Unseen USA

Volunteer State

Tennessee travel guide

Country music, blues and the most-visited national park in America.

Been here?
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Capital
Nashville
Best time to go
Apr–May, Sep–Oct
Daily budget
$$ about $150–220 a day
Fly into
BNA Nashville
MEM Memphis
TYS Knoxville

MountainsBig citiesNational parks

Top places to visit in Tennessee

  1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    Misty ridges, black bears and waterfalls.

  2. Nashville

    Live music on Broadway and the Grand Ole Opry.

  3. Memphis

    Graceland, Beale Street and the Civil Rights Museum.

  4. Chattanooga

    Rock City, Ruby Falls and a riverfront aquarium.

  5. Gatlinburg & Dollywood

    Mountain fun and Dolly Parton's theme park.

What to eat in Tennessee

  • Nashville hot chicken
  • Memphis dry-rub ribs
  • Meat-and-three plate
  • MoonPie

When is the best time to visit Tennessee?

Apr–May, Sep–Oct is usually the best time to visit Tennessee. Moderate: about $150–220 a day for one person, including a shared hotel room and meals.

More of the South

AlabamaArkansasDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaKentuckyLouisianaMarylandMississippiNorth CarolinaOklahomaSouth CarolinaTexasVirginiaWest Virginia

Budgets are rough mid-range costs per person, including a shared hotel room and meals. Always check opening times and prices before you go.