Best driving-distance vacation spots to visit near Knoxville in 2021

We’re in the middle of spring break in Knox County, and as the coronavirus pandemic continues, some are searching for staycation spots.

Knoxville is the perfect place to begin a quick trip because the city is within a day’s drive of half of the continental United States, giving travelers plenty of options on the road.

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention encourages everyone, even those who are vaccinated, to stay home so we can slow the spread of COVID-19. So if you do choose to travel, remember to stay safe and consider the health of others around you.

Here are the best destinations for day trips, road trips and weekend getaways near Knoxville for 2021.

Locations an hour or less away

Pigeon Forge

In about 45 minutes, travelers can be in Pigeon Forge. The Sevier County city has something for every member of the family from Dollywood and dinner shows to mini golf and museums.

Pigeon Forge is the perfect place for families to have some fun for a day and be home by night. See everything Pigeon Forge has to offer at mypigeonforge.com.

Gatlinburg

Enjoy the outdoors in Gatlinburg this spring!

See over the city at outdoor attractions including Anakeetsa, SkyLift Park and Ober Gatlinburg, or immerse yourself in the mountains at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. If you’re looking to explore something off the beaten path, visit Gatlinburg’s Arts and Crafts Community.

Plan your trip at gatlinburg.com.

Townsend

Relax and recharge in Townsend, referred to as “The Peaceful Side of the Smokies.”

See the beauty of the Smoky Mountains a few minutes away at quiet Cades Cove. This section of the national park is perfect for a leisurely drive or hike. If you’re looking for more adventurous activities, try rafting, tubing, fly fishing or any of the other outdoor experiences in the town.

Learn more at cityoftownsend.com.

Roadtrip destinations (2-4 hours)

Asheville (2 hours)

If you enjoy spending time in Knoxville but need a change of scenery, Asheville, N.C., is for you.

After a two-hour trip through the mountains, travelers end up in Asheville, a city for history buffs, outdoor enthusiasts and craft beer connoisseurs. Spend the day exploring some of visitors’ favorite attractions including Biltmore before kicking back with a brew.

There’s enough to do for a day or for several, depending on what you want to see. Check out everything Asheville has to offer at exploreasheville.com.

Nashville (2.5 hours)

There’s plenty to explore to our west! Nashville is an ideal spot for small groups of friends or families.

Learn about the home of country music at the city’s many museums, or pack a hot chicken picnic to enjoy at Centennial Park. If you’re staying overnight, don’t forget Nashville’s nightlife along Broadway.

Go to visitmusiccity.com to make sure you don’t miss out on anything in Music City.

Atlanta (3 hours)

Atlanta is for anyone! The city is bustling with experiences for every member of the family.

Kids love the Children’s Museum of Atlanta, LEGOLAND Discovery Center and Georgia Aquarium. There’s much for adults to see in Atlanta, too. Or go to a Braves game with the whole family.

Plan your trip at discoveratlanta.com.

Cincinnati (3.5 hours)

Cincinnati is home to the second-oldest zoo in the United States, an expansive open-air market and the American Sign Museum.

With so many attractions to explore, travelers won’t be bored here on the Ohio River, whether they’re staying for one day or for several.

Visit cincinnatiusa.com for more information.

Weekend getaways (5-plus hours)

Charleston, South Carolina (5.5 hours)

History buffs will love this location. Charleston is home to must-see sites like The Battery, a row of Southern-style mansions overlooking Charleston Harbor, and Fort Sumter.

Have some fun in the sun at one of Charleston’s nearby beaches before touring the city by boat, carriage or foot.

Discover Charleston at charlestoncvb.com.

Memphis (6 hours)

You can’t miss Memphis if you’re considering a weekend trip.

Take a stroll down Beale Street, see the National Civil Rights Museum, or splash around at Mud Island. The Memphis Zoo is a must-see, and Tennessee residents can get in for free on Tuesday afternoons after March.

Visit memphistravel.com to make the most of your weekend.

Savannah, Georgia (6 hours)

Celebrate spring in Savannah!

The city is only 30 minutes away from the sandy beaches of Tybee Island, and it has something for everyone.

From days at Forsyth Park to nights on spooky ghost tours, visitors are sure to have a time unlike any other in Savannah.

Plan your trip at visitsavannah.com.

St. Louis (7 hours)

Spend a weekend in St. Louis, starting with a trip to the city’s most famous landmark – the Gateway Arch.

Visitors can take a 630-foot ride to the top of the stainless steel monument for the best view in the Gateway City. There are also plenty of places for kids to explore, such as Magic House, an interactive children’s museum, and City Museum, an all-ages playground. Be sure to share photos of your time in St. Louis on social media by posing next to one of the city’s many pieces of outdoor art.

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