Tennessee's 10 Best Things To Do For First-Time Visitors

Tennessee holds a special place in the hearts of many people around the world, and if you haven't been there, maybe it's time you visit. Its fame stems largely from its revolutionary musical heritage. After all, this is the birthplace of Tina Turner, Aretha Franklin, Dolly Parton, and the Grand Ole Opry, and it's widely known as the home of blues and country music. However, first-time visitors quickly learn that the state offers so much more. There is an abundance of experiences and activities to make any trip a worthwhile one. The vibrant streets of Memphis and Nashville are filled with the sound of live music, and Tennessee also builds its reputation on bold culinary traditions of fiery hot chicken, barbecue ribs, and pulled pork. 

Nature is a big draw, too. The mighty Mississippi River winds its way through the state, creating hubs of outdoor recreation, while mountain landscapes extend well beyond Great Smoky Mountains National Park. But, for the first-time visitor, we've focused on the primary attractions. These are the ones you need to check off first, and they're at the top for a reason. On your second visit — and there likely will be a return — you can really go beyond the surface and discover more of what this incredible state has to offer. In the meantime, here are 10 of the best things to do in Tennessee for first-time visitors.

One of the state's first attractions to check off your list is Great Smoky Mountains National Park. With around 13 million visitors welcomed every year, it's America's most visited national park, and there's a reason for that. With its signature blend of mist-enshrouded forests, gushing streams, and an ethereal fog perpetually draped across the mountainous slopes, it's simply incredible, especially for the inaugural visitor. Adventure opportunities abound, with plenty of hiking trails, cascading falls, scenic byways, and dramatic overlooks at practically every turn. Waterfall hikes span from the heavily trafficked Cataract Falls and Laurel Falls to the satisfying, if strenuous, hike to Abrams Falls. There's also the secluded Fern Branch Falls to add to the numerous cascades throughout the park.

Clingman's Dome, Tennessee's highest peak, delivers panoramic scenery from its 360-degree viewing platform, while Newfound Gap, with its winding road, is a highlight for mountain scenery. Then there's the much-loved Cades Cove with its abundance of wildlife and accessible hiking trails and the 72-mile section of the legendary Appalachian Trail that cuts through the park. For some insights into history, there's the functioning 19th-century Mingus Mill, while authentic log cabins scattered throughout the park offer a glimpse into mountain life before tourism transformed the area. But, you might want to make your visit an off-peak one. Given the park's popularity, trails and roads can get very busy in summer and fall. Spring not only offers fewer crowds, but also bonus views of wildflower blooms blanketing the mountainsides. 

Lookout Mountain is three exceptional Tennessee attractions rolled into one, and it's perfect for the whole family. Rock City, Ruby Falls, and the Incline Railway are the three experiences that transform Lookout Mountain into a premier scenic adventure. You'll find them just a few miles outside of Chattanooga, and each offers natural spectacles and thrills for visitors of all ages. 

Ruby Falls transports visitors deep beneath Lookout Mountain. There, you'll come face to face with the largest accessible subterranean waterfall in the entire U.S. The thrills begin with a dramatic 260-foot drop into the mountain bedrock in a glass-front elevator. Guides then walk you through the underground chamber and take you right up to the elegant falls dropping from above. After this underground adventure, ascend to Lookout Mountain Tower for sweeping vistas of the Cumberland Plateau and the Tennessee River. Thrill seekers can purchase tickets for the High Point ZIP Adventure, complete with heart-pumping zip lines and 40-foot climbing tower.

Rock City, with its commanding 1,700-foot perch at the top of the mountain, will treat you to more panoramic views of towering rock formations, along with hidden caves and lush gardens. The Enchanted Trail takes visitors past dramatic points of interest, like the Swing-A-Long Bridge. During the holiday season, the beloved Enchanted Garden of Lights illuminates the landscape, and it's a must-see winter attraction. Finally, there is the ever-popular Incline Railway, famous for being the world's steepest passenger railway. It has deservedly earned itself the title of "America's most amazing mile," whisking passengers up to an observation platform for panoramic vistas of the Chattanooga Valley.

Five years after the death of Elvis Presley in 1977, the late singer's Graceland estate in Memphis officially opened to tourists. By 2006, it was designated a National Historic Landmark, and underwent a $137 million expansion back in 2017. Nowadays, the 120-acre property is so much more than just the historic home of the King of Rock and Roll — it's a sprawling campus dedicated to entertainment and Presley's musical legacy. While some have called it one of America's most disappointing tourist attractions, it maintains countless glowing reviews from previous visitors. 

At Graceland, you'll encounter museums dedicated to different aspects of the star's fascinating world. Presley Motors Automobile Museum, for example, showcases his impressive car collection. You can even tour two of his private jets, outfitted with gold-plated seatbelts. Then there's the "Elvis: Dressed to Rock" exhibit, where you'll see some of the iconic costumes that he wore on stage. The Entertainer Career Museum packs in his gold and platinum records, iconic jumpsuits, and memorabilia from his Hollywood films. 

First-time visitors, don't forget to pack a Sharpie. Fans have been scrawling messages on the perimeter wall since the days when he was alive. That stone boundary is a living guest book spanning decades, and your signature and message are pretty much a requirement. Entry-level access to both the Graceland mansion and Elvis Presley's Memphis entertainment complex starts at $84 per adult, and runs up to $250 for the ultimate VIP package, which includes dining. Plan to spend at least four hours here, and consider staying for lunch at one of several Elvis-inspired restaurants on site. 

Another Tennessee attraction linked to a music legend is Dollywood. This 165-acre theme park and resort blends into the Great Smoky Mountains foothills in the city of Pigeon Forge. It is, of course, owned in part by country music legend Dolly Parton, who inspires many of the park's attractions. However, you don't have to be a fan of hers to enjoy this award-winning venue. It has earned the title of "Friendliest Theme Park in the World" repeatedly since 2012, and topped the 2025 best theme park list, edging out Disney's Magic Kingdom Park. If you're a fan of rollercoasters, you're in for a treat at Dollywood.

There are nine headline coasters, led by the record-breaking Lightning Rod, the first wooden launch coaster ever built. It can hit speeds of 73 miles per hour, while maintaining a surprisingly smooth yet intense ride. Then there's the 21-story Wild Eagle, which soars above the forest canopy and mountain peaks — you can't help but admire the scenery despite the stomach-churning twists and turns.

But, there's so more to the park than just high-octane rides. Seasonal festivals are an excellent reason to visit Dollywood. In spring, you have the Food and Flower Festival, which fills the park with half a million blooms and giant plant sculptures. The Summer Celebration offers live entertainment, pool parties, and nightly campfires. Then there's the Harvest Festival, which brings displays of autumn foliage, gospel and bluegrass performers, and nighttime spectacles like the Great Pumpkin LumiNights, a 40-foot centerpiece made entirely of hand-carved jack-o-lanterns. Winter brings Smoky Mountain Christmas, illuminating the park with over 6 million colorful lights alongside holiday performances and seasonal attractions.

Located in the South Main District of downtown Memphis at the historic Lorraine Motel where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, this is the one of the most important civil rights sites in America. The National Civil Rights Museum is simply a must-visit for anyone seeking to understand the events and lasting impact of the American civil rights movement. The museum showcases a series of galleries that offer different perspectives on African American history, from the horrors of the Middle Passage to present-day economic inequalities anchored in discrimination. The exhibits have immersive features such as push-button displays revealing the individual experiences of enslaved people, and first-person testimonies delivered through wall-mounted phones. Video footage, historic documents, and physical artifacts also document the tragedies and transformation of the civil rights movement. 

The tour concludes in a glass-enclosed room that preserves the space where Martin Luther King Jr. stood moments before the assassin's bullet struck. The museum captures the incredible stories of solidarity, resilience, and change that define this movement. "An extremely thought provoking exhibition," reads one review on Tripadvisor. "The emotion of seeing where [Dr. Martin Luther King Jr] stayed and was assassinated was a moment in my life I will never forget." For guaranteed entry, visitors can reserve tickets on the museum's website in advance. First-time visitors should plan to spend three hours inside to appreciate the full program. 

When WSM Radio quietly launched the "WSM Barn Dance" a century ago, they likely had no idea it would eventually become the longest-running continuous show in the country. The "Home of Country Music" was established in 1925 as a platform for "hillbilly music," as it was called at the time, and was renamed to the Grand Ole Opry in 1927. Legends such as Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, and event President Richard Nixon have graced the hallowed stage, and Elvis Presley himself took an Opry bow in 1954. Needless to say, a backstage tour and a show is a no-brainer for music fans, particularly those of a country persuasion.

Its current location, the Opry House, is roughly 10 miles from downtown Nashville. Backstage tours begin in the Circle Room, where hologram technology impressively brings all your favorite artists to life. You'll then walk through the Artist Entrance, and catch a glimpse of stars on the photo wall in the Family Room. Snap a legendary photo inside the Circle, the round wooden platform where world-famous icons once stood. If you get a daytime ticket, you can also unlock access to the Roy Acuff House, where WSM Radio broadcasts its Saturday night performances. Make sure you get your tickets well in advance, as both the tour and the show tend to sell out. Keep in mind that tours and show tickets are purchased separately.

Spanning across almost 30,000 acres of the eastern Cumberland Plateau is Fall Creek Falls State Park. It's one of the largest state parks in Tennessee, and first-time visitors will be far from disappointed by what it has to offer. It's wedged in the wilderness between Nashville and Chattanooga and is home to the tallest waterfall in the state. Fall Creek Falls drops 256 feet into a forested gorge, and visitors can view it from an overlook above or take a short but steep trail down for an up-close experience.

The park has around 56 miles of trails to explore, from gentle family-friendly strolls to multi-day backcountry hikes, which require a permit. One popular network is the Gorge Overlook and Woodland Trails, which snake their way through ancient forests with Tennessee River vistas opening up through clearings in the trees. Then there's the Cane Creek route, a short trek that packs in a picturesque suspension bridge, multiple viewpoints, and an 85-foot cascade, where you can have a refreshing dip.

Beyond hiking, Falls Creek State Park offers many other activities, including kayaking, canoeing, a canopy challenge course, rock climbing, and mountain biking. If it's a slower pace you seek, you can enjoy fishing or the challenging but scenic 18-hole championship golf course. There are plenty of accommodation options in the park, too. You have your choice of cabins, camping, or more comfort in the 85-room Lodge at Fall Creek Falls. Whatever you choose, you might want to avoid the peak summer crowds and visit in the spring or fall months instead. 

If Lynchburg is on your Tennessee itinerary, then a stop at the Jack Daniel's distillery is a must, especially if you're a whiskey fan. Ironically, it sits in the dry Moore County. However, a legal loophole allows tastings and purchases within the distillery. Visitor can tour the historic distillery, see how the whiskey is made, and sample six different varieties. Those looking for an even more immersive experience can join the "All About The Barrel" tour, which includes tastings of single barrel whiskeys. Tours can be booked online or on-site at the distillery.

Every tour makes a stop at the limestone cave where founder Mr. Jack first set up. He chose it for its iron-free water with stable year-round temperatures, which are ideal for whiskey production — and that water still comes from the same source, Cave Spring Hollow. You'll also see the bottles racing along conveyor belts in the bottling plant and learn how charring barrels pulls sugars from the wood that change the whiskey's flavor.

Another tour to sign up for is "A Day At Jack," which combines a storyteller-led tour through Lynchburg, whiskey sampling, and a slap-up meal at Miss Mary Bobo's restaurant, which has served up Southern family-style spreads for well over a century. The sole surviving original building, Jack's office cabin, is also visited on tours. This is where you'll see the infamous safe that he kicked, which, as legend has it, subsequently led to his death from an infection that began in his toe.

The Tennessee Aquarium opened in 1992, and when it did, it was the largest freshwater aquarium in the world. It initially focused on Tennessee River species, but has since expanded to include so much more. The River Journey exhibition follows a single raindrop from a mountain stream to ocean depths on a fascinating journey through ecosystems like Appalachian Cove Forest and Tennessee River. Along the way, you'll meet a variety of creatures and critters like river alligators, turtles, and huge fish such as the giant pangasius catfish and the barramundi. However, it's the playful river otters that steal the show with their acrobatic antics above and below the water.

After drawing in river romantics for 13 years, the facility was expanded to include a saltwater aquarium, giving visitors a two-in-one experience. The Ocean Journey extension houses a broad collection of ocean-based creatures, including sharks, stingrays, tropical fish, and sea turtles, as well as macaroni and gentoo penguins. But, among the most popular of the aquarium's attractions is interactive touch pools where you can physically feel small sharks and stingrays.

The Tennessee Aquarium has grown so much that it is currently considered Chattanooga's premier attraction — according to reviews, it's also one of the best aquariums in America. Therefore, it's advisable to purchase tickets to lock in your slot. It should also be noted that the aquarium lacks on-site parking. There are paid lots and street parking nearby, but if you want to park easily — and avoid crowds — a weekday visit offers the best experience.

After all that excitement, you're probably ready to relax with a cold beer or a delicious cocktail, and there's no better place in Tennessee to do just that than the famous Beale Street in Memphis. It's one of the most iconic streets in America and holds the distinction of being Tennessee's top tourist magnet. The street is considered the birthplace of blues music and has also been named a National Historical Landmark. Throughout the late 1800s and early 1900s, it was a thriving hub for African American culture.

There are around 24 bars and clubs clustered together down this strip. You'll see buskers continuously working the crowds and other street performers turning the strip into their stage. Bars are open until the wee hours, so drink slowly — it can be a long night. B.B. King's Blues Club is a great place to kick off the party. The excellent musical acts make the cover charge well worth it, while Silky O'Sullivan's is a Beale Street staple, with climbing goats and dueling pianos. Visit in the warmer months to enjoy free open-air concerts at W.C. Handy Park's outdoor music venue. Beale Street is, quite possibly, the ideal spot to round off any Tennessee vacation.

Created for anyone discovering Tennessee for the first time, this guide compiles all of the most celebrated and renowned destinations in the state. The sites were chosen based on extensive research that draws from reputable travel publications, including Lonely Planet, Travel U.S. News, and National Geographic, as well as verified tourism boards. From these sources, we were able to identify the Tennessee attractions that are most widely recommended by both experts and locals. We also relied on trusted platforms like Tripadvisor for additional reviews from previous visitors. The final result is a comprehensive guide that truly captures the heritage, natural beauty, and cultural significance of Tennessee.