Knoxville, TN, is a great place for a Day Trip because of its rich history and the diversity of culture. There are a myriad of exciting and adventurous things to see and do for families or couples.
The Great Smoky Mountains are barely a 30-minute drive from Knoxville. If you are staying in Sevierville, Gatlinburg, or Pigeon Forge, TN, you can easily drive over to Knoxville, spend a day, and be back at your hotel before bedtime. Ashville is about a 2-hour drive, perfect for a day trip.
Travel in the south is my passion. My husband and I are both southerners from birth. We love the rich history, beautiful landscapes, and antebellum architecture found in the Deep South. You won’t find more friendly folks than Southerners. Travel the south with us. Let’s go spend a day in Knoxville!
World’s Fair Park
We wanted to visit Knoxville for a day because it was home to the World’s Fair in 1982. World’s Fair Park is open to the public.
World’s Fair Park is a must-see. I insist you add it to your Day Trip to Knoxville. The park boasts an amphitheater, splash pads, a lush performance lawn, and a festival lawn. The outdoor space is quite relaxing and gorgeous. Go up in the Sunsphere for a 360° view of Knoxville. You can watch the sun go down from the observation deck on the fourth floor to end your Day Trip in Knoxville.
Be sure to check the park calendar before your visit. There is always something going on, including festivals and concerts throughout the year.
Knoxville Visitors Center
Stop at the Visitors Center on the corner of Summit and Gay. It isn’t just a place for brochures and maps. If your timing is right, you can enjoy the Blue Plate Special, which is live music courtesy of WDVX 89.9 FM.
Tours
Pick up some information at the Visitor’s Center for walking and driving tours, guided or self-guided.
Visit Downtown/Market Square
Market Square is located in the heart of downtown Knoxville, where you will find plenty to take in. There are shops and boutiques, loads of restaurants, rooftop bars, street performers, the Farmer’s Market, and if your timing is good, there might even be a festival going on during your visit. Enjoy the splash pad in the summer or ice skating in the winter.
Most shops and restaurants open mid-morning at Market Square, except the breakfast and coffee places. They are bright-eyed and ready for the early birds with coffee and food to fuel your day.
Want to know more about Downtown Knoxville and Market Square? Head over to Instagram and search #lovedowntownknox to find places the locals love, great places to grab a drink, and lots more ideas for visiting downtown Knoxville.
Parking downtown
We know you don’t want to drive aimlessly around trying to find somewhere to park. Here are some parking places in the downtown area.
- Market Square Garage at 406 Walnut
- Langley Garage at 407 Walnut
- Promenade Garage at 401 State Street (a little further out)
- State Street Garage at 520 State Street (also further out)
- There are some street parking spots (Good Luck!)
- Download the Parkopedia app to help with finding parking
Murals
We love a city with artsy roots. Knoxville offers numerous murals perfect for great Instagram shots. Visit this link for a guide to all of the murals.
Zoo Knoxville
Zoo Knoxville is open daily from 9-5. The zoo is home to over 800 animals representing 200 species. Save $2 on admission by buying your tickets online in advance of your visit.
There are multiple areas dedicated to children. The Pilot Flying J Wee Play Zoo, an imaginary zoo-like indoor playland, especially for preschool and elementary age kids.
During the summer, take the kids’ water wear so they can play in the Safari Splash!
Kids Cove is inspired by a 19th-century Appalachian farm. Get hands-on with friendly goats and sheep in the barnyard. Let the kids splash around in the wading stream or play in a sandbox.
Museums
Museum of East Tennessee History
The Museum of East Tennessee History features more than 10,000 artifacts from the region’s 35 different counties. Permanent exhibit items detail such historic moments in time as frontier living, the Civil War, and the civil rights movement, as well as native groups such as the Cherokee Indians.
Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame
The Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame is “committed to telling the story of the struggles, sacrifices, and successes that made women’s basketball the incredible sport it is today. It’s all here for you at the WBHOF in Knoxville, TN, the only museum of its kind devoted exclusively to women’s basketball.” The 35,000 square foot facility is the only one of its kind dedicated to all levels of women’s basketball, including domestic and international.
More Museums
- Knoxville Museum of Art
- McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture
- Beck Center African American History and Culture
- Blount Mansion
- Crescent Bend House and Gardens
- James White’s Fort
- Mabry Hazen House
- Marble Springs State Historic Site
- Ramsey House
- Historic Westwood
The Great Outdoors
Tour the beautiful State Botanical Gardens at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. The UT Gardens at Knoxville is open to the public 365 days per year with no admission charge, from sunup to sundown.
Situated upon 275 acres of land, the Ijams Nature Center includes 10 miles of hiking and biking trails along quarries, ponds, meadows, woodlands, and the Tennessee River Boardwalk. An on-site wildlife sanctuary features an amphitheater, greenhouse, gardens, a raptor enclosure, and a natural playscape for children. Hours are 8 am until dusk.
The Navitat, an aerial adventure park, overlooks the East Tennessee River. Located inside the Ijams Nature Center. The Navitat was rated the #1 Outdoor Activity in Knoxville by TripAdvisor. You should leave with a smile on your face, happy memories, and just a little bit tired.
4 Day Trip Ideas
I am breaking it down into four different ideas to help you decide. I have considered driving time, so all four begin mid-morning and hopefully begin with brunch downtown. If you can end your day with a 360° view from the Sphere, it’s spectacular. You might want to end your day having dinner at a rooftop bar downtown, still a great view.
Day Trip Idea #1 Parks & Downtown
- Plan to arrive in downtown Knoxville mid-morning for brunch
- Head to the Knoxville Visitors Center for a few minutes
- Browse Market Square for shopping and sites
- Stroll the murals for Instagram photos #lovedowntownknox
- Visit the Botanical Gardens
- End your Day Trip by going up in the Sphere at World’s Fair Park
Day Trip Idea #2 Nature Lovers
- Begin your day with a stroll through the Botanical Gardens
- It is time for a serious adventure at Ijams Nature Center
- If you have time before heading back, go to Market Square for dinner
- End your day by going up in the Sphere at World’s Fair Park
Day Trip Idea #3 History Buffs
- Go to the Visitors Center downtown
- Have brunch at Market Square to begin your day
- Visit the Museum of East Tennessee History
- Tour Marble Springs State Historic Site
- Do the Tour of Homes: Blount Mansion, Crescent Bend House and Gardens, James White’s Fort, Mabry Hazen House, Ramsey House, and Historic Westwood
Day Trip Idea #4 Kids Day Out
- Visit Zoo Knoxville
- Have lunch in Market Square (there are playgrounds, you rest, the kids play)
- More adventure at Ijams Nature Center
- End your day with a self-guided driving tour, after dinner, of course
