Top reasons to visit Knoxville
- Outdoor Adventures: Knoxville is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, featuring scenic parks, beautiful lakes, and a variety of adventure activities.
- Rich History: Explore Knoxville's rich cultural heritage at historic sites like the Tennessee Theatre and the nearby town of Oak Ridge.
- Family-Friendly Activities: Enjoy a range of family-oriented attractions, including educational venues and a fun water park.
- Vibrant Downtown: Stroll through downtown Knoxville's charming streets, filled with friendly faces and local shops.
- Diverse Accommodations: Choose from a variety of hotels, catering to families, business travelers, and pet owners alike.
Find great hotels near Knoxville
Discover the diverse hotel options in Knoxville, Tennessee, where you can find accommodations perfect for families, business travelers, and pet owners alike. From the charming Tennessean Hotel to the modern Oliver Hotel, Knoxville offers a variety of top-rated lodgings to enhance your vacation experience. Enjoy convenient amenities and excellent services tailored to meet your needs as you explore this vibrant city.
- Wilderness at the Smokies - Stone Hill Lodge: Nestled 31km from Knoxville, Wilderness at the Smokies - Stone Hill Lodge is a family-friendly resort that offers a unique blend of adventure and relaxation. With a guest rating of 8.6 out of 10, this lodge features an array of amenities, including a water park, arcade game room, and a playground for children. The property also caters to golf enthusiasts with onsite golf experiences and nearby hiking and biking trails, making it an ideal choice for those seeking outdoor activities. Families can enjoy various adventure sports, ensuring a memorable vacation.
- Econo Lodge Pigeon Forge Riverside: Located 35km from Knoxville, the Econo Lodge Pigeon Forge Riverside is a budget-friendly option with a guest rating of 8.8 out of 10. This hotel is well-suited for families and business travelers alike, offering a range of adventure sports such as ziplining, rafting, and onsite fishing. Children will enjoy the arcade game room and children's pool, while the nearby sledding and moped rentals add to the excitement. With its focus on affordability and family fun, this hotel is a practical choice for those looking to explore the Pigeon Forge area.
- The Resort at Governor's Crossing: Situated 35km from Knoxville, The Resort at Governor's Crossing boasts a guest rating of 9.0 out of 10 and is designed with families in mind. Featuring a free water park, splash pad, and arcade game room, it offers plenty of entertainment for children. The resort's amenities include a children's pool and complimentary children's club, making it an excellent destination for families seeking both relaxation and fun. With its inviting atmosphere and focus on family activities, this resort is a standout choice for a memorable family getaway.
Where to stay in Knoxville
Knoxville, Tennessee, offers a delightful mix of outdoor adventure and vibrant city life. Explore downtown’s charming streets lined with friendly faces, perfect for a weekend getaway. Don't miss the historic Tennessee Theatre, showcasing local culture and performances. Nearby, Oak Ridge invites you to delve into its rich history, while the surrounding landscapes provide stunning city views and outdoor activities. Experience the warm hospitality and family-friendly atmosphere that make Knoxville a unique travel destination.
- Downtown Knoxville: Downtown Knoxville is the vibrant heart of the city, offering a rich blend of culture, family-friendly activities, and business opportunities. Located in the center of Knoxville, this neighborhood boasts a lively public market, historic landmarks, and an array of educational venues. Visitors often enjoy exploring the historic college university and attending events at the conference venue. With peak travel seasons in April, July, and September, Downtown Knoxville becomes a hub of activity, making it an excellent spot for those seeking a cultural experience while enjoying the local charm.
- East Knoxville: East Knoxville is a neighborhood that embraces outdoor adventures and family fun. The area is known for its shopping mall centers and arena entertainment facilities, making it a favorite among families and culture enthusiasts. With travel peaks occurring in June, July, and October, East Knoxville offers a welcoming atmosphere with plenty of attractions, including historic college universities and event venues. The blend of education and recreational opportunities makes this neighborhood a fantastic choice for visitors looking to experience the best of Knoxville’s outdoor and cultural scene.
- Fort Sanders: Fort Sanders is a dynamic neighborhood that caters to culture lovers, sports enthusiasts, and families alike. Known for its proximity to historic college universities and a major sports facility stadium, this area provides a unique experience for visitors. With peak travel periods in June, July, and October, Fort Sanders is a hub for arena entertainment and educational activities. The vibrant community atmosphere and diverse offerings make it an ideal location for tourists seeking to immerse themselves in the local culture while enjoying various sporting events and family-friendly attractions.
Things to do near Knoxville
Shopping
For unique gifts and souvenirs, visit Market Square, where local artisans showcase their creations. If you're up for a drive, check out West Town Mall, featuring popular retailers and dining options, or the Knoxville Center, which offers a variety of shops in a spacious setting.
Recreation
Experience tranquility at the Healing Arts Center, where you can enjoy soothing massages and holistic therapies. For outdoor relaxation, visit Ijams Nature Center, where hiking trails weave through lush landscapes, offering a peaceful escape and opportunities for birdwatching and kayaking on the serene waters.
Adventure
At Smoky Mountain Ziplines, located 39km from Knoxville, experience thrilling ziplines amidst stunning natural scenery. Adventure Park at Five Oaks, 34km away, offers an exhilarating ropes course for those seeking outdoor excitement. Gatlinburg Ziplines, 45km from Knoxville, features breathtaking views and an adrenaline rush as you soar through the trees.
Nightlife
Visit the Old City area for a vibrant nightlife scene, where you can enjoy live music at The International and sip cocktails at The Well. For a lively atmosphere, explore the bars along Gay Street, featuring local brews and great vibes.
*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Knoxville
Knoxville offers many ways to save money while exploring the city. Enjoy free attractions like the University of Tennessee, Market Square, and World's Fair Park. For transportation, consider using buses for an economical option. The best time to visit for lower prices is from January to March, with Tuesday being the cheapest day to stay. Use Expedia to compare room rates and book package deals that include flights and activities for additional savings. Don't forget to filter for the best prices and look for last-minute deals.
- The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Knoxville are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to July, October and December, where prices are slightly higher.
- The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Knoxville is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay in Knoxville is Saturday.
- Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to customize your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. To discover the best prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
- Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay in Knoxville with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
Find the best attractions in Knoxville
Knoxville, Tennessee, is perfect for outdoor and adventure vacations, offering a variety of scenic attractions. Popular points of interest include urban parks, historic houses, and beautiful lakes. Whether you're seeking cultural experiences, outdoor activities, or family-friendly fun, Knoxville has something to offer every traveler. Explore the rich history and natural beauty that this vibrant city has in store for your next vacation.
- Market Square: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Market Square, a lively piazza in downtown Knoxville. This area is bustling with local shops, restaurants, and frequent events, making it a great spot for immersing yourself in the city's culture and community.
- World's Fair Park: Enjoy a family-friendly environment at World's Fair Park, which features beautiful gardens, fountains, and walking trails. This outdoor space, originally part of the 1982 World's Fair, offers both relaxation and recreation amidst scenic views.
- Sunsphere Tower: Visit the iconic Sunsphere Tower, a modern landmark that offers panoramic views of Knoxville from its observation deck. The tower's unique design and central location make it a striking feature of the city's skyline.
Best time to go to Knoxville
The best time to visit Knoxville is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.
The nearest major airports for your trip to Knoxville
Flying into Knoxville, Tennessee is convenient with its primary airport, Knoxville, TN (TYS-McGhee Tyson), located 19km from the city. Nearby hotel options include the 4-star THE TENNESSEAN Hotel and Marriott Knoxville Downtown, both 18km away, as well as the 4-star RT Lodge, just 6km from the airport. For those considering alternative airports, Asheville, NC (AVL) is 138km away, with options like the Grand Bohemian Lodge Asheville and Abbington Green Bed & Breakfast Inn. TRI-Cities, TN (TRI), located 146km away, offers hotels such as Carnegie Hotel & Spa and DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Johnson City, providing various transportation services to the airport.