Those who live in Chattanooga consider themselves superbly fortunate because
not only is the downtown bustling with hotels, galleries, eateries, and bars,
but the outskirts of town boast everything from one of the world's largest aquariums to
an incredible natural underground waterfall. And if residents love their town so much,
you can only imagine how great it is for tourists! After all, the likes of the New York Times,
Travel+Leisure, and Southern Living have named it among America's bucket list vacation locations.
If you’re looking for family-friendly entertainment, some of the best things to
do in Chattanooga include riding a steam train that doubles as a traveling museum, hiking the
trails at Rock City, or gawking at all manner of sea creatures at the Tennesse Aquarium. Couples
on a weekend getaway can spend their time biking around the Bluff View Art District, picnicking
in the romantic Coolidge Park, or getting in a busy date night at the Highpoint Climbing Gym.
If you’re looking for things to do in Chattanooga or are simply curious to
see if it's the right spot for your next American vacation,
watch on for our top picks in this perfect all-season travel destination.
Tennessee Aquarium
The Tennesse Aquarium is so much more than a massive tank full of fish. Various wildlife
exhibits engage and educate visitors, young and old. The Ocean Journey building is home to sharks,
penguins, and stingrays, while the River Journey section takes people through the
ecosystems of the nearby Tennessee River. There is even a host of visiting exhibitions
like National Geographic’s “Monster Fish: In Search of Rover Giants.” Call in advance
to confirm what’s on at the time of your visit. Don’t forget to catch a flick at
the IMAX 3D Theater as it's one of the largest screens in the entire state.
Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum
This unique historic site is considered a "moving museum" because the museum itself
is actually a restored steam train and railroad system! It's suitable for all ages.
Who doesn't love a beautifully renovated old train! Hop aboard for a one-of-a-kind view of
the stunning rural vistas Chattanooga is famous for. The museum is open all year and every day,
and on Saturdays, they open at 9 am instead of 10 to accommodate more visitors.
If you're planning on heading there around Halloween, Christmas, or another festive time,
you might be in for a treat, as the museum often themes its rides according to the holidays.
Are you looking for more deep
dives covering some of the most exciting vacation spots across America and the world? Then, be sure
to like and share this video and subscribe to our channel for more content just like it. Hit the
notifications bell to see the freshest videos right when they're uploaded.
Rock City
Rock City Gardens, known to locals as simply Rock City, is a stunning park full of wild rock
formations, epic trails, caves, waterfalls, and fields of flowers. Climb the peaks,
and you’ll get a view out across an incredible seven American states. For families with kids,
we recommend visiting the Mother Goose Village and the Fairyland Caverns. On the way, dare yourselves
to walk across the 180-foot Swing-a-Long Suspension Bridge! For more serious adventurers,
hit the trails to check off bucket list items like Lovers Leap waterfall and the boulders
Needle’s Eye and Fat Man's Squeeze as you scale the peak of Lookout Mountain.
Ruby Falls
Right atop Lookout Mountain is another incredible natural attraction not to be
missed! You can take a tour of one of the world’s tallest underground waterfalls.
Incredibly, this geological wonder was discovered by accident. Way back in 1905,
authorities closed off Lookout Mountain Cave to the public to build a railroad. A few decades
later, a spelunker called Leo Lambert made an elevator from the waterfall to the surface
so visitors could enter the cave system quickly. If you go during the holidays, be sure to book
the romantic (or spooky, depending on how you feel about cramped, dark spaces) Lantern Tour.
Southern Belle Riverboat
If you want to really experience that Tennessee River vibe, book a daytime,
lunch, or dinner sightseeing cruise on the Southern Belle Riverboat. Couples can
relax together on the upper deck and watch the scenery go by as the tour guide points out sites
of historical and natural interest. Families with kids can head to the burger bar on the third deck,
where there’s everything from appropriately Southern deep-fried eats to arcade games to
keep them occupied while parents nip for a bit away to admire the views.
Coolidge Park
If you’re looking for free or cheap things for families to do in Chattanooga,
plan to spend half a day at Coolidge Park. There’s an interactive water fountain,
so if it’s hot out, be sure to get the kids into their bathing suits before you go. After you’ve
splashed around for a bit, walk over the epic Walnut Street Bridge, which is closed to cars,
see how brave you are by trying out rock climbing, and check out the historically
exciting attractions like the military memorial and the beautifully restored antique carousel—just
$1 a ride! Pack a lunch because there are many green spaces perfect for a picnic.
Bluff View Art District
If you consider yourself a bit of a culture creature, you’ll love spending
time in downtown Chattanooga’s Bluff View Art District. This charming neighborhood
is home to heritage buildings filled with art galleries, cafes, restaurants, bars,
and boutique shops. Head here to dine at some of the town’s best eateries,
like the famous Tony's Pasta Shop & Trattoria and Rembrandt's Coffee House. Visit the three
art institutions that call the area home: Hunter Museum of American Art, The River Gallery,
and The Houston Museum of Decorative Arts. Admire everything from Victorian art glass collections to
paintings and sculptures by some of America's most revered modern and contemporary artists.
Lookout Mountain Incline Railway
Do you love views but don't love having to hike up to see them? Then the Lookout Mountain Incline
Railways is the attraction for you! Jump on a vintage-style trolley car with enormous windows,
and you'll get all the views your eyes can handle as you climb straight up
Lookout Mountain. At the top, there's an observation deck, picturesque Point Park,
and a Civil War battle site and museum to explore. Oh, and if the weather's hot,
grab a hand-dipped ice cream or stop in for a refreshingly cold brew at the microbrewery.
Chattanooga Choo Choo
If you’re a trainspotter, then this hotel is a must-stay. Guests of the Chattanooga Choo Choo can
choose to stay in converted sleeper cars that still sit on real-life train tracks. Today,
this architecturally interesting building is listed on the National Register of Historic
Places and the Historic Hotels of America. And for a good reason. It was once called
Terminal Station and was a central transport hub for the region, managing over 50 passenger
trains a day. When the train station closed in the 1970s, four local businessmen saved
it from demolition, turning it into a hotel, gardens, and shopping center.
Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park
We briefly mentioned one of these linked military parks when discussing the Lookout Mountain Incline
Railway. And indeed, that's one way to reach the Chattanooga branch of this historical
site. Chattanooga is well known for having been a significant Civil War battleground, and this park
includes Civil War weaponry such as cannons and features in-depth historical information. Both
parks are open from sunrise to sunset year-round, so keep those times in mind when planning a visit.
Tennessee Riverwalk
If you love the great outdoors but crave the security of an urban setting,
you’ll love the recently renovated Tennesse Riverwalk. This beautiful 13-mile greenway runs
right through downtown Chattanooga and offers space for a wide range of outdoor activities:
biking, walking, skating, running, and boating. Depending on the time of year,
live music events, boat races, and markets are held here. Be sure to stop by The Passage,
a memorial marking the Cherokee's long walk on the Trail of Tears.
There's also a "weeping wall," which tells the stories of the area's displaced Native
peoples and includes symbology of the seven factions of the Cherokee Nation.
Chattanooga Duck Boat Tours
Honestly, this is a bit peculiar, but military buffs especially will be fascinated by it. Believe
it or not, in Chattanooga, you can head out on the Tennessee River in an authentic WWII amphibious
duck boat! Not only can you experience what it might have been like for brave WWII soldiers to
advance the front in one of these vehicles, but you’ll also get a narrated tour of interesting
Chattanooga riverside sites. Chattanooga Tours only operate seasonally, so be sure to check in
advance if they’re taking passengers at the time you plan to visit to avoid being disappointed.
Creative Discovery Museum
Your little ones will love to explore the Creative Discovery Museum, conveniently
located right in downtown Chattanooga. It’s a learning center with fun at its heart,
helping kids aged 0 to 12 explore science, art, engineering, and more in a playful way. Children
dress up as medieval lords and ladies to learn about ancient history, build things from wood,
build sandcastles in an enormous sandpit or just chill all day on a comfy couch with a good book.
There’s a reason this place is ranked one of the best children’s museums in all of America!
Do you think this is a comprehensive list of things to do in
Chattanooga? Or would you add some places, events, or sites we’ve missed? Debate the
not-to-be-missed areas and share your secret spots in the comment section below.
If you want to watch more videos like this one, head over to the ViewCation channel and
subscribe. Hit that notification bell while you're at it. Oh, and don't forget to give
this video a thumbs up and share it with your friends and family.