a must-visit place to experience some of the best live music in town. Oh, and the hot chicken? Don’t miss it!

The best time to be in Nashville is during the summer. It is then when the city is alive with festivals and concerts.

Chattanooga:

The Scenic City, Chattanooga, is a popular tourist destination for outdoor lovers. This city has it all – from nature trails to waterfalls. Just stroll along the beautiful Riverwalk, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by lush greenery, bikers, and joggers.

The Tennessee Aquarium is another top attraction here, with its 10,000 aquatic animals in fresh and saltwater habitats. It also features the world’s largest freshwater aquarium and a butterfly garden. Watch out for the river otters!

Rock City is a must-visit spot in Chattanooga. This attraction offers great views of seven states from Lookout Mountain. For the adventurous folks, you can hop on an ATV and traverse across miles of trails.

Chattanooga is also known for its great restaurants and nightlife. Station Street, Warehouse Row, and Southside are some of the best places to explore.

Memphis:

Memphis has it all–from blues music to museums and historic sites. You can visit the iconic Beale Street and tap feet to some of the best live blues music. This street also boasts some of the city’s best restaurants and famous BBQ joints. You’ll know it by the aroma!

The National Civil Rights Museum is a must-visit place for people who appreciate history. This museum features the original site of Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination and provides an in-depth look at the civil rights movement.

Mud Island River Park is great to explore with its Mississippi River model, boat rides, music events, and museum. The iconic Lorraine Motel is also part of this park.

Don’t forget to take a day trip to Shelby Farms Park. This park is a 4,500-acre oasis with over 50 miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails. It also has a lake and some great picnic spots.

If you’re traveling with kids, the Memphis Zoo will keep them entertained. It has several animal exhibits and a carousel for the little ones.

So, come to Memphis and explore the city’s rich culture and history!

Final Thoughts:

Tennessee is a great state for travelers. With its captivating landscapes, music culture, and some of the best natural attractions in the US, it is a place that everyone should visit at least once.

The best time to be in Tennessee is between the months of March and May. During this time, the state comes alive. The music festivals, outdoor events, and the city’s nightlife will keep you entertained.

Regardless of the time you have to spare, Tennessee has something that’ll keep everyone hooked. So, pack your bags and get ready for a great adventure!

Do keep a bug repellant handy, as the state is known for its pesky mosquitoes.

Enjoy your trip, and stay safe!