20 Essential Stops For Your Tennessee Travel Bucket List
Looking for a destination that blends music, nature, and history into one seamless adventure?
Across the Volunteer State, unforgettable places bring scenic beauty together with legendary sounds and stories that shaped American culture.
Mountain trails, iconic venues, and hands-on attractions create experiences suited to outdoor lovers, history fans, and traveling families alike.
This guide points you toward standout stops that showcase why Tennessee continues to leave such a strong impression on every kind of traveler.
Disclaimer: This article highlights well-known attractions and destinations across Tennessee based on widely available tourism information, historical records, and public visitor resources at the time of writing.
Descriptions reflect general travel experiences, cultural significance, and popular activities and may include subjective impressions of atmosphere or appeal.
The content is intended for general inspiration and informational purposes.
20. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The map to outdoor paradise starts right here in America’s most visited national park.
Over 800 miles of trails wind through ancient forests where black bears roam and wildflowers paint the meadows every spring.
Families love the easy loop trails while adventure seekers tackle challenging peaks that reward with jaw-dropping views.
Autumn transforms the landscape into a fiery canvas of reds and golds that feels almost magical.
Pack a picnic and find your perfect spot beside a rushing mountain stream.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is primarily accessed via Sugarlands Visitor Center at 107 Park Headquarters Road, Gatlinburg, Tennessee 37738.
19. Graceland
Your first step into rock and roll royalty happens the moment you walk through those famous music gates.
Elvis Presley’s former home sparkles with rhinestone jumpsuits, gold records, and the Jungle Room’s wild green shag carpet.
Honestly, standing where the King lived feels surreal, especially when you spot his pink Cadillac collection.
Audio tours guide you through every room while sharing stories that bring Elvis back to life.
Fans leave messages on the stone wall outside, creating a living memorial to musical greatness.
Graceland is located at 3764 Elvis Presley Boulevard, Memphis, Tennessee 38116.
18. Grand Ole Opry
That winding path through country music history leads straight to this legendary stage in Nashville.
Live performances happen year-round, showcasing both rising stars and established icons under the same spotlights.
The wooden circle center stage came from the original Ryman Auditorium, connecting past to present.
Every seat offers great views, and the energy in the room buzzes with anticipation before each act.
Catch a Friday or Saturday night show and you’ll understand why this venue earned its iconic status.
The Grand Ole Opry operates at 2804 Opryland Drive, Nashville, Tennessee 37214.
17. Beale Street
A hidden courtyard vibe meets electric street energy on this three-block stretch of pure Memphis soul.
Blues music pours from every doorway while the smell of barbecue and hot tamales fills the air.
Street performers set up on corners, turning sidewalks into impromptu concert stages that draw cheering crowds.
Daytime offers a more relaxed pace perfect for browsing shops and grabbing lunch at historic cafes.
Maybe you’ll discover your new favorite blues artist while wandering these legendary blocks.
Beale Street runs through downtown Memphis, with its central stretch located near 143 Beale Street, Memphis, Tennessee 38103.
16. Dollywood
The local rhythm of Appalachian culture pulses through every corner of this beloved theme park.
Thrilling roller coasters twist through the mountains while craft demonstrations showcase traditional blacksmithing and glassblowing.
Dolly Parton’s warmth and hospitality shine through in the friendly staff and top-notch Southern cooking.
Seasonal festivals celebrate everything from flower blooms to Christmas lights, giving you reasons to visit year-round.
Families appreciate the mix of gentle rides for little ones and adrenaline-pumping coasters for thrill seekers.
Dollywood is located at 2700 Dollywood Parks Boulevard, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee 37863.
15. Ruby Falls
Morning light never reaches this stunning 145-foot waterfall hidden deep inside Lookout Mountain.
Instead, colorful lights illuminate the cascading water, creating a magical underground spectacle that feels otherworldly.
The guided tour takes you through narrow passages lined with ancient rock formations that tell geological stories.
Cool temperatures inside provide welcome relief during hot summer days, making this a comfortable adventure.
Surprisingly, the journey down 26 stories happens via elevator, so accessibility isn’t an issue for most visitors.
Ruby Falls is accessed at 1720 South Scenic Highway, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37409.
14. Ryman Auditorium
A friendly nod to music history greets you at the original home of the Grand Ole Opry.
This former church turned concert hall boasts acoustics so perfect that every whisper carries to the back row.
Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, and countless legends performed on these wooden pews that now welcome modern artists.
Daytime tours let you stand on stage and imagine the roar of thousands of country music fans.
The stained glass windows and balcony seating create an intimate atmosphere unlike any other venue.
Ryman Auditorium stands at 116 Fifth Avenue North, Nashville, Tennessee 37219.
13. National Civil Rights Museum
The journey itself through American history becomes deeply personal at this powerful Memphis landmark.
Built around the Lorraine Motel where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, the museum honors his legacy.
Interactive exhibits trace the civil rights movement from slavery through modern day with unflinching honesty.
Visitors often spend hours absorbing the stories, photographs, and artifacts that document this crucial struggle.
Educational programs make this essential viewing for families wanting to understand America’s complex racial history.
The National Civil Rights Museum is located at 450 Mulberry Street, Memphis, Tennessee 38103.
12. Lookout Mountain
Your comfortable shoes will earn their keep climbing to views that stretch across seven states.
Rock City Gardens perches atop the summit, offering quirky rock formations and a swinging bridge adventure.
Point Park preserves Civil War battlefields where history buffs can walk in soldiers’ footsteps.
Autumn brings spectacular foliage that transforms the valley below into a patchwork quilt of colors.
Ideally, plan a full day here because there’s enough to explore that you won’t want to rush.
Lookout Mountain attractions are primarily accessed via 1400 Patten Road, Lookout Mountain, Georgia 30750.
11. Broadway
A quiet bench is nowhere to be found on this non-stop party strip in downtown Nashville.
Honky tonks line both sides of the street, each one blasting live music from morning until late night.
No cover charges mean you can bar-hop freely, sampling different bands and discovering new favorites.
Rooftop patios offer people-watching opportunities and fresh air breaks from the packed dance floors below.
Though the scene gets rowdy, families visit during daytime hours for a tamer taste of Music City’s energy.
Broadway in Nashville runs through downtown, with a commonly referenced address near 200 Broadway, Nashville, Tennessee 37201.
10. Tennessee Aquarium
Distant bells from riverboats echo outside while inside you’re face-to-face with sharks and stingrays.
Two buildings house freshwater and ocean exhibits featuring over 12,000 animals from around the world.
Touch tanks let kids gently interact with horseshoe crabs and stingrays under staff supervision.
The river otter habitat always draws crowds with playful antics that make everyone laugh.
Located right on the Tennessee River, the aquarium anchors Chattanooga’s revitalized waterfront district perfectly.
The Tennessee Aquarium is located at 1 Broad Street, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37402.
9. Cades Cove
Travel patience pays off on the eleven-mile loop road that winds through this stunning mountain valley.
Historic log cabins and churches dot the landscape, preserved from the 1800s settlement era.
White-tailed deer graze in meadows while black bears occasionally make appearances near the tree line.
Early morning visits offer the best wildlife viewing and fewer crowds clogging the one-way loop.
Rent bikes and pedal the route for a more intimate experience with nature’s soundtrack.
Cades Cove is accessed via Laurel Creek Road, Townsend, Tennessee 37882.
8. Sun Studio
A deep breath of music history fills your lungs the moment you enter this tiny recording studio.
Elvis, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and B.B. King all cut their first records on this very floor.
The original equipment still sits in place, frozen in time from rock and roll’s explosive birth.
Guided tours share fascinating stories about late-night recording sessions that changed music forever.
Actually standing where Elvis recorded his first song gives you goosebumps no matter your age.
Sun Studio is located at 706 Union Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee 38103.
7. The Parthenon
Cobblestone streets would fit the ancient Greek vibe, but this full-scale replica sits in modern Centennial Park.
Built for Tennessee’s 1897 Centennial Exposition, the structure houses an art museum and towering Athena statue.
The 42-foot goddess gleams with gold leaf, creating a breathtaking centerpiece inside the main chamber.
Free outdoor concerts happen on the lawn during summer, blending classical architecture with contemporary entertainment.
Curiously, Nashville earned its Athens of the South nickname partly because of this impressive landmark.
The Parthenon stands inside Centennial Park at 2500 West End Avenue, Nashville, Tennessee 37203.
6. Sunsphere
The perfect souvenir photo happens from the observation deck of this 266-foot golden orb.
Built for the 1982 World’s Fair, the structure became Knoxville’s most recognizable landmark overnight.
Free admission means budget-conscious families can enjoy panoramic views of downtown and the Smoky Mountains.
The surrounding World’s Fair Park offers fountains, green spaces, and museums for a full day of exploration.
Sunset visits paint the city in warm colors while the sphere’s gold panels catch the fading light.
The Sunsphere is located at 810 Clinch Avenue, Knoxville, Tennessee 37902.
5. Rock City Gardens
Lingering clouds often drift through the massive boulder formations that create this enchanted garden experience.
The Swing-A-Long Bridge sways gently as you cross a 180-foot chasm with stunning valley views below.
Gnome Valley delights younger visitors with whimsical fairy tale scenes tucked between ancient rocks.
Seasonal events like enchanted garden lights transform the space into a glowing wonderland after dark.
Essentially, this attraction delivers quirky Americana charm mixed with genuine natural beauty.
Rock City Gardens is accessed at 1400 Patten Road, Lookout Mountain, Georgia 30750.
4. Tennessee State Capitol
A helpful stranger might point out that this is one of America’s oldest working state capitol buildings.
Greek Revival architecture dominates the hilltop structure completed in 1859 after 14 years of construction.
Free guided tours reveal legislative chambers, historic paintings, and the tomb of President James K. Polk.
The surrounding grounds feature monuments and statues commemorating Tennessee’s complex history.
Downtown Nashville spreads below, offering photographers perfect shots that blend historic and modern architecture.
The Tennessee State Capitol stands at 600 Dr. M.L.K. Jr. Boulevard, Nashville, Tennessee 37243.
3. The Hermitage
Wanderlust meets American history at President Andrew Jackson’s beautifully preserved plantation home.
The mansion showcases original furnishings and personal items that tell stories of early 19th-century life.
Guided tours address both Jackson’s presidency and the enslaved people who worked the property.
Gardens bloom with flowers that would have existed during Jackson’s lifetime, creating authentic period landscapes.
Educational programs help visitors understand this controversial figure’s impact on American expansion and politics.
The Hermitage is located at 4580 Rachel’s Lane, Hermitage, Tennessee 37076.
2. Chattanooga Choo Choo
Horizon lines of railroad tracks once converged at this magnificent 1909 Terminal Station.
Now transformed into a hotel and entertainment complex, restored train cars serve as unique overnight accommodations.
The grand lobby features soaring ceilings and original architectural details that transport you back in time.
Model train displays and gardens provide family-friendly exploration opportunities around the sprawling property.
Glenn Miller’s famous song immortalized this station, and you can still feel that vintage travel romance today.
The Chattanooga Choo Choo is located at 1400 Market Street, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37402.
1. Memphis Pyramid
Shared smiles happen when visitors realize this 32-story pyramid houses a massive outdoor retail store.
The structure once hosted basketball games but now features an indoor swamp, observation deck, and hotel.
Glass elevators shoot you to the top for Mississippi River views that stretch for miles.
An indoor cypress swamp complete with live alligators creates a uniquely Southern shopping experience.
Fortunately, admission to explore the public areas costs nothing, making this Memphis landmark accessible to everyone.
The Memphis Pyramid stands at 1 Bass Pro Drive, Memphis, Tennessee 38105.
