Johnson City is gradually becoming one of the most popular tourist destinations in East Tennessee due to the vast variety of pleasurable activities that can be enjoyed both inside the city limits and outside in the neighboring forests and Appalachian highlands. what to do in johnson city tn, you can be taking in live music while lounging on a picnic blanket in King Commons Park one minute, and the next you might be touring the historic area in quest of the best eateries, breweries, and galleries, or you might be rafting down the Nolichucky River!