Top Tennessee Day Trips

Since you’re probably not traveling with a park ranger in your car, this private audio tour of Great Smoky Mountains National Park lets you discover the history of spots like Cades Cove, plus get intel on the best hiking trails, overlooks, and waterfalls. Use it only when you need, traveling at your pace—with a pro in your pocket.

Heavy traffic can take away from the fun of driving the 11-mile (17.7 kilometer) Cades Cove loop. This guided bus tour offers a low-stress alternative to taking your own car, plus provides the benefit of guided commentary so you get more out of the trip than just a chance to admire mountain scenery.

Get oriented with Nashville on this quick "New Nashville" tour, which was designed to show off the best of the city for those short on time or who only want an introduction before exploring more on their own. Traveling by open-top double-decker bus, you'll pass by more than 100 landmarks and attractions, such as Ryman Auditorium and Vanderbilt University.

Join Mint Julep Experiences for a whiskey lover’s dream day trip from Nashville to Lynchburg, home of the iconic Jack Daniel’s Distillery. Enjoy time exploring Lynchburg’s historic town square before embarking on a guided distillery tour with premium whiskey tastings, including single barrel and limited-edition varieties. With round-trip transportation, scenic countryside views, and expert storytelling, this tour offers a perfect blend of history, flavor, and Southern charm.

No need to sidle up to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park visitor center at 9am to catch that ranger-led tour—with this self-paced audio guide, you have your own expert at your disposal, right on your phone. As you drive through the park, stories, tips, and more automatically play, getting you the most out of your Smoky Mountain adventure.

On this half-day you can make the most of limited time in Nashville, as a guide takes you to two state parks in just a few hours, with private transport included. Along the way, pass by four waterfalls and learn stories about the ancient history of the area. To help keep energy levels high, water, snacks, and a drink at the brewery are included.

See the homes of Nashville’s biggest stars on this narrated sightseeing bus tour. Climb aboard a comfortable, air-conditioned motor coach and drive through some of Nashville's most scenic, upscale, and secluded neighborhoods to see the homes (past and present) of superstar names such as Taylor Swift, Dierks Bentley, Reese Witherspoon, Martina McBride, and many more (homes subject to change).

Explore the historic Jack Daniel's Distillery on this guided tour from Nashville. Embark on a tasting tour of the distillery and sample several tastings of premium Tennessee whiskey. Tours departing first thing in the morning include free time to walk through the nearby town, famous for its Tennessee Walking Horse, and downtown Lynchburg.

On this half-day round-trip tour, your transportation from Nashville is sorted for you as you explore the Shelbyville Nearest Green Distillery. Hear about the first known African American master distiller—as well as the person who taught Jack Daniel how to make whiskey—learn about Tennessee’s whiskey culture, and enjoy a guided tasting of the distillery’s spirits.

Download GuideAlong's self-guided audio tour of the Natchez Trace Parkway to make the most of your journey through time, history and the natural beauty of the American South. As you follow the route of the original Trace, hear fascinating stories of this historic travel corridor and its early travelers play automatically, bringing its rich history to life. The rolling hills and lush forests are a picturesque backdrop for the many natural, cultural and historic sites on this scenic drive through thousands of years of human history. Enjoy the freedom to explore offline at your own pace, spending more time at places that interest you. Stories, tips, and directions play automatically based on your location Travel at your own pace Tour offline using GPS. No cell service or WiFi is needed Suggested itineraries for half, full, or multi-day use Buy once, use forever! No expiry, includes free updates Like having a tour guide along for the drive Purchase one tour per vehicle.

Explore the Great Smoky Mountains with your self-guided tour through America’s most visited national park. Walk through the stunning Newfound Gap Road past misty peaks and ancient forests, walk behind a waterfall at Grotto Falls, and stand atop Kuwohi at 6,643 feet, the highest point in Tennessee. Discover Cades Cove’s preserved pioneer cabins, churches, and mills that tell the story of Appalachian mountain life. Watch for black bears in misty meadows and learn why these mountains are the salamander capital of the world with thirty species. Hear the powerful story of the Cherokee people who called these peaks home for thousands of years before the park was created. Beyond the park, explore Gatlinburg’s arts and crafts community, Pigeon Forge’s famous Dollywood, and Townsend’s peaceful trails. From moonshine history to mountain music, synchronous fireflies to spectacular fall foliage, the Smokies reward curious visitors with natural wonders and deep Appalachian culture at every turn.

Cruise on Nashville's Cumberland River aboard one of the country's largest paddle-wheel boats, the 'General Jackson Showboat', during this excursion. Book for a lunch or dinner cruise, enjoying the scenery on the riverbanks as well as live entertainment. Round-trip transportation from local hotels included.

Rent a brand-new Polaris Slingshot from the areas only Polaris Outfitter and enjoy the thrill as you drive one of Americas most famous roads. Twists, turns, and thick woods, this drive isn’t about scenic overlooks or nature. The Tail of the Dragon is about you, the pavement, and two white knuckles grasping the steering wheel. Considered one of the most exciting roads in America, with 318 curves in 11 miles you will figure out why. Come see why it’s world renowned, and why the locals call it “that damn road to Tennessee”. Make sure to see the Fontana Dam, the largest dam east of the Rockies!

Explore Nashville from a local's perspective on this city tour with a local guide. Aboard an open-air, low-speed vehicle, cruise through Nashville to see numerous landmarks and other sightseeing locations. Notable sights along this tour include Country Music Hall of Fame, Ryman Auditorium, Music Row, The Gulch, and Marathon Village. Select a morning, afternoon, or evening tour when booking.

Step back in time to 1864 and the Civil War’s Battle of Franklin on this full-day tour from Nashville. The Battle of Franklin was one of the worst disasters of the war for the Confederate States Army. On this tour, see the bullet and cannon ball holes as well as the battle-scarred floors that still bear witness to the carnage of this dark time in history. Spend time in the town of Franklin to shop, eat and view its historic sites.

See the sights and sounds of Nashville on this guided sightseeing tour around Music City. Choose from a morning or afternoon departure, then enjoy the ride. Get an educational and entertaining live narrative from the experienced guide while rolling past famous landmark locations like the historic Ryman Auditorium, Music Row, the Tennessee State Capitol, and more. Admission is included to Ryman Auditorium and the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Located on the Mighty Mississippi River, Memphis is the birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll, the capital of Blues and home to some of the best barbecue you can put in your mouth. Explore Memphis, with VIP access to Graceland, during this 15-hour day trip from Nashville. See the home of Elvis Presley, aka the King, and take a guided 1-hour tour of Sun Studios.

This tour focuses on Cades Cove and the 11-mile loop road that circles the valley. Along the way we'll stop at several historic buildings and scenic vistas as we learn about the mountaineers and moonshiners that called this place home. Historic buildings include a cabin built in 1822, a cemetery with the graves of Revolutionary War and War of 1812 veterans, and a working grist mill. And of course we'll keep our eyes open for wildlife including deer, turkeys, bears, and coyotes. Most stops on the tour require limited or no walking, but two stops include a half mile walk on pavement. Bring lunch or buy lunches through Smoky Mountain Guides

This tour travels over the crest of the Smokies from Tennessee into North Carolina. Along the way we'll experience one of the most scenic roads in the Southeast along with several panoramic mountain vistas. When we arrive in the Oconaluftee Valley we'll visit historic structures learning about the culture of the native Cherokee and European-descended mountaineers. While exploring this historic valley, we'll keep an eye out for elk. The largest animal in the Smokies, they were reintroduced by the park service in 2001.

Private roundtrip transportation from Nashville to Graceland, Memphis for up to 5 passengers in the Tesla Model X wrapped in soft leather with butterfly doors, a panoramic windshield and a Nashville Native as your driver. Up to 11 passengers in the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. Base price includes the transportation and the waiting time at each attraction Tickets are not included.

Embark on a delightful 5-hour culinary journey through Chattanooga, where each stop immerses you in the rich flavors and traditions of the South. Start your adventure at the iconic Georgia Winery, guided through the winemaking process while enjoying tastings and taking home a bottle. Then, explore the historic Chattanooga Choo Choo, followed by an engaging whiskey tasting experience at a local distillery. Conclude your day with a hearty dinner at Nick & Norman’s, renowned for its local ingredients and inviting atmosphere. - 5-hour guided culinary tour through Chattanooga's highlights - Visit the historic Georgia Winery with tastings a souvenir glass and a bottle of wine to take home. - Whiskey tasting experience at Chattanooga whiskey distillery - Enjoy a delicious Southern dinner at Nick & Norman’s, featuring local dishes

See the beauty of vivid fall leaves cresting the Great Smoky Mountains on this tour from Pigeon Forge, which includes roughly two hours in the park. Meet your guide and head out into the forest and learn all about the area while traveling to different viewpoints, ideal for fall-color photography.

Memphis’ music scene is legendary, and the city’s most famous musical icon has to be Elvis Presley. On this private walking tour, explore the city in the footsteps of Elvis, and visit sites such as his childhood home and the studio where he signed his first contract. After lunch (own expense) at a local diner, transfer by Uber with your guide to Graceland, and discover the star’s lavish mansion on a guided tour.