23 Best Day Trips from Tennessee: Parks, Small Towns & Big Cities

Posted on February 8, 2024 by Admin

One of the most picturesque states in the American South is Tennessee, which is home to the magnificent Mississippi River and the breathtaking Great Smoky Mountains, both of which have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Resort towns like Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, which have theme parks like the well-known amusement park Dollywood, owned by country singer Dolly Parton, and family-friendly museums, lovely parks, and exciting country music performances, are easily accessible for day trips by visitors.

Big cities like Memphis and Nashville are well known for their storied music scenes, which helped make stars of the 20th century like Johnny Cash, B.B. King, and Elvis Presley. In addition, the state is home to some of the most well-known museums and aquariums in the country, such as the legendary Rock City Gardens on Lookout Mountain and the highly regarded Tennessee Aquarium. You can navigate to the table of contents or scroll to view the whole list with photographs.

1. The American Museum of Science and Energy

The Smithsonian-affiliated American Museum of Science and Energy, a family-friendly science museum in Oak Ridge, was first established in 1949 as the American Museum of Atomic Energy after World War II. It now occupies an 18,000-square-foot new building on Main Street and features an extensive array of interactive, hands-on science and nuclear technology exhibits. A complete interactive NOAA weather station, a Van de Graad generator, and an exhibit about Oak Ridge’s “secret” past as a covert nuclear testing center for the Manhattan Project are among the permanent displays.

In addition, visitors can explore the museum’s WWII-era historic flat-top house, which has been maintained from the city’s Manhattan Project period, and see images taken by renowned Ed Wescott, a photographer for the Manhattan Project. Bus trips visit locations related to the Manhattan Project National Historical Park, such as the Y-12 National Security Complex and the East Tennessee Technology Park. For more inspiration, peruse our list to romantic weekend getaways in Tennessee.

The American Museum of Science and Energy can be reached by phone at 865-294-4531 or at 115 E Main St., Oak Ridge, TN 37830.

2. Asheville

Situated in the magnificent Blue Ridge Mountains and less than two hours’ drive from the Tennessee-North Carolina state border, Asheville is one of the most attractive cities in North Carolina. It is part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

The majestic Biltmore Estate, commissioned by George Washington Vanderbilt II and regarded as one of the outstanding examples of Gilded Age architecture to this day, is the most notable feature of this energetic, highly cultured city.

In addition to taking guided tours of the estate, guests can savor a full afternoon tea service in the exquisite Biltmore Estate Dining Room. Renowned for its exceptional gourmet dining scene, the city’s historic downtown district—which was master-planned and commissioned by Vanderbilt II—offers a variety of alternatives, from sophisticated New American fare to witty gastropubs and inventive global fusion eateries. Map of Asheville

3. Atlanta

Atlanta, the most populated city in Georgia and among the top ten largest metropolitan areas in the US, is most well-known for its Olympic Summer 1996 attractions. Numerous Olympic-themed attractions can be found all over the city, such as the quaint Centennial Olympic Park, which features a 200-foot Ferris wheel and a pavilion of national flags.

The city’s involvement in the American Civil Rights Movement is preserved via a variety of historic sites, such as the Martin Luther King Jr. historic buildings, which are open to the public for free. Site of National Historic Significance. The city is known as the “City in a Forest” because of its beautiful parks and green areas, which include the recently constructed Atlanta BeltLine, an urban greenway that was formerly an abandoned railroad track. The World of Coca-Cola Museum, the Atlanta Ballet, and the Georgia Aquarium are a few more noteworthy attractions. Map of Atlanta

4. The Bourbon Heritage Centre

The official museum and visitor center of Heaven Hill Distillery, located in Bardstown, Kentucky, which has been making premium liquors and whiskies since 1935, is called the Bourbon Heritage Centre. As part of trips along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, guests can explore the company’s Heritage Center and tasting room to learn about the origins and traditions of American whiskey production.

The center offers two different kinds of tours, one of which is called Mashbill Tours and it takes visitors on a tour of the Rickhouse Y production facility. Four of the company’s premium and limited-edition whiskeys are sampled in the 40-minute Whiskey Connoisseur Experiences, which also provide detailed tasting comments on color, fragrance, and finish. All guests are welcome to attend the company’s tasting room following a tour and enjoy samples of whiskey, including Rittenhouse Rye, Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond, and Bernheim Original Wheat Whiskey.

502-337-1000. The Bourbon Heritage Centre, 1311 Gilkey Run Rd., Bardstown, KY 40004.

Activities to Consider in Athens, TN

Enjoy exciting day trips near me as you read “25 Best Day Trips from Tennessee: Parks, Small Towns & Big Cities”

5. Chattanooga

Nestled in the Appalachian Mountain foothills, Chattanooga is a charming city in southeast Tennessee, situated on the banks of the lovely Tennessee River. Situated on the southern border of Tennessee with Georgia, the city is well-known for its distinctive outdoor recreational options and attractions, such as the well-known Lookout Mountain, from which one can supposedly see seven states on clear days.

Intriguing Rock City Gardens features whimsically designed rock gardens, and stunning Ruby Falls, nestled deep within the mountain, is renowned for its storied beginnings as a tourist destination.

The highly regarded Tennessee Aquarium, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, the Chattanooga Zoo at Warner Park, and the iconic 1921 Tivoli Theatre are a few family-friendly museums. throughout a stunning greenway, the 13-mile Tennessee Riverwalk offers easy access to numerous attractions around the city throughout the river’s length. Map of Chattanooga

More inspiration: Tennessee’s waterfalls

6. Franklin

Known for its role in the American Civil War, Franklin is one of Tennessee’s most historic cities. The community, which is in Williamson County and less than 20 minutes south of Nashville, protects the historic Carter House and Carnton Plantation, which are significant locations related to the Battle of Franklin in 1864. All year long, guided tours of the home’s features are available, including tours of the stunning gardens and the McGavock Confederate Cemetery.

Along with being run as a living history museum, the 1858 Lotz House is furnished with antiques from the 19th century. The city is also well-known for its Main Street, which is adorned with restored historic buildings from the Victorian era as well as hip boutiques, gift stores, and art galleries. Main Street is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In the vicinity, the recently constructed Factory at Franklin converts eleven industrial buildings from the Depression era into a chic, multipurpose destination for dining and shopping. It is home to creative international fusion restaurants and active artisan stores. Franklin Road Map

7. Gatlinburg

Situated at the Tennessee border of the breathtaking Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg is one of the most well-known vacation destinations in the American South. Easily accessible from Knoxville, the resort community is noted for its lively family-friendly tourist attractions, such as the highly regarded Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, which is frequently voted as one of America’s top aquariums. The city is snuggled into the foothills of the Smokies.

Tourists can take the Gatlinburg SkyLift to the summit of Crockett Mountain for breathtaking views, climb the Gatlinburg Space Needle for views from a 360-degree observation deck, or take a two-mile aerial cable car ride over the mountains to Ober Gatlinburg, a ski resort and theme park. The Hollywood Star Cars Museum and the brand-new Anakeesta mountaintop theme park are two unusual family-friendly attractions. As part of the yearly Winterfest festival, the entire city is transformed into a breathtaking world of lights during the winter. Map of Gatlinburg

More suggestions: Tennessee’s Family-Friendly Activities

8. Historical Tours of Tennessee

Gray Line Tennessee, one of Nashville’s top tour bus companies for over 40 years, offers Historical Tours of Tennessee. Every trip lasts about six and a half hours and covers important locations related to Nashville’s plantation past and relationship to US President Andrew Jackson.

Joining Historical Tours of Tennessee, visitors board a small tour bus and go to two of the city’s most historically significant and restored mansions, taking them back in time to the 19th century. First, the 1,050-acre former estate residence of Andrew Jackson is conserved at the Hermitage, which is thought to be the best-preserved early American presidential home. Next, the breathtaking 2,500-acre Belle Meade Plantation is home to a historic racehorse farm and a magnificent Greek Revival Antebellum mansion. A Southern-style lunch at the Hermitage House Smorgasbord and wine tastings at the Winery at Belle Meade are included in all visits.

615-883-5555; 1307 Lebanon Pike, Nashville, TN 37210

Additional suggestions: Activities in the Great Smoky Mountains

9. Jack Daniel’s Distillery

Located in Lynchburg, Tennessee, the Jack Daniel’s Distillery is the official production site for the well-known Tennessee whiskey brand. It was established in 1956. The brand-name whiskey known as “Black Label” is the company’s most well-known product, with over 12.5 million cases sold annually worldwide.

Except on certain national holidays, visitors can take guided tours of the company’s distillery every day during business hours. Every year, the company hosts over a quarter of a million tourists who take tours, one of which is the basic Dry Country Tour, which lasts about 70 minutes and provides behind-the-scenes looks at the whiskey-making process. While the Angel’s Share Tour provides special reserve tastings, the Flight of Jack Daniel’s Tour includes a tasting of five Jack Daniel’s products. Taste of Lynchburg Tours now offers three-hour, two-course Southern-style meals at Miss Mary Bobo’s.

Map; Address: 133 Lynchburg Hwy; Phone: 931-759-6357; Website:

Additional inspiration: Tennessee Resorts

10. Knoxville

Located at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, about 45 minutes from the state’s eastern border, lies Knoxville, a charming metropolitan center in eastern Tennessee. The University of Tennessee, whose Tennessee Volunteers athletic teams play home games there all season long, is the reason this little community is so well-known. Explore cultural sites such as the interactive Museum of East Tennessee History, which features artwork from the area and artifacts from the Civil War.

A Revolutionary War-era building that was the city’s first permanent structure is preserved at the recreated 1786 James White’s Fort, which is currently open as a living history museum. The nearby 18th-century home of William Blount, a signer of the Constitution, is preserved at Blount Mansion, and the Sunsphere observation tower and other World’s Fair Park attractions date back to the 1982 World’s Fair. Map of Knoxville

11. The Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area

Situated close to Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area is a delightful national recreation area on the boundary between Kentucky and Tennessee. The largest inland peninsula in the United States is protected by the recreation area, which was established in 1963 and is situated where the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers converge.

The park features more than 300 miles of natural shoreline and provides possibilities for hiking, boating, water sports, fishing, wildlife viewing, hunting, picnicking, and camping at one of the biggest undisturbed forest wilderness areas in the eastern United States. The Woodlands Nature Station offers ranger-led activities, and guided tours to explore historic locations that have been conserved, including the Homeplace 1850s Working Farm, the Elk and Bison Prairie, and the Golden Pond Planetarium and Observatory.

Phone: 800-525-7077; Address: 238 Visitor Center Dr., Golden Pond, KY 42211; The Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area

More suggestions: Activities in Lebanon

12. Mammoth Cave National Park

The world’s largest known cave system, spanning over 400 miles across Kentucky’s Edmonson County, is preserved in Mammoth Cave National Park. The cave, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was formed during the Mississippian Period from limestone and has a caprock layer of sandstone on top. For at least six millennia, it has been a significant cultural site for numerous local communities. Before the entrance of European settlers in North America, it was a well-known native American burial site. It has captivated the public’s attention since the 19th century and been immortalized in several works of popular culture, from the well-known classic novel Moby Dick to a hit song by the rock group Guided by Voices from 1990. These days, guests can take year-round guided tours of the cave to experience its spectacular features, which include Grand Avenue, Fat Man’s Misery, and the Frozen Niagara stalactite and stalagmite formations and tunnels. You can tour even more incredible caves.

P.O. Map, 270-758-2180, Box 7, Mammoth Cave, KY 42259-0007, Phone

Some inspiration: Smoky Mountains Campsites

13. Memphis

Memphis, a picturesque city in western Tennessee located along the majestic Mississippi River, is most known for being the cradle of some of the most well-known American music genres of the 20th century. Explore the city’s renowned Graceland estate, a living history museum that was formerly owned by the legendary rock and roll star Elvis Presley.

The historic Sun Studio, located in the vibrant Beale Street region, is credited with launching the careers of numerous internationally recognized soul, blues, and rock performers in the middle of the 20th century. Authentic Southern-style cuisine is served at delectable restaurants, and the district’s historic blues clubs continue to host live music events. The city’s terrain is dotted with numerous cultural museums, including as the Belz Museum of Asian and Judaic Art, the Blues Hall of Fame and Stax Museum, and the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art. The renowned Memphis Zoo, which has one of the few panda displays in North America, and Mud Island River Park, which imitates a 1,000-mile section of the Lower Mississippi River Valley in tiny scale, are two examples of unusual outdoor attractions. webpage, Map

14. Nashville

Nashville, the charming state capital of Tennessee, is well-known worldwide for its association with the country music sector. Famous country venues including the Grand Ole Opry House, the Ryman Auditorium, and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum welcome tours and live music events.

The city’s downtown area, which is located close to Printer’s Alley and Lower Broadway, is lined with honky-tonk taverns and clubs that display the aspirational new wave of musicians. The city’s Tennessee State Museum displays items from the Civil War, and the Vanderbilt University campus features stunning architecture and public museums. The city’s core is dotted with the unusual Parthenon, a recreation of the well-known Ancient Greek monument. In addition, guests can take in the stunning indoor gardens of the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center, shop at the bustling Opry Mills retail center, and see Andrew Jackson’s former estate residence, Hermitage. Numerous country music-related events take place in the city every year, including as the June CMA Music Festival.

15. Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park

Tennesse’s State Scenic River program’s first river site, Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park, safeguards two globally acclaimed white water rafting destinations close to the city of Delano.

The park offers fantastic year-round recreational activities to visitors, including some of the world’s top white water rafting experiences on the stunning Ocoee and Hiwassee Rivers. There are Class I, II, IV, and V rapids sites all along the river that can be explored on your own or as part of organized white water rafting trips. On both rivers, canoeing and floating are also quite popular sports. Both rivers offer year-round fishing for largemouth bass, catfish, rainbow and brown trout, and yellow perch. Primitive tent sites with picnic tables, fire rings, and barbeque grills are available at Gee Creek, a 47-site campsite with easy access to the neighboring Cherokee National Forest.

Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park, 423-263-0050, 404 Spring Creek Road, Delano, TN 37325

16. Pigeon Forge

One of Tennessee’s most vibrant tourist spots, Pigeon Forge is situated close to the state’s entrance to the breathtaking Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The top theme park Dollywood, owned by country music icon Dolly Parton, is the main draw for visitors to this Sevier County resort town.

The park offers high and mild thrill rides all year round, such as the well-known launched wooden roller coaster Lightning Rod, the wing roller coaster Wild Eagle, and the looping Tennessee Tornado roller coaster. The busy Parkway in the city is lined with dinner theaters, such as The Comedy Barn, Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Feud, and Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede. The Hollywood Wax Museum and the Titanic Museum include larger-than-life attractions. Throughout the city, visitors may also take advantage of fantastic chances for go-karting, miniature golf, outlet shopping, and Southern-style cuisine. The Parkway is illuminated with millions of Christmas lights each year as part of the city’s Winterfest celebration. Map of Pigeon Forge

17. Rock City Gardens

One of Georgia’s most distinctive tourist destinations is Rock City Gardens, which is perched on Lookout Mountain with a view of Chattanooga, Tennessee. The attraction, which debuted in 1932, rose to national notoriety because to its “See Rock City” marketing campaign, which went viral in the middle of the 20th century and was painted on walls and barn roofs across the country.

On clear days, visitors can explore the charming Fairyland Caverns planted gardens, which feature German gnome statues and other fairytale-esque characters, or stand atop Lookout Mountain and observe seven states. The attraction’s manicured route features bizarre rock formations, such as Balanced Rock and the Fat Man’s Squeeze tunnel. The park organizes several special events throughout the year, such as a Christmas light display, an Irish Festival on St. Patrick’s Day, and an autumn corn maze.

Lookout Mountain, Georgia 30750; 1400 Patten Road; phone: 706-820-2531; map

Additional suggestions: Nashville Activities

18. Rock Island State Park

Situated close to the Caney Work waterway, the Collins River, and the Great Falls Dam, Rock Island State Park is a charming state park that spans 883 acres in Warren and White Counties. The peninsula formed by the meeting of the two bodies of water is home to the community and landmass known as Rock Island, after which the park is called. One of the park’s most famous natural beauties is the Great Falls Gorge, which is home to several breathtaking waterfalls and plunges, including the magnificent Twin Falls.

Developed in 1892, the historic Great Falls Cotton Mill is recognized as a National Register of Historic Places. The Bosson Mill and the Spring Castle from the 1890s are two further attractions. All year long, visitors can take advantage of fantastic chances for hiking, boating, swimming, birdwatching, and fishing. They can even spend the night in the park’s charming campsites and rental cabins.

Phone: 931-686-2471; Address: 82 Beach Road, Rock Island, TN 38581

19. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Attracting over 11 million visitors annually to its free admission attractions and natural wonders, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States.

The park, named after the persistent bluish haze that envelops the top elevations of its mountains, is situated along Tennessee’s border with North Carolina and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its 522,000 acres are home to well-known attractions including the preserved old Appalachian cabins and buildings of the Cades Cove district, as well as the 6,643-foot-tall Clingmans Dome observation tower. The park’s surroundings are home to over 850 miles of hiking trails that lead to stunning waterfalls including Grotto Falls, which has a walk-behind road. Resort towns in the area, such as Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Cherokee, offer accommodations for visitors, including beautiful hotels, vacation rentals, and family-friendly events and attractions.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee 37738, 107 Park Headquarters Road; phone: 865-436-1200; map

Some inspiration: Waterfalls Close to Nashville, TN

20. Sweetwater

Sweetwater, a charming city in Monroe County, is most recognized for being the location of the highly regarded Craighead Caverns. Throughout the year, guided walking and boat trips combine tours to explore the breathtaking 4.5-acre Lost Sea, the biggest underground lake in the United States, located within the National Natural Landmark caverns.

The cave, named for Cherokee Chief Craighead, is adorned with stunning subterranean crystal formations and waterfalls. After touring the caves, guests can take advantage of wine tastings and tours at the well-known Tsali Notch vineyard, which is recognized for producing wines made from the distinctive Muscadine grape variety found in Tennessee. Founded in the early 1700s, the picturesque Sweetwater Valley Farm features a quaint cafe, gift shop, and cheese samples every day from the facility’s dairy farm.

Sweetwater 203 Monroe Street Sweetwater, TN 37874 (website), 423-337-9663 (phone).

More suggestions: Memphis Activities

21. The Tennessee Aquarium

Situated in the downtown area of Chattanooga, Tennessee, the Tennessee Aquarium has garnered recognition as one of the best aquariums in the country. Established in 1992, this nonprofit aquarium is home to more than 800 marine species from all over the world and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

The aquarium’s River Journey and Ocean Journey buildings host its exhibits, which are viewed by over 20 million visitors annually. Beautiful River Journey displays include the Tennessee River Gallery, which features native Tennessee River Valley species including the American paddlefish and channel catfish, the Mississippi River Delta exhibit Delta Country, and the North American habitat River Otter Falls. Explore the massive 618,000-gallon Secret Reef, which is home to species from the Gulf of Mexico, or the Boneless Beauties jellyfish collection at Ocean Journey. More details

1 Broad St., 423-265-0695, Chattanooga, TN 37402, Map

Additional inspiration: Knoxville Attractions

22. The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum

The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, sometimes known as TVRM, is a charming historical railroad and museum located near Chattanooga. It was first established in 1960 as a National Railway Historical Society chapter. The museum provides historical train rides that leave from Chattanooga and Etowah train stations and pass via notable local sites like the Whiteside Tunnel.

All year long, there are half-day trips to Bald Mountain’s Hiwassee Loop and one-hour round-trip excursions. The railroad runs historic locomotives from the 19th and 20th centuries, built by Montreal Locomotive Works, the American Locomotive Company, and Baldwin Locomotive Works. Several of the company’s adorable locomotives and train cars may be seen in popular TV shows and movies, such as October Sky, Some Like It Hot, and Water for Elephants.

4119 Cromwell Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37421; phone: 423-894-8028; Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum

Additional inspiration: motels in Knoxville

23. The U.S. Space and Rocket Museum

The State of Alabama is in charge of the U.S. Space and Rocket Museum, a beautiful nonprofit museum located in Huntsville, Alabama. Explore “Earth’s Largest Space Museum” and take in displays on the US space program, which includes preserved rockets from the US space program that were launched in the 20th century, including Jupiter-C, Saturn V, and Mercury-Redstone.

The museum has about 1,500 permanent space exploration objects on display, including military rockets, spacecraft engines, capsules, and technical mock-ups. Exhibits cover key ideas in rocketry and space travel technologies as well as the history of the renowned Apollo program. Bus tours take visitors throughout the National Historic Landmark structures of the Marshall Space Flight Center, which include the Redstone Test Station, where astronaut Alan Shepard conducted tests on the Redstone Rocket. More details

1 Tranquility Base, Huntsville, AL 35805; 800-637-7223

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