Discovered within the foothills of the Appalachian mountains on the southern fringe of Tennessee, the town of Chattanooga has lengthy been a preferred vacation vacation spot. We’ve visited various instances, and since we moved to the US it’s grow to be considered one of our favourite cities for a fast in a single day journey.
It’s situated proper alongside the borders of the states of Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama, making it a handy getaway for many individuals. It’s a 3 hour or much less drive from Atlanta, Huntsville, Nashville, Knoxville, Birmingham, and Dollywood.
There’s one thing right here for everybody, from mountain climbing trails to Civil Warfare sights to museums and household pleasant points of interest. There’s additionally a variety of lodging, scrumptious eating choices, and it’s straightforward to get round.
This information goes to undergo all our favourite issues to do in Chattanooga, masking all of the points of interest and actions we predict you’ll get pleasure from. Whether or not you’re visiting for a day or every week, we predict this information gives you a lot of inspiration to your journey.
In addition to issues to do, it’s additionally going to cowl the place to remain, get round, and different ideas to your go to. So we hope you get pleasure from this information to visiting Chattanooga, Tennessee!
Issues to do in Chattanooga, Tennessee
This information to issues to do will cowl our favourite actions within the metropolis and we predict it covers a various set of pursuits. We’ll begin with the downtown points of interest, most of that are inside strolling distance of one another.
We’ll then undergo among the points of interest a little bit additional out of city which would require both a automotive or different type of transport to succeed in.
We suggest utilizing this checklist of issues to do to create your personal excellent Chattanooga itinerary, so you understand what you wish to do and the way lengthy you would possibly wish to go to.
Tennessee Aquarium
One in all downtown’s Chattanooga’s hottest points of interest is the Tennessee Aquarium. That is broadly considered among the finest aquariums within the USA, and if you happen to like studying about wildlife and seeing aquatic animals, we extremely suggest a go to.
We actually loved our go to to the Tennessee Aquarium. I notably appreciated the logical structure, which has you beginning your go to within the River Journey constructing. Right here, you basically observe the journey of a drop water because it travels from the Appalachian Mountains, all the best way downstream to the Gulf of Mexico. You move by way of a wide range of habitats on this journey, and see a variety of species as you go.
There are a variety of reveals, however some highlights for us had been the otters, alligators, turtles, and river giants. I’d additionally add that habitats past the USA are included within the journey to provide you an thought of river habitats all over the world.
When you full the River Journey constructing, you progress to the separate Ocean Journey constructing. This continues your journey because the water drop heads out into the ocean, and contains all the pieces from contact ray tanks to jellyfish, penguins, and sharks. We additionally actually loved the butterfly backyard which was full of huge butterflies once we visited.
There’s additionally an IMAX theater that’s a part of the Tennessee Aquarium advanced, and you should purchase tickets to any of the reveals. There are usually 2 or 3 totally different motion pictures enjoying, from nature documentaries to the newest Hollywood movies. If you wish to see a movie, I’d undoubtedly verify displaying instances forward of time and plan accordingly.
The Tennessee Aquarium is pretty costly, however was undoubtedly among the finest aquariums I’ve visited, so I’d say is well worth the worth so long as you’ve no less than a few hours. It will undoubtedly make for a fantastic attraction to fill a while if you happen to’re visiting Chattanooga with children.
The Aquarium is a extremely popular attraction and will get crowded, notably on weekends and holidays. So, it may be a good suggestion to go to on weekdays close to opening or later within the afternoon as morning guests and faculty teams can be leaving.
Notice that tickets offered are with timed entry, so if there’s a particular time slot you propose to go to, it’s a good suggestion to e book forward as they restrict the variety of friends who can enter throughout every time slot.
Discover out extra about opening instances and ticket costs on the official Tennessee Aquarium web site right here.
In case you, or any of your journey companions, are fascinated by American army historical past and veterans affairs, the subsequent door Nationwide Medal of Honor Heritage Heart is perhaps of curiosity.
Hunter Museum of American Artwork
About seven minutes stroll from the Tennessee Aquarium is the Hunter Museum of American Artwork, which is discovered within the Bluff View Arts District. This space is residence to various museums, galleries, outlets and eateries, and is effectively value exploring even if you happen to don’t go to the Hunter Museum. You can too get pretty views of the river from right here.
Nevertheless, if you’re fascinated by artwork, then we extremely suggest a go to to the Hunter Museum of American Artwork. Because the identify suggests, this artwork museum focuses on American Artwork, with a everlasting assortment of virtually 3,000 works. These cowl a variety of artist types and embrace work, sculptures, images, blended media, ornamental arts, and extra.
There’s free parking on web site for guests to the museum, simply make sure to register your automotive’s license plate. There’s an admission payment, and the museum is usually closed on Tuesdays.
Once you’re within the Bluff Arts District we will additionally suggest a go to to the close by Anna Safley Houston Museum Of Ornamental Arts to anybody who loves ornamental artwork and eclectic collections. You may learn extra about that in our information to different museums in Chattanooga beneath.
Ebook a Tour of Chattanooga
One good approach to discover a brand new metropolis is to take a tour with an area information. There are a variety of excursions of Chattanooga obtainable, some providing a basic overview of the town and different specializing in a particular topic. Listed here are some instructed excursions to contemplate.
One other free approach to see the town with out driving or strolling is to trip the free metropolis shuttles. These run from the Chattanooga Choo Choo to the Tennessee Aquarium and are a great way to get round without spending a dime and see among the downtown space.
Inventive Discovery Museum
In case you’re visiting Chattanooga with children aged 18 months to 12 years, then you definately would possibly wish to plan a go to to Chattanooga’s Inventive Discovery Museum.
This downtown museum is concentrated on offering a enjoyable setting for youths to study and play. It has various everlasting interactive reveals, from a treehouse journey space by way of to at least one educating about life on the farm, a riverboat space, a library for studying, a STEM zone, and much extra.
Suffice to say, this museum will certainly hold your children occupied for just a few hours throughout your go to to Chattanooga. Discover out extra about opening hours and ticket costs on the Inventive Discovery museum web site right here.
Different Museums
For a metropolis of its measurement, Chattanooga is fortunate to have a variety of museums. I’ve talked about among the extra well-liked museums in Chattanooga, however there are extra museums you’ll be able to go to, relying in your pursuits and the way a lot time you’ve.
We are able to extremely suggest visiting a number of of the next museums in case you have the time while you’re within the metropolis. Whether or not you are interested within the army, African American historical past, pinball machines, tow vehicles, outdated vehicles, or artwork, you’re positive to seek out one thing of curiosity!
- Coolidge Nationwide Medal of Honor Heritage Heart – This interactive museum traces the historical past of the Medal of Honor throughout time, army conflicts, and its recipients. The Medal of Honor is the nation’s highest army award for valor, introduced to service members who show “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity on the danger of life above and past the decision of responsibility”. The very first recipient of the Medal of Honor was Personal Jacob Parrott in 1863 for his position within the Nice Locomotive Chase that occurred close to Chattanooga.
- Bessie Smith Cultural Heart – This glorious museum has various reveals which largely concentrate on the Black historical past of Chattanooga. Displays take you thru the beginnings of slavery within the space, by way of the Civil Warfare, the Jim Crow Period, the Civil Rights motion, after which to more moderen instances together with life on ninth road (Chattanooga’s model of Beale Road). I actually loved this museum and might undoubtedly suggest it.
- Worldwide Tow Truck Museum – In case you’re searching for one thing a little bit totally different, then I’d recommend a visit to the Worldwide Tow Truck Museum. Jess and I really like visiting museums like this, which concentrate on a extremely particular topic that we would not in any other case have discovered about. This museum, because the identify implies, focuses on the historical past of the tow truck, which was invented in Chattanooga in 1916 by Ernest Holmes Sr. The museum charts the historical past of the tow truck and the car towing trade. We knew nothing about tow vehicles once we visited however left with a variety of data in addition to a newfound respect for the individuals who work on this usually harmful discipline.
- Anna Safley Houston Museum Of Ornamental Arts – This museum focuses on the relatively exceptional assortment of Anna Might Safley, a Chattanooga resident who made it her life’s work to gather antiques. Her exceptional assortment expanded to over 15,000 ornamental arts objects, together with all the pieces from Tiffany glass to Tennessee furnishings. A go to right here gives a stroll by way of time. The true spotlight for us although was the information who walked us by way of the shows, he introduced all of it to life and joined the dots for us. So, if you’re provided a guided expertise, we extremely suggest taking it.
- Coker Museum – This museum is residence to over 130 classic automobiles, together with vehicles, bikes and airplanes. It’s discovered a little bit south of the downtown space, close to the Choo Choo. There’s free parking on web site.
- Pinball Museum – In case you want your museums to be of the palms on, interactive form, look no additional than the Pinball Museum, discovered downtown a few blocks from the Aquarium. The museum, because the identify suggests, is devoted to the Pinball machine, and the thought is that you just study by way of play. An entry ticket will get you limitless performs on over 40 pinball machines, courting from the Nineteen Seventies to the current day. You may even depart and return, they usually additionally serve soda, snacks and beer to maintain you going.
All of the above museums and cultural facilities have an admission payment to go to. Tickets can usually be bought each on the door and upfront. Test the museum’s web site for opening instances and ticket costs.
Attempt a Moon Pie
One well-liked factor to eat in Chattanooga that you just don’t have to go to a restaurant for is the Moon Pie. The Moon Pie is a delicate cookie that consists of two spherical Graham crackers dipped in a flavored coating, with a marshmallow middle filling. These have been made by Chattanooga Bakery Inc since 1917.
The unique taste of the Moon Pie was chocolate however they now are available a wide range of flavors and colours. The 5 common flavors are chocolate, vanilla, banana, strawberry, and salted caramel, however we’ve additionally come throughout a wide range of seasonal flavors and particular releases.
Jess and I had our first Moon Pie years in the past in Cellular, Alabama throughout Mardi Gras. They’re a extremely popular “throw” in the course of the Mardi Gras parades there and are a preferred snack all through a lot of the South.
You should buy them in a wide range of places in Chattanooga (grocery shops, comfort shops, Walmart, and so forth.), however two of those with wider choices are:
- Moonpie Basic Retailer on the Southern Belle (situated inside completely moored Southern Belle riverboat)
- St. Elmo’s Mercantile (close to Incline Railway)
The basic accompaniment to a Moon Pie is a bottle or can of RC Cola. This soda which was invented in Georgia has lengthy been related to the Moon Pie within the South. So if you happen to can deal with the additional sugar, you’ll be able to wash down your Moon Pie with a chilly can of RC Cola!
Stroll throughout the Walnut Road Bridge
The Walnut Road Bridge is among the icons of Chattanooga. It spans 2,376 ft throughout the Tennessee River, linking the downtown space (close to the Hunter Artwork Museum) with the north aspect of the town.
It was initially constructed for all sorts of visitors, which on the time it opened was primarily horse-drawn wagons and pedestrians. Later, this included car visitors.
Over time, bigger bridges just like the Olgiati and Market Road bridges had been constructed which had been designed for heavier visitors. In 1978, as a consequence of considerations over structural integrity, the Walnut Road Bridge was closed to car visitors and largely deserted for a decade.
Fortunately, efforts to revive the bridge to a protected working order had been commenced, and in 1993 the bridge was reopened as a pedestrian solely bridge. Immediately it’s a preferred attraction and even performs host to occasions and festivals which happen on the bridge itself.
It’s additionally vital to recollect that there’s a darker aspect to the bridge’s historical past. It was the location of the lynching of two Black males, Alfred Blount in 1893, and Ed Johnson in 1906. Each males had been hanged from the bridge. Immediately the southern finish of the bridge has a statue to Ed Johnson as a memorial, which you’ll be able to go to.
Notice: The Walnut Road Bridge is presently closed for a restoration venture beginning in March 2025, and it’s anticipated to re-open round September 2026. Nevertheless, whilst you can’t stroll throughout, you’ll be able to nonetheless stroll by and admire it if you’re exploring the Bluff View Arts District.
Choo Choo Historic Space
The Choo Choo Historic space is simply south of downtown, and might most simply be reached by the free electrical shuttles that run from close to the Tennessee Aquarium right down to the Choo Choo space.
The Chattanooga Choo Choo is the place the unique foremost prepare station in Chattanooga was discovered. The primary station was Union Station, which was in-built 1858. This was changed within the early twentieth century by Terminal Station, which at its peak was servicing 50 passenger trains a day in addition to freight trains.
Many individuals affiliate Chattanooga with trains due to the favored 1941 tune “Chattanooga Choo Choo” by the Glenn Miller Orchestra. This tune would additionally encourage a movie of the identical identify in 1984.
Sadly, the decline of the railway as a method of passenger transport meant that trains turned few and much between, and Terminal Station was shuttered within the Nineteen Seventies. Plans had been made for its demolition.
Fortunately, some enterprising people noticed the potential of the station and surrounding space as an leisure and retail district, and it was become a resort and leisure middle. The resort opened because the Hilton in 1973, and was rebranded because the Chattanooga Choo Choo Resort in 1989. Immediately it is called Resort Chalet on the Choo Choo, and you may even keep in a restored prepare automotive do you have to want.
Immediately, you’ll be able to go to the realm the place you will discover various bars, eating places and present outlets, in addition to prepare vehicles and even small distilleries and breweries. It’s effectively value coming right here for wander, a drink, or a chunk to eat, even if you happen to aren’t staying within the resort right here. The outdated terminal constructing is actually pretty, and it’s a beautiful house to get pleasure from.
Jess and I stayed on the Resort Chalet on the Choo Choo on one go to to Chattanooga and visited among the bars, eating places and outlets right here. It’s additionally neat simply to stroll round and see the outdated prepare carriages and the outdated Terminal constructing.
Chattanooga Zoo
A few miles east of downtown Chattanooga is the Chattanooga Zoo which occupies a 13-acre web site. This is among the smallest accredited zoos within the USA, however it does provide nice worth.
Notable reveals embrace the pink panda exhibit, which is definitely the biggest indoor pink panda exhibit on the earth. The zoo additionally has many different animals, together with giraffe, jaguar, snow leopards, warthogs, monkeys, chimpanzees, and extra.
There’s free parking on web site. You could find out extra and plan your go to on the official Chattanooga Zoo web site right here.
Water Actions on the Tennessee River
Chattanooga sits on the Tennessee River, and there are a selection of water-based actions that you are able to do in Chattanooga and the encircling space. Listed here are some choices.
- River cruise – One of the well-liked river actions is a cruise on the Tennessee River. Operator Southern Belle has various cruise choices obtainable, together with sundown cruises, daytime sightseeing cruises, in addition to lunch and dinner cruises. Cruises run 12 months spherical and you may see schedules and e book on-line upfront right here.
- Kayaking / Arise Paddleboarding – One other well-liked choice is to go kayaking or rise up paddleboarding on the Tennessee River. You may lease craft from L2 Leases in downtown Chattanooga. Alternatively, you can too take guided excursions. For instance, this guided tour takes you to see the Sandhill Cranes, and this one has you seeing the bats emerge from the caves of Nickajack Lake.
- Whitewater rafting – In case you’d want one thing with a bit extra adrenaline, then you definately would possibly think about going white water rafting. Various operators provide raft journeys on the Ocoee River, which is just below an hours drive from Chattanooga. That is one choice, right here is one other.
Even if you happen to don’t have time for a cruise or water exercise, the Riverfront space is a pleasant place to take a stroll or have a jog. A 16 mile paved strolling path, the Tennessee River Stroll, hyperlinks downtown Chattanooga with the Chickamauga Dam, with parks and scenic viewpoints alongside the best way.
In fact, you don’t should stroll your entire size of it! We did the brief stroll between the Southern Belle riverboat and the sculpture backyard within the Bluff View Arts District and actually loved it.
Chattanooga Market
Chattanooga has just a few totally different meals and craft markets, however the one we most suggest visiting is the Chattanooga Market. That is held each Sunday from April by way of December, and could be discovered on the First Horizon Pavillion, a brief drive south of downtown, throughout from Finley Stadium.
The market, which has been working since 2001, is a mixed arts and crafts market and farmers market. We noticed recent produce, bread, honey, flowers, arts, crafts, leather-based items, soaps, pet toys, gifting objects, and far more. There have been additionally many distributors promoting sizzling meals, drinks, and snacks.
Standards for stallholders is strict, with all objects required to be grown or created straight by the particular person promoting it. There’s additionally a vetting course of in place. So you’re assured to seek out some distinctive merchandise right here, not generic mass produced objects.
There are additionally usually a wide range of meals vehicles on web site and there are sometimes dwell music performances as effectively. So this could simply be a spot to spend just a few hours on a Sunday. We had a very nice go to right here and hope to return.
Paid parking is obtainable on web site subsequent to Finley Stadium.
Journey the Incline Railway
The points of interest we’ve listed thus far have primarily been in and across the downtown and riverfront areas of Chattanooga. Now we’re going to take a look at some points of interest which can be a little bit away from the downtown. For a few of these you’ll be able to attain them by public transport, for others you’ll should both drive your self or look into taxi choices.
The primary attraction we suggest that may be a little approach out of city is the Incline Railway. Working since 1895, this funicular railway will whisk you from the bottom of Lookout Mountain proper as much as the highest. The trip lasts round 10 minutes and is a mile lengthy, and it’s fairly spectacular.
It’s additionally remarkably steep – the final stretch close to the highest has a grade of 72.7%, which is among the steepest railways on the earth. It’s really a little bit unnerving as you look down the monitor beneath you, Jess definitely gripped my hand a little bit tightly once we hit that part!
The highest station has a present store in addition to some reveals referring to the railway, which is value taking a couple of minutes to see. We are able to additionally suggest taking the five-minute stroll from right here to the Lookout Mountain Battlefield Customer Heart, after which onto the Mountain Battlefield and Level Park attraction.
This is among the many Civil Warfare websites you’ll be able to go to within the Chattanooga space (extra on these beneath) and gives each glorious views of the encircling space in addition to a pleasant customer middle the place you’ll be able to study in regards to the battle of Lookout Mountain.
There are additionally various walks you’ll be able to take within the space, together with to the Sundown Level viewpoint. The neighborhood up right here can also be very good for a stroll. Simply keep in mind to get again to the Incline Railway in time for the final prepare down!
You may see opening instances and fares on the official web site right here. The railway is often closed on Mondays, and there’s a paid car parking zone on the backside.
Ruby Falls
There are three main points of interest on Lookout Mountain. The primary of which, which we’ve already coated, is the Incline Railway. The subsequent, is Ruby Falls.
Just like the Incline Railway, this has been a preferred attraction in Chattanooga for many years. Opened in 1929, Ruby Falls is a waterfall, with the twist being that it’s discovered deep underground. The falls had been found and subsequently commercialized by Leo Lambert, who named the falls after his spouse Ruby.
Ruby Falls can solely be visited as a part of a guided tour, which has you descending by elevator deep into Lookout Mountain. There’s then a half mile stroll every approach to the waterfall, throughout which period your information will level out varied rock formations and factors of curiosity.
Ruby Falls is a extremely popular attraction and it will probably undoubtedly be fairly busy. Tour sizes are restricted, however there can nonetheless be round 30 individuals per group. Teams are spaced out, so every group stops to benefit from the Falls for about 10 minutes (loads of time), with the entire expertise lasting round an hour.
There’s a informal restaurant on-site that serves breakfast. lunch, and dinner, in addition to a big present store.
We loved visiting Ruby Falls, as seeing an underground waterfall is a reasonably distinctive expertise. We additionally appreciated the tour information and the sights alongside the best way. Nevertheless, if you’re not a fan of tight areas and tightly managed group experiences, this may not be for you.
We suggest reserving upfront for this one as tour instances can promote out. Ebook your tickets on the official Ruby Falls web site right here. There’s on-site parking at Ruby Falls which is free. We’re not conscious of public transport choices to get right here however you possibly can take a taxi.
Rock Metropolis
The third main attraction on the highest of Lookout Mountain is Rock Metropolis, which is definitely situated simply throughout the state line in Georgia. Like Ruby Falls and the Incline Railway, Rock Metropolis has been a preferred attraction within the space for many years, opening in 1932.
In all that point, the attraction has been in the identical household, now on it’s fourth era. The attraction primarily options various trails which wend by way of the exceptional rock crammed landscapes, lots of which lead you to spectacular viewpoints.
There are additionally underground dioramas, a swing bridge, and waterfalls to get pleasure from. There’s additionally a viewpoint the place, on a transparent day, it’s mentioned you’ll be able to see 7 states without delay.
You may get pleasure from Rock Metropolis by yourself at your personal tempo (most guests do that), or you’ll be able to e book a VIP guided tour. Notice that we extremely suggest to take a path map or take a photograph of it once you enter as there are a variety of intersecting trails that may be a bit complicated if attempting to get to a sure viewpoint or points of interest.
That is really our favourite of all of the paid Lookout Mountain points of interest. We appreciated with the ability to discover at our leisure, the views had been spectacular, and it was only a very calm and peaceable expertise.
There have been locations to eat, each sit down meals and snacks, in addition to a number of totally different present outlets on web site. There have been additionally a variety of benches and locations to cease and relaxation and take within the views.
Notice that many of the paths aren’t appropriate for these with restricted mobility and wheelchairs, scooters, strollers, and pushchairs aren’t allowed on many of the trails and paths right here. So I’d not suggest the location for these with restricted mobility. These with younger children ought to plan accordingly.
For Rock Metropolis we extremely suggest reserving on-line upfront. Costs differ relying on the time slot you select and the day you go to, and it’s often cheaper to e book upfront on-line relatively than purchase tickets in particular person.
Notice that finally verify Rock Metropolis was not accepting money so you will have a bank card or debit card for purchases right here.
See extra and e book your tickets on the official Rock Metropolis web site right here. We’d recommend permitting about 2 hours to go to this attraction. Parking is free.
Notice that whilst you can usually take a rideshare service corresponding to Uber right here from Chattanooga, you’ll be able to’t often organize a return pickup as most drivers can’t do pickups throughout state traces. So, if you happen to don’t have a automotive, it would be best to ensure that to correctly organize a return taxi.
Delve into the Civil Warfare Historical past of the realm
Chattanooga was a key location in the course of the American Civil Warfare because it was a rail hub, had entry to the Tennessee River, and produced each iron and coal. As such, management of Chattanooga was deemed key to success within the conflict.
Various battles passed off across the Chattanooga space in 1863. These are usually grouped into two units, the Battle of Chickamauga, and the Siege of Chattanooga. The latter encompasses various battles, together with the Battles of Orchard Knob, Lookout Mountain ,and Missionary Ridge.
The tide of conflict was initially within the Confederates favor, with the Battle of Chickamauga in September 1863 marking the worst defeat for Union forces on this area of the conflict. It was additionally the second deadliest battle of the conflict, with the primary being Gettysburg.
Nevertheless, favor turned to the Union military in the course of the Siege of Chattanooga in November 1863. Victory by the Union military compelled the remaining Confederates to retreat into Georgia and gave management of Tennessee to the Union.
Twenty-five years after the American Civil Warfare ended, 4 nationwide army parks had been established throughout the nation to protect and keep in mind the occasions of the conflict.
The primary and largest of those parks was the Chickamauga and Chattanooga Nationwide Army Park. This park, which covers 5,300 acres, spreads throughout each Tennessee and Georgia, and focuses on the important thing battlegrounds within the space. It has 4 foremost areas, that are:
- Chickamauga Battlefield
- Missionary Ridge
- Lookout Mountain Battlefield and Level Park
- Moccasin Bend
A go to to considered one of extra of the Civil Warfare websites that make up the Chickamauga and Chattanooga Nationwide Army Park is effectively value it in our opinion. The simplest one to go to from Chattanooga is Lookout Mountain Battlefield and Level Park.
That is discovered on the north finish of Lookout Mountain, and you may both drive right here and park without spending a dime within the car parking zone on web site, or it’s a five-minute stroll from the highest Incline Railway station.
There’s a small interpretative middle on web site the place you’ll be able to study all in regards to the battle of Lookout Mountain. It’s free to go to and a superb place to get a map and data from the park rangers if you wish to go to additional websites. You may then stroll round Level Park (a small payment applies to enter the park), in addition to the assorted civil conflict memorials. There are additionally unimaginable views from right here throughout the town and Moccasin Bend.
When you have a automotive, then we will additionally suggest taking a drive about 20 minutes out of city to Chickamauga Battlefield, the place there’s a superb customer middle with an informative movie in regards to the Civil Warfare battles within the space, in addition to a driving route with a number of stops the place you’ll be able to study key occasions within the battles.
We had been shocked what number of memorials, historic markers, monuments, interpretive plaques, and so forth. could be discovered throughout Chattanooga and the encircling space. Even if you happen to don’t search out some Civil Warfare historical past, you’re certain to stumble over some if you happen to spend time within the space!
Hikes
We love mountain climbing, and the realm round Chattanooga has a variety of glorious mountain climbing alternatives. These vary from brief strolls to sundown vantage factors, by way of to longer full day hikes.
Chattanooga sits in the direction of the southern finish of the Appalachian Mountains, so if you happen to like your hikes to contain a hill and a view, then you’ve loads of choices. That mentioned, there are additionally various gentler hikes you’ll be able to get pleasure from.
A few of our favourite hikes are round Lookout Mountain. Specifically, the paths resulting in and round Sundown Rock, which gives among the finest sundown views in Chattanooga.
In case you simply need a very brief hike, you’ll be able to park within the small car parking zone close to Sundown Level (Google maps location right here) and take the 0.1 mile path to the point of view. Simply remember if you happen to come right here round sundown that the lot solely has room for 9 vehicles and it fills up rapidly.
Once I got here the lot was already full. There’s no different shut authorized parking, so I made a decision to park on the free Lookout Mountain customer middle parking, and I adopted part of Bluff Path to Sundown Level. Simply be aware that entry to the path from the car parking zone right here begins contained in the Lookout Mountain Level Park Battlefield which closes at sundown, and likewise has an entry payment.
Different good trails on Lookout Mountain embrace the full Bluff Path (9.2 miles, round 4.5 hours) and the Glen Falls path (1.2 miles, 45 minutes).
You may see heaps extra mountain climbing options in Chattanooga together with route guides on AllTrails right here.
However even if you happen to by no means depart downtown Chattanooga, you are able to do a piece of the 16 mile paved Tennessee River Stroll which runs from downtown Chattanooga to the Chickamauga Dam. Straightforward to entry from many well-liked points of interest such because the Tennessee Aquarium, Southern Belle riverboat dock, or Hunter Museum. You may stroll so far as you want.
Take a Historic Practice Journey
In 1850, the primary rail line arrived in Chattanooga. And from the late 1800s by way of to the mid 1900s, Chattanooga was an vital railway hub for each passenger and cargo trains, supporting a variety of industries. The truth is, Glen Miller even wrote the tune “Chattanooga Choo Choo” in reference to the railway right here.
Nevertheless, passenger rail utilization declined throughout the USA because the twentieth century progressed, changed by street and air. The final passenger prepare left Chattanooga’s terminal station in 1970. Lately, there is no such thing as a passenger rail service in Chattanooga.
Nevertheless, you’ll be able to nonetheless take a historic prepare trip within the Chattanooga space. The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum has, since 1961, been on a mission to protect the railways within the space. To that finish, they’ve various engines, together with steam and diesel powered engines. Additionally they have various passenger vehicles, in addition to a piece of historic railroad monitor.
Rides aren’t tremendous lengthy, usually lasting round an hour which features a cease on the restoration store the place you’ll be able to see how the trains and vehicles are restored. The prepare journey additionally contains entry to the on-site museum which you’ll be able to go to earlier than or after your trip (hold a maintain of your ticket without spending a dime entry).
It’s additionally potential to go to the museum with out taking a prepare trip. Final time we checked this was $10. Actually, whereas the museum is attention-grabbing, we predict it’s finest to go to as a part of the prepare trip expertise relatively than on it’s personal.
The museum and railway is a couple of 20-minute drive from downtown Chattanooga, so if you will come out right here we’d suggest doing the entire expertise.
In case you don’t have your personal transport, or want to do that as a part of a tour, you’ll be able to e book a mixed prepare trip and trolley tour right here, which departs from downtown. This contains each a classic trolley sightseeing tour of Chattanooga in addition to a prepare trip.
Discover out extra about prepare instances and costs on the official Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum web site.
Eat on the Native Eating places
Chattanooga has a variety of fantastic eating choices to swimsuit all tastes and budgets. In fact, you’ll discover Southern classics like shrimp and grits, BBQ, and fried rooster, however there’s additionally a variety of different eating choices.
Some we will suggest from our expertise are the next:
When you have a candy tooth then we extremely suggest a go to to one of many three Clumpies Ice Cream places. This was based in Chattanooga in 1999, they usually concentrate on handmade ice cream. There’s one within the Northshore space, one by the Chattanooga Choo Choo, and one proper by the bottom of the Incline Railway.
Get to Chattanooga
You have got just a few choices for attending to Chattanooga.
By Airplane
First, Chattanooga has an airport, code CHA, which is served by various American carriers and gives direct flights to many cities, together with main airport hubs like Atlanta, Dallas, and Charlotte. So whether or not you’re visiting Chattanooga from the USA or abroad, you must have the ability to fly right here comparatively simply.
By Automotive
You can too drive to Chattanooga after all, which is how we often go to. It’s round 2 hours drive northwest of Atlanta, Georgia; 2 hours’ drive southwest of Knoxville, Tennessee; two hours’ drive southeast of Nashville, Tennessee; or 2 hours’ drive northeast of Birmingham, Alabama.
As you’ll be able to see, there are many different attention-grabbing cities inside straightforward driving distance, which means you possibly can simply embrace Chattanooga on a street journey of the US south.
Notice that almost all of downtown inns provide parking however it will often be valet parking with costs ranging usually within the $20 – $30 a day vary. On a current go to to Chattanooga we discovered the most affordable Chattanooga parking to be discovered within the Truist Storage, which could be accessed on Cherry Road. It was a safe parking construction, with parking obtainable from the fifth ground and up and elevator entry. Entry is right here on Google Maps. We paid $10 an evening to park right here.
By Public Transit
When it comes to bus and prepare, Chattanooga is sadly not on the passenger rail community within the USA, with the closest main Amtrak stations being situated in Birmingham, AL and Atlanta, GA.
As of 2023, Chattanooga not has a Greyhound cease within the metropolis both. The closest Greyhound cease is presently in Wildwood, GA, which is about 10 miles southwest of the town middle.
Get Round Chattanooga
You have got just a few choices for getting round Chattanooga.
First, if you’re staying downtown, then lots of the downtown points of interest can be inside straightforward strolling distance. Chattanooga is a pleasant metropolis to stroll round and we will undoubtedly suggest taking a stroll round.
There’s additionally a public transit system managed by the Chattanooga Space Regional Transportation Authority, or CARTA. This features a bus community which covers most of Chattanooga, together with the Incline Railway. Nevertheless, this doesn’t embrace different Lookout Mountain places like Rock Metropolis or Ruby Falls.
CARTA additionally run the free downtown shuttle service, which is a free electrical shuttle which runs between the Choo Choo district and downtown. This has been in operation since 1992 and is especially helpful if you happen to’re staying within the Choo Choo district, as we did on considered one of our visits to Chattanooga. We took the bus proper to the Aquarium, which was actually handy.
Taxies and trip sharing companies are additionally an choice in Chattanooga. However do remember that many trip sharing platforms have restrictions on working in a distinct state, particularly round selecting up individuals. This might be a problem for someplace like Rock Metropolis, which is in Georgia. So, you would possibly have the ability to get a trip share to Rock Metropolis from Chattanooga for instance, however then not have the ability to discover one to take you again! So I’d pre-arrange a taxi or different choice for this if you happen to don’t have a automotive to make sure a trip again.
For the sights exterior of Chattanooga, notably these on Lookout Mountain, the simplest approach to get round goes to be to drive your self. This gives you probably the most flexibility to your go to. There’s usually loads of parking, which is both free or pretty low value.
How Lengthy Ought to I Spend in Chattanooga?
Chattanooga, regardless that it’s a small metropolis, has a great deal of points of interest, museums, eating places, and issues to do, so this actually simply is dependent upon your pursuits and time. You can also make it an in a single day cease on a street journey, a weekend getaway journey, or come keep for every week, it simply actually relies upon.
We’ve visited just a few instances now, from 1 to three days, and have discovered a lot of issues to maintain us busy each within the metropolis itself and the encircling space.
To plan your itinerary, we suggest having a look in any respect the issues we listed to do and write down those you actually wish to do and go from there. It’s also vital to notice that the majority points of interest within the metropolis are closed for no less than in the future every week so in case you have restricted time, it would be best to pay shut consideration to opening dates and working instances. Whereas some points of interest must be pre-booked, many permit you to buy tickets the day of in particular person.
In case you simply have one full day to go to, we suggest having a look at our 1 day Chattanooga itinerary. This can provide you a good suggestion of what is perhaps potential with one full day.
The place to Keep in Chattanooga
Chattanooga has a lot of choices for lodging, starting from extra price range pleasant choices by way of to high-end and boutique inns.
We’d suggest first deciding the place you wish to keep. We’d suggest selecting both downtown, the Choo Choo district (which provides you quick access to downtown with the free shuttle), or simply exterior of city at one of many many chain inns.
There are execs and cons to every choice, and we’ve finished all three at one time or one other. With the downtown inns, you get the benefit of being within the coronary heart of the motion, and it is possible for you to to stroll to many points of interest. There are additionally some very nice distinctive lodging choices. The draw back can be that these inns are typically dearer, and parking often carries a payment, which you’ll should issue into your price range.
The Choo Choo district is usually a good choice as effectively, it’s a historic district with good eating and lodging choices, and you may simply attain the downtown space through the free electrical shuttle bus. However inns will nonetheless be on the pricier aspect with a further payment for parking typically.
Lastly, you’ll be able to choose to remain at one of many many chain inns close to the Interstate exits. These usually include advantages like free parking and a few additionally embrace a free breakfast, all at a extra pockets pleasant worth. The draw back is that you just’ll seemingly should drive a bit extra, however as many points of interest require a automotive anyway, this seemingly gained’t be an enormous deal.
In case you do determine to remain a little bit out of city, we’d recommend the inns off I-24 round exit 174 or exit 175 can be your only option. There are additionally choices round exit 178, that are nearer to downtown, however are likely to obtain extra blended opinions.
We all the time recommend studying current opinions previous to reserving any resort as issues can change.
Listed here are some choices to contemplate to your go to. These are ordered roughly by worth, however after all worth can differ so we all the time suggest checking and evaluating costs to your dates to get one of the best deal.
Downtown Chattanooga / Choo Choo Resort Suggestions:
- Resort Bo Days Inn – This can be a well-reviewed choice providing good worth within the Downtown space. Rooms have tea/espresso making amenities, and meals can be found. Parking is obtainable on-site for an inexpensive payment.
- Residence Inn Chattanooga Downtown – if you wish to be proper within the coronary heart of Downtown Chattanooga however at a extra value-oriented worth level, this Residence Inn is a good choice. It’s simply throughout from the Aquarium and inside a simple stroll of nearly all of downtown sights. Breakfast is included, on-site parking is obtainable for a payment.
- The Learn Home Resort – This luxurious historic resort in Downtown Chattanooga gives Nineteen Twenties fashion with modern-day facilities. Count on wooden clad partitions, checkered flooring and dramatic chandeliers, alongside modern-day comforts like A/C, on-site parking (for a payment) and two glorious eating places. We’ve stayed right here and might extremely suggest a go to to the Chophouse, the meals is great. One to contemplate if you happen to’re after a conventional upscale resort expertise.
- The Resort Chalet at The Choo Choo – We stayed right here on considered one of our visits to Chattanooga and actually loved it. It’s discovered within the Choo Choo district, residence of the previous railway station. The resort has a pool and on-site parking, a superb on-site restaurant, and is inside strolling distance of various bars and eateries. Uniquely, you can too choose to remain in a transformed railway carriage, which is fairly neat, however be aware that some reviewers famous these is usually a little noisy.
- The Dwell Resort – This can be a pretty luxurious boutique resort which dates from 1909. It solely has 16 rooms and repeatedly books out, so that you’ll wish to e book effectively upfront for this one. Every room is individually designed with a retro really feel. There’s a full-service bar and a light-weight continental breakfast is obtainable. Parking is obtainable close by for a payment.
- The Crash Pad – This hostel within the Chattanooga Choo Choo has each shared and personal lodging, in addition to a full kitchen.
Exterior Chattanooga Suggestions
These inns are discovered a little bit exterior of city on the key interstate exits. You may generally save by being out of city, with the comfort of free parking. Many even have breakfast included.
- Hampton Inn – Chattanooga West Lookout Mountain – We’ve stayed right here and had a superb expertise as we have now at a number of Hampton Inns throughout the nation. It has snug rooms, a small household pleasant pool with a pleasant view of Lookout Mountain, is quiet, has pleasant employees, has a pleasant breakfast, and free parking.
- Howard Johnson by Wyndham Chattanooga Lookout Mountain – it is a price range pleasant choice on the base of Lookout Mountain providing free parking and an inclusive breakfast
- Days Inn by Wyndham Chattanooga Lookout Mountain West – one other good worth choice close to Lookout Mountain, this has an indoor pool in addition to free parking and breakfast. Rooms even have a microwave and fridge.
- Consolation Inn Chattanooga Downtown Southside – the identify is a little bit deceptive as it is a couple of miles from downtown. Nevertheless, it places you conveniently between downtown and the Lookout Mountain points of interest, so is perhaps a superb choice. Breakfast is included and there’s free parking on web site. This resort tends to get one of the best opinions of the choices on this freeway exit.
You may see many extra choices for lodging throughout a variety of worth factors on reserving.com right here, together with inns and house leases.
Additional Studying
That’s it for our information to issues to do in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Earlier than you head off although, I simply wished to share some extra assets we’ve put collectively that will help you plan your journey to the town, and journey within the USA basically.
- We now have a information to spend a day in Chattanooga if you happen to’d like a extra detailed itinerary to your go to
- Questioning how a lot a go to to Chattanooga may cost a little? Try our information to how a lot it prices to journey within the USA that will help you plan your journey price range.
- We’ve visited a variety of different cities within the USA! See our guides to issues to do in Las Vegas, issues to do in Huntsville, issues to do in Savannah, issues to do in Charleston, issues to do in Albuquerque, visiting New Orleans throughout Mardi Gras, issues to do in Cambria, issues to do in Houston, issues to do in Dallas, issues to do in Omaha, and issues to do in Santa Fe
- If you need some USA street journey inspiration, see our itineraries for a USA Deep South street journey, California Street Journey, Route 66 Street Journey and Pacific Coast Freeway Street Journey
- And if you happen to’re searching for inspiration for the remainder of the USA, take a look at our USA part, which has heaps extra inspiration
Do you’ve any questions on visiting Chattanooga? As all the time, we’re pleased to reply any questions you might need, simply pop them within the feedback beneath and we’ll get again to you as quickly as we will.
