Home / 50-State Itineraries / 7-Day Tennessee Itinerary

7-Day Tennessee Itinerary

A mix of live music, scenic mountain landscapes, historic sites, and classic Southern food across Tennessee.

Day1

Arrive in Memphis & Explore

Fly into Memphis International Airport (MEM).

Top Things to Do in Memphis

  • Tour GracelandHome of Elvis Presley.
  • Visit Sun StudioThe Birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll.
  • Explore the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel.
  • Dinner at Central BBQ or The Rendezvous for Memphis-style Ribs.
  • Live Music on Beale StreetCheck Out Blues Clubs & Bars.

Overnight in Memphis.

Day2

Drive to Nashville - Music City USA

Drive from Memphis to Nashville (3 hours).

Top Things to Do in Nashville

  • Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum.
  • Tour the Ryman AuditoriumThe Mother Church of Country Music.
  • Try Hot Chicken at Hattie B's.
  • Live Music at Broadway Honky TonksTootsie's Orchid Lounge, The Stage, or Robert's Western World.

Overnight in Nashville.

Day3

More of Nashville & Scenic Drive to Chattanooga

Explore More of Nashville in the Morning.

Top Things to Do

  • Tour the Johnny Cash Museum.
  • Walk Around Centennial Park & See the Parthenon Replica.
  • Brunch at The Loveless CafeFamous for Biscuits & Jam.

Drive from Nashville to Chattanooga via the Natchez Trace Parkway (2.5 hours).

Overnight in Chattanooga.

Day4

Chattanooga - Mountains & Riverfront

Spend the Day Exploring Chattanooga.

Top Things to Do

  • Ride the Incline Railway to the Top of Lookout Mountain.
  • Walk the Walnut Street Pedestrian Bridge Over the Tennessee River.
  • Visit Ruby FallsA Stunning Underground Waterfall.
  • Dinner at Terminal BrewhouseGreat Local Beer & Food.

Overnight in Chattanooga.

Day5

Drive to the Great Smoky Mountains

Drive from Chattanooga to Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge (2.5 hours).

Top Things to Do in Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg

  • Visit Dollywood (Optional)The Best Theme Park in the South!
  • Explore The Island in Pigeon ForgeShops, Rides & Attractions.
  • Try Fresh-Baked Cinnamon Bread at The Old Mill.
  • Catch a Dinner ShowHatfield & McCoy or Dolly Parton's Stampede.

Overnight in Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg.

Day6

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Spend the Day Exploring the Smokies.

Top Things to Do in the Smoky Mountains

  • Hike to Clingmans DomeThe Highest Point in the Park.
  • Hike to Laurel Falls or Alum Cave Trail.
  • Look for WildlifeBears are a common sight here.
  • Drive the Scenic Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.

Overnight in Gatlinburg.

Day7

Drive Back to Nashville & Depart

Drive from Gatlinburg to Nashville (3.5 hours).

Optional Stops Along the Way

  • Stop at Bush's Beans Visitor Center in Dandridge.
  • Visit Cummins Falls State Park for a Waterfall Hike.

Fly out of Nashville International Airport (BNA).

Ready to plan your Tennessee trip?

Dave will build a custom itinerary and find the best options for your budget and travel style.

Tell Me About Your Trip

Header photo: Rhododendrites, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.