The 8 Best Cities To Vacation In Tennessee

Tennessee is peppered with charming small towns, but sometimes a city getaway is just what you need. These destinations—some will be familiar, others may be less so—offer plenty of vacation possibilities, whether you’re interested in touring distilleries, hiking in nature, learning about the state’s history, or something entirely different. Think of these as CliffsNotes for your next Tennessee trip.

Nashville

Music City is not only the most popular destination in Tennessee, according to one survey, it was the most visited city in America in 2023. Music-themed attractions like the Grand Ole Opry, the National Museum of African American Music, Broadway's honky-tonks, and The Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum are must-see spots, but there’s so much more to do here. Like all big cities, Nashville has a wealth of options: art museums (Frist Art Museum), sporting events (baseball, football, hockey, and soccer), outdoor activities (Cheekwood Estate and Gardens, kayaking the Cumberland River), a year-round calendar of events and concerts, a booming food scene, and plenty of kid-friendly options (Nashville Zoo, Gaylord Opryland Resort). While hotel prices are high in Nashville, there are stays for every kind of traveler, whether you’re looking for something luxurious or something for the whole family. This is a choose-your-own-adventure kind of place, and as the city continues to grow, so will your vacation possibilities.

Chattanooga

For nature lovers who also enjoy city life, Chattanooga is hard to beat. The scenery alone—dramatic cliffs, epic views of the Tennessee River, expansive parks, leafy trails—is reason enough to visit. And with that comes an abundance of hiking, kayaking, ziplining, and biking opportunities. But you can also spend the day eating in great restaurants all over town, visiting an award-winning aquarium, touring the Hunter Museum of Art, exploring attractions like Rock City Gardens or Ruby Falls, and hitting up local breweries. Equally great for couples and families, Chattanooga is a well-rounded city that’s easy to navigate and still small enough that you can cover a lot of it over a long weekend. 

Knoxville

Similar to Chattanooga, Knoxville is a vibrant small city in eastern Tennessee that can feel like a small town. The dining scene here is comparable to much larger places, with offerings ranging from sophisticated (JC Holdway, Emilia), to old-school (Long’s Drug Store), to decidedly modern (Potchke Deli). A stop at Cruze Farm for some of the best soft-serve you’ve ever had is an essential. Downtown and historic Market Square is home to mom-and-pop shops, a fantastic farmer’s market, and year-round events. Explore the outdoors through Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness, an area that includes a 600-acre wildlife preserve, 60 miles of trails and greenways, historic sites, and many playgrounds and parks.

Clarksville

There aren’t many places in the U.S. where you can see prehistoric art in a cave, then go hit up a winery. You can do both in Clarksville, and that’s not all. Dunbar Cave State Park is home to the namesake cave, which has an incredible display of drawings by 14th century Mississippian Native Americans. When you’re done with your cave tour, the park itself has several hiking trails. Go for a tasting at Beechaven Vineyards & Winery, one of Tennessee's oldest wineries, or try one of the area’s breweries or Old Glory Distilling. Go for a riverfront stroll along the Cumberland Riverwalk, which has parks, picnic areas, and also hosts year-round events.

Memphis

Memphis is an essential destination for anyone who loves music, particularly soul, rock n’ roll, and the blues. A tour of Graceland is a must, but you’ll find music history everywhere you turn: Sun Studio, the Stax Museum, Beale Street, the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, to name just a few. You’ll eat well here, too. Memphis is known around the world for its unique barbecue style, and while there are plenty of memorable spots, you can also find dumplings (Good Fortune), diners (The Arcade), fine dining (Bishop, Dory), and that’s just for starters. Book a night at The Peabody Hotel for an only-in-Memphis experience, hear live music and enjoy free entertainment at the Overton Park Shell, and explore the city’s botanical gardens.

Franklin

While Franklin is technically a city (and a growing one, at that), it has proudly hung on to its small-town charm and friendly vibe, which is why so many people love visiting here. It is home to one of the most charming main streets you’ll ever find, lined on both sides with restaurants, boutiques, and the beautifully preserved Franklin Theater. Nearby, you’ll find The Factory at Franklin, a repurposed factory with small businesses and galleries inside, and the local farmer’s market (held every Saturday) on the outside. If you venture outside downtown, you’ll find rolling hills, horse farms, and scenery that’s beautiful in every season.

Bristol

Get two states in one in this city on the Tennessee-Virginia border. When it comes to country music, Nashville may get all the glory, but Bristol is considered to be the birthplace of the genre, and you can learn all about it at  The Birthplace of Country Museum. Not surprisingly, the city is home to several great music venues, like The Paramount, where you can catch live acts while you’re in town. The South Holston Lake and Dam is popular spot for fishing during trout season, and it offers dramatic views. For a luxurious stay, hop over to the Virginia side to check in at Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards, which has a beautiful inn and some pretty fancy yurts, too. Or stay right in town within walking distance to everything at The Bristol Hotel.

Hendersonville

Nicknamed “City by the Lake,” Hendersonville is a picturesque and peaceful getaway (just outside of Nashville), especially if you enjoy time on the water. Old Hickory Lake has 44 public boat access sites and eight public fishing piers with several local marinas that can get you outfitted with everything you need. Or have fun on land at one of the city’s many trails and green spaces, like Sanders Ferry Park, which has a disc golf course, playground, basketball court, and more. Visit the oldest home in Middle Tennessee, check out a brewery, and enjoy a slower pace of life.