Chattanooga, TN

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Chattanooga Convention & Visitors Bureau
Photo provided by Chattanooga Convention & Visitors Bureau
Photo provided by Chattanooga Convention & Visitors Bureau
Photo provided by Chattanooga Convention & Visitors Bureau
Photo provided by Chattanooga Convention & Visitors Bureau
This city in Tennessee offers outdoor adventure, historic landmarks and family fun. Visit mountain tops and riverside parks to find out why they call this the Scenic City.

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!

Where to stay in Chattanooga

Chattanooga showing a bridge, a city and a river or creek

Downtown Chattanooga

4/5(1,372 area reviews)

A noteworthy feature of Downtown Chattanooga is its must-see aquarium. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Tivoli Theatre and Chattanooga Choo Choo.

Downtown Chattanooga
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Chattanooga Riverfront

Chattanooga Riverfront is noteworthy for its river views, and you can make a stop at top attractions like AT&T Field and Creative Discovery Museum.

Chattanooga Riverfront
Beautiful trails, mix with some history

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.

East Ridge
Three of the most important people in my life . From the left My step mom, my mom, and my wife. This was on a walk through Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center in Chattanooga this past weekend. I was lagging behind and thinking of my father.

Lookout Valley

4/5(495 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Lookout Valley, Raccoon Mountain Caverns and Tennessee River are top sights worth seeing.

Lookout Valley
#beautifulbridges #walnutstreetbridge

North Chattanooga

While visiting North Chattanooga, you might make a stop by sights like Coolidge Park and Walnut Street Bridge.

North Chattanooga
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Southside Historic District

You'll enjoy the restaurants and shopping in Southside Historic District. You might want to make time for a stop at Chattanooga Choo Choo or Finley Stadium.

Southside Historic District
Sonesta Select Chattanooga Hamilton Place
Sonesta Select Chattanooga Hamilton Place
3 out of 5
2210 Bams Dr, Chattanooga, TN
The price is $110 per night from Apr 27 to Apr 28
$110
includes taxes & fees
$94 per night
Apr 27 - Apr 28
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Chattanooga. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,035 reviews)
Nice place, might plan a weekend at it
"We had to stay overnight on a trip and it was very cozy and comfy"

Reviewed on Apr 16, 2025

Sonesta Select Chattanooga Hamilton Place
The Read House Hotel
The Read House Hotel
4 out of 5
107 West Martin Luther King Blvd, Chattanooga, TN
The price is $122 per night from May 11 to May 12
$122
includes taxes & fees
$104 per night
May 11 - May 12
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Chattanooga. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,951 reviews)
"History of the property, with the roaring 20’s vibe. Employees dress from that era. Most beautiful hotel with everything you need. Customer service is Top Tier, Employees. Cleanliness, bedding is spot on 💯"

Reviewed on Apr 18, 2025

The Read House Hotel
The Hotel Chalet at The Choo Choo
The Hotel Chalet at The Choo Choo
4 out of 5
92 Choo Choo Ave, Chattanooga, TN
The price is $176 per night from May 5 to May 6
$176
includes taxes & fees
$150 per night
May 5 - May 6
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Chattanooga. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,108 reviews)
"Love to stsy her but staff needs improvement. Restaurant menu could be better"

Reviewed on Apr 20, 2025

The Hotel Chalet at The Choo Choo
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
mountain house feel only 3.5 miles to downtown on missionary ridge
mountain house feel only 3.5 miles to downtown on missionary ridge
Chattanooga
Stay at this vacation home in Chattanooga. Enjoy balconies, cable/satellite TV service, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Ruby Falls and Lookout ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (82 reviews)
Highly recommend
"Lovely views and well appointed. The extra half bath proved to be very helpful."

Reviewed on Apr 3, 2025

mountain house feel only 3.5 miles to downtown on missionary ridge
Mountain View House minutes from Downtown Chattanooga, TN. Cul-de-sac location!
Mountain View House minutes from Downtown Chattanooga, TN. Cul-de-sac location!
Chattanooga
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Chattanooga. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and a garden. Popular attractions Chattanooga Zoo and Hamilton ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (8 reviews)
Chattanooga
"Place was new and clean. Convenient to the things we wanted to do. No unregistered guests were allowed. We have friends nearby. Not allowed to park in garage. Has stairs to climb if that is a game changer for future guests."

Reviewed on Mar 31, 2025

Mountain View House minutes from Downtown Chattanooga, TN. Cul-de-sac location!
Beautiful Lookout Mountain view in Chattanooga /ev charger/SAUNA/Hot Tub
Beautiful Lookout Mountain view in Chattanooga /ev charger/SAUNA/Hot Tub
Chattanooga
Stay at this apartment in Chattanooga. Enjoy free WiFi, a sauna, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Ruby Falls and Lookout Mountain Incline Railway ...
10/10 Exceptional! (14 reviews)
Convenient location
"Great place to stay that was convenient to every thing. Just a short 15 minute drive to all the attractions that we wanted to do."

Reviewed on Mar 29, 2025

Beautiful Lookout Mountain view in Chattanooga /ev charger/SAUNA/Hot Tub
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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 AuthorityOpens in a new window 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.

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