Tennessee is the Volunteer State, a land where Appalachian mountain mist meets Mississippi Delta soul. From the neon honky-tonks of Nashville and the legendary blues clubs of Beale Street to the ancient hollows of the Great Smoky Mountains and the white-water rivers of the Cherokee National Forest, Tennessee delivers an extraordinary range of experiences. Home to more live music per capita than almost any state, birthplace of country, blues, and rock-and-roll, and blessed with stunning natural landscapes, Tennessee is a destination that rewards every type of traveler.
Top beaches
A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in Tennessee.
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- laid-back TVA reservoir beach, free and family-focused
- Sandy swimming beach
- Picnic pavilions
- Fishing access
- Boat ramp
- Restrooms
- Free parking
Nickajack Lake Beach (Maple View Recreation Area)
Editor’s tip. Arrive by 9 a.m. on summer weekends—the small gravel parking area fills quickly and there is no overflow lot
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- clear-water state park lake, scenic bluffs and outdoors-focused
- Designated swimming area
- Boat rentals
- Fishing piers
- Campground
- Hiking trails
- Picnic areas
Center Hill Lake Beach (Edgar Evins State Park)
Editor’s tip. Day-use parking fees apply in peak season—check Tennessee State Parks for current rates before visiting
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- scenic TVA cove system, rural and unhurried with excellent fishing
- Multiple coves with sandy beaches
- Boat rentals available at Sequoyah Marina
- Fishing
- Campgrounds (TVA-managed)
- Swimming areas
Norris Lake Recreation Area
Editor’s tip. No single central beach exists—use a mapping app to locate the nearest TVA day-use cove or campground beach relative to your accommodation
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- eerie cypress swamp lake, world-class birding and fishing
- Swimming area
- Fishing (this earthquake-created lake is famous for crappie and bluegill)
- Boat rentals
- Bald eagle watching tours November–March
- Campground
- Restaurant on-site
Reelfoot Lake State Park Beach
Editor’s tip. Book eagle-watching boat tours well in advance—these are extremely popular and fill quickly between December and February
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- full-service Tennessee River state park, family and angler favorite
- Sandy swimming beach on Tennessee River
- Heated indoor pool
- Boat ramps
- Marina with rentals
- 18-hole golf course
- Inn and restaurant on-site
Pickwick Lake (Pickwick Landing State Park)
Editor’s tip. Confirm lifeguard hours at the park office on arrival—staffing can vary by season and budget year
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- easy-access Appalachian valley lake, free and family-oriented
- Swimming beach
- Pedal boat rentals
- Frisbee golf course
- Shelter rentals
- Wildlife watching (Canadian geese)
- Picnic area
Cove Lake State Park Beach
Editor’s tip. No food concessions operate in the park—bring a packed lunch; the nearest options are in Caryville along US-25W, about 5 minutes away
What to bring
A short packing list for a comfortable beach day — adjust for season and the specific spot.
- Sun protectionHigh-SPF sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, light long-sleeve cover-up.
- HydrationReusable bottle, salty snacks for longer days, electrolyte sachets if it’s hot.
- FootwearWater shoes for pebble or rocky entry, flip-flops for sand, dry pair for the trip home.
- Swim & coverQuick-dry towel or sand-resistant mat, change of swimwear, light cover-up for restaurants.
- Cash & valuablesSmall notes for beach clubs and rentals; waterproof pouch for phone, keys, cards.
- ExtrasReef-safe sunscreen near protected coastline, a book, a small first-aid kit for jellyfish or scrapes.
Beach safety
Hard-earned guidance — read this before you swim, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the coast.
Critical
Swim where lifeguards are posted and follow flag warnings — green is safe, yellow is caution, red means no swimming. Rip currents are the leading beach hazard worldwide.
Caution
Watch for tide changes and marine life — jellyfish blooms, sea urchins on rocky entries, occasional shark or stingray advisories. Don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk.
Tip
Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes and after every swim. Take shade between 11 am and 3 pm — the sun is harsher than people expect, even when the air is cool.
Practical
Keep valuables out of sight or back at the accommodation. Beach theft is a small-but-real risk at busy beaches; never leave bags unattended while you’re in the water.
Common questions
Quick answers to the questions we get asked most about Tennessee’s coast.
Is there an admission fee to swim at Nickajack Lake Beach?
No. Maple View Recreation Area is managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority and entry is entirely free. Parking is also provided at no charge.
From the Nickajack Lake Beach (Maple View Recreation Area) editorial.
Is there a lifeguard on duty at the beach?
No lifeguard is stationed at Maple View Recreation Area. Swimmers are responsible for their own safety and should supervise children closely, particularly in water deeper than the sandy entry zone.
From the Nickajack Lake Beach (Maple View Recreation Area) editorial.
Is Center Hill Lake water safe for swimming?
Yes. Center Hill Lake is one of the clearest TVA reservoirs in Tennessee, and the designated swimming area within Edgar Evins State Park is suitable for recreational swimming during summer. No lifeguard is posted, so swimmers are responsible for their own safety.
From the Center Hill Lake Beach (Edgar Evins State Park) editorial.
Can visitors rent boats at Edgar Evins State Park?
Yes. The park's marina offers pontoon boat, fishing boat, and kayak rentals. Availability is highest on weekday mornings; summer weekends—especially in July and August—often see limited availability, so advance contact is recommended.
From the Center Hill Lake Beach (Edgar Evins State Park) editorial.
Is there a designated public beach at Norris Lake?
There is no single central public beach. Swimming access is available at multiple TVA day-use areas and private campground beaches around the lake's extensive shoreline. Norris Dam State Park provides the most convenient organized recreation facilities near the dam.
From the Norris Lake Recreation Area editorial.
How clear is the water at Norris Lake?
Norris Lake is considered one of the clearest large reservoirs in Tennessee, with visibility often extending several feet below the surface. The blue-green color results from the lake's considerable depth and the limestone geology of the surrounding Valley and Ridge region.
From the Norris Lake Recreation Area editorial.
Is the water at Reelfoot Lake suitable for swimming?
The park maintains a designated swimming area open in summer, but the lake's water is typically murky with a silty bottom due to the shallow cypress environment. Most visitors come primarily for fishing, birdwatching, and the lake's unique ecological character rather than swimming.
From the Reelfoot Lake State Park Beach editorial.
When is the best time to see bald eagles at Reelfoot Lake?
Bald eagles are present at Reelfoot Lake from November through March, with peak numbers typically occurring in January and February. The state park operates guided eagle-watching boat tours during these months; reservations are strongly recommended.
From the Reelfoot Lake State Park Beach editorial.