Best Things To Do In Tennessee

A perfect summer destination Dollywood is a family-centered theme park in the Smoky Mountains of Pigeon Forge. The park features more than 40 rides and attractions, 15 live shows, and several large seasonal festivals.

And if you're looking to cool off from the summer heat, there's no better place to do it than Dollywood's Splash Country water park. With 10 water slides, a lazy river, and a wave pool, there's something for everyone at Splash Country. So what are you waiting for?

Riverfront Park, located along the Cumberland River in downtown Nashville, is a hub for some of Music City's beloved open-air concerts and events.

Originating in the early 1980s, the park was established on the historic site where Nashville's first settlers founded the city in 1780. Today, this expansive green space along the river hosts various attractions such as Fort Nashborough, Bicentennial Park, and the Ascend Amphitheater.

Graceland is the second most visited Tennessee tourist attractions after the White House. This place delves you into the life and career of the Elvis Presley where you can see the eccentric rooms of The King's Mansion and pay respects at his final resting place in the Meditation Gardens.

You can book an audio tour or a guided tour of Graceland that includes convenient round-trip transport from Memphis or Nashville. Additionally, some tours offer skip-the-line access, allowing you to bypass the crowds.

The Tennessee Aquarium takes you on a journey from a mountain stream to sea level. This place has two buildings, one about rivers and the other about oceans. 

You can explore exhibits showing different habitats, creatures, problems they face, and ways to protect them. The aquarium houses over 12,000 aquatic animals from worldwide, with the biggest collection of freshwater fish in the United States. You will find endless aquatic life and it's a must things to see Tennessee.

Cumberland Caverns is one of the largest caves in the United States, with almost 30 miles of caves and underground passageways. The caves are open every day, and guided tours are available at different times. It's best to book ahead. 

During the tours, you'll see amazing rock formations, pretty waterfalls, and shiny pools underground. If you're into adventure, you can book the Overnight Caving Adventure for a thrilling night. It's cool Tennessee stuff to do for those who love excitement!

The Mysterious Mansion is not for those who get easily scared! It goes all out on the haunted house concept and remains open throughout the year. 

This three-story Victorian mansion has creepy stairs, hidden passages, and lots of scary stuff like gore, fog machines, and strobe lights. But what really gives you the shivers are the live actors who love to scare you. It's a spine-chilling experience!

Explore Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park on foot, bike, or Segway. Start at the central plaza with a 95-bell carillon playing the Tennessee Waltz. Wander tree-lined paths past the World War II Memorial, follow the Pathway of History with towering pillars, and discover the Walkway of Counties showcasing native plants.

At the park's south end, a 2,000-seat amphitheater hosts summer concerts near the Rivers of Tennessee Fountains and a giant granite map of the state.

At the Johnny Cash Museum, visitors can stroll through halls filled with memories and artifacts covering the singer's life, from his Arkansas upbringing to his remarkable career. Highlights include his start with Sun Records, iconic performances, and TV appearances.

What makes it unique are the personal items gathered—childhood report cards, military uniforms, and handwritten love letters to wives like June Carter. The museum offers interactive exhibits, a large gift shop, films, and a café with light fare.

Explore what happens behind the scenes at the oldest registered distillery in the United States: Jack Daniel's. It was founded in 1863 in Lynchburg, Tennessee.

Discover the history of this distillery, which is a symbol of Southern culture, and learn about the process of making the famous old No. 7 whiskey right where it all began. While there aren't many food choices in Lynchburg, you can enjoy a variety of dishes at Miss Mary Bobo's Boarding House (owned by the distillery).

The affluent Orpheum Theater has been a vibrant part of Memphis since 1928. Originally starting as the Grand Opera House in 1890, it used to feature vaudeville performances.

In 1928, it transformed into the Orpheum and underwent renovations in the 1980s, making its stage and backstage areas larger. Today, the historic theater hosts a variety of concerts, shows, and special events throughout the year. Make sure to include a visit to this historic theater on your list of Tennessee things to see.

Enjoy breathtaking views of the Nashville skyline as you cruise along the Cumberland River on the General Jackson Showboat. This Victorian-style riverboat has a two-story theater that hosts various dinner shows. 

The Taste of Tennessee day cruise treats you to live music from Nashville, and the evening Music City Nights narrates the story of Nashville's renowned nightlife through song, dance, and elaborate costumes.

Travel back in time by taking a stroll through what was once called Millionaire's Row, now known as Victorian Village. There are lots of things to do in Tennessee attractions that is filled with majestic mansions that date back to the mid to late 1800s. 

Some of these grand estates from the Victorian era, such as the Mallory Neely House, James Lee House, and Woodruff-Fontaine House, have been transformed into museums, inns, and even a popular nightlife spot.

Many things in Tennessee are well-loved by every visitor. One such is enjoying soothing music at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center. This venue hosts a wide range of performances, including classical recitals, world music, contemporary pop, and jazz.

Most shows happen in the main Laura Turner Concert Hall, where you can enjoy the Nashville Symphony Orchestra playing every music. For a behind-the-scenes look, you can take one of the weekly tours, available by reservation only.

Similar to Central Park in New York and Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, the serene green setting of Centennial Park in Nashville offers a peaceful escape from city congestion and crowds. The park stands out with its remarkable replica of the Parthenon.

This iconic structure serves as a venue for various community events, such as outdoor movie screenings, concerts, festivals, swing dancing nights, and Shakespeare performances. With its versatility, Centennial Park is a must-visit destination when traveling to Nashville.

The Frist Art Museum immerses guests in the elegance of Art Deco design. Completed in 1934 as the city's original post office, the building features lavish cream and green marble floors, wall paneling, high ceilings, and cast iron doors.

Preserving its historic charm through a public/private partnership-driven renovation in 2001, the museum now serves as a non-profit space for art exhibitions, and interactive art workshops, and also includes a gift shop and café for visitors to enjoy.

If you love music or just want a good time in downtown Memphis, you shouldn't miss the chance to check out Beale Street, known as the "Home of the Blues." Almost every sightseeing tour in Memphis includes a stop here.

After a day of exploring Memphis, Beale Street is the perfect place for a lively night out. You can eat, drink, and dance in the same spots where legendary musicians like BB King, Louis Armstrong, and WC Handy once did.

The Titanic Museum is built to look like the real British ocean liner, but it's only half the size. When you visit, you can take interactive self-guided audio tours that tell you the story of the ship and its tragic first journey in 1912. 

There's a lot to do there – you can explore 20 galleries filled with hundreds of things found on the ship, like the belongings of the passengers. You can also play a grand piano, and walk up a copy of the Grand Staircase.

Explore the Museum of the Cherokee Indians to discover the history of the strong Cherokee tribe. You can learn through hands-on displays, workshops, guided activities with experts, and storytelling sessions.

You can also participate in activities like nature walks, music, and dance programs, or enjoy a traditional tribal dinner. The museum showcases vibrant exhibits that narrate the journey of the Cherokee people, from their ancient roots to their present way of life.

Overton Park in Tennessee is one of the most beautiful places to visit. It boasts several notable attractions, including the Levitt Shell amphitheater, the Memphis Zoo, a 9-hole golf course, Rainbow Lake Playground, and the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art. 

Additionally, the park houses the Old Forest State Natural Area, which is a vast, untouched forest spanning over 100 acres with more than 5 miles (8 kilometers) of both unpaved and paved trails.

Things to in Tennessee Nashville is incomplete without taking a refreshing walk through well-kept gardens at Cheekwood Botanical Gardens & Museum of Art.

This estate, dating back to the 1930s, spans 55 acres and provides a delightful experience with its themed gardens, an art museum, and a sculpture trail. Spend your day exploring the diverse gardens, checking out the exhibition galleries, and admiring contemporary sculptures in this artistic haven.