Tennessee is an incredibly beautiful place to visit, with gorgeous rivers and stunning mountains. We examine 10 of the most beautiful places to visit in Tennessee with this handy guide.
In 2016, the state of Tennessee welcomed approximately 16 million tourists. They traveled to the state for work, for pleasure, for family vacations, and for reunions with old friends.
One of the reasons Tennessee is such a popular place to visit is because of all the diversity the state has to offer. If you want to visit a small town, you can. If you want the fast pace of a big city, you can find that too. If it’s a river view you’re after, Tennessee has it. If you love the mountains, Tennessee has you covered.
Because there are so many incredible places to visit in Tennessee, you’d need multiple trips to see them all. If you’ve never planned a Tennessee vacation, now is the time.
Below, we’ve put together a list of 10 of the most beautiful places in Tennessee. Read on to get inspiration for your next vacation.
1. Rock City
The Rock City tourist attraction, located just outside of downtown Chattanooga, is one of the most unique places to see in Tennessee.
In addition to its breathtaking views, it offers travelers so much to do and experience. Rock City features a 100-foot waterfall, and the popular Swing-A-Long bridge, which spans a distance of close to 200 feet.
For a truly memorable experience in Rock City, don’t miss climbing Lover’s Leap. On a clear day, Lover’s Leap gives you a vantage point from which you can see six other states, including Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, Virginia, and Kentucky.
2. Nashville’s Murals
Nashville is one of Tennessee’s most popular cities, and one of the best places to visit in Tennessee. Throughout the city, there are endless options of things to do, music to hear, and sites to see.
Over the past few years, Nashville’s street art has grown in popularity, as photo after photo has appeared on social media. City murals may not be an obvious choice for a must-see tourist site, but the graphic detailing and variety of Nashville’s street art makes it uniquely beautiful.
For a creative way to see the city, plan a “mural tour.” These displays of street art are located through Nashville’s neighborhoods, so by jumping from one to another, you’ll naturally discover more of what Nashville has to offer.
3. Great Smoky Mountain National Park
If you appreciate the beauty of the great outdoors, Great Smoky Mountain National Park is one of the best places to see in Tennessee. This popular destination is a sight to be seen, of course.
But there’s so much more to do than stand and stare.
To fully appreciate all that the park has to offer, take a hike or bike ride on one of its many paths and trails. Fishing and camping are also available within the park, so you can reconnect with nature.
There’s no wrong way to experience the park – except maybe if you forget your camera!
4. Gatlinburg
If you picture yourself on a Tennessee getaway with views of mountains surrounding you, then Gatlinburg is the place you want to be. The town borders the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, the Gatlinburg Trail, and is surrounded by a number of other mountain ranges.
While you could spend all your time in Gatlinburg just staring at the beauty around you, the town also offers plenty of activities for trouts to enjoy. it’s a place where you can go to balance relaxation and exploration.
Before you plan your next trip, learn more about all that Gatlinburg has to offer.
5. Big South Fork National River
Camping is a great way to see a number of beautiful places in Tennessee. Big South Fork National River is an especially great place to go to make a happy camper out of anyone.
Five different campgrounds will give you amazing views to wake up to, including sites of scenic gorges and sandstone bluffs. This diverse area is great for learning about nature while exploring one beautiful spot after the next.
6. Chattanooga
Chattanooga’s nickname is “The Scenic City,” and if you spend time there, it’s not hard to see why. The city lies in between the Appalachian Mountains and the Cumberland Plateau, giving you something beautiful to look at no matter where you turn.
Parts of the city also fall along the Tennessee River, and, if the water inspires you, you can stop by one of the city’s most popular attractions, the Tennessee Aquarium.
7. Vanderbilt University
Vanderbilt University has one of the most beautiful campuses in the country–let alone the state–and is worth a visit no matter how close or far you are from being college aged.
The green spaces throughout the campus provide a striking contrast to the school’s historic buildings. If you visit in the fall, don’t miss a chance to see the campus trees as their leaves begin to change colors.
8. Burgess Falls State Park
Throughout Burgess Falls State Park, you and your travel companions can catch incredible views of rushing waterfalls.
The best way to experience them all is by hiking different trails throughout the park. Different trails will take you within view of different waterfalls, but there’s no wrong way to experience the incredible nature of this site.
9. Knoxville
Knoxville is one of the more unique places to see in Tennessee, and it provides the perfect balance of untouched nature and modern city.
Knoxville is located where three rivers meet, which explains its breathtaking scenery. Downtown Knoxville features restaurants, shopping, and museums, and is a perfect place to spend the night after a day of exploration.
10. Graceland
As the home of Elvis, Graceland is probably one of Tennessee’s most widely known and popular destinations. Its beauty is befitting of its famous former resident. Each room of the house is something to marvel at, and the grounds are just as stunning.
Even if you aren’t an Elvis fan, Graceland is a sight worth seeing for the views alone.
Want to Learn More About Places to Visit in Tennessee?
There’s no wrong way to plan a trip to Tennessee. There are so many places to visit in Tennessee, so no matter where you go or how long you stay, you’re guaranteed to have a good time.
For more travel tips and ideas, please contact us today.