Top Traveled Cities in Tennessee:

Top Traveled Cities In The USA State of Tennessee: 2023

Tennessee, known as the “Volunteer State,” is home to some of the most beautiful destinations in the United States. From the rolling hills of the Appalachian Mountains to the streets of Nashville, Tennessee there is something to offer every traveler. Take a closer look at the top traveled Tennessee destinations & cities. Here are some of the most traveled to cities in Tennessee, based on tourist visitation and popularity:

Johnson City, Tennessee is a laidback city with a wide range of activities and attractions for a lovely vacation. Johnson City is one area of Tennessee with breathtaking outdoor attractions, historic locations, and when the day is over a cold beer.

For visitors interested in history, culture, or outdoor adventures, this Tennessee destination has something for everyone.

Visit the Tipton-Haynes Historic Site:  The historic plantation home and farm dates back to the 18th century and offers a glimpse into the region’s history.

Explore the Gray Fossil Site: An active fossil dig site is a must-visit for anyone interested in paleontology. Another activity to consider at the Gray Fossil Site is the Hands On! Discovery Center.

Go hiking in the Appalachian Mountains: Johnson City is surrounded by the beautiful Appalachian Mountains, and there are numerous hiking trails in the area

Buffalo Mountain Park: Hiking Buffalo Mountain is considered one of the best outdoor activities and has amazing views.

Visit the local breweries and wineries: Johnson City has several craft breweries where adults can sample locally produced beer.

Johnson City Brewing Company – Address:  257 E Main St, Johnson City, TN 37601

Yee-Haw Brewery – 126 Buffalo St, Johnson City, TN 37604

Great Oak Brews – 601 Spring St #101g, Johnson City, TN 37604

Tennessee Hills Brewstillery – 458 W Walnut St, Johnson City, TN 37604

Visit the James K. Polk Ancestral Home – Popular with history buffs the James Polk historic site. This is the ancestral home of the 11th President of the United States.

Hike in Chickasaw Trace Park – Chickasaw Trace Park is a beautiful park with miles of hiking and biking trails. The park also features a playground, boat ramp, horse trails, and a river for kayaking and fishing.

Shop and dine in the downtown area – Columbia’s downtown area has shops, restaurants, and cafes.

Muletown Coffee: This popular coffee shop is a local favorite and serves up some of the best coffee in town. Visitors can enjoy a cup of coffee and a pastry while soaking up the local atmosphere.

Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant: Puckett’s is a beloved local institution that has been serving up southern-style cuisine for over 60 years. Visitors can enjoy live music and delicious food in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

Riverwalk Park: Located on the banks of the Duck River, Riverwalk Park is a beautiful green space that is perfect for picnicking and fishing. The Columbia, TN riverwalk is pet-friendly and has a farmers market.

Columbia is popular for its charming downtown area, historic homes, and annual Mule Day celebration.

For detailed travel information visit Columbia, TN official.

Lebanon, TN is a small town just outside Nashville. You may find yourself staying in Lebanon for more cost-effective accommodations.

You may be wondering, what can I see in Lebanon? I have included some of the top ideas and why Lebanon makes the list of top Tennessee destinations.

Visit Cedars of Lebanon State Park – Cedars of Lebanon State Park is a wonderful destination for anyone looking to enjoy nature. Travelers will find peaceful trails in this Tennessee State Park. Camping is available.

Explore the Historic Downtown District – Lebanon’s Historic Downtown District is a charming small town. See unique shops and a great culinary scene.

Top attractions include The Wilson County Courthouse, Antique Shopping, Restaurants, and Cafes.

Tour the Fiddlers Grove Historic Village – Touring Fiddlers Grove Historic Village is a great way to learn about Tennessee’s history.

Visit the Wilson County Fairgrounds in August for the Fair.

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Situated in West Tennessee, Jackson is known as the birthplace of rockabilly. Jackson is also home to the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center.

Things to do in Jackson, Tennessee – Just like Johnny and June sang, you could be going to Jackson. But maybe you are wondering what to do once you arrive and why Jackson is on the list of popular places in Tennessee.

Sevierville, Tennessee is in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains. What makes this a popular travel destination is outlet shopping, family-friendly attractions, and outdoor recreation.

• Dolly Parton was born in Sevier County

• Sevierville is home to the Tennessee Smokies, a minor-league baseball team.

• The Forbidden Caverns is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the area.

• Sevierville is part of the Great Smoky Mountains region.

• The Tennessee Museum of Aviation, located in Sevierville, is dedicated to preserving the history of aviation in Tennessee.

With so much to do in Sevierville, Tennessee, I’ve written an entire travel guide for the best attractions. Tourists can see why Sevierville is one of the most popular Tennessee destinations.

Bristol sits in the northeastern corner of both states. Therefore, it’s a fun experience to stand in one place and say you have visited two states.

Fun facts about this charming southern town – Bristol is known as the “Birthplace of Country Music”. It’s also the home to the Bristol Motor Speedway and a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities.

What to learn more about the fun things to do in Bristol on a vacation getaway? The link below includes a complete list of ideas.

Top Attractions and Activities in Bristol, TN/VA

Bristol Motor Speedway: Bristol Motor Speedway is a NASCAR race track that is known for its high-banked turns and short straightaways.

The Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion is a music festival that features a variety of genres, including bluegrass, Americana, and country.

The Birthplace of Country Music Museum is a museum dedicated to the history of country music.

The Tennessee Overhill Heritage Center is a museum that tells the story of the people who lived in the Tennessee Overhill region of the United States.

The Bristol Caverns are a series of underground caves that are open for tours.

Oddly spelled Murfreesboro, TN is just southeast of Nashville. Murfreesboro is home to Middle Tennessee State University.

Other highlights include the Stones River National Battlefield, wonderful shopping, and unique attractions for couples, like hot air balloons.

The Murfreesboro courthouse square is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This location has been used as a filming location for several movies and TV shows.

Rutherford County town is located roughly halfway between Nashville and Chattanooga.

Murfreesboro is home to the world’s largest cedar bucket.

Murfreesboro is home to Middle Tennessee State University, the largest undergraduate university in Tennessee.

The Town of Murfreesboro was the capital of Tennessee during the Civil War.

Clarksville is home to Fort Campbell, the largest military installation in the United States by land area.

This Tennessee town is also home to Austin Peay State University.

The popular destination of Clarksville is located on The Cumberland River. It is a popular destination for water sports such as boating, fishing, and swimming.

Franklin is a charming historic town with a quaint downtown area.

This southern town is known for boutique shopping. Franklin, TN is popular for annual events like the Pilgrimage Music Festival.

See this included link for all the best things to do while visiting Franklin, Tennessee:

Here are 5 fun travel facts about Franklin, TN:

• Franklin is home to the Carnton Plantation, a historic home that was the site of the Battle of Franklin during the Civil War.

• Franklin is also home to the Franklin Farmers Market, a popular market that sells fresh produce, flowers, and other local products.

• Franklin is a popular destination for outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and fishing.

• Franklin is located just a short drive from Nashville, making it a convenient base for exploring the city.

More fun activities in Franklin, Tenn

Knoxville is the home to the University of Tennessee and has a thriving downtown. The city offers a mix of urban attractions, cultural events, and outdoor recreation opportunities.

The Sunsphere is a 226-foot-tall steel structure that was built for the 1982 World’s Fair. It is now a museum and observation deck.

Zoo Knoxville is home to over 900 animals from all over the world.

The Tennessee Theatre is a historic theater that was built in 1928. It is now a performing arts center.

Ijams Nature Center is a 1,000-acre nature preserve that is home to a variety of plants and animals.

Market Square is a historic market square that is now a popular gathering place for shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Chattanooga, TN is on the banks of the Tennessee River. Chattanooga is known for its scenic beauty and historic attractions like the Chattanooga Choo Choo.

Tourists vacationing in Chattanooga will love attractions and outdoor activities like rock climbing, kayaking, and mountain biking.

Chattanooga is home to the Incline Railway, the steepest passenger railway in the United States. The railway climbs 1,500 feet in just over a mile, and it offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding mountains.

Downtown is home to the Tennessee Aquarium, which is one of the largest aquariums in the United States. The aquarium features a variety of marine life from around the world, including sharks, penguins, and turtles.

Chattanooga is a popular destination for outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and kayaking. Chattanooga is on the Tennessee River, and it is surrounded by mountains. Tourists and locals enjoy the spacious parks, river walks, and bridges.

This scenic city is home to a variety of museums, Childres Creative Discovery, Railroad, and Hunter Museum of American Art. The city also has a number of historical sites, including the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Parks.

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee is a popular tourist destination. This area is known for its stunning natural beauty and family-friendly attractions. However, it’s not just a place for kids to have fun. There are plenty of attractions in Pigeon Forge that cater specifically to adults.

Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures or cultural experiences, there’s something for everyone.

Dollywood: This theme park is a must-visit attraction in Pigeon Forge. Owned by country music star Dolly Parton, Dollywood offers a variety of rides, shows, and attractions that appeal to adults. Check out the roller coasters, musical performances, and artisan crafts, or simply enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

The Island in Pigeon Forge: The Island is a shopping and entertainment complex that’s fun for adults to explore. It features a variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions, including a Ferris wheel, an arcade, and an escape room. The Island also hosts live music performances and events throughout the year.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a natural wonder that’s perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. It offers miles of hiking trails, scenic drives, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just looking for a peaceful stroll, the park has something for everyone.

The Titanic Museum Attraction is a unique and educational experience that’s popular among adults. It features interactive exhibits and artifacts from the famous ship, as well as stories and exhibits about the passengers and crew. Visitors can even take a self-guided tour and explore the museum at their own pace.

Moonshine and Wine Tastings: Pigeon Forge is known for its moonshine and wine, and there are several tasting rooms and distilleries in the area. Take a tour and sample a variety of moonshines, from classic flavors to creative blends. Or, visit a winery and taste local wines made from grapes grown in the area.

Gatlinburg comes on the list at number three. Gatlinburg is a popular tourist destination for outdoor recreation, including hiking, skiing, zip-lining, shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Tourists also love Gatlinburg downtown with plenty of souvenir shops, homemade fudge, and Ober Mountain to ski, snowboard, ice skate, or snow tube.

Visitors will find no shortage of unique attractions and activities the entire family will love.

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies: This aquarium is home to over 10,000 marine animals, including sharks, rays, and turtles. It’s a great place to learn about the marine life of the Smoky Mountains.

Ober Gatlinburg: This amusement park has rides, games, and shows for all ages. It’s a great place to have some fun and let loose.

Gatlinburg SkyLift: This gondola lift takes you up to the top of Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the Smoky Mountains. From the top, you can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park: This national park is home to over 800 species of plants and animals, including bears, deer, and elk. It’s a great place to go hiking, camping, and fishing.

Anakeesta: This mountaintop attraction features a variety of activities, including a treetop canopy walk, a mountain coaster, and a zip line. It’s a great place to enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise.

Famous for its rich music heritage, including blues, soul, and rock and roll, Memphis is also home to popular attractions like Graceland, Beale Street, and the National Civil Rights Museum.

Memphis, TN was/is home to many famous blues musicians, including W.C. Handy, Robert Johnson, and B.B. King.

This city is home to Sun Records. The label was founded in 1952 by Sam Phillips and is responsible for launching the careers of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis.

Tennessee’s top destination Memphis is the home of the world’s largest barbecue contest, the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest. The contest attracts over 100,000 visitors to Memphis each year.

Memphis has one of the top urban park systems in the nation. The city is famous for its duck parade at the Peabody Hotel. Every day at 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM, a flock of ducks is escorted by their Duckmaster to the hotel’s lobby fountain for a swim.

Nashville known as the “Music City” is the state capital of Tennessee. This is a lively southern tourist town and a hub for live music. Tourists flock to Nashville not only for the music but also for the southern cuisine and cultural attractions. Complimentary itinerary sample here.

Travel Tip: Purchase a Nashville Travel Guide on Amazon before you visit Nashville!

Music: Nashville is the home of country music, and there are many opportunities to see live music performances in the city.

History: Nashville is home to many historical sites, including the Ryman Auditorium, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and the Belle Meade Plantation.

Food: Nashville is known for its Southern cuisine, and many restaurants in the city serve delicious food.

Culture: Music City is a diverse town with a rich culture. There are many museums, art galleries, and theaters in the city.

Sports: Nashville is home to the Nashville Predators (NHL) and the Tennessee Titans (NFL).

Attractions: Nashville has many attractions, including the Grand Ole Opry, the First Art Museum, and the Johnny Cash Museum.

Location: Nashville is centrally located in the United States, making it a convenient destination for travelers from all over the country.

Luxury Resorts and Accommodations: Nashville is home to some of the best hotels and resorts.

My top picks of mine include Margaritaville – The Conrad – Gaylord Opryland

Travel Tennessee Tip: Purchase an inexpensive travel guide on Amazon, LIKE THIS ONE!

I hope this post helps to inspire you to start planning a trip to any one of these amazing Tennessee destinations!