The 8 Best Cities to Vacation in Tennessee

Tennessee is full of charming small towns, but sometimes a city break is just what you need. These destinations—some familiar, some not so familiar—offer plenty of vacation options, whether you want to tour distilleries, hike in nature, learn about the state’s history, or something completely different. Think of them as CliffsNotes for your next trip to Tennessee.

Related: 15 Best Weekend Getaways in Tennessee, from the Mississippi River to the Smoky Mountains

Music City isn’t just Tennessee’s most popular destination—it was the most visited city in America in 2023, according to one survey. 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-sees, but there’s so much more to do here. Like any big city, Nashville offers a wealth of options: art museums (Frist Art Museum), sporting events (baseball, football, hockey, and soccer), outdoor activities (Cheekwood Estate and Gardens, kayaking on the Cumberland River), a year-round calendar of events and concerts, a thriving 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 type of traveler, whether you’re looking for something luxurious or something for the whole family. It’s a place where you can choose your own adventure, and as the city continues to grow, so will your vacation options.

Discover Nashville

Robbie Caponetto

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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, lush green trails—is reason enough to visit. And that’s accompanied by an abundance of hiking, kayaking, ziplining, and biking opportunities. But you can also spend the day dining at excellent restaurants throughout the city, touring an award-winning aquarium, visiting 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 versatile city that’s easy to navigate and small enough that you can cover much of it in a long weekend.

Explore Chattanooga

Similar to Chattanooga, Knoxville is a vibrant small city in East Tennessee that can feel like a small town. The food scene here is on par with much larger cities, with offerings ranging from sophisticated (JC Holdway, Emilia) to old-school (Long’s Drug Store) to modern (Potchke Deli). A stop at Cruze Farm for some of the best ice cream you’ll ever have is a must. The downtown area and historic Market Square are home to mom-and-pop shops, a fantastic farmers market, and year-round events. Explore the great outdoors through Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness, an area that includes a 600-acre wildlife preserve, 60 miles of trails and greenways, historic sites, and numerous playgrounds and parks.

Explore Knoxville

Visit Clarksville

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There aren’t many places in the United States where you can see prehistoric art in a cave and then go visit a winery. You can do both in Clarksville, and that’s not all. Dunbar Cave State Park is home to the Dunbar Cave, which features an incredible display of 14th-century Mississippi Native American drawings. Once you’re done with the cave, 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. Stroll along the riverfront along the Cumberland Riverwalk, which includes parks, picnic areas, and also hosts events throughout the year.

Explore Clarksville

Memphis is a must-see destination for music lovers, especially soul, rock n’ roll, and blues. A visit to Graceland is a must, but you’ll find music history everywhere you go: Sun Studio, the Stax Museum, Beale Street, the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, to name a few. You’ll also find great food. Memphis is known around the world for its unique style of barbecue, and while there are plenty of memorable spots, you can also find dumplings (Good Fortune), diners (The Arcade), fine dining (Bishop, Dory), and more. Book a night at the Peabody Hotel for a unique Memphis experience, listen to live music in Overton Park, and explore the city’s botanical gardens.

Explore Memphis

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

Discover Franklin

Courtesy of Virginia Tourism

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Enjoy two states in one in this city on the Tennessee-Virginia border. When it comes to country music, Nashville may be the most famous city, but Bristol is considered the birthplace of the genre, and you can learn all about it at The Birthplace of Country Museum. Unsurprisingly, the city is home to several top-notch music venues, like The Paramount and The Cameo Theater, where you can catch live music while you’re in town. South Holston Lake and Dam are popular fishing spots during trout season, and offer spectacular 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 chic yurts. Or stay in town, within walking distance of everything, at the Bristol Hotel.

Discover Bristol

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

Explore Hendersonville

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