10 Amazing Tennessee Day Trips That Are Worth The Drive
Tennessee packs an impressive range of day trips into one state, from the neon-lit honky-tonks of Broadway and the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville to Graceland in Memphis and the misty ridgelines of the Great Smoky Mountains. That mix of music, scenery, and history continues at places like the Lost Sea in Tennessee, where guided tours wind through Craighead Caverns, and at legendary recording studios that helped shape country, blues, and rock ’n’ roll. Whether the plan is a mountain escape, a deep dive into music history, or a family-friendly outing, these Tennessee destinations turn a short drive into a memorable adventure.
Broadway
Located just 20 minutes from Nashville International Airport, the world-famous Broadway is one of the state's biggest main attractions. This high-energy strip is renowned as the “Honky Tonk Highway,” featuring live country music, rooftop bars and restaurants. Also popular for its nightlife and bar scene, Broadway makes for a great daytime visit, as well. Along the way, visitors can see the bright lights and singer-owned bars, such as Morgan Wallen’s This Bar, Miranda Lambert’s Casa Rosa, and Luke's — as in Luke Bryan — 32 Bridge.
The street stretches to the banks of the nearby Cumberland River that runs right through downtown Nashville offering kayaking and walking trails. The large neon lights shine over dozens of bars, while country music can be heard from every doorway, creating an incredible atmosphere. Perfect for grabbing a drink, dancing in cowboy boots, and hearing live music, Broadway is an amazing trip at any time of day.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Located about three hours east of Nashville, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the country. Sitting right on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, it is also the most visited, welcoming around 12 million visitors each year from all over the world. Known for its mist-covered mountains, forests, and wildlife, the scenic drives and extensive hiking trails show exactly why it is the most visited.
Visiting a national park in the United States is one of the best ways to create an unforgettable day trip. With more than 800 miles of trails to explore, there are endless opportunities to experience the park’s wilderness. Many hikes offer chances to view elk, white-tailed deer, turkeys, and birds. Visitors may even spot coyotes, woodchucks and black bears. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has one of the highest concentrations of black bears of any park, with roughly two per square mile.
Graceland
The famed home of Elvis Presley, Graceland is a mansion on a 13.8-acre estate located less than 15 minutes from the Memphis International Airport. Elvis, along with his parents, grandmother, grandson and daughter, are all buried here. The estate stands as the major cornerstone to Memphis' tourism since opening in 1982, hosting more than 20 million visitors from every state and nearly every country of the world.
Graceland is one of the five most-visited home tours in the United States and is considered to be the most famous home in the country after The White House. In 1991, Graceland was placed on the National Register of Historic Places and in 2006, it was designated a National Historic Landmark. Checking out this incredible estate and learning about the history of Elvis Presley, makes for a perfect day trip right in Memphis.
Fall Creek Falls State Park
Located under two hours from Nashville, is one of Tennessee's most iconic state parks. Fall Creeks Falls State Park offers extensive hiking trails, a lake for kayaking, and dramatic gorge overlooks. The Fall Creek Falls itself is the highest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains, plunging 256 feet into a shaded pool below. The base of Fall Creek Falls is about 0.70 miles round trip, starting at the Fall Creek Falls Overlook, visitors will hike down to the base of the falls, but face a steep incline on the way out.
The over 30,000-acre park is centered on the upper Cane Creek Gorge, an area known for its unique geological formations and 85-foot Cane Creek Falls. Visitors are encouraged to begin their adventure at the Betty Dunn Nature Center for environmental education, interactive exhibits and maps of all the trails the park has to offer.
Lookout Mountain
Rising 2,000 feet above sea level, Lookout Mountain overlooks Chattanooga, Tennessee and offers unforgettable scenery. While at Lookout Mountain, be sure to explore the long-standing attractions, Ruby Falls, Rock City and the Incline Railway. Ruby Falls is recognized as the tallest and deepest underground waterfall in the United States that is open to the public, located about 1,120 feet below the surface of Lookout Mountain.
At Rock City, the panoramic views are said to stretch across seven different states. Make a day trip at any time of year as seasonal festivals run all year-long. For some thrill, ride the historic Incline Railway, a 125-year-old railway connecting St. Elmo to the mountain’s summit. The mile-long railway is considered one of the world's steepest passenger railways.
Shiloh National Military Park
Located just under two hours from Memphis, Shiloh National Military Park is a day trip worth taking to explore historic battlefields and learn about American history. This park was the site of a major Civil War battle and features a visitor center, museum exhibits, and ranger-led programs showing the battlefield grounds.
Both the Shiloh and Corinth (in neighboring Mississippi) battlefield sites preserve key engagements of the Western Theater of the Civil War, with the Battle of Shiloh ranking among the conflict’s bloodiest early battles. Established in 1894 to preserve the battlefield, the two-day Battle of Shiloh took place from April 6 to April 7, 1862, and resulted in nearly 24,000 casualties, making it one of the deadliest battles of the Civil War up to that point. Explore the extensive cemetery and battlefields at the park that serve as a reminder of the terrible cost of war.
Grand Ole Opry
Right outside downtown Nashville sits country music's biggest stage, the Grand Ole Opry. Take a tour or grab tickets to the dozens of shows happening year-round. Several guided tour options allow visitors to explore backstage areas, learn about the Opry’s history, and step into the iconic wooden circle where generations of performers have stood.
To explore one of the most exciting venues in the United States and see country music's biggest stage, the Grand Old Opry is perfect for a day trip. Both historical and entertaining, whether taking a tour or seeing a show itself, the Grand Ole Opry is a must-see destination, showcasing country music's past, present and future.
Lost Sea Adventure
Located just outside Knoxville and about a three-hour drive from Nashville is the incredible underground lake that was discovered in 1905. The Lost Sea Adventure features a guided tour through the historic Craighead Caverns. The three-quarter-mile guided tour lasts about one hour and 15 minutes and includes a boat ride across what is promoted as America’s largest underground lake.
Along the way, visitors learn about the caverns’ history while observing remnants of the past, from the Cherokee Indians and Confederate soldiers to even a colossal prehistoric jaguar. Exploring the Lost Sea is a captivating adventure that leaves a lasting impression and is perfect for the whole family to enjoy.
Country Music Hall of Fame
Check out all of the history and traditions held inside the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum located right in the heart of downtown Nashville. Through timeless exhibits, publications, and educational programs, the museum preserves the enduring beauty and cultural importance of country music for its visitors.
Considered “The Smithsonian of Country Music,” its doors first opened in 1967 on Nashville’s Music Row, but the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum launched its current downtown location in 2001. The museum’s collection includes nearly 500 musical instruments, as well as costumes, personal clothing, and thousands of other artifacts that showcase the history and culture of country music.
Sun Studio
The Sun Studio is considered worldwide as the “Birthplace of Rock ’n’ Roll.” Musical legends ranging from B.B. King and Howlin’ Wolf to Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash came alive at this studio, recording some of their earliest music. Guided tours are offered daily, allowing visitors to see the spot where Elvis Presley recorded some of his earliest music.
Visitors can also explore priceless memorabilia from the dozens of artists who recorded at Sun Studio. From handwritten lyrics to vintage instruments, these very artifacts helped revolutionize the music industry. Each item in the studio tells a story of musical heritage, creating an exciting and historic experience. The blues, gospel, country, and rock ’n’ roll all helped shape Memphis into a modern day music city.
Amazing Tennessee Day Trips
From Nashville International Airport and Memphis International Airport, there are dozens of day trips worth the adventure. Whether you're searching for thrill rides at Dollywood, exploring Civil War history at Shiloh National Military Park, or touring the iconic Grand Ole Opry, there is truly no wrong turn to take when traveling in Tennessee. With an exciting mix of outdoor adventures, studios, museums, and natural landmarks, each trip offers something for families, outdoor enthusiasts, music lovers, and everyone in between. There’s no better way to create lasting memories than with these amazing Tennessee day trips.
