Things to Do in Tennessee

Published Aug 14, 2026 · Things to Do ·

Tennessee — the Volunteer State — is packed with attractions for every kind of traveler. Here are the top places to put on your list.

Top attractions & activities

How do I plan a trip to Tennessee?

Start with the Tennessee state guide for key facts (capital Nashville, population 6,910,840 (2020 census)), then explore city guides for Nashville and other major cities in the state.

City guides: Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga.

Frequently asked questions

What are the top things to do in Tennessee?

The most-visited places in Tennessee include Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Graceland (Memphis) and Broadway music scene (Nashville). The full list is above, and the Tennessee state guide has more detail.

What is the capital of Tennessee?

The capital of Tennessee is Nashville; the largest city is Nashville.

How do I plan a trip to Tennessee?

Start with the Tennessee state guide for key facts, then check the official state tourism office and National Park Service sites for current hours, fees and seasonal closures.

Sources

National Park Service, state tourism offices and official attraction websites. Details verified at time of publication — always check official sites for hours, fees and seasonal closures.

More Tennessee guides

Moving to Tennessee

Relocation

Key facts and what to know before relocating to the Volunteer State.

All 50 States

Nationwide

Browse state guides for every state in the U.S.

Nearby states

Kentucky Guide

South

Capital Frankfort, population 4,505,836 (2020 census) and top places to visit across the Bluegrass State.

Virginia Guide

South

Capital Richmond, population 8,631,393 (2020 census) and top places to visit across the Old Dominion.

North Carolina Guide

Southeast

Capital Raleigh, population 10,439,388 (2020 census) and top places to visit across the Tar Heel State.

Georgia Guide

Southeast

Capital Atlanta, population 10,711,908 (2020 census) and top places to visit across the Peach State.

Alabama Guide

Southeast

Capital Montgomery, population 5,024,279 (2020 census) and top places to visit across the Yellowhammer State.

Mississippi Guide

South

Capital Jackson, population 2,961,279 (2020 census) and top places to visit across the Magnolia State.

Arkansas Guide

South

Capital Little Rock, population 3,011,524 (2020 census) and top places to visit across the Natural State.

Missouri Guide

Midwest

Capital Jefferson City, population 6,154,913 (2020 census) and top places to visit across the Show-Me State.

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