Tennessee is not just a land of music and barbecue, it's a treasure trove of natural beauty and historical sites. For travelers seeking budget friendly family vacations, the Volunteer State delivers unforgettable experiences without overspending. From serene waterfalls and expansive state parks to historic sites nestled in nature, these cities make planning affordable travel both easy and rewarding. Whether you're a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply looking for a peaceful getaway, these destinations promise enriching experiences without the hefty price tag.
Budget-friendly Places In & Near Chattanooga
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Chattanooga
- Signal Point was once a critical lookout point during the Civil War. Today, this 13-mile trail features beautiful waterfalls and breathtaking views, making it one of the most scenic things to do on a budget in the region.The park is open during daylight hours and there is free parking; keep in mind the restrooms are closed from Dec. 1 to March 15.
- Coolidge Park is located on the North Shore and features an interactive water fountain, restored antique carousel with $1 rides, and plenty of open space — perfect for families hoping to travel on a budget without sacrificing fun. The park is wheelchair accessible with paved paths and paid parking is available at the park which is open daily from 7am to 11pm.
- River Gallery Sculpture Garden adds to the list of free things to do in Tennessee. The garden, located within the Bluff View Art District, is a 2-acre outdoor art exhibit featuring a very impressive collection of sculptures.
- A visit to the Chattanooga Choo Choo is a must and totally free to walk through. The lobby is accessible and the grounds are generally open to the public during daylight hours; paid parking is available in the Choo Choo garage.
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Cleveland
Photo Credit: Jed DeKalb
- Museum Center at 5ive Points delves into the region's rich cultural tapestry, with free admission, although donations are appreciated if that’s within your budget. The facility is completely handicapped accessible and ample free parking is available on-site. Hours are Tuesday and Friday 10am to 4pm and Saturday 11am to 3pm.
- Red Clay State Historic Park, the site of significant Cherokee history, offers free entry and a chance to explore peaceful walking trails, making it one of the most meaningful and affordable places to visit in Southeast Tennessee. The visitor center and primary paths are wheelchair accessible. Parking is free and the park is open daily from 8am to sunset.
- For outdoor adventurers, the adjacent Cherokee National Forest provides endless hiking and camping opportunities amidst stunning mountain vistas with day parking passes $3 and under proving that some of the best inexpensive adventures happen outdoors. Accessibility varies by trail, though many overlooks are paved and the forest is generally open from dawn to dusk.
- The Hiwassee River Heritage Center in nearby Charleston offers insights into local history free of charge. The center is wheelchair accessible, free parking is available, and it's open Tuesday to Friday from 11am to 5pm and Saturday from 11am to 3pm.
- For a tasty yet budget-friendly meal, visit Café Roma, a local favorite offering delicious Italian cuisine with most dishes priced under $15, providing a delightful dining experience that won’t break the bank.
Affordable Things to Do in Kingsport & Bristol
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Bristol
- Take a subterranean journey at Bristol Caverns, one of the region's oldest and most stunning natural attractions, featuring massive stone formations and paved, lighted walkways. Keep in mind the caverns are not wheelchair accessible, but ample free parking is available on-site and tours run daily with slightly reduced winter hours.
- Escape into nature at Steele Creek Park, a 2,200-acre park featuring a lake, nature center, and miles of trails for a very small vehicle entry fee. The park has paved accessible walking trails and restrooms; parking is available on-site and is open daily from 9am to 9pm.
- The iconic Bristol Sign is one of the most photographed and fun things to do on a budget, especially for visitors wanting that classic Tennessee–Virginia snapshot. The sign spans the whole street with accessible sidewalks and the sign is illuminated nightly.
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Kingsport
- Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium has a wildlife habitat, nature trails, and a state-of-the-art planetarium with shows costing around $6. The nature center and planetarium are wheelchair accessible. Parking is around $5 per vehicle and the park is open daily (hours vary by season).
- Warriors' Path State Park stands out among the region’s budget friendly travel destinations, offering free entry and access to hiking, boating and scenic views. Restrooms and major facilities are accessible. Admission and parking are free, and the park is open daily from sunrise to sunset.
- The Holston River provides excellent opportunities for fishing and tranquil river walks.
- Step back in time at Exchange Place, a living history farm that demonstrates life in the 19th century, with free admission during public events. Tours can be arranged by appointment. The historic grounds do have uneven terrain which may limit wheelchair access. Parking is free on-site.
- Downtown Kingsport itself is a focal point for free cultural exploration, with its historical buildings and vibrant local arts scene.
Affordable Places In & Near Nashville
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Nashville
- Explore the rich history of the state at the Tennessee State Museum, from its First Peoples to the present day, in this massive, world-class facility that is completely free to the public and totally wheelchair accessible. The impactful exhibits, Children's Gallery, story times and games make this museum one of the best free things to do in Tennessee with kids. Open from 10am to 5pm Tuesday to Saturday and Sunday from 1-5pm, free parking is available on-site.
- Walk the one-mile trail around Lake Watauga at Centennial Park and see the Nashville Parthenon. You can have a picnic on the lawn or snap a photo in front of the world's only full-scale replica of the Parthenon. The park grounds are flat and paved for easy accessibility and it's open from dawn until 11pm.
- Broadway in Downtown Nashville is one of the best places in the world for free live music. Whether you're strolling Honky Tonk Highway or visiting iconic venues, you'll be sure to find musicians performing with no cover charge every day.
- Nashville has countless attractions and places where kids under age 5 (and at some places toddlers under 2) can get in for free, including Adventure Science Center, Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Frist Art Museum, Lane Motor Museum, Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum, Nashville Zoo, National Museum of African American Music, and more. For travelers researching budget friendly vacations in the U.S., Nashville proves that major cities can still offer value-packed experiences.
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Murfreesboro
- Downtown Murfreesboro is conveniently located about 34 miles from downtown Nashville.
- Stones River National Battlefield, a major Civil War site, offers free guided tours and educational programs that dive deep into America’s history , making it one of the most rewarding places to experience a budget friendly vacation. The visitor center and paved road are accessible; parking is free and the park is open daily from sunrise to sunset.
- Cannonsburgh Village, which is open for self-guided tours at no charge, represents Tennessee's rural past from the 1830s to the 1930s, providing a glimpse into historical lifestyles. Paved paths connect the buildings, though some historic interiors may be difficult to access. Parking is free and hours/day vary by season.
- The Middle Tennessee Museum of Natural History features intriguing geological and fossil exhibits for a modest fee, making it a perfect educational outing for families. The museum is wheelchair accessible, free parking is available, and it's open Wednesday to Saturday from 11am to 4pm.
- Looking for a budget family-friendly restaurant? The Alley on Main is known for its homestyle meals served in a cozy setting. Most dishes are priced under $15, making it a popular choice for high-quality affordable Southern cooking.
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Columbia
- A great, affordable small town outside of Nashville, Columbia is one of the most charming places to go on a budget, offering historic homes, art districts and scenic natural escapes within easy reach of Nashville.
- James K. Polk Home and Museum, where you can explore the home of America's 11th president for about $14. The ground floor of the home and the museum hall are accessible; free parking is available in the lot or on the street and it's open Monday to Saturday from 9am - 4pm and Sunday 1pm - 5pm.
- Stillhouse Hollow Falls offers a stunning natural retreat with no entry fee. The trail is steep and not wheelchair accessible; parking is limited at the trailhead and the natural area is open daily during daylight areas.
- Rippavilla Plantation in nearby Spring Hill provides a historical tour for approximately $22, set against the backdrop of Tennessee's pastoral beauty. The visitor center is accessible, though the historic home has stairs. Free parking is available, and it's open daily from 9am to 5pm (Sunday open at 10am).
- For a vibrant taste of local culture, the Columbia Arts District has art galleries, studios, and murals that creatively celebrate the spirit and talent of the region.
- Get a budget-friendly meal at Square Market Cafe that provides Southern and modern American cuisine.
Budget-friendly Destinations In & Near Memphis
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Memphis
- See the famous Peabody Ducks and witness a Memphis tradition dating back to the 1930s at The Peabody Hotel. Free to watch, the famous ducks march from their rooftop palace to the lobby fountain at 11am and back at 5pm daily.
- Stroll Beale Street and soak in the neon glow and music on one of America's most iconic avenues and offers one of the most memorable budget friendly experiences in West Tennessee. Walking the street is free during the day; keep in mind the street is paved by can be crowded and while the street is open 24/7, some venues may have cover charges in the evening.
- Shelby Farms Park, five times the size of New York's Central Park, is a massive urban oasis which offers miles of paved trails, a resident herd of buffalo, and playgrounds at no cost. The park features plenty of accessible paved trails and facilities, free parking, and is open daily from sunrise to sunset.
- Crystal Shrine Grotto is located inside Memorial Park Cemetery and is a unique man-made cave filled with quartz crystals and biblical scenes is a stunning, hidden artistic gem. The Grotto is open dawn to dusk and the entrance is accessible via a path, though the interior is tight.
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Jackson
- Rusty’s TV and Movie Car Museum features a unique collection of iconic cars for just $10 per visit. The museum is single level and wheelchair accessible. Free parking is available and it is open Friday to Sunday from 9am to 5pm.
- Casey Jones Village combines history with entertainment, and while the museum is $12, the village itself offers free exploration, making this one of the most fun things to do with family on a budget. The village shops and restaurant are wheelchair accessible, ample free parking is provided, and the complex is open daily from 9am to 5pm (Sunday 1pm to 5pm).
- Cypress Grove Nature Park is a free-entry park that includes a boardwalk through ancient cypress forests. The boardwalk is flat and wheelchair accessible. Parking is free and the park is open daily from 7:30am to dusk.
- Pinson Mounds State Archaeological Park, one of the largest Native American mound sites in the United States, is free to explore and offers educational programs about the ancient civilizations in Tennessee. The museum and paved trails are accessible; parking is free and the park is open daily 7am to 7pm (museum is open 8am to 4:30pm).
- The Jackson Symphony provides several free concerts throughout the year, adding to the city's vibrant music scene.
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Bartlett
Photo Credit: David Duplessis
- A small town outside of Memphis, Bartlett has lots of free and some of the best affordable things to do.
- Explore Davies Manor Plantation for $10. It's one of the oldest existing log homes in Tennessee. The grounds are accessible but the historic log home has limited access. Parking is free and tours are available Tuesday to Saturday 12pm to 4pm.
- Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park, close to Bartlett, offers extensive trails and lakeside views with no entry fee. The visitor center and select trails are accessible, parking is free, and the park is open daily from 7am to 7pm (10pm in the summer).
- Bartlett Performing Arts and Conference Center and Bartlett Historical Society Museum frequently host free events and exhibitions.
- For bird watching and nature drives, the Mississippi River Corridor provides a free scenic route with numerous lookout points, perfect for an afternoon escape.
