Tennessee is a land of incredible diversity, with something to offer everyone who visits. There are many great places to visit in this city, but if you are looking for the ultimate Tennessee experience, then you need to head to one of the places below. Whichever part of Tennessee you choose to visit, you’re sure to have an amazing time.
The Best Place to Visit in Tennessee
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Address: United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.9 (46458)
- Phone: +1 865-436-1200
- Website: Link
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Top 12 Tourist Attractions in Tennessee
The Island in Pigeon Forge
- Address: 131 The Island Dr, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (46185)
- Phone: +1 865-286-0119
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PMTuesday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PMWednesday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PMThursday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PMFriday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PMSaturday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PMSunday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Reviews:
What a great place for the family. Excellent top notch stores, restaurants and rides. Very clean and I feel very safe here. The parking is not ideal true, but it also makes it feel more like visiting a theme park than just going to an outdoor mall. Highly recommend!By Herman Thompson (3 months ago)Great place to hang out in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Lots of good food, shops and a little bit of everything for young and old. Also very relaxing to watch the fountain that is timed hourly with music. The local bands at Smoky Mountain Moonshine are wonderful to listen to also. Overall just a great place to be day or night!!By Tracy Morris (2 months ago)This is a beautiful inexpensive convenient place for a family with small children!! We entered during the day and left at night. They have a water show in the beginning of the park with rocking chairs all around. They have many store around the water and throughout the park. It’s not to big or to small! We had a group of 10 from ages 1-70 and all of us were entertained in so many ways!! We all did The Wheel and left so happy!By Megan Tacij-Lebron (2 weeks ago)Spent some time on the island in July 2022.
We had a blast!
Lots of food choices, plenty of places to shop, and the fountain is beautiful. (We also enjoyed the music/lights show.)
Our 5 year old had the time of her life riding all the rides. She was able to get an arm band for 48 hours and that’s literally all she wanted to do.
The prices are kind of expensive but expected in a touristy place such as this.By laura fields (4 months ago)A very fun place for the whole family! It was quite busy, as is pretty much all of the Pigeon Forge area. But you can take a tram in from the parking lot to save you from a long walk. The fountain is a nice display as it synchronizes to music. We got to enjoy seeing goslings at the time we visited. They are a large number of stores and places to eat, so there is something for everyone!By Yalonda Maneval (a month ago)
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
- Address: 88 River Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (34161)
- Phone: +1 865-430-8808
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PMTuesday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PMWednesday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PMThursday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PMFriday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PMSaturday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PMSunday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Reviews:
We loved this place! Definitely worth the trip! They have a large play area for the kids and their gift shop is great opportunity to pick up some souvenirs and things for yourself! Ha ha
They have a couple of interactive things to do and their penguin encounter is very informative. If you get a chance, don’t miss the mermaids! So graceful! My only complaint (this does not reflect on the establishment) is some forget basic manners. Let’s all be courteous people.By Jessica Sunshine “JSHINE” Casillas (4 months ago)My kids had so much fun!!! The drive was long but overall great experience. Their bathrooms need to be checked on more often. They have a really nice changing table for my younger one great play areas for my 5 year old just wish it was more toddler friendly here. Prices are a bit up there but overall friendly staff just wish the interacting with their customers more. The update features of the building are nice just wish I caught one of the shows to have a full experience. But no major complaints would definitely go again.By Kaiya walker (5 months ago)My kids had a wonderful time here. (4yrs and 6 yrs) The aquiarim is very well designed and run. The exhibits are up to date and nothing is broken or out of order. Although, it’s all interconnected and you can explore freely, the museum is designed, so that if you just keep walking forward, you will see it all and can walk straight out through the gift shop without the use of a map. Also, it is a great indoor activity if you need an escape from the weather.There are so many things to see and the exhibits are beautifully executed. My kids went back to revisit their favorites before we left. I believe that the museum is designed to view entirely in 2-3 hours, but we spent about 5 hours and only left because we had dinner reservations. This attraction is well worth the price of admission. I recommend it.
By Fernando Orrego (5 months ago)Loved it! A beautiful and captivating place to spend a couple hours. So many different fish and sea creatures to view and be taken aback by. Everything from sharks to jelly fish can be found here. The atmosphere that they’ve created here is also amazing. The lighting, the sounds and the music all adds to the experience and makes this place feel almost magical. If you visit you have to go through the tunnel underneath the large, main fish tank that has all the sharks. That was truly the best part, getting the see the sharks and larger fish up close while going through the tunnel was amazing. Some of them swim right over your head or ever lay down and rest on the top of the tunnel itself. So cool!By Steven Fann (3 months ago)I loved every single detail of this aquarium. I loved the quiet places for moms and anyone with sensory sensitivities. Everything was very clean. Super informative. And some areas actually made us emotional with the beauty. Could have spent all day here. Loved the kids playground as well… was a nice added break for the kids after walking through town!By Nichole Rozyle-Williams (5 months ago)
Grand Ole Opry
- Address: 2804 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.8 (20623)
- Phone: +1 615-871-6779
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PMTuesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, 5:30 – 9:30 PMWednesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PMThursday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PMFriday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, 5:30 – 9:30 PMSaturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, 5:30 – 9:30 PMSunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Reviews:
I loved this tour so much!!! It was really cool to see all the backstage things for the Grand Ole Opry. The dressing rooms were really interesting to look at. They seem so simple but in my head, they were a lot fancier than they actually are. Most of them don’t even have their own bathrooms. Our tour guide was great! He told us which celebrities saw which dressing rooms. We were able to go on stage as well. I really recommend this tour & hope to one day see a show there.By Chirelle Pearson (a year ago)The venue is nice and you can see fine from anywhere. We were in the last row and didn’t have any problems. The seats are like church pews. They were comfortable. The show itself was entertaining as well. They had a variety of acts and each performed for around 15 minutes. It was nice to have them changing frequently. That way if they have one that you don’t like much it will switch out in a few minutes.By Ryan Bibler (9 months ago)AMAZING! LOVED IT!! We saw several artists but that night we were paying tribute to John Anderson. Who sounds just as good as he always has. He’s a timeless classic! We loved Deana Carter as well. I wish I could have heard her sing more. I’ve always loved her. We were right on front and had an amazing view!By Jessica Creasman (5 months ago)We couldn’t believe how close we were to the stage, but I don’t think there is a bad seat in the house. They also have big screens to watch the artists up close. There was a good variety of the Old and the new music. We even got to listen to a hilarious comedian, although many of the musicians made us laugh too. Seats were comfortable, bathrooms clean and the staff were very friendly and helpful. Food and beverages were also available to take to your seats to enjoy. Don’t miss it! Every show is unique.By Katrina Qualls (9 months ago)While visiting Nashville we took in a show at the Grand Old Opry. We arrived a little early, so my wife and I sat on one of the pews in the lobby as we split an order of nachos purchased from the concession stand. The Grand Ole Opry concessions have a good variety to choose from for a quick meal or snack: nachos, sandwiches, salads, flat breads, soft pretzels, pop corn, etc. After our snack we went to our seats. Seating at the Grand Ole Opry is on padded pews. The padding is appreciated as the show lasts about three hours.
But what a show it is! Every act is professional and spot-on. And the show offered a great variety of acts: traditional country, contemporary country, gospel, and Latin country. The Grand Ole Opry also features both “classic” artists from previous decades as well as newer artists currently climbing the country charts.
I really liked how the show kept moving. There were only a couple minutes between each act as the tech crew quickly set the stage for each upcoming artist with awesome precision. I’ve been to shows at other venues with multiple acts, and it is common to wait 45 minutes between acts as the stage is set. So, I was very impressed that at the Grand Ole Opry the acts seamlessly transitioned from one to the other.
We enjoyed the show and the venue. A trip to Nashville really isn’t complete without a visit to the Grand Ole Opry.
By Greg Squyres (3 months ago)
Rock City Gardens
- Address: 1400 Patten Rd, Lookout Mountain, GA 30750, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (20293)
- Phone: +1 706-820-2531
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PMTuesday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PMWednesday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PMThursday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PMFriday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PMSaturday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PMSunday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Reviews:
This is must see! Love Love Love!!! Beautiful walk on a very creative trail between boulders, over bridges, above bluffs and waterfalls, crisscrossing in imaginative ways. The overlook view of the valley below is breathtaking. Right to left you can see almost 180 degrees. You really can see 7 states. The walk is worth the time and visit. It is a great family adventure, with the walk ending in Fairyland Caverns. The park is not without gift shops and restaurants. One thing that’s good to know about this place is that if you take your time exploring this place, any amount of crowd will pass you by and you will have a moment or two to yourself to take it all in. And the mother goose/fairy gardens is worth seeing even as an adult, it’s fun to take a trip down memory lane to your childhood. More importantly, you escape the heat because it’s air conditioned!! I would definitely recommend this to anyone who likes a good view, likes a little adventure and is able to maneuver stairs, ramps and bridges and maybe a surprise or two.By Virginia Norford (3 months ago)Beautiful walk on a very creative trail between boulders, over bridges, above bluffs and waterfalls, crisscrossing in imaginative ways. The overlook view of the valley below is breathtaking. Right to left you can see almost 180 degrees. You really can see 7 states. The walk is worth the time and visit. It is a great family adventure, with the walk ending in Fairyland Caverns. The park is not without gift shops and restaurants. Great food. Great gifts. Handicap access is limited to a small percentage of the park area, but access is available to the overlook. The park Vista is different each season of the year. I took hundreds of photos but Google only allows 50. Be sure to carry your camera.By Larry Henry (9 months ago)Amazing experience amidst a peaceful and magical landscape all leading to some fabulous views from the top of Lookout Mountain. Parking is free and plentiful and the entry process was easy. There is actually a Starbucks across the street. So many neat little treasures and spaces to find along the walk with easy paths and bridges and great sights around every corner. Kids will love this, especially Fairyland at the end. There is a great cafe and some relaxing seating and benches throughout. Would definitely visit again.By David Frattare (5 months ago)I can’t believe I’ve never heard of this place before!
We just went on a coworkers recommendation since we discussed my family loves hiking trails and Rock City did NOT disappoint. It was beautiful with spectacular scenery and great for fall colors. I bet it looks just as lovely in the spring when things are blooming.Kinda felt like a *teeny* tiny version of a canyon at times.
Bring water, comfy walking/climbing shoes, and buy tickets in advance! We signed up for the 10:15 time and were able to walk in within minutes upon arrival. When we left at about 1-1:30 though, there was a HUGE long line to get in as people waited for their assigned times.
We’ll definitely be back again.By Rebe Beki (3 months ago)This is a stop you have to make! The gardens are very beautiful and the sights are second to none. the best around. Stop at cafe 7 for adult drink samples and food. Plenty of shade to get out of the sun. They have a great history, which you can learn about through your trip. Accessibility is limited though. They have an accessible path to the scenic overlook and to view the seven states. There are activities along its path to make it entertaining but it’s nothing like the actual trail. If you are in the area you have to SEE ROCK CITY. Great commercial right? Again the main path is not handicap accessible so keep that in mind if you make plans to go here. That being said, if you plan to visit, plan to spend a good 2hrs looking around and taking it all in, especially if it’s your first visit. You won’t be disappointed with your visit. Parking was an easy walk to the entrance and was not crowded as we visited on a weekday. One thing that’s good to know about this place is that if you take your time exploring this place, any amount of crowd will pass you by and you will have a moment or two to yourself to take it all in. And the mother goose/fairy gardens is worth seeing even as an adult, it’s fun to take a trip down memory lane to your childhood. More importantly, you escape the heat because it’s air conditioned!! I would definitely recommend this to anyone who likes a good view, likes a little adventure and is able to maneuver stairs, ramps and bridges and maybe a surprise or two. There are some bypass paths on the main path if desired.By Mark Heinowski (3 months ago)
Tennessee Aquarium
- Address: 1 Broad St, Chattanooga, TN 37402, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (19214)
Ruby Falls
- Address: 1720 Scenic Hwy, Chattanooga, TN 37409, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (16165)
TITANIC Museum Attraction
- Address: 2134 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (15742)
Nashville Zoo at Grassmere
- Address: 3777 Nolensville Pk, Nashville, TN 37211, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.5 (15566)
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
- Address: 222 Rep. John Lewis Way S, Nashville, TN 37203, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (13090)
The Parthenon
- Address: 2500 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (9541)
Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum
- Address: 4119 Cromwell Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37421, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (7254)
Fall Creek Falls State Park
- Address: 2009 Village Camp Rd, Spencer, TN 38585, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.8 (6364)
Although Tennessee is a large state with many amazing places to visit, these 12 locations stand out as the best according to traveler ratings and reviews. Did your favorite spot make the cut? Let us know in the comments above!
This amazing park is home to a thousand black bears. In winter when I went the bears were hibernating, so ducks, deer and elk were the wildlife we saw. Winter here makes the park as beautiful as in other seasons but with completely different and unexpected views of nature and the landscape. Amazing!
We had a great time here. Stopped at the gift shop, Hiked a couple trails and drove through and saw alot of the park. Very cool place!
This is an amazing park with so much to do. It’s no wonder the park is packed in the summer.
We were here in the spring, mid-April, and it was amazing. The green undergrowth was amazing and provided an assuredly different view than if we’d gone in summer or fall.
The park staff was amazing at each encounter, especially the volunteers. Every hike we did provided different experiences and views to enjoy. And best of all, despite all we did there was so much we didn’t do and look forward to future returns to tick those things off.
If you’re planning a visit, be sure to pick up the guide pamphlets for $1 or so each, the wealth of information is amazing in helping to plan your experience. There are also plenty of picnic areas to choose from, so packing a lunch to enjoy at them is a great idea.
We can’t wait to go back.
I loved the little pull offs & all the amazing views. We walked down to the creeks & fished (appropriate licenses must be bought). Bought tubes & floated down the creeks a few times… didn’t see any big wild life this time but have seen elk & bears in the past… relaxing little get away
What can one say about a National Park?
More than I can type here. Everywhere we went was kept very clean and had no issues.
The hiking trails are generally well kept and safe.
The rest areas have clean bathrooms and the roads are excellent.
We enjoyed our time in the southern part of the park very much and will be back again.
Be ready to use your brakes and steering wheel a lot while traveling the mountainous roads!