Spring Vacation Inspiration in Tennessee

Swap the open road for a slower, more scenic way to travel this spring. Let the journey become part of the experience for a relaxed, romantic date idea, a chance to unplug or a memorable adventure for kids who can’t get enough of trains, Tennessee train rides in Chattanooga and Nashville offer a refreshing counterpoint to fast-paced road trip culture.

In Nashville, rail travel offers a slower, more nostalgic way to experience the countryside beyond the city’s energy.

• Tennessee Central Railway Museum: This train rides in Tennessee excursion features restored 1950s passenger cars traveling through the Middle Tennessee countryside. Couples and adult travelers can enjoy themed excursion train outings like a wine train Nashville experience, complete with dome car seating and a vintage dining car.

Best time to visit: Mid-May to early June (depending on altitude) 

If you're a music fan, head to Bristol, TN/VA for your East Tennessee spring vacation. The small town that straddles the Tennessee/Virginia state line is the birthplace of country music. 

• The Birthplace of Country Music Museum: Do a music deep dive into the "Big Bang" of country music and learn about the revolutionary Bristol sessions at this Smithsonian affiliate institution.
• Bristol Sign: snap a photo in front of the iconic Bristol sign and the country music mural downtown.
• Paramount Bristol: See a live music performance at the Paramount and trace the history to the modern age.
• Cherokee National Forest: Enjoy spring hiking and wildflower viewing among the trees. Observe wildlife in their natural habitat on your spring break 2026.
• South Holston Lake: If there are any anglers in your family, take them fishing at this flyfishing paradise.
• Bristol Motor Speedway: Experience the rush of adrenaline at "The Last Great Colosseum" during the Food City 500 NASCAR Cup Series April 12, 2026.
• Bristol Caverns: Take a cave tour through underground streams and towering chambers-- a thrilling activity for teens.
• Steele Creek Park: Experience a mountain biking adventure, nature center, playground or paddleboats at this perfect spring break destination for families.

Best time to visit: April 

Savor small mountain town feel with a long list of things to do in Johnson City. Shop and explore art vendors, murals and incredible restaurants in Johnson City's downtown district. Hit the surrounding wealth of outdoor offerings for an incredibly affordable family vacation.

• Buffalo Mountain: Take a hike up to Buffalo Mountain for incredible views and enjoy a picnic in the fresh spring breeze.
• Yee-Haw Brewing Company: Sample local brews at the taproom and enjoy the ambiance of the 130-year-old Tweetsie train station that houses this location. The restored depot offers a glimpse into Tweetsie railroad history, once part of the East Tennessee & Western North Carolina Railroad (1881–1950), adding a layer of heritage to the experience.
• Watauga Lake: hit a spring hiking trail nestled among the Appalachian Mountains or do some fishing in the stunning blue waters.
• Tennessee Night Sky Trail: When the sun goes down, explore the 9 wonderous stargazing stops in the area along the accessible Tennessee Night Sky Trail.
• The Down Home: Catch a live music performance at this eclectic music room.

Best time to visit: March - May 

Gatlinburg, resting at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains, makes spring break memorable for the whole family featuring wildflower hikes, kid-friendly festivals and more. 

• Anakeesta: Known as a wonderful family-friendly attractions, Anakeesta is the perfect activity for teens and tots alike. Enjoy Birdventure, an aviary-inspired adventure zone with a dozen interactive components, seven slides that wind more than 50 feet down the mountain.
• Gatlinburg SkyPark: Walk along the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America. The SkyBridge celebrates St. Patrick's Day all March-long by illuminating the bridge with festive green lights.
• Ripley's Aquarium: Dive into the depths of the ocean and discover sea creatures for a great spring break adventure near the Smoky Mountains.
• Ober Mountain: Looking for things to do with teenagers? Look no further than Ober Mountain. Race down the Alpine Slide or glide on the Cloud Catcher zipline. Children will also love the wildlife habitat or whimsical carousel.  

Best time to visit: March - May  

Pigeon Forge is a perfect spring break destination for families. Experience thrills and fun on every corner of this scenic mountain town. 

• Dollywood: Enjoy award-winning coasters, performances and food at Dolly Parton’s cherished theme park, including train rides in Pigeon Forge and hop aboard a classic steam locomotive on the iconic Dollywood Express Train. Celebrate spring at the Flower & Food Festival April–June 2026, featuring larger-than-life Mosaicultures and unique foods.
• The Island in Pigeon Forge: Enjoy expansive views on the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel or simply walk around the shops and enjoy the fountains, admission is free.
• Titanic Museum Attraction: Experience incredible museums like the immersive Titanic experience. Upon entry, you are assigned a real-life passenger of the past. Learn their fate as you voyage through the artifacts and exhibits. 

Best time to visit: March - May  

Sevierville is full of big adventures and hidden gems. Enjoy the luxury of open space, family time, and mountain beauty on your spring break 2026. 

• Wilderness at the Smokies: Have fun at this indoor waterpark in Sevierville. Float down the Kaleidoscope Kaverns Lazy River, featuring a colorful immersive tunnel where the Great Smoky Mountains surround your senses.
• The Pines: Located in downtown Sevierville, the historic Pines Theatre has re-opened for duckpin bowling, craft pours and more.
• Skyland Ranch: Squeal with delight over the miniature animals and stay for lasso demonstrations, mountain coaster ride and beautiful views of the Smokies.

Best time to visit: March - June 

Stay curious in Knoxville, where the arts and adventure collide for the best spring break. Enjoy outdoor adventures like kayaking and mountain biking within a few minutes' drive of downtown. Come back to freshen up at your hotel before setting off to find rich history, amazing art galleries and museums, live music venues and award-winning chefs serving unforgettable cuisine.

• Festivals and Events: Savor the annual live art competition on Market Square, Chalk Walk on April 11, 2026 and Dogwood Arts Festival at World's Fair Park April 24-26, 2026 featuring over 100 art vendors, children's activities and performing arts.
• Navitat: Find hiking trails and challenge courses at this aerial adventure park that rests overlooking the Tennessee River.
• Sunsphere: Scope out the lay of the land at this skyline staple. Enjoy incredible views of the city and stake out your favorite rooftop to socialize under the stars.
• Zoo Knoxville: Kids of all ages will love this family-friendly attraction. Visit this spring to meet their new baby Western Lowland Gorilla.
• Muse Knoxville: As the resident children's museum of Knoxville, Muse is a perfect family vacation spot with a motto of "empowering children through the power of play."
• Maple Hall: Take bowling to a unique level with aesthetic lanes, a cocktail lounge, and life-sized board games.

Best time to visit: April - May 

Fill your spring break with culture, amazing cuisine and beautiful vistas in Chattanooga. 

• Tennessee Aquarium: Odessey through a story of mountains and sea at the Tennessee Aquarium. Celebrates the Southeast's biodiversity in two buildings filled with immersive exhibits to get your spring break started off on a high note.
• Sculpture Fields at Montague Park: Head to the internationally acclaimed outdoor museum with more than 50 large-scale and world-class sculptures dot the vast 33 acres of winding trails.
• Bluff View Arts District: Discover the art, cuisine and culture on a stroll on top of the stone cliffs.
• Ruby Falls: Take the kids for a day of fun to the tallest underground waterfall in the U.S. open to the public.
• Creative Discovery Museum: Explore an immersive gallery for kids that mimics a farmland.
• High Point Climbing and Fitness: A great activity for teens, reach new heights at Chattanooga's indoor rock-climbing facility.
• Chattanooga's West Village: Share your spring break destination photos with loved ones by taking some keepers in this scenic neighborhood.
• Lookout Mountain Incline Railway: Ride the world’s steepest passenger railway (72.7% grade) up Lookout Mountain for panoramic valley views. This historic funicular railway reopened in 2025 and offers a quick but breathtaking, all-ages experience.
• Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum: Step aboard vintage train rides on historic track through Missionary Ridge Tunnel. Choose from short family rides (1.25 hours), lunch and dinner trains, tea experiences, and seasonal favorites like Day Out With Thomas returning in spring 2026.
• Chattanooga Choo Choo: Extend your stay with a night at this historic Terminal Station turned hotel and entertainment complex. Overnight guests can sleep in restored Pullman train cars, explore the grand dome lobby and take in railroad exhibits, making it a memorable lodging experience with plenty of atmosphere.

Best time to visit: March - May 

Music and culture lovers should flock to Nashville for spring break.

• Cheekwood Estate & Gardens: Celebrate warm weather in Nashville by hitting the spring walking trails during Cheekwood in Bloom March-May 2026.
• Music Sites and Museums: Enjoy live music at venues across the city, tour sites where music history was made like Ryman Auditorium, Grand Ole Opry and Historic RCA Studio B. Marvel at the music collection on display at the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum, National Museum of African American Music, Musicians Hall of Fame and newly-opened The Museum of Christian & Gospel Music.
• Prince's Hot Chicken: Try the heat of hot chicken and sample the original iteration of this Nashville culinary staple.
• Fifth & Broadway's Assembly Food Hall: Great for a spring break group, try a variety of Nashville cuisine from over 20 local artisans.
• Tennessee Performing Arts Center: See a Broadway show or Nashville Ballet performance during your Nashville spring break.
• Frist Art Museum: Looking for indoor spring break ideas? See traveling art exhibits at Nashville's Frist Art Museum.
• Family Fun Ideas: Enjoy fun for the whole family at the The Nashville Zoo, Adventure Science Center and The Adventure Park at Nashville.
• Rock Island State Park: take a day trip out of the city to marvel at wildflowers and roaring waterfalls. For an affordable family vacation, explore their cabins or campgrounds for charming spring break accommodations.

Best time to visit: April - May 

Plan your spring vacation in the home of blues, soul and rock n' roll, Memphis. Party under the neon lights of Beale Street Historic Entertainment District. Savor perfectly smoked barbecue and immerse in the culture, arts and history of the city.

• Music Sites and Museums: Your music pilgrimage has to include world-famous sites like Elvis Presley's Graceland, Sun Studio, Stax Museum of American Soul Music, Blues Hall of Fame and Memphis Music Hall of Fame.
• Overton Park Shell: Enjoy an outdoor concert with diverse shows performing weekly.
• Festival Experiences: celebrate spring at a variety of festivals like RiverBeat Music Festival May 1-3, 2026; Memphis in May International Festival happening all month-long with major events like World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest May 13-16, 2026 and Great American River Run; and Memphis' barbecue competition SmokeSlam: The World's Ultimate BBQ Showdown May 14-16, 2026.

Stay inspired with even more ways to spend spring break in Tennessee by visiting the Trip Inspiration page.