Top Tennessee Day Trips

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.

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.

Discover a variety of Tennessee's moonshine and wine distilleries on a half-day tour from Sevierville. Your guide shares the history of moonshine and prohibition, tastings of wine and moonshine, and details about local breweries and distilleries. Visit multiple moonshine distilleries and wineries, in Sevierville and Pigeon Forge, and enjoy tastings at each venue.

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.

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).

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!

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.

This is the ONLY tour that goes to the cabin on Locust Ridge, near where Dolly Parton was born—a rare glimpse into her humble beginnings. You’ll also visit her schools and the church where she first sang, all nestled in the mountain hollers that inspired her music. Whether you're capturing the peaceful landscapes of Dolly’s backroads or the charm of the Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community, this tour offers a rich and rewarding experience that’s both personal and picturesque. Have lunch at PREACHER’S BAR-B-QUE, a true local favorite. Continue to a real Appalacian antique store, and then to the last of the mountain broom makers. No Dolly tour is complete without a stop in downtown Sevierville, The Dolly Statue, and a treat at Red’s Ice Cream Fountain, one of Dolly’s favorite high school hangouts. Indulge in their homemade ice cream, brimming with nostalgic flavor—a sweet finale and a picture-perfect memory!

Travel the only tour that goes to the site of Dolly's childhood cabin and explore Dolly's Sevier County from Locust Ridge Rd., to beautiful Wears Valley, The Foothills Parkway and back to a walking tour of Sevierville, and the Dolly Statue. Enjoy a full factual narration about Dolly along with her music playing in the background throughout the tour. A sweet ending awaits the tour with a final stop at Red's Ice Cream Fountain and Soda Shop, one of Dolly's favorite hangouts.

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.

Explore the heart of Appalachia, where historic distilleries and local stories come to life. This guided tour takes you through the backroads of the Smokies, offering exclusive access to renowned moonshine distilleries. Discover the rich culture surrounding moonshine production and taste the authentic spirits that have shaped this region. Perfect for those interested in local history and craft distilling, this tour promises a unique glimpse into the world of Appalachian moonshine. - Guided tour featuring exclusive stops at top moonshine distilleries - Immerse yourself in local stories and heritage of moonshine production - A unique experience tailored for history and spirit enthusiasts - Enjoy the scenic backroads of the Smoky Mountains while tasting local spirits

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

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.

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.

Drive one of America's most celebrated scenic roads with this self-guided driving tour covering 45 narrated stops across 60 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway from Cherokee to Asheville through mountains over a billion years old. Climb to Waterrock Knob at 6,292 feet for a four-state panorama, stand at Richland Balsam — the highest point on the entire 469-mile parkway — and discover the powerful history of the Cherokee people whose homeland these mountains remain. Hike Black Balsam Knob's windswept summit for views rivaling Scotland, cool off at Skinny Dip Falls, and explore forests harboring more biodiversity than almost anywhere in the temperate world, including the planet's densest salamander population. End near the Biltmore Estate, America's largest private home. From ghost forests of Fraser fir to wild blueberry meadows at Graveyard Fields, this self-guided tour transforms a beautiful drive into an unforgettable journey through geology, Cherokee heritage, and Appalachian ecology.

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.

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.

When in Memphis, taking this tour to Elvis’ childhood home is a must for fans of the King. Enjoy a comfortable, narrated coach ride to the town of Tupelo, Mississippi, and then tour the Elvis Presley Birthplace childhood home, plus the Elvis Presley Museum, and Tupelo Hardware Company—all important sites in his childhood and musical career.

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.

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.

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.