Issues to do in Chattanooga, Tennessee

Discovered within the foothills of the Appalachian mountains on the southern fringe of Tennessee, the town of Chattanooga has lengthy been a well-liked vacation vacation spot. We’ve visited a variety of occasions, and since we moved to the US it’s grow to be certainly 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 per week, we predict this information gives you plenty of inspiration on your journey.

In addition to issues to do, it’s additionally going to cowl the place to remain, easy methods to get round, and different suggestions on 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 a number of the points of interest just a little 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 individual good Chattanooga itinerary, so you already know what you wish to do and the way lengthy you may wish to go to.

 

Tennessee Aquarium

Certainly one of downtown’s Chattanooga’s hottest points of interest is the Tennessee Aquarium. That is broadly considered among the best 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 preferred the logical format, which has you beginning your go to within the River Journey constructing. Right here, you basically comply with the journey of a drop water because it travels from the Appalachian Mountains, all the best way downstream to the Gulf of Mexico. You go via quite a lot of habitats on this journey, and see a variety of species as you go.

There are loads 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 present you an concept of river habitats around the globe.

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 consists of the whole lot from contact ray tanks to jellyfish, penguins, and sharks. We additionally actually loved the butterfly backyard which was full of enormous butterflies once we visited.

There may be additionally an IMAX theater that’s a part of the Tennessee Aquarium advanced, and you should buy tickets to any of the exhibits. There are usually 2 or 3 completely different motion pictures taking part in, from nature documentaries to the most recent Hollywood movies. If you wish to see a movie, I might undoubtedly test displaying occasions forward of time and plan accordingly.

The Tennessee Aquarium is pretty costly, however was undoubtedly among the best aquariums I’ve visited, so I might say is well worth the value so long as you may have no less than a few hours. It might undoubtedly make for an amazing attraction to fill a while if you happen to’re visiting Chattanooga with youngsters.

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 college teams could be leaving.

Word that tickets bought are with timed entry, so if there’s a particular time slot you intend to go to, it’s a good suggestion to ebook forward as they restrict the variety of company who can enter throughout every time slot.

Discover out extra about opening occasions and ticket costs on the official Tennessee Aquarium website here.

When you, or any of your journey companions, are thinking about American navy historical past and veterans affairs, the subsequent door National Medal of Honor Heritage Center may be of curiosity.

 

Hunter Museum of American Artwork

About seven minutes stroll from the Tennessee Aquarium is the Hunter Museum of American Art, which is discovered within the Bluff View Arts District. This space is house to a variety of museums, galleries, retailers and eateries, and is nicely price exploring even if you happen to don’t go to the Hunter Museum. You may as well get beautiful views of the river from right here.

Nevertheless, in case you are thinking about artwork, then we extremely suggest a go to to the Hunter Museum of American Artwork. Because the title 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 website for guests to the museum, simply make sure you register your automotive’s license plate. There’s an admission price, and the museum is usually closed on Tuesdays.

If you’re within the Bluff Arts District we will additionally suggest a go to to the close by Anna Safley Houston Museum Of Decorative Arts to anybody who loves ornamental artwork and eclectic collections. You may learn extra about that in our information to different museums in Chattanooga under.

 

E-book a Tour of Chattanooga

One good option 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 selected topic. Listed here are some prompt excursions to think about.

One other free option to see the town with out driving or strolling is to experience the free metropolis shuttles. These run from the Chattanooga Choo Choo to the Tennessee Aquarium and are a great way to get round free of charge and see a number of the downtown space.

 

Artistic Discovery Museum

When you’re visiting Chattanooga with youngsters aged 18 months to 12 years, you then may wish to plan a go to to Chattanooga’s Creative Discovery Museum.

This downtown museum is concentrated on offering a enjoyable setting for youths to be taught and play. It has a variety of everlasting interactive reveals, from a treehouse journey space via to at least one instructing 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 maintain your youngsters occupied for just a few hours throughout your go to to Chattanooga. Discover out extra about opening hours and ticket costs on the Creative Discovery museum website here.

 

Different Museums

For a metropolis of its measurement, Chattanooga is fortunate to have loads of museums. I’ve talked about a number of the extra widespread museums in Chattanooga, however there are extra museums you may go to, relying in your pursuits and the way a lot time you may have.

We are able to extremely suggest visiting a number of of the next museums if in case you have the time if you are within the metropolis. Whether or not you are interested within the navy, African American historical past, pinball machines, tow vehicles, previous automobiles, or artwork, you’re certain to seek out one thing of curiosity!

• Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center – This interactive museum traces the historical past of the Medal of Honor throughout time, navy conflicts, and its recipients. The Medal of Honor is the nation’s highest navy award for valor, introduced to service members who show “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity on the danger of life above and past the decision of obligation”. The very first recipient of the Medal of Honor was Non-public Jacob Parrott in 1863 for his position within the Great Locomotive Chase that occurred close to Chattanooga.
• Bessie Smith Cultural Center – This wonderful museum has a variety of reveals which largely concentrate on the Black historical past of Chattanooga. Reveals take you thru the beginnings of slavery within the space, via the Civil Warfare, the Jim Crow Period, the Civil Rights motion, after which to more moderen occasions together with life on ninth avenue (Chattanooga’s model of Beale Road). I  actually loved this museum and may undoubtedly suggest it.
• International Tow Truck Museum – When you’re on the lookout for one thing just a little completely different, then I might counsel a visit to the Worldwide Tow Truck Museum. Jess and I really like visiting museums like this, which concentrate on a very particular topic that we’d not in any other case have realized about. This museum, because the title 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 automobile towing trade. We knew nothing about tow vehicles once we visited however left with loads of data in addition to a newfound respect for the individuals who work on this usually harmful area. 
• Anna Safley Houston Museum Of Decorative Arts – This museum focuses on the relatively exceptional assortment of Anna Could 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 the whole lot from Tiffany glass to Tennessee furnishings. A go to right here provides a stroll via time. The true spotlight for us although was the information who walked us via the shows, he introduced all of it to life and joined the dots for us. So, in case you are provided a guided expertise, we extremely suggest taking it. 
• Coker Museum – This museum is house to over 130 classic autos, together with automobiles, bikes and airplanes. It’s discovered just a little south of the downtown space, close to the Choo Choo. There’s free parking on website.
• Pinball Museum – When you favor your museums to be of the arms on, interactive variety, look no additional than the Pinball Museum, discovered downtown a few blocks from the Aquarium. The museum, because the title suggests, is devoted to the Pinball machine, and the concept is that you simply be taught via 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 price to go to. Tickets can usually be bought each on the door and upfront. Examine the museum’s web site for opening occasions and ticket costs.

 

 

 

 

 

Strive a Moon Pie

One widespread factor to eat in Chattanooga that you simply don’t have to go to a restaurant for is the Moon Pie. The Moon Pie is a gentle 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 in quite a lot of flavors and colours. The 5 common flavors are chocolate, vanilla, banana, strawberry, and salted caramel, however we’ve additionally come throughout quite a lot of seasonal flavors and particular releases.

Jess and I had our first Moon Pie years in the past in Cell, Alabama throughout Mardi Gras. They’re a extremely popular “throw” in the course of the Mardi Gras parades there and are a well-liked snack all through a lot of the South.

You should purchase them in quite a lot of areas in Chattanooga (grocery shops, comfort shops, Walmart, and many others.), however two of those with wider choices are:

• Moonpie Common 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 may wash down your Moon Pie with a chilly can of RC Cola!

 

Stroll throughout the Walnut Road Bridge

The Walnut Road Bridge is likely one of 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 facet of the town.

It was initially constructed for every type of visitors, which on the time it opened was primarily horse-drawn wagons and pedestrians. Later, this included automobile 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 result of issues over structural integrity, the Walnut Road Bridge was closed to automobile visitors and largely deserted for a decade.

Fortunately, efforts to revive the bridge to a secure working order had been commenced, and in 1993 the bridge was reopened as a pedestrian solely bridge. At this time it’s a well-liked 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 facet to the bridge’s historical past. It was the positioning of the lynching of two Black males, Alfred Blount in 1893, and Ed Johnson in 1906. Each males had been hanged from the bridge. At this time the southern finish of the bridge has a statue to Ed Johnson as a memorial, which you’ll be able to go to.

Word: The Walnut Road Bridge is at present closed for a restoration venture beginning in March 2025, and it’s anticipated to re-open round September 2026. Nevertheless, when you can’t stroll throughout, you may nonetheless stroll by and admire it in case you are exploring the Bluff View Arts District.

 

Choo Choo Historic Space

The Choo Choo Historic space is simply south of downtown, and may 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 most important prepare station in Chattanooga was discovered. The primary station was Union Station, which was inbuilt 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 music “Chattanooga Choo Choo” by the Glenn Miller Orchestra. This music would additionally encourage a movie of the identical title in 1984.

Sadly, the decline of the railway as a method of passenger transport meant that trains grew to become 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 was a resort and leisure middle. The resort opened because the Hilton in 1973, and was rebranded because the Chattanooga Choo Choo Lodge in 1989. At this time it is called Hotel Chalet at the Choo Choo, and you may even keep in a restored prepare automotive do you have to want.

At this time, you may go to the realm the place you will discover a variety of bars, eating places and present retailers, in addition to prepare automobiles and even small distilleries and breweries. It’s nicely price 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 previous terminal constructing is basically beautiful, and it’s a beautiful area to get pleasure from.

Jess and I stayed on the Lodge Chalet on the Choo Choo on one go to to Chattanooga and visited a number of the bars, eating places and retailers right here. It’s additionally neat simply to stroll round and see the previous prepare carriages and the previous Terminal constructing.

 

Chattanooga Zoo

A few miles east of downtown Chattanooga is the Chattanooga Zoo which occupies a 13-acre website. This is likely one of the smallest accredited zoos within the USA, nevertheless it does supply nice worth.

Notable reveals embrace the pink panda exhibit, which is definitely the biggest indoor pink panda exhibit on the planet. The zoo additionally has many different animals, together with giraffe, jaguar, snow leopards, warthogs, monkeys, chimpanzees, and extra.

There’s free parking on website. You could find out extra and plan your go to on the official Chattanooga Zoo website here.

 

Water Actions on the Tennessee River

Chattanooga sits on the Tennessee River, and there are a variety of water-based actions that you are able to do in Chattanooga and the encompassing space. Listed here are some choices.

• River cruise – Probably the most widespread river actions is a cruise on the Tennessee River. Operator Southern Belle has a variety of cruise choices obtainable, together with sundown cruises, daytime sightseeing cruises, in addition to lunch and dinner cruises. Cruises run yr spherical and you may see schedules and book online in advance here.
• Kayaking / Get up Paddleboarding – One other widespread choice is to go kayaking or get up paddleboarding on the Tennessee River. You may rent craft from L2 Rentals in downtown Chattanooga. Alternatively, you may also 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 – When you’d favor one thing with a bit extra adrenaline, you then may contemplate going white water rafting. Quite a few operators supply raft journeys on the Ocoee River, which is just below an hours drive from Chattanooga. This is one option, here is another.

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.

After all, you don’t should stroll the complete size of it! We did the quick 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 completely different meals and craft markets, however the one we most suggest visiting is the Chattanooga Market. That is held each Sunday from April via December, and will 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 way 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 quite a lot of meals vehicles on website and there are sometimes dwell music performances as nicely. 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 out there on website subsequent to Finley Stadium.

 

Experience the Incline Railway

The points of interest we’ve listed to this point have primarily been in and across the downtown and riverfront areas of Chattanooga. Now we’re going to have a look at some points of interest which can be just a little away from the downtown. For a few of these you may 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 could be a little means 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 experience 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 likely one of the steepest railways on the planet. It’s really just a little unnerving as you look down the monitor under you, Jess actually gripped my hand just a little tightly once we hit that part!

The highest station has a present store in addition to some reveals referring to the railway, which is price 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 likely one of the many Civil Warfare websites you may go to within the Chattanooga space (extra on these under) and provides each wonderful views of the encompassing space in addition to a pleasant customer middle the place you may be taught in regards to the battle of Lookout Mountain.

There are additionally a variety of walks you may 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 occasions and fares on the official website here.  The railway is generally closed on Mondays, and there’s a paid 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 lined, is the Incline Railway. The subsequent, is Ruby Falls.

Just like the Incline Railway, this has been a well-liked 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 option to the waterfall, throughout which era your information will level out varied rock formations and factors of curiosity.

Ruby Falls is a extremely popular attraction and it may well 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, in case you are 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 occasions can promote out. E-book your tickets on the official Ruby Falls website 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 well-liked 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 a variety of trails which wend via the exceptional rock stuffed 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 may see 7 states without delay.

You may get pleasure from Rock Metropolis by yourself at your individual tempo (most guests do that), or you may ebook a VIP guided tour. Word that we extremely suggest to take a path map or take a photograph of it whenever you enter as there are loads of intersecting trails that may be a bit complicated if making an attempt 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 preferred having 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 completely different present retailers on website. There have been additionally loads of benches and locations to cease and relaxation and take within the views.

Word that many of the paths should not appropriate for these with restricted mobility and wheelchairs, scooters, strollers, and pushchairs should not allowed on many of the trails and paths right here. So I might not suggest the positioning for these with restricted mobility. These with younger youngsters ought to plan accordingly.

For Rock Metropolis we extremely suggest reserving on-line upfront. Costs fluctuate relying on the time slot you select and the day you go to, and it’s often cheaper to ebook upfront on-line relatively than purchase tickets in particular person.

Word that finally test Rock Metropolis was not accepting money so you have to a bank card or debit card for purchases right here.

See extra and ebook your tickets on the official Rock City website here. We’d counsel permitting about 2 hours to go to this attraction. Parking is free.

Word that when you can usually take a rideshare service similar to Uber right here from Chattanooga, you may’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 be sure 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 struggle.

Quite a few battles occurred 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 a variety of battles, together with the Battles of Orchard Knob, Lookout Mountain ,and Missionary Ridge.

The tide of struggle 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 struggle. It was additionally the second deadliest battle of the struggle, 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 pressured 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 navy parks had been established throughout the nation to protect and keep in mind the occasions of the struggle.

The primary and largest of those parks was the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military 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 most important areas, that are:

• Chickamauga Battlefield
• Missionary Ridge
• Lookout Mountain Battlefield and Level Park
• Moccasin Bend

A go to to certainly one of extra of the Civil Warfare websites that make up the Chickamauga and Chattanooga Nationwide Army Park is nicely price it in our opinion. The best one to go to from Chattanooga is Lookout Mountain Battlefield and Point Park.

That is discovered on the north finish of Lookout Mountain, and you may both drive right here and park free of charge within the parking zone on website, or it’s a five-minute stroll from the highest Incline Railway station.

There’s a small interpretative middle on website the place you may be taught all in regards to the battle of Lookout Mountain. It’s free to go to and a very good place to get a map and knowledge from the park rangers if you wish to go to additional websites. You may then stroll round Level Park (a small price applies to enter the park), in addition to the varied civil struggle memorials. There are additionally unbelievable views from right here throughout the town and Moccasin Bend.

You probably 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 may study key occasions within the battles.

We had been shocked what number of memorials, historic markers, monuments, interpretive plaques, and many others. will be discovered throughout Chattanooga and the encompassing space. Even if you happen to don’t hunt down some Civil Warfare historical past, you’re sure to stumble over some if you happen to spend time within the space!

 

Chickamauga Battlefield

 

 

 

 

 

Hikes

We love mountain climbing, and the realm round Chattanooga has loads of wonderful mountain climbing alternatives. These vary from quick strolls to sundown vantage factors, via 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 may have loads of choices. That mentioned, there are additionally a variety of gentler hikes you may get pleasure from.

A few of our favourite hikes are round Lookout Mountain. Particularly, the paths resulting in and round Sundown Rock, which provides among the best sundown views in Chattanooga.

When you simply need a very quick hike, you may park within the small parking zone close to Sundown Level (Google maps location here) and take the 0.1 mile path to the perspective. Simply bear in mind if you happen to come right here round sundown that the lot solely has room for 9 automobiles and it fills up shortly.

After 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 parking zone right here begins contained in the Lookout Mountain Level Park Battlefield which closes at sundown, and likewise has an entry price.

Different good trails on Lookout Mountain embrace the full Bluff Trail (9.2 miles, round 4.5 hours) and the Glen Falls trail (1.2 miles, 45 minutes).

You may see heaps extra mountain climbing options in Chattanooga together with route guides on AllTrails here.

However even if you happen to by no means depart downtown Chattanooga, you are able to do a bit of the 16 mile paved Tennessee River Stroll which runs from downtown Chattanooga to the Chickamauga Dam. Straightforward to entry from many widespread points of interest such because the Tennessee Aquarium, Southern Belle riverboat dock, or Hunter Museum. You may stroll so far as you would like.

Sundown Level lookout

 

Take a Historic Practice Experience

In 1850, the primary rail line arrived in Chattanooga. And from the late 1800s via to the mid 1900s, Chattanooga was an vital railway hub for each passenger and cargo trains, supporting a variety of industries. In reality, Glen Miller even wrote the music “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. As of late, there isn’t any passenger rail service in Chattanooga.

Nevertheless, you may nonetheless take a historic prepare experience 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 a variety of engines, together with steam and diesel powered engines. In addition they have a variety of passenger automobiles, in addition to a bit of historic railroad monitor.

Rides should not tremendous lengthy, usually lasting round an hour which features a cease on the restoration store the place you may see how the trains and automobiles are restored. The prepare journey additionally consists of entry to the on-site museum which you’ll be able to go to earlier than or after your experience (maintain a maintain of your ticket free of charge entry).

It’s additionally doable to go to the museum with out taking a prepare experience. Final time we checked this was $10. Truthfully, whereas the museum is attention-grabbing, we predict it’s finest to go to as a part of the prepare experience expertise relatively than on it’s personal.

The museum and railway is a couple of 20-minute drive from downtown Chattanooga, so if you’re going to come out right here we’d suggest doing the entire expertise.

When you don’t have your individual transport, or wish to do that as a part of a tour, you may ebook a combined train ride and trolley tour here, which departs from downtown. This consists of each a classic trolley sightseeing tour of Chattanooga in addition to a prepare experience.

Discover out extra about prepare occasions and costs on the official Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum website.

 

Eat on the Native Eating places

Chattanooga has a variety of wonderful eating choices to go well with all tastes and budgets. After all, 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:

You probably have a candy tooth then we extremely suggest a go to to one of many three Clumpies Ice Cream areas. 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.

 

The way to Get to Chattanooga

You’ve just a few choices for attending to Chattanooga.

By Aircraft

First, Chattanooga has an airport, code CHA, which is served by a variety of American carriers and provides 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 need to have the ability to fly right here comparatively simply.

By Automobile

You may as well 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 may see, there are many different attention-grabbing cities inside straightforward driving distance, that means you possibly can simply embrace Chattanooga on a street journey of the US south.

Word that almost all of downtown resorts supply parking however it will often be valet parking with costs ranging usually within the $20 – $30 a day vary. On a latest go to to Chattanooga we discovered the most affordable Chattanooga parking to be discovered within the Truist Storage, which will be accessed on Cherry Road. It was a safe parking construction, with parking obtainable from the fifth flooring and up and elevator entry. Entry is 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 at present in Wildwood, GA, which is about 10 miles southwest of the town middle.

 

The way to Get Round Chattanooga

You’ve just a few choices for getting round Chattanooga.

First, in case you are staying downtown, then most of the downtown points of interest might be inside straightforward strolling distance. Chattanooga is a pleasant metropolis to stroll round and we will undoubtedly suggest taking a stroll round.

There may be additionally a public transit system managed by the Chattanooga Area 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 areas 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 certainly one of our visits to Chattanooga. We took the bus proper to the Aquarium, which was actually handy.

Taxies and experience sharing providers are additionally an choice in Chattanooga. However do bear in mind that many experience sharing platforms have restrictions on working in a special state, particularly round selecting up individuals. This might be a problem for someplace like Rock Metropolis, which is in Georgia. So, you may have the ability to get a experience 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 experience again.

For the sights outdoors of Chattanooga, notably these on Lookout Mountain, the simplest option to get round goes to be to drive your self. This gives you essentially the most flexibility on your go to. There may be usually loads of parking, which is both free or pretty low value.

 

How Lengthy Ought to I Spend in Chattanooga?

Chattanooga, although 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 per week, it simply actually relies upon.

We’ve visited just a few occasions now, from 1 to three days, and have discovered plenty of issues to maintain us busy each within the metropolis itself and the encompassing 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 is usually vital to notice that almost all points of interest within the metropolis are closed for no less than someday per week so if in case you have restricted time, it would be best to pay shut consideration to opening dates and working occasions. Whereas some points of interest must be pre-booked, many mean you can buy tickets the day of in particular person.

When you simply have one full day to go to, we suggest having a look at our 1 day Chattanooga itinerary. This may give you a good suggestion of what may be doable with one full day.

 

The place to Keep in Chattanooga

Chattanooga has plenty of choices for lodging, starting from extra price range pleasant choices via to high-end and boutique resorts.

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 outdoors of city at one of many many chain resorts.

There are professionals and cons to every choice, and we’ve completed all three at one time or one other. With the downtown resorts, 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 could be that these resorts are typically dearer, and parking often carries a price, which you’ll should issue into your price range.

The Choo Choo district generally is a good choice as nicely, 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 resorts will nonetheless be on the pricier facet with an extra price for parking generally.

Lastly, you may choose to remain at one of many many chain resorts 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 value. The draw back is that you simply’ll possible should drive a bit extra, however as many points of interest require a automotive anyway, this possible gained’t be an enormous deal.

When you do resolve to remain just a little out of city, we’d counsel the resorts off I-24 round exit 174 or exit 175 could be the best choice. There are additionally choices round exit 178, that are nearer to downtown, however are inclined to obtain extra blended critiques.

We all the time counsel studying latest critiques previous to reserving any resort as issues can change.

Listed here are some choices to think about on your go to. These are ordered roughly by value, however after all value can fluctuate so we all the time suggest checking and evaluating costs on your dates to get one of the best deal.

Downtown Chattanooga / Choo Choo Lodge Suggestions:

• Hotel Bo Days Inn – It is a well-reviewed choice providing good worth within the Downtown space. Rooms have tea/espresso making services, and meals can be found. Parking is out there on-site for an affordable price.
• Residence Inn Chattanooga Downtown – if you wish to be proper within the coronary heart of Downtown Chattanooga however at a extra value-oriented value level, this Residence Inn is a good choice. It’s simply throughout from the Aquarium and inside a simple stroll of the vast majority of downtown sights. Breakfast is included, on-site parking is out there for a price.
• The Read House Hotel – This luxurious historic resort in Downtown Chattanooga provides Twenties fashion with modern-day facilities. Anticipate wooden clad partitions, checkered flooring and dramatic chandeliers, alongside modern-day comforts like A/C, on-site parking (for a price) and two wonderful eating places. We’ve stayed right here and may extremely suggest a go to to the Chophouse, the meals is great. One to think about if you happen to’re after a standard upscale resort expertise.
• The Hotel Chalet at The Choo Choo – We stayed right here on certainly one of our visits to Chattanooga and actually loved it. It’s discovered within the Choo Choo district, house 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 a variety of bars and eateries. Uniquely, you may also choose to remain in a transformed railway carriage, which is fairly neat, however be aware that some reviewers famous these generally is a little noisy.
• The Dwell Hotel – It is a beautiful luxurious boutique resort which dates from 1909. It solely has 16 rooms and often books out, so that you’ll wish to ebook nicely upfront for this one. Every room is individually designed with a retro really feel. There’s a full-service bar and a lightweight continental breakfast is out there. Parking is out there close by for a price.
• The Crash Pad – This hostel within the Chattanooga Choo Choo has each shared and personal lodging, in addition to a full kitchen.

Outdoors Chattanooga Suggestions

These resorts are discovered just a little outdoors of city on the most important 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 very good expertise as we have now at a number of Hampton Inns throughout the nation. It has comfy 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 – this can be 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.
• Comfort Inn Chattanooga Downtown Southside – the title is just a little deceptive as this can be a couple of miles from downtown. Nevertheless, it places you conveniently between downtown and the Lookout Mountain points of interest, so may be a very good choice. Breakfast is included and there’s free parking on website. This resort tends to get one of the best critiques of the choices on this freeway exit.

You may see many extra choices for lodging throughout a variety of value factors on booking.com here, together with resorts and residence leases.

 

 

Additional Studying

That’s it for our information to easy methods 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 can assist you plan your journey to the town, and journey within the USA typically.

• We have now a information to easy methods to spend a day in Chattanooga if you happen to’d like a extra detailed itinerary on your go to
• Questioning how a lot a go to to Chattanooga may cost? Try our information to how a lot it prices to journey within the USA that can assist you plan your journey price range.
• We’ve visited loads of different cities within the USA! See our guides to issues to do in Las Vegas, things 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’d like some USA street journey inspiration, see our itineraries for a USA Deep South street journey, California Street Journey, Route 66 Road Trip and Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip
• And if you happen to’re on the lookout for inspiration for the remainder of the USA, take a look at our USA part, which has heaps extra inspiration

Do you may have any questions on visiting Chattanooga? As all the time, we’re completely happy to reply any questions you might need, simply pop them within the feedback under and we’ll get again to you as quickly as we will.