One of my all-time bucket list states was Tennessee. So during our road trip to Michigan, we decided to make a stopover in Chattanooga. We were not disappointed! Make sure to add Chattanooga to the top of your list! It’s an exhilarating weekend destination, home to nature. attractions, a notable role in the history of the rail industry, historic attractions, and beautiful parks. Wondering what are the best places to visit in Chattanooga?
Enjoy amazing views at Lookout Mountain, and breathtaking views of the tallest underground waterfalls at Ruby Falls, or take a lovely bike ride on the Chattanooga Riverwalk.
Photo Credit: Chattanooga Tourism Co
The best things to do in Chattanooga with the kids include Coolidge Park, Tennessee Aquarium, and Chattanooga ZooDuring our visit to this gorgeous scenic city not only were we able to spend a few lovely days doing fun things, but we are already talking about how we’re ready to go back.
There were so many things that we loved about Chattanooga. The natural landscape is amazingly beautiful. Full of pretty mountains and a really clean city. The area was just stunningly beautiful.
The flowers were blooming, the sun was shining, and our visit was truly one for the storybooks. If you’re geared up and ready to travel, Chattanooga is waiting with open arms. Here are a few places that we suggest that you add to your travel bucket list.
Best Places to Visit in Chattanooga, TN
While there are so many places to visit in the fourth largest city in Tennessee, Chattanooga is an exciting weekend destination. These are a few of our top recommendations. All did a great job of making us feel safe and welcome during our visit.
1. Lookout Mountain
If you want to see the sights this is for you! Lookout Mountain is a mountain ridge located along the southern border of Tennessee that offers views that you’re not going to find anywhere else.
From the top, you’ll be able to see the sites of 7 different states. The air is calm and peaceful and it’s a fun way to view the beauty of Mother Nature. This is one of the best things to do in Chattanooga.
2. Ruby Falls
Underground waterfalls are everywhere! This isn’t to be missed. Take your time and enjoy the views. This is truly a unique experience that will have you catching your breath with every turn.
Photo Credit: Ruby Falls
I have this thing for waterfalls and always make it a point to visit those in my travel path. Ruby Falls is an amazing journey deep inside historic Lookout Mountain!
Enjoy the tallest and deepest underground waterfall open to the public in the United States! Descend 260 feet by glass-front elevator to explore ancient formations along the cavern trail to see the thundering falls.
Did you know that Ruby Falls was discovered by accident? Get to see the stunning rock formations, and experience the thundering waterfall! The Cave Walk to Ruby Falls is approximately 1 hour – 1 hour 20 minutes, depending on when you visit. Get tickets.
3. Point Park
Point Park is located at the top of the northernmost portion of Lookout Mountain, and the views are breathtaking. Point Park is part of the Chickamauga-Chattanooga National Military Park. This is a park you must add to your itinerary.
A paved path makes a loop around the tall New York monument with incredible views on both sides of Chattanooga nestled snugly around the twisting Tennessee River.
Photo Credit: Chattanooga Tourism Co
4. Incline Railway
Holy train ride! You’ve more than likely never had a ride like this. You’ll be going up and down some steep areas to get to the top of Lookout Mountain. The views from the train are amazing, too.
The Incline Railway is a huge attraction in Chattanooga and it is one of the world’s steepest railways. The trip takes about 10 minutes, and it gets steeper and steeper the higher up the mountain you progress. Be prepared for boarding the train! It is a very unusual experience and one you will get a kick out of.
Due to the way the steps and seats are arranged, because of the tilt going up the mountain, it feels as if you are walking up the steps while going down. You will have to experience it in order to understand, so make sure you visit!
5. Chattanooga Riverwalk (Tennessee Riverpark)
The Chattanooga Riverwalk is also known as the Tennessee Riverpark. A 22-mile path that runs along the Tennessee River and leads right into downtown. During the long hot summers, it’s great for a slow stroll, a lovely bike ride, or a simple way to get in a few steps before or after dinner.
The Riverwalk starts at the Chickamauga Dam and winds for the next ten miles along the mighty Tennessee River until it reaches downtown Chattanooga.
Make sure to take the time to admire the water birds, as well as the public art pieces, situated all along the path in the park.
6. Rock City Gardens
This is a crowded area that the tourists love. And for good reason. It’s a natural wonder on Lookout Mountain that you just can’t miss. It hosts numerous special events and festivals year-round.
Rock City will amaze you. It’s 1700 feet above sea level, with a 100-foot waterfall that cascades down the mountain, and the famous Swing-A-Long bridge that spans nearly 200 feet. Get a birds-ey view from high atop Lookout Mountain.
Some of Rock City’s other features include Lover’s Leap where you can “See the Seven States”, Café 7 dining on the terraces at Lover’s Leap, and the Fairyland Caverns.
Photo Credit: Photographer Rod Clement
7. Tennessee Aquarium
Explore the world in one amazing place! This is the coolest aquarium! More than 9,000 animals swim, fly and crawl dedicated to educating visitors about freshwater ecosystems. It’s packed full of fun and unique fish and so many other water animals.
Not only that but if you have kids, they’re going to have a blast. Make certain to allow a few hours to get through this attraction. You’re going to want to take your time to get through it all without rushing. Grab your tickets!
8. Walnut Street Bridge
The Walnut Street bridge is super old and super cool. It’s the longest pedestrian bridge in the world. Built in1 890 and spans over 2,300 feet! It was the first bridge to make a connection between the downtown area of Chattanooga to the northern part of the town.
It is a favorite weekend destination for both Chattanooga residents and visitors. It was the first non-military bridge across the Tennessee River.
The bridge was called the “county bridge.” In 1978, the bridge was closed to all motor vehicles, and today it hosts a range of events such as Wine over Water wine tasting and the Riverbend country music festival.
Photo Credit: Photographer gnagel
9. Chattanooga Zoo
Love animals? Chattanooga has one of the best zoos around! Imagine a Zoo that’s specifically designed to bring the animals up close to you! Where you have time to notice the subtleties of animal behavior, instead of being pushed along by an impatient crowd.
Full of adorable animals that you’re going to want to snuggle with – but keep your distance! The zoo is a great way to have fun outdoors, too.
Photo Credit: Chattanooga Zoo
With over 500 animals exhibited, the Chattanooga Zoo is committed to engaging and inspiring our community to better understand and preserve wildlife by creating meaningful connections between people and animals.
Get face-to-face with a chimpanzee or jaguar, ride a camel, or check out some rare and venomous reptiles. Tickets are priced at $ 10.95 for adults and $ 7.95 for children.
10. Coolidge Park
Coolidge Park is a delightful downtown park on Chattanooga’s Northshore waterfront. It features a beautifully restored 100-year-old carousel, a pavilion, an interactive play fountain, the Outdoor Chattanooga Center, and lots of open space.
It is a popular destination for concerts, movies in the park, festivals, and special events. Chattanooga’s Coolidge Park is named after Charles Coolidge, World War II Army veteran, and Chattanooga native.
This is a really fun waterfront park area that offers lots of open space for the kids to roam. Pack up a picnic or go and enjoy a night out under the stars.
The carousel provides an old-fashioned experience with 52 whimsical hand-carved animals, a calliope band organ, and ornate gold-leaf benches. Available for birthday parties and family reunions. No pets are allowed at this park.
11. Chattanooga Choo Choo
This is the coolest historic inn! It used to be an old train terminal and it’s a true piece of history. Book here to sleep or eat at one of the many restaurants on-site!
The Chattanooga Choo Choo today is a preserved railroad facility with roots dating back to the early 20th century. Back in the day, it was called Terminal Station, built by the Southern Railway as its primary passenger complex serving the city of Chattanooga.
Opened in 1909, the Chattanooga Choo Choo welcomed thousands of travelers during the golden age of railroads. Today, it’s a fun place to grab a drink at the pour-your-own beer hall American Draft or take a stroll down Station Street, the place to be for live entertainment in Chattanooga.
And it’s also only the second open container street in Tennessee.
12. Chattanooga Riverboat Co. Southern Belle
Take a fun sightseeing tour along the river and enjoy picture-perfect views of Lookout Mountain and all the beautiful nature this great city has to offer! fill your bellies, too. This 90-minute tour is great fun and offers some delicious dinner options, too. Perfect for a unique night out on the town.
In 1985 a man that went by the name Captain Lump saw an opportunity in the City of Chattanooga. The Southern Belle Riverboat started out with a simple vision: give a great guest experience of Chattanooga, show everyone the beauty of the river, and give everyone a different perspective of the city of Chattanooga.
It’s one of the top attractions in Chattanooga!
13. Battles for Chattanooga
If you love history, you’re going to love this! It’s a fun museum that goes into great detail about Chattanooga’s Civil War history. Great for history buffs!
Located on Lookout Mountain at the entrance to historic Point Park, The Battles for Chattanooga is the perfect starting point for your tour of the area’s Civil War battle sites.
14. Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum
Historical structures and attractions still stand throughout Chattanooga. The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum provides an interactive, historical experience that adds an extra dimension to your visit to Chattanooga’s popular attractions.
A favorite is the Tennessee Valley Railroad, visitors can take a trip back in time and relive the rails when vintage trains in a slower-paced era when railroad travel was a way of life.
Take a ride on any one of their featured, full-sized trains:
- Dinner train: Not only enjoy a railroad trip but also fine dining.
- Hiwassee Loop: A 50-mile, 4-hour trip along the Hiwassee River gorge
- Christmas Dinner Train: Celebrate the holidays with a train ride and a 4-course dining experience!
- Missionary Ridge Loop: A vintage short-line train. The local train with frequent stops
So Many Attractions to Visit in Chattanooga, Tennessee!
As you can see, there are so many things to do in Chattanooga and many great places to visit on your trip to Chattanooga.
I was SHOCKED at how many fun things there were to do, and we didn’t even get to our whole list! If visiting Tennessee will be a long flight for you, check out these 7 fun things to do on a long flight.
Now I understand why it is one of the top-rated tourist attractions! We can’t wait for our travels to take us back for another long weekend to explore the activities of Chattanooga even more!
Make sure to check the CDC information for travelers. Hours/availability may have changed.
More places to visit: 10 Things to do in Navarre, Fl
Tell me, will your travel plans take you to visit Chattanooga, Tennessee?
Chattanooga is an awesome area. When I was a kid, we went to Ruby Falls and Lookout Mountain. My dad worked there when he was with TVA.
How cool is that!!
I’ve heard Chattanooga is a beautiful place to visit. I hope to take the kids next year!
It is! Great for the whole family.
Wow, those are some amazing places. I’ll have to keep these in mind for if I’m ever in Tennessee. I’m sure I’ll be going there at some point.
Yes, Chattanooga has so much to offer.
I’ve never heard of anyone talking about Chatanooga which is suprising since it sounds incredible there! I need to see those underground waterfalls.
OMG Yes, these best places to visit in Chattanooga should be added to your bucket list!
Everything is so beautiful, but I fell in love with the colors and beauty of ruby falls.
YES! The Ruby Falls is a must-see! Glad you enjoy ready about the best places to visit in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
This is a really good guide to refer to when visiting Chattanooga. There are so many pretty places to see and activities to do!
Indeed! I hope these best places to visit in Chattanooga are on your bucket list.
Beautiful places! Ruby falls is one of the amazing spots to visit.
Yes! These best places to visit in Chattanooga are must-see! Ruby Falls is an unforgettable experience.
For those with kids, the Creative Discovery Museum is a hands on museum for kids. They have a changing exhibit, so even if you’ve been, you can see something new. Kids can play with water, dig for dinosaurs in the sand, paint a picture, put on a puppet show, … lots of entertainment for the kids.
YES! I see you already know about the best places to visit in Chattanooga!
Beautiful pictures. I would really like to visit this city. So many unique places to enjoy there!
You should plan! These best places to visit in Chattanooga are amazing!
We were in Chattanooga in 2017 and visited the Lookout Mountain. It was awesome.
We’re going back this July and I’d like to see the Ruby fall