Destination
Tennessee Travel
Explore iconic cities and scenic small towns in Tennessee, from Nashville to Gatlinburg, with its rich music scene and beautiful landscapes.
Published May 29, 2026 · AI-assisted editorial
On August 1, 2022, the Tennessee Tourism Board reported a record 126 million visitors to the state, highlighting its growing appeal to travelers worldwide.
Introduction to Tennessee
Tennessee is a state in the southeastern United States, known for its vibrant cities, scenic landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. From the music scene in Nashville to the beautiful Smoky Mountains, there's something for every kind of traveler in Tennessee. The state is easily accessible by air, with major airports such as Nashville International Airport (BNA) and Memphis International Airport (MEM) offering flights from around the world, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and British Airways.
Top Destinations in Tennessee
Some of the top destinations to visit in Tennessee include:
- Nashville, the state capital and music city, home to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and the iconic Bluebird Cafe
- Gatlinburg, a popular ski resort town in the Smoky Mountains, with its scenic trails and beautiful scenery
- Memphis, the birthplace of rock 'n' roll, with its rich musical heritage and famous Beale Street
- Chattanooga, a scenic city surrounded by mountains and rivers, with its historic downtown area and outdoor activities such as rock climbing and kayaking
- Knoxville, a charming college town with its historic market square and beautiful campus of the University of Tennessee
Traveling to Tennessee
Traveling to Tennessee is relatively easy, with several major highways and interstates passing through the state, including I-40, I-75, and I-65. The state is also home to several major bus and train stations, including the Nashville Bus Station and the Memphis Central Station, with services from companies such as Greyhound and Amtrak. For international travelers, the closest ports of entry are the Port of Memphis and the Port of Chattanooga, although most visitors arrive by air.
What we are watching is how the growing tourism industry in Tennessee will impact the state's infrastructure and environment, as well as the local communities and businesses. With its rich cultural heritage and beautiful landscapes, Tennessee is an attractive destination for travelers from around the world, and it will be interesting to see how the state balances its growth with sustainability and preservation of its natural resources.