Cades Cove, a popular destination within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offers a blend of natural beauty and historical significance. Explore the valley floor, a haven for wildlife such as black bears, deer, and elk. Discover preserved structures dating back to the 1700s, including original mountain homes, a grist mill, churches, and barns, all offering a glimpse into the area's rich past. Once a Cherokee hunting ground, Cades Cove later became home to early settlers, and their legacy is preserved throughout the area. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy it by the stream that still powers the mill today.

At the National Air and Space Museum, you can see historic aircraft, from Amelia Earhart’s Lockheed to World War II fighters, as well as spacecraft and moon landing exhibits. There’s also a planetarium, IMAX theatre, and flight simulators, plus workshops and demonstrations that make the science behind aviation and space exploration come alive.

Not many cemeteries would be listed among a city’s top 10 sights, but Arlington is an exception. Catch the ceremonial changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where soldiers keep a 24-hour watch in honor of the unidentified dead from World War I, World War II, and the Korean War. Beyond the tomb, you can visit the graves of presidents, military leaders, and other notable figures, or take a quiet walk through the grounds.

This privately owned nature reserve is a favourite for trekking (Tok Tokkie Trail is often the first pick) and camping trips, offering an experience distinctly different to that of the desert terrain of the Namib-Naukluft National Park. NamibRand is also home to the International Dark Sky Reserve, recognised for the exceptional clarity of its skies, and offering near-unparalleled stargazing.