With Civil War monuments, an aquarium, interactive museums, nature and arts, Chattanooga has a diverse range of attractions. After a successful redevelopment of its downtown area and waterfront, Chattanooga now also boasts a scenic riverside walkway. Head to the nearby mountains to get a view of it all.Chattanooga straddles the Tennessee River in the southeast of the state. The river divides the city into north and south, with four bridges connecting the two districts. Among these bridges is the pedestrian-only Walnut Street Bridge. Cross it to get to the North Shore and visit Coolidge Park, a great place for kids, with a fountain to splash in and a carousel to ride.Attractions in the waterfront area include the Tennessee Aquarium and the Creative Discovery Museum. Nearby, art lovers will appreciate the sculpture garden and Houston Museum of Decorative Arts between Market and Veterans bridges. From here, do the Tennessee Riverwalk or join a river cruise.Just a 20-minute drive from Chattanooga city center, Lookout Mountain offers outdoor activities. Stare in awe at the towering Ruby Falls and take in the views from Rock City Gardens. For an adventure, step aboard the Incline Railway, one of the world’s steepest passenger railways. See remnants of the American Civil War at Point Park and the Battles for Chattanooga Museum. Extending across the Tennessee-Georgia border is Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, which honors the 1863 Civil War battles.Back in downtown Chattanooga, getting around is easy. A free electric shuttle runs all day along Broad Street, one of the city’s main thoroughfares, to the parks on the north side of the river. The route starts at the landmark Chattanooga Choo Choo, the train station named after Glenn Miller’s famous song. The terminal is now an entertainment precinct with plenty of dining options.With Mexican and barbecue street food, traditional burger joints and fine-dining restaurants, Chattanooga’s culinary scene is as diverse as its attractions. If you can, visit the free Chattanooga Street Food Festival in summer and the Chattanooga Chili Cook-Off in autumn. This is when Chattanooga is at its best!
Chattanooga, TN
Where to stay in Chattanooga
Downtown Chattanooga
A noteworthy feature of Downtown Chattanooga is its must-see aquarium. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Tennessee Aquarium and Tivoli Theatre.
East Ridge
Catch a soccer match at CHI Memorial Stadium, explore Camp Jordan park, or play at Pioneer Frontover Playground with a splash pad. Don't miss the East Ridge City Library and History Center.
Lookout Valley Neighborhood Association
If you're spending some time in Lookout Valley Neighborhood Association, Raccoon Mountain Caverns and Tennessee River are top sights worth seeing.
North Chattanooga
While visiting North Chattanooga, you might make a stop by sights like Coolidge Park and Tennessee River.
MLK University
MLK University is noteworthy for its bars, and you can make a stop at top attractions like McKenzie Arena and UTC Fine Arts Center.
St. Elmo Improvement League
While there might not be top attractions in St. Elmo Improvement League, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Lookout Mountain Incline Railway and Lookout Mountain Station.
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Getting around Chattanooga
For eco-friendly travel on a tight budget, the Chattanooga Area Regional Transport Authority offers two electric shuttle buses which ferry people across downtown. There is also a network of hybrid trolleys and a bus system which serves the rest of the city. Downtown Chattanooga is easy to walk around, while the North and South shores are connected by one of the world’s longest pedestrian bridges. Visit the Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority website.Browse Chattanooga rental cars.
Best time to visit
You may associate beautiful fall colors with New England more than Tennessee, but Chattanooga is beautiful at this time of year when the temperatures are pleasant; October sees average highs of around 73 F (22 C). Winters are chilly and wet, while summers can be hot and sticky, not to mention more expensive than other times of year. Spring is another good time to visit, with similar temperatures to fall.
Popular places to visit
Tennessee Aquarium
Make time to visit the sea life at Tennessee Aquarium and find out why this is a top attraction in Chattanooga. Stroll along the riverfront or discover the area's mountain views.
Chattanooga Riverfront
After visiting Chattanooga Riverfront, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Chattanooga. Discover the top-notch restaurants and entertainment choices in this walkable area.
Chattanooga Choo Choo
You can enjoy some culture when you stop by Chattanooga Choo Choo in Chattanooga. Discover the area's mountain views, or seek out its local tours.
Chattanooga Zoo
Visit the native and exotic animals who live at Chattanooga Zoo during your travels in Chattanooga. Discover the area's mountain views and beautiful waterfalls.
Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum
You can spend time exploring the galleries in Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum in Chattanooga. In the area, take in the fascinating museums and mountain views.
Raccoon Mountain Caverns
Explore the great outdoors at Raccoon Mountain Caverns and enjoy the beautiful waterfalls during your trip to Chattanooga. Stroll along the riverfront in this family-friendly area, or check out its top-notch restaurants.
Things to do
Historic Southside Food Tour in Chattanooga
Chickamauga Dam Lock Kayak Tour by Chattanooga Guided Adventures
1.5-Hour Cemetery Ghost Hunt in Chattanooga
Read travel guides and advice on visiting Chattanooga
Best US destinations for views from top to bottom
Other places like Chattanooga
- Ruby Falls
- Tennessee Aquarium
- Chattanooga Riverfront
- Hamilton Place Mall
- Chattanooga Convention Center
- Chattanooga Choo Choo
- Chattanooga Zoo
- Lookout Mountain Incline Railway
- Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum
- University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
- Creative Discovery Museum
- Tennessee River
- Raccoon Mountain Caverns
- McKenzie Arena
- AT&T Field
- Coolidge Park
- Tivoli Theatre
- Ross's Landing Park
- Finley Stadium
- Southside Historic District
- Market Street Bridge
- Bluff View Art District
- Songbirds Guitar Museum
- Prentice Cooper State Forest
- Walnut Street Bridge
- Tennessee Riverpark
- Point Park
- Hunter Museum of American Art
- International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum
- Miller Plaza
- IMAX Theater