Tennessee is weird. I mean that in the best way possible. Most people think they know the drill: you go to Nashville, wear a sparkly hat, eat some hot chicken, and maybe look at a mountain. But honestly, if that’s all you do, you’ve basically just watched the trailer and skipped the actual movie.
The state is currently going through a massive glow-up. In 2026, we’re seeing things open that make the old tourist traps look like ancient history. We’re talking about high-tech indoor coasters and speakeasies hidden behind coffee shops. If you’re planning a trip, here is the real list of top 10 things to do in Tennessee that actually live up to the hype.
1. The Great Smoky Mountains (Beyond the Gift Shops)
Look, it’s the most visited national park in the country for a reason. But here’s the secret: most people never get more than half a mile from their car. If you want the real experience, you have to hit the trails early. Like, "why am I awake" early.
Cades Cove is the classic loop for seeing bears and deer, but it gets packed. If you’re here in 2026, you should look into the expanded "Blue Ghost" firefly experiences. Local outfitters like A Walk in the Woods are now running guided wilderness immersions that are way better than just fighting for a parking spot at Newfound Gap. Also, don't forget to hike up to Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome). It’s the highest point in the state. On a clear day, the 360-degree view makes you feel like you’re standing on the edge of the world.
2. Dollywood’s New Era
Dolly Parton is basically the Queen of Tennessee, and her park in Pigeon Forge is her palace. But it’s not just about bluegrass and butterfly-shaped everything anymore.
Spring 2026 saw the opening of NightFlight Expedition. It’s this massive 44,000-square-foot indoor adventure in Wildwood Grove. You’re basically flying through a simulated Smoky Mountain night. It’s fast, it’s dark, and it’s honestly a bit of a game-changer for the park.
- Pro tip: Get the cinnamon bread at the Grist Mill.
- Warning: The line for that bread is often longer than the rides.
- Worth it? Absolutely.
3. The National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis
This isn't a "fun" stop, but it’s probably the most important thing you’ll do in the state. Built around the Lorraine Motel where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, it’s heavy.
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In early 2026, they opened the renovated Legacy Building. It goes deep into the movements that happened after 1968. It’s immersive, it’s raw, and it doesn't pull punches. You’ll leave feeling different than when you walked in. That’s the point.
4. Nashville’s "Songteller" Experience
Everyone goes to the Country Music Hall of Fame. You should too; it’s great. But the new hot spot in 2026 is the Songteller Hotel in Nashville.
It’s another Dolly-backed project (told you she was Queen). It houses the Life of Many Colors museum, which is way more personal than your standard music exhibit. It’s located right in the heart of the action, but it feels like a cozy escape. If you’re a fan of storytelling, this is where the soul of the city is hiding right now.
5. The Underground World of Chattanooga
Chattanooga is the "scrappy younger brother" of Tennessee cities. It’s got a vibe that’s way more outdoorsy and chill.
You have to go to Ruby Falls. It’s a 145-foot waterfall that is literally inside a cave. You take an elevator deep into Lookout Mountain and walk through these tight limestone passages until you hit the falls. They’ve updated the light show recently, so it feels less like a 1950s roadside attraction and more like something out of a sci-fi movie.
6. Graceland: The Elvis Pilgrimage
Is it kitschy? Yes. Is it expensive? Yeah, kinda. Should you still go? 100%.
Graceland is a time capsule of 1970s excess. Walking through the Jungle Room is a trip. In 2026, they’ve added more interactive elements to the Elvis Presley’s Memphis entertainment complex across the street. You can see his planes, his gold suits, and his massive car collection. It’s a weird, wild look at the American Dream gone into overdrive.
7. The Lost Sea Adventure
Deep in Sweetwater, there’s a lake. But it’s underground. The Lost Sea is the largest sub-terranean lake in the United States.
You hike down into Craighead Caverns and then get on a glass-bottom boat. The water is crystal clear and full of massive trout that have never seen the sun. It’s quiet, cool (around 58 degrees year-round), and honestly a little spooky.
8. Memphis Art Museum (The New Icon)
Memphis just got a major facelift. The new Memphis Art Museum opened in late 2026, and it’s stunning.
The coolest part? The "Art Park in the Sky." It’s a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the Mississippi River. You can walk through native Tennessee plant gardens while looking at modern sculptures. It’s the perfect place to watch the sunset over the bridge before heading to Beale Street for some blues.
9. Anakeesta’s "Making More Magic"
Gatlinburg used to feel a bit... cramped. Then Anakeesta showed up. It’s an outdoor "aerial adventure park" sitting on top of a mountain.
The 2026 expansion added a next-gen scenic lift with glass bottoms. If you’re afraid of heights, maybe skip that one. But the Treetop Skywalk—the longest tree-based bridge in North America—is amazing. At night, they do the "Firefly Experience," where the whole forest glows with lights. It’s basically Avatar in real life.
10. The Jack Daniel’s Pilgrimage
Lynchburg is a "dry" county, which means you can't actually buy a drink at a regular store there. Yet, it’s home to the most famous whiskey on earth.
The tour at the Jack Daniel Distillery is surprisingly technical and historical. You see the cave spring water, the massive charcoal mellowing vats, and the barrel houses. Even if you don't drink, the smell of the mash and the history of the place are worth the drive from Nashville.
Making the Most of the Top 10 Things to do in Tennessee
Planning a trip across this state is a logistical puzzle. Tennessee is long. Like, eight-hours-of-driving long. If you try to do Memphis and Gatlinburg in the same weekend, you’re going to spend the whole time in a car eating gas station biscuits.
What to do next:
Pick a "hub." If you want music and history, stay in Nashville and do day trips to Lynchburg or Franklin. If you want nature and kitsch, base yourself in Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge. For the soul of the Mississippi and the best BBQ of your life, stick to Memphis.
Check the 2026 event calendars for Tennessee Songwriters Week if you're a music fan; they hold qualifying rounds in small towns all over the state in February. Also, if you're heading to the Smokies, book your parking passes for popular trailheads at least a month in advance. The park started requiring "Park It Forward" tags recently, and they don't mess around with enforcement.
Pack layers. The weather here is bipolar. You might start the morning in a hoodie and end it in a t-shirt, especially in the mountains.