Top Tourist Attractions in Tennessee USA
Tennessee has scenic beauty, great food, and friendly people. If you want to see the best places in the state, here’s a guide to the best things to do in Tennessee.
Discover Tennessee’s best attractions. Tennessee’s culture and natural beauty are a favorite among tourists and residents. The Volunteer State offers outdoor thrills, family fun, water adventures, and urban excitement. From the world’s tallest, fastest, and oldest rides to Tennessee’s most acclaimed tourist destinations and activities.
Tennessee offers many natural tourist attractions, including trails, rivers, and lakes. There are also many artificial attractions, such as museums, art galleries, and historical places.
The Smoky Mountains are breathtaking and offer many recreational activities, while Memphis has some great (and loud) musical attractions.
10 best places to visit in Tennessee for your next vacation
- Pigeon Forge
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Tennessee Aquarium
- Belmont Mansion
- National Civil Rights Museum
- Memphis Zoo
- American Museum of Science and Energy
- Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
- Adventure Science Center
- Ruby Falls
Whatever you’re interested in, Tennessee’s no shortage of things to do.
There is no shortage of things to do in Tennessee. The state has abundant natural beauty, including the Appalachian Mountains and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Music fans love participating in the state’s rich culture, as it’s home to the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville and Graceland – the former home of Elvis Presley – in Memphis.
Visitors can tour Graceland to see where the King lived and stop by the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum to glimpse how music evolved from blues to rock ‘n’ roll. You can also visit one of several Civil War sites in Tennessee, including historic battlefields and Franklin Battlefield Park, which features a museum and visitor center.
Tennessee, the Volunteer State, has a lot to offer to tourists. Besides Nashville’s world-famous Music Row and Memphis’ Beale Street and Graceland, other attractions should be on any trip planner’s list. There is something for everyone, from the Smoky Mountains in the east to Reelfoot Lake in the west.
Some of these places are historic landmarks. Others are natural wonders. Still, others result from artificial creations that should be seen to be believed. Some may have heard about it before, and some may be new to you.
The Great Smoky Mountains
The Great Smoky Mountains are one of Tennessee’s most popular places. The mountains cover a large area and include many different types of terrain, from dense forests to open meadows.
The highest peak in the Smokies is Mount LeConte which reaches an elevation of 6,593 feet above sea level. The Appalachian Trail runs through the Smokies, and many hikers come here to take on this incredible challenge.
There are also many other trails for those who want something less strenuous but still beautiful views along the way. In addition to hiking, there are also horseback riding tours that you can book at one of several local businesses that offer them year-round in addition to hiking.
Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg is known as “The Gateway To The Smokies.” It is a small town with many shops, restaurants, and things. The Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community is an 8-mile loop with over 120 shops selling handmade items by local artisans.
Spend a day with your family at one of Tennessee’s world-famous theme parks. Explore Dollywood with its many rides, shows, and events throughout the year, including Smoky Mountain Christmas and KidsFest.
Splash Island Waterpark offers fun for all ages with its lazy river and exciting water slides, while Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park & Ski Area boasts an alpine slide, bungee jumping and
Outdoors in Tennessee
Enjoy its natural beauty outdoors in Tennessee by hiking through the Great Smoky Mountains, kayaking down the Big South Fork River, or biking through Cedars of Lebanon State Park. If you enjoy time on the water, rent a boat and spend a day fishing, swimming, or waterskiing at Lake Cumberland or Norris Lake.
For an even more relaxing experience, visit one of Tennessee’s many hot springs, like those at Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area or Rock Island State Park.
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The Country Music Hall of Fame is a must-see attraction for any country music fan. It features interactive exhibits that chronicle country music history and displays honoring yesterday.
Summary
Tennessee is a Southeastern U.S. state known for its music and history, especially concerning country music and jazz. Its capital, Nashville, is home to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and the replica of Athens’ Parthenon. Elvis Presley’s Graceland mansion is in Memphis. TN’s Smoky Mountains National Park features hiking trails and historic log cabins like Cades Cove.
Tennessee is a truly diverse state, filled with mountains and valleys, rivers and lakes, Civil War sites, music history, and enough attractions to keep you busy for a long while.
Tennessee has plenty of history to offer visitors, from the many Civil War battlefields to the museums honoring our beloved music legends. You’ll be mesmerized by its beauty and charm no matter what part of Tennessee you find yourself in.
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