Tennessee is arguably one of the most beautiful places to visit in the United States. Home to the Smoky Mountains, the Cumberland River, and hundreds of beautiful natural sites, people come from all over to hike, paddle, and camp in the state. Besides the state’s natural beauty, it has a wealth of rich historical and cultural attractions.

Cities like Nashville and Memphis are music hubs producing sounds that have influenced artists all across the United States. Besides its larger cities like Nashville, Memphis, Chattanooga, and Knoxville, Tennessee also has plenty of smaller towns full of southern charm and hospitality. You’ll find historic sites, amazing museums, and outstanding restaurants.

Since I moved to Nashville from Mississippi several years ago, I’ve spent as much time as possible exploring my adopted home state. I love that I can go kayaking on the river in the morning and easily be back in the city to try out an award-winning restaurant in the evening. While I haven’t done everything single thing in Tennessee yet, it’s on my list. 

If you’re planning a trip to Tennessee, and you’re wondering what the best things to do are, then you’re in the right place! Here are a few of the best options.

The one and only Dollywood! Michael Gordon/Shutterstock

Ride the Rides at Dollywood

One of the biggest attractions by far in Tennessee is Dollywood. This theme park, located right in the Smoky Mountains, is the perfect place for all ages to visit. Dollywood, co-owned by Dolly Parton, is different from any other theme park you’ll visit because the attraction is based on the history and culture of the Appalachian region.

You can ride all of the classic theme park rides like carousels and spinning teacups along with some of the best roller coasters anywhere in the world. The Tennessee Tornado with three loops is one of my favorites. If you are obsessed with roller coasters try the Lightning Rod. It’s the fastest wooden roller coaster in the world. I can’t comment on whether it’s fun or not because I’m too scared to ride it!

There are a few things you absolutely must do while at Dollywood. The first is to visit the Chasing Rainbows Museum which has memorabilia and stories related to Dolly’s music career. The second is to try out the food. The southern food at Dollywood is delicious, and the pull-apart cinnamon bread at Grist Mill has a very devoted fanbase. You should also spend some time enjoying the entertainment options. It’s not surprising that a park associated with Dolly Parton knows how to put on a show.

Besides the theme park at Dollywood, there’s also a waterpark on the property called Splash Country. The waterpark is only open during the summer season, but it can be worth spending a day at Splash Country if you’re planning to spend several days in the area. While you can visit the Dollywood theme park in one day, it’s even better if you spend at least two (or three) days there.

The interior of the Ryman Auditorium. Rolf_52/Shutterstock

Catch a Show at the Ryman Auditorium

The Ryman Auditorium is one of the most legendary music venues in the United States, so visiting it while in Nashville is a must-do. The Ryman Auditorium was originally a church built in 1892 called the Union Gospel Tabernacle. It’s the perfect place for a music venue thanks to the acoustics of the original set-up.

The venue started to gain a reputation after it became the host of the Grand Ole Opry, a show broadcast across the United Stars featuring stars like Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Hank Williams, and Patsy Cline. Johnny Cash and June Carter met each other for the first time backstage at the Ryman.

You can take a tour of the Ryman where you explore exhibits featuring memorabilia from the venue’s past, including artifacts from some of its most famous performers. You can even take a photo on the stage where legends have performed.

However, in my opinion, the best way to experience the Ryman is by seeing a show there. Artists of all genres regularly perform at the auditorium today. The venue still feels like a church due to its wooden pews and stained glass windows.  A show here feels more intimate than at most music venues. For many artists, it’s a dream to perform at the Ryman and there’s a unique connection between the artists and the audience. 

See the Legendary Grand Ole Opry

For fans of country music, there’s no better place to visit than the Grand Ole Opry. The radio broadcast brought the sounds of country music and bluegrass into homes all across the United States. Stars like Patsy Cline, Willie Nelson, and Dolly Parton were part of the Opry, and even Elvis Presley made an appearance at the Opry. 

In 1974 the show moved from the Ryman Auditorium to its own venue called the Grand Ole Opry House. The Opry has continued to showcase stars throughout the years including Charley Pride, Garth Brooks, Vince Gill, Trace Adkins, and Carrie Underwood.

Today, you can still see a two-hour live show at the Grand Ole Opry House multiple nights each week. You’ll see at least 8 artists including everyone from major stars to new up-and-coming artists. Even if you aren’t a huge country fan, the atmosphere is a lot of fun. I’m always looking for an excuse to go see another show.

If you aren’t able to make it to see the Grand Ole Opry, you can take a tour of the building instead. The behind-the-scenes tour is set up very well. It starts off with a video recorded by country’s favorite couple Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood. You’ll get to see the artist’s dressing rooms and other parts of the backstage experience. If you’re a fan of trailblazing women in country like Dolly, Carrie, and Reba, get tickets to the Women of Country Tour. It has everything included in the regular tour plus a few fun extras.

Tennessee Aquarium. Fotoluminate LLC/Shutterstock

Watch the Penguins at the Tennessee Aquarium

If you love aquariums, make sure to visit the Tennessee Aquarium located in Chattanooga. The aquarium, which is home to over 12,000 animals is easily among the top aquariums in the United States. 

The aquarium has two buildings, The River Journey and the Ocean Journey. You’ll find marine life from Tennessee and around the world. The Tennessee aquarium houses sea creatures you won’t see at any other aquarium in the country.

The Appalachian Cover Forest exhibit is a favorite thanks to the chance to see the river otters. (You can also watch the River Otter Falls live cam on the aquarium’s website if you need some happiness during your day.) Another popular exhibit is Penguins’ Rock for obvious reasons. (There’s a live cam you can watch at home for this one as well.)

Expect to spend a minimum of 3 hours exploring the Tennessee Aquarium. If you get tickets to the IMAX theater, you might spend even longer there.

One of the many waterfalls on the Fiery Gizzard Trail. kallingham/Shutterstock

Hike the Fiery Gizzard Trail

If hiking is your thing, try out the Fiery Gizzard Trail in South Cumberland State Park. This trail is rated difficult, and you can expect to crawl over a few boulders during your hike. Backpacker Magazine named Fiery Gizzard Trail one of the best 25 hikes in the United States. 

Along the scenic route, you’ll pass several waterfalls and go through beautiful gorges. You’ll definitely need to be an adventurous hiker and in good shape to take this all-day hike. 

Graceland in Memphis. Rolf_52/Shutterstock

See the Home of Elvis Presley

Visit Graceland, the king of rock n’ roll’s home in Memphis. This is clearly a bucket list item for any Elvis fan. Elvis’s Graceland Mansion is owned by his daughter Lisa Marie Presley and open to the public with a large collection of his possessions on display.

You’re able to walk through two floors of the home. Graceland is decorated in full 70s style, and while the decor definitely feels dated today, it’s very cool to see such a preserved representation of the colors and textures popular during the time period. Of course, the decor here is over-the-top compared to a regular home for the period.

Besides the mansion itself, you can also visit the grounds at Graceland. You’ll be able to see two of the custom jets Elvis owned and used while traveling. You’ll also get to visit the Meditation Garden and pay your respects at Elvis’s final resting place.

Explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which is located on the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, is the most visited national park in the United States. Covering more than half a million acres, it’s also one of the largest parks as well.

The mountain range, which reaches heights of almost 7000 feet, is named for the smoky haze that appears at the top. There are plenty of great reasons to visit the Smoky Mountains. If you want to see wildlife, you’ll see everything from white-tailed deer and raccoons to a variety of birds. There’s also always the possibility you’ll see a black bear. 

If you’re interested in hiking, there are hundreds of miles of trails you can choose from. A few of the most popular hikes are Charlies Bunion, Alum Cave Bluff, Andrews Bald, Rainbow Falls, and Chimney Tops. The park is beautiful during every season. Just be aware that reservations and permits are needed if you’re backpacking overnight in the park.

For those who would rather not go on foot, you can take one of the scenic drives in the park like the Cades Cove Loop Road. When you notice cars slowing down, that’s usually a sign that a black bear is nearby and drivers are lingering for a better view.

The ridiculously picturesque High Falls on Lookout Mountain. Sean Pavone/Shutterstock

Visit all the Sites on Lookout Mountain

While Lookout Mountain is technically in Georgia, it’s located just 6 miles outside of Chattanooga, TN. If you’re visiting Chattanooga, there’s no reason not to cross the state line to visit. You’ll be in good company. Tourists have been coming to the area since the 1910s and 1920s.

Today, there are several tourist attractions on Lookout Mountain. You can make your way up to Lover’s Leap to look out over 7 states from the viewpoint. You can also head below ground to explore the stalagmites and stalactites on your way to see the underground waterfall Ruby Falls.

On your way to Lookout Mountain, you’ll probably see signs on barns encouraging you to “See Rock City.” At this attraction, you can explore gardens set among unique rock formations, walk over a huge waterfall, and cross the swinging bridge. While it’s definitely a bit kitschy, Rock City is one of my favorite places to visit in the area.

There’s more to Lookout Mountain than just these three well-known sites. There’s also the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway, an Arboretum and Nature Center, and Point Park Battlefield. Basically, if you’re interested in nature or in history, there’s plenty you’ll enjoy exploring at Lookout Mountain.