34 Must Visit Places In Chattanooga
Looking for a fun and exciting destination in the United States? Chattanooga might be your next favorite spot. Nestled in the southeastern part of Tennessee, this city offers a mix of outdoor adventures, historical sites, and cultural experiences. Whether you're into hiking, exploring museums, or enjoying local cuisine, Chattanooga has something for everyone. Imagine walking along the scenic Tennessee River, visiting the famous Tennessee Aquarium, or taking a ride on the historic Lookout Mountain Incline Railway. With so many attractions to choose from, you'll never run out of things to do. Ready to plan your trip? Let's dive into the 34 must-visit places in Chattanooga!
Scenic Views and Outdoor Adventures
Chattanooga, Tennessee, is a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Nestled along the Tennessee River and surrounded by mountains, this city offers breathtaking views and thrilling outdoor activities.
Lookout Mountain Lookout Mountain provides panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes. Visitors can explore Rock City, a garden with unique rock formations, and Ruby Falls, an underground waterfall.
Tennessee Riverwalk Stretching for miles along the Tennessee River, this scenic path is perfect for walking, jogging, or biking. The Riverwalk connects several parks and offers stunning views of the river and downtown Chattanooga.
Raccoon Mountain Caverns These caverns offer guided tours through impressive underground formations. Above ground, visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, and panoramic views of the Tennessee River Gorge.
Coolidge Park Located on the North Shore, Coolidge Park features a historic carousel, open green spaces, and access to the Walnut Street Bridge, one of the longest pedestrian bridges in the world.
Historical Sites and Museums
Chattanooga's rich history is reflected in its many museums and historical sites. From Civil War battlefields to interactive exhibits, there's something for everyone.
Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park This park preserves the sites of two major Civil War battles. Visitors can tour the battlefields, visit the museum, and learn about the history of the area.
Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum Train enthusiasts will love this museum, which offers rides on vintage trains through scenic landscapes. The museum also features exhibits on the history of railroads in the region.
Hunter Museum of American Art Perched on a bluff overlooking the Tennessee River, this museum showcases American art from the colonial period to the present. The collection includes paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts.
International Towing & Recovery Museum This unique museum celebrates the history of towing and recovery. Exhibits include antique tow trucks, equipment, and memorabilia.
Family-Friendly Attractions
Chattanooga is a great destination for families, with plenty of attractions that kids and adults will enjoy. From interactive museums to outdoor adventures, there's no shortage of fun.
Tennessee Aquarium One of the top aquariums in the country, the Tennessee Aquarium features exhibits on freshwater and marine life. Highlights include the River Journey and Ocean Journey buildings, home to thousands of animals.
Creative Discovery Museum This hands-on museum is perfect for kids. Exhibits cover a range of topics, from science and art to music and technology, encouraging learning through play.
Chattanooga Zoo Home to over 500 animals, the Chattanooga Zoo offers a fun and educational experience for visitors of all ages. The zoo features exhibits on animals from around the world, as well as a petting zoo and carousel.
Lake Winnepesaukah Amusement Park Known locally as Lake Winnie, this amusement park offers rides and attractions for all ages. Highlights include roller coasters, a water park, and classic carnival games.
Unique Dining and Shopping Experiences
Chattanooga's vibrant food scene and eclectic shops make it a great place to explore local flavors and find unique treasures.
Chattanooga Market Open on weekends, this bustling market features local produce, handmade crafts, and live music. It's a great place to sample local foods and find one-of-a-kind souvenirs.
Warehouse Row This historic building complex has been transformed into a shopping and dining destination. Visitors can browse boutique shops, enjoy gourmet meals, and admire the preserved architecture.
Bluff View Art District This charming district is home to art galleries, cafes, and shops. Visitors can stroll through the sculpture garden, enjoy a meal with a view, and explore the local art scene.
Public House Located in Warehouse Row, Public House offers a farm-to-table dining experience. The menu features Southern-inspired dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.
Festivals and Events
Chattanooga hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the year, celebrating everything from music and food to culture and history.
Riverbend Festival This annual music festival takes place along the banks of the Tennessee River. It features performances by artists from a range of genres, as well as food vendors and family-friendly activities.
Chattanooga Film Festival Film buffs will love this festival, which showcases independent films from around the world. The event includes screenings, panel discussions, and workshops.
Chattanooga Oktoberfest Held in the fall, this festival celebrates German culture with traditional food, music, and beer. Visitors can enjoy bratwurst, pretzels, and live performances.
Mainx24 This 24-hour festival takes place in the Southside neighborhood and features parades, live music, food trucks, and art installations. It's a great way to experience the local community.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
Beyond the well-known attractions, Chattanooga has plenty of hidden gems and local favorites that are worth exploring.
Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center This 300-acre nature preserve offers hiking trails, a native plant nursery, and educational programs. It's a peaceful retreat for nature lovers.
Songbirds Guitar Museum Music enthusiasts will appreciate this museum, which features a collection of rare and vintage guitars. Exhibits explore the history and craftsmanship of these iconic instruments.
Chattanooga Choo Choo Once a bustling train station, the Chattanooga Choo Choo is now a hotel and entertainment complex. Visitors can stay in a converted train car, dine at one of the restaurants, and explore the gardens.
High Point Climbing and Fitness This indoor climbing gym offers routes for all skill levels, as well as yoga and fitness classes. The facility also features an outdoor climbing wall with views of downtown Chattanooga.
Day Trips and Nearby Attractions
Chattanooga's central location makes it a great base for exploring nearby attractions and taking day trips to surrounding areas.
Cloudland Canyon State Park Located in Georgia, this state park offers stunning views, hiking trails, and waterfalls. It's a great destination for a day trip from Chattanooga.
Lynchburg, Tennessee Home to the Jack Daniel's Distillery, Lynchburg is a charming town with a rich history. Visitors can tour the distillery, explore the town square, and learn about the famous whiskey.
Cumberland Caverns These caves in McMinnville, Tennessee, offer guided tours through impressive underground formations. The caverns also host live music events in the Volcano Room, a unique underground concert venue.
Ocoee River Known for its whitewater rafting, the Ocoee River offers thrilling adventures for outdoor enthusiasts. The river was the site of the 1996 Olympic whitewater events and remains a popular destination for rafting and kayaking.
Seasonal Activities and Attractions
Chattanooga offers a variety of seasonal activities and attractions, making it a great destination year-round.
Rock City’s Enchanted Garden of Lights During the holiday season, Rock City transforms into a winter wonderland with millions of twinkling lights. Visitors can stroll through themed light displays, enjoy holiday treats, and meet Santa Claus.
Chattanooga River Market Held on Saturdays from April to October, this market features local artisans, live music, and food vendors. It's a great place to find unique gifts and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
Ice on the Landing During the winter months, this outdoor ice skating rink is set up in the heart of downtown Chattanooga. It's a fun activity for all ages and a great way to enjoy the festive season.
Chattanooga Lookouts Baseball Catch a game at AT&T Field, home of the Chattanooga Lookouts, the city's minor league baseball team. The season runs from April to September, offering plenty of opportunities to enjoy America's pastime.
Arts and Culture
Chattanooga's thriving arts and culture scene includes galleries, theaters, and live music venues. There's always something happening in this creative city.
Tivoli Theatre Known as the "Jewel of the South," the Tivoli Theatre hosts a variety of performances, including concerts, Broadway shows, and movies. The historic venue is a must-visit for culture enthusiasts.
Songbirds South Stage This intimate music venue, located in the Chattanooga Choo Choo complex, features live performances by local and national artists. It's a great place to experience Chattanooga's vibrant music scene.
Chattanooga's Charm Awaits
Chattanooga's got something for everyone. From the breathtaking views at Lookout Mountain to the fascinating exhibits at the Tennessee Aquarium, this city never disappoints. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the hiking trails and river adventures, while history buffs can dive into the rich past at places like the Chattanooga Choo Choo and Hunter Museum of American Art.
Foodies, don’t miss the local flavors at Public House or the unique dishes at Flying Squirrel. And if you’re traveling with kids, the Creative Discovery Museum is a must-visit. Chattanooga’s vibrant arts scene, friendly locals, and diverse attractions make it a top destination.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or an extended stay, Chattanooga promises unforgettable memories. Pack your bags and get ready to explore all the wonders this charming city has to offer.
