An urban oasis offering plenty of cultural and outdoor attractions that highlight the region’s natural beauty and rich history, Chattanooga, Tennessee is growing in popularity as a travel destination. Great for a weekend getaway, Scenic City is chalk full of things to see and do that’ll keep you entertained for a week or more. Great for families and couples who either want to embark on an adventure or keep their trip a little more low-key and relaxing, Chattanooga has something for everyone.
Outdoor enthusiasts might not normally think of visiting a city for their next desired vacation, but Chattanooga is definitely one of the exceptions. Sure, there’s a downtown that offers plenty of districts filled with restaurants, galleries, shops and entertainment venues, but what people who know and love about River City are the surrounding mountains and plenty of out outdoor activities they offer.
Lookout Mountain:
One of the most popular and a must-see location during a trip to Chattanooga is Lookout Mountain. About a 15-20 minute drive from the city’s center, Lookout Mountain is where you’ll find the famous Ruby Falls, an underground waterfall that claims the spot of the tallest and deepest in the United States. Visitors can buy tickets to explore the cavern trail and see the falls with their own eyes. And don’t worry, you won’t have to take the stairs all the 260 feet down–there’s an elevator.
Lookout Mountain is 2,000 feet above sea level, so you could imagine the view at its top is pretty spectacular. Visit Rock City, an attraction great for all ages that lets you explore the paths, gardens, and ancient rock formations at the top of the mountain. There, you’ll find various restaurants and shops, along with other festivals and events during certain seasons like the Enchanted Garden of Lights in the winter as well as Spring Blooms and Flora Luna.
Another attraction at Lookout Mountain is the Incline Railway, one of the steepest railways in the world. Combine the city’s rich history in the rails and its beautiful scenery with this one activity that’s great for everyone–except those who maybe aren’t too excited about heights. Called “America’s Most Amazing Mile” for a reason, take a round trip ride for some of the most breathtaking views in the whole state of Tennessee.
Hiking & Trails:
If it’s hiking trails your after, Lookout Mountain offers a trail for hikers of all skill types. Moderate trails include the Glen Falls Trail (1.2 mi), the Whiteside Trail (1.2 mi), and Sunset Rock (3 mi). Up for a challenge? A popular trail for serious hikers is the Guild Hardy Loop Trail, which takes you 11.1 miles through the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park. If you’re more a history buff than a hiker, make sure to visit this park to learn more about the Civil War battles that were fought on this land while exploring the preserved Chickamauga Battlefield.
To the north of Chattanooga sits Signal Mountain. About a 15-minute drive from downtown, there are various areas worth checking out. Hiking or not, the views will be incredible regardless. Head to Signal Point to get a wonderful view of the Tennessee River, or Rainbow Lake for an easy trail that lets you stretch your legs and is recommended for families to enjoy.
While you’re downtown, you’ll certainly get your steps in as you explore historic Chattanooga, but one trail that we do recommend is the Tennessee Riverwalk, a walking and biking path that meanders through the city and allows for great riverfront views!
On the Water:
There’s a good chance that you would’ve passed rafters or people tubing down the Ocoee River on your drive into the city, and even though it’s not exactly within Chattanooga city limits, these two activities are strongly recommended during your trip and either one will be surely worth the drive. If you want to stay closer to downtown, choose to see the city from the Tennessee River aboard a kayak or paddle board. You’ll find that it’s easy to find and rent equipment to enjoy these activities.
If it’s a guided tour you’re after, sit back, relax, and take in the sights aboard the Southern Belle Riverboat. What could be better than enjoying a lunch or supper while sightseeing on the magnificent Southern Belle. Depending on when you’re visiting, check the calendar for holiday themed cruises!
Kid-Friendly Activities:
Located just beside the John Ross Bridge with a beautiful view of the Tennessee River, the Tennessee Aquarium is an impressive complex filled with fresh and saltwater exhibits. We recommend purchasing your time-entry tickets ahead of time, as this facility is very popular. In addition to learning about animals, the Tennessee Aquarium offers special events and guided tours, and even an IMAX theater that lets you see educational films alongside popular movies.
The Chattanooga Zoo at Warner Park is also a favorite among families and animal-lovers alike! While on the smaller side, your family can enjoy and learn more about each exhibit at your own pace and see animals from around the globe. Find the zoo’s Daily Schedule on their website’s home page and plan where your group should be when and where to see animal training sessions, meet and greets, and more!
A few blocks away from the aquarium is the Creative Discovery Museum. This children’s museum features both rotating and permanent exhibits that allow your children to enjoy hands-on learning regardless of how old they are. Make a morning or afternoon out of it, with a gift shop and food options on sight. Always make sure to check the calendar of events since there’s always something going on. Who wants to go to their Annual Chocolate Festival with us?
Classic Chattanooga:
Meaning, trains of course! Have you ever heard of the Chattanooga Choo Choo? While the “Chattanooga Choo Choo” might be a song recorded in 1941 by Glenn Miller and His Orchestra, the real Chattanooga Choo Choo was a train that connected Cincinnati and Chattanooga starting in 1880. Now, if you wanted to visit the Chattanooga Choo Choo, you’d be headed in the direction to the Terminal Station, once a major hub for rail traffic. The station saw its last train in the summer of 1970, and if it weren’t for local businessmen, it would’ve been demolished. Now, visitors can either stay at the Chalet Hotel located within the Choo Choo, as well as eat at various restaurants and bars, go shopping, or see a show at The Signal concert hall, play a game or two at The Coin Op Arcade, or experience Runaway Train Transport–a simulated runaway train all within an actual train car!
For those seeking to actually learn about the region’s rich history of the railway while on a moving train, The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum is your best bet. Buy a ticket to ride a vintage train that vary in distance, with some specialty rides offered seasonally. The most popular is the Missionary Ridge Local Train Ride, a 65 minute ride including commentary on the historic landmarks you’ll pass, tour of the train restoration shop, as well as a turntable demonstration before heading back to the Grand Junction Depot. Learn more about seasonal and dinner trains scheduled, as well as the Homefront Tea Room.
Chattanooga is one of those rare destinations that is truly lovely to visit year-round. Because of its mix of indoor and outdoor activities, you really can’t go wrong with planning your trip, well, anytime. Some visitors claim that the spring and fall seasons are the best times to visit. Milder temperatures allow for more time in the great outdoors exploring the mountainsides seeking beautiful blooms or fall foliage. But keep in mind, many travelers head to Chattanooga for spring break as well as weekend getaways in the fall to see the vibrant autumn colors.
Summer lends itself best to activities out on the water, and the city sees a bunch of summertime events and concerts that you’ll want to be aware of. A busy calendar is great if you’re planning on visiting for that reason, but you’ll be amidst many other visitors wanting to experience beautiful Chattanooga when the weather is warm and days are long.
If you’re on a budget, look into visiting Chattanooga during the winter months. Sure, the region does get cold weather–sometimes experiencing below-freezing temperatures–but if you want to see the city during the magic of the holiday season and are interested more in the indoor activities, December to February is your best bet!
There are various districts within the city of Chattanooga that you should be aware of before booking your accommodations for your trip. If you want to be in the thick of things, Downtown Chattanooga is your best bet. You’ll find everything from trendy, historic, upscale, and budget-friendly hotels and inns. Choose to stay within North Shore located on the other side of the Tennessee River, and you’ll find a quaint area offering boutique hotels.
The Southside Historic District has an array of lodging options and will put you in close proximity to great restaurants, shops, and entertainment options. These hotels do tend to be less expensive as those located closer to the river. You won’t feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere though, plus you can easily access the Chattanooga Market and other places of interest. But if you do want to stay a little more out of the way, choose the outskirts of Chattanooga to finder cheaper hotels and be able to access the city with an easy drive less than 20 minutes.
Palmera Vacation Club members should use their Quest Travel Club membership to find accommodations in and around Chattanooga, TN. Under the “Hotels” tab, use the filters available to find the perfect hotel for your group. Depending on when you are planning to visit the city, you’ll find various discounts and will always earn Reward Credits for any hotel stay booked through Quest to use on future trips. Quest Travel Club also allows you to plan your entire trip, from finding flights into Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport, booking rental cars, and of course, finding deals on activities while you’re in town.
Discounts, rates, and availability are subject to vary. The listed hotels above were chosen at random on the day of publishing this post.
