Chattanooga TN is a land of incredible diversity, with something to offer everyone who visits. There are many great places to visit in this city, but if you are looking for the ultimate Chattanooga TN experience, then you need to head to one of the places below. Whichever part of Chattanooga TN you choose to visit, you’re sure to have an amazing time.
The Best Place to Visit in Chattanooga TN
Rock City Gardens
- Address: 1400 Patten Rd, Lookout Mountain, GA 30750, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (19970)
- Phone: +1 706-820-2531
- Website: Link
- Price Info: Moderate
- Opening hours:
Monday: 8:30 AM – 3:45 PM, 4:30 – 9:00 PMTuesday: 8:30 AM – 3:45 PM, 4:30 – 9:00 PMWednesday: 8:30 AM – 3:45 PM, 4:30 – 9:00 PMThursday: 8:30 AM – 3:45 PM, 4:30 – 9:00 PMFriday: 8:30 AM – 3:45 PM, 4:30 – 10:00 PMSaturday: 8:30 AM – 3:45 PM, 4:30 – 10:00 PMSunday: 8:30 AM – 3:45 PM, 4:30 – 10:00 PM
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Top 15 Tourist Attractions in Chattanooga TN
Tennessee Aquarium
- Address: 1 Broad St, Chattanooga, TN 37402, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (19097)
- Phone: +1 423-265-0695
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PMTuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PMWednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PMThursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PMFriday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PMSaturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PMSunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Reviews:
I love aquariums and this one did not disappoint. It is divided into two buildings, one for ocean one for river. It takes you through the museum in a specific path so you aren’t going in circles. The buildings are huge. But very fun to explore. My favorite part in the ocean building was seeing the sea turtles and my son loved the sharks and penguins. In the River building we both loved the giant river fish and all the turtles. He even got to touch an animal in its tank. Great family experience. The gift shop is even moderately pricedBy Evian Lawson (7 months ago)This is a fantastic date spot! I went with my boyfriend and some of his family and we all had a blast. The journey is easy to follow and the experience is beautiful. It’s clean, staff are friendly, and it’s an overall interesting experience. The gift shop is expensive, but the tickets are well worth your money. The website is still terrible for buying tickets, but we got in quickly with no trouble at the ticket booth.By Mya Spradlin (4 months ago)A very unique take on an aquarium but worthwhile. Some construction/renovation has areas unavailable. The seperation of fresh & salt water exhibits is good & gives time to enjoy, read about them & mosey along. The atmosphere & staff are very chill & helpful. The restrooms were well maintained and clean. The gift shops were also clean and organized.
The staff that would provide insight at various displays were knowledgeable and courteous.
We split the tour with lunch in between (we ate at Burger Republic across the parking lot from the aquarium & within easy walking distance. It is Veteran owned and operated and i highly recommend). I do suggest starting your tour in the freshwater exhibit as it will take longer to see. The saltwater exhibit is rather quick but take your time in the lemur enclosure, butterfly room and penguins. Lots of laughs to be had!
Overall a great afternoon spent with family!By Mr. C PJR (in the last week)This was a fun experience! I have so many questions! I certainly got my steps in!
The price of the tickets covered the River Journey. Both were very interesting and entertaining. Some parts are interactive.
On this day the penguins seemed to protest our being there… they had their backs to us… (giggles) and the Otter didn’t show up at all.
I saw fish I’d never seen and I watch all things nature all of the time.
Masks are required… however not enforced. All employees wear masks.
Parking is tight because it’s the only lot in the center of a business intersection. We walked from our hotel.
The food. Food is served, or should I say sold near the aquarium. The place was dirty and well, we ate cuz we were hungry and thirsty… that won’t happen again. And just be aware, see the pic, if you order a salted pretzel… a SALTED pretzel is what you get.
The Aquarium and the river Journey are well worth the money. I do suggest you take lunch.By Paula DeeSer (9 months ago)I’ve been to some amazing Aquariums around the country but this was definitely in the top 5. It’s not the biggest, but the exhibits are really cool, the fish are very active, and there’s lots of fun educational activities for kids. My daughter loves the butterflies, the penguins, the jellyfish, and the sting rays. Lots of cool artwork to explore as well.
I wish I knew to bring a bathing suits ahead of time because she ended up swimming in the fountains.By Steven Boehm (5 months ago)
Ruby Falls
- Address: 1720 Scenic Hwy, Chattanooga, TN 37409, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (16074)
- Phone: +1 423-821-2544
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PMTuesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PMWednesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PMThursday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PMFriday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PMSaturday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PMSunday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Reviews:
This was a very impressive cave system & even more impressive waterfall underground. The light show highlights the water falling down & the surrounding cave. Special formations are marked with signs. The elevator ride down is interesting. The whole process for buying tickets, getting to the tour spot & going through the cave is very efficient & easy. I’d prefer less theatrics from the guide even though he was very friendly, personable, knowledgeable & they give them a script to follow I’m sure. I wish we had more time to stay in one spot & take it all in instead of being led through quickly but I know they have this every 30 minutes coming through so it’s not possible. We were lucky to have a small group at our time slot. Bathrooms were clean & there’s a gift shop to look around. Parking is convenient & free.By lisa m (10 months ago)Ruby falls was amazing! Definitely purchase your ticket before you go. There are tour times, we went 30 minutes earlier as we wanted to experience the overlook of the Tennessee river. Beautiful view! The tour was amazing and the Waterfalls breath taking. Def recommend people to visit this place. It’s def worth the money.By Javier Rodriguez (8 months ago)Definitely would recommend going. you learn so much about the history and the experience was amazing!! One side note if you have little kids (and I mean like 6 and under) you have to know that there is around a half a hour walk one way and you can’t touch the cave in certain spots.
FYI you go in groups of about 15 people. The wait isn’t long to get in, if you miss your tour time you can get into the next one.By dellaringa fam (Della) (3 months ago)Ruby Falls! What a fun, interesting and unique place to visit. It is well worth the admission price. We booked our cave tour ahead of time and we were glad we did, as it was very busy in March 2022 when we visited. This wet cave has some beautiful formations and the water fall at the far end of the tour was stunning. It is pretty commercialized, with music playing in the cave, but we actually feel it added to the ambiance of the experience. Highly recommended!By David Lobree (2 weeks ago)I have visited similar caves in Colorado or Europe but have never seen a waterfall this breathtaking. Absolutely worth the visit. The tour takes about 1 and a quarter hours. It is best to come in the evenings due to being in smaller groups. We were only 7 people at 6:30pm, the tours before were 15-20 people.
Unfortunately, the tour guides are not overly informed and can not answer all questions about the caves background. Lighting and handrails are good.
I gave only 4 stars because the pictures they offer at the end are absolutely overpriced. But otherwise: great!By GG (a month ago)
Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum
- Address: 4119 Cromwell Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37421, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (6847)
- Phone: +1 423-894-8028
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: ClosedTuesday: ClosedWednesday: ClosedThursday: ClosedFriday: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PMSaturday: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PMSunday: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
- Reviews:
Wonderful trip. Leaves were changing colors and we’re absolutely stunning. The train ride was very comfortable. We took a picnic lunch and snacks along with a lot of other passengers. Commentary was full of so many interesting stories and facts about the area and history of the train. We had some delightful halftime entertainment. Train employees went out of their way to make our trip enjoyable. Highly recommend this excursion.By Frannie MacKenzie (a month ago)Very friendly staff who were energetic to serve and make your experience the best it could be.
We went for the tea and lunch. It was really a lovely atmosphere and delicious finger foods and desserts. The tea was excellent. The offered 5 options and you can choose two. The tea pots were all unique. Each tea cup was also unique and they set a lovely table. Foods were small portions and just a wonderful variety. The train ride was a nice length and the gentleman giving info did a good job. We stopped and observed the train table turn the engine around. We got to see the maintenance shed where they are restoring and maintaining. All around a great time for a couple or a family outing.By Beth Rekoske (2 months ago)We absolutely loved the polar express train ride!! This is great for smaller kids (maybe 9 and under). We boarded at our set time, they punched our tickets just like in the movie polar express (thought it was a cute touch), the staff was friendly, we had hot chocolate, they gave out cookies, they played Christmas song, and took us to the North Pole where the kids got to see and wave to Santa and Mrs. Claus. It was the perfect holiday activity. I enjoyed myself and my kids loved it.By Courtney (11 months ago)Great experience, we did the 1 hour train ride to the turn table. It was really cool to ride with a steam engine and a super bonus was the air conditioned cars to escape the heat. The turn table is mind blowing that you can move that much weight. We also go some great photos when the next steam train left due to the Y turn it has to do by the station/parking lot.By Joan M (3 months ago)We enjoyed our 1.5 hour ride last week. Great to see the restoration of the engines and train cars. Highly recommend especially if you have children that can’t ride the longer train excursions offered. The historic depot was beautiful and spotless. Very welcoming staff behind the original ticket counter which gave a hint of nostalgia. The ride was smooth and conductor was excellent in speaking clearly of the history of Chattanooga and train travel in the area. Yes, we would recommend.By Melissa Darr (6 months ago)
Lookout Mountain Incline Railway
- Address: 3917 St Elmo Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37409, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.4 (6505)
- Phone: +1 423-821-4224
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PMTuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PMWednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PMThursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PMFriday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PMSaturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PMSunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Reviews:
Excellent local attraction. The views are incredible. Reasonable pricing. Cute gift shop. Very clean and well-maintained. There isn’t any air circulation in the rail cars, so I don’t recommend going on a hot day. There were deer and other wildlife right by the tracks. Parking is $2.45 for the whole day.By T Jordan (3 months ago)This place is absolutely beautiful! The line for tickets was fast and easy. The line for the rail car was ridiculous. If you have a large group plan for extra time for the rail car. You may have to wait for the next car if your far back in line. The ride up is scary and intimidating. You almost need a seat belt. The tree line got in the way but in winter I’m sure it’s gorgeous! The view was amazing, best I’d seen in a long long time. Price was good, wait sucked but wasn’t a reason to skip it. I recommend this for anyone that wants a great view of the city and mountains! The ride down was just as intense, but the line was better. The gift shop was great, but expensive.By jamie mead (a month ago)Super cool!
I was unaware that there were time slots for the tickets. After arriving to the lower station and waiting to buy tickets, we were told that the next available time slot was 4 hours later (3pm). Not a huge deal so we drive around finding other things to do until it was time. We came back and waited in line at 2:45 to board. Unfortunately it doesn’t seem the time slots were followed by either the public or the employees at all. Only 40 people can ride at once, and it seemed like it was first come first serve. We had to wait for 3 full rounds of train cars to come and go before we finally made it. It was 3:20 by this time. Luckily it wasn’t longer but I wish the time slots were followed more closely otherwise I would have just gone on when I originally bought the tickets (4 hours earlier).
Apart from this, the experience was very cool, albeit a little terrifying (the steep grade almost made me slip from my seat belt-less seat). Views were amazing and the recording that was playing during the ride was informative.Once we got to the top, an Observatory deck was a couple of flights of stairs up. This was amazing to see and photograph from.
All in all a good tourist centric location although I could see this as a genuine transportation type when trying to get up or down the mountain (if you live there).
By Eliot McElveen (6 months ago)I recommend going on a cool day! We went on a day it was 98, and there’s no air at all on it making it miserable. The ride down we sat in the humid cart for awhile before leaving.
It’s a great experience and I would return, but only if cooler out. At the top there’s plenty of lookout spots with spectacular views & inexpensive snacks.By Natalie Nicole (5 months ago)We had a delightful trip to Chattanooga Tennessee to see the changing colors of the leaves. One of our destinations was Lookout Mountain. This excursion did not disappoint! Staff was friendly and helpful. The mountain is amazing. It’s hard to believe that one woman’s dream has turned into such an amazing experience for so many people. We thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful scenery, the photo ops, the surprises around each corner. The view from the top is amazing. Put this on your Bucket List!By Frannie MacKenzie (a month ago)
Coolidge Park
- Address: 150 River St, Chattanooga, TN 37405, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (6172)
The Chattanooga Zoo at Warner Park
- Address: 301 N Holtzclaw Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37404, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.4 (5939)
Creative Discovery Museum
- Address: 321 Chestnut St, Chattanooga, TN 37402, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (2996)
Walnut Street Bridge
- Address: 1 Walnut St, Chattanooga, TN 37403, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.8 (2373)
Raccoon Mountain Caverns and Campground
- Address: 319 W Hills Dr, Chattanooga, TN 37419, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.5 (2143)
Ross’s Landing
- Address: 201 Riverfront Pkwy, Chattanooga, TN 37402, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (2046)
Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery
- Address: 1439 Market St, Chattanooga, TN 37402, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.9 (1982)
Tennessee Riverpark
- Address: 4301 Amnicola Hwy, Chattanooga, TN 37402, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (1836)
Hunter Museum of American Art
- Address: 10 Bluff View Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37403, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (1540)
Renaissance Park
- Address: 133 River St, Chattanooga, TN 37405, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (727)
Bessie Smith Cultural Center and Chattanooga African American Museum
- Address: 200 E M L King Blvd, Chattanooga, TN 37403, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (444)
Chattanooga TN is a world-famous tourist destination, and it’s no wonder why. Here is our list of the top 15 best place to visit in Chattanooga TN – based on expert opinions and customer reviews. Did your favorite spot make the cut? Let us know in the comments above!
Beautiful walk on a very creative trail between boulders, over bridges, above bluffs and waterfalls, crisscrossing in imaginative ways. The overlook view of the valley below is breathtaking. Right to left you can see almost 180 degrees. You really can see 7 states. The walk is worth the time and visit. It is a great family adventure, with the walk ending in Fairyland Caverns. The park is not without gift shops and restaurants. Great food. Great gifts. Handicap access is limited to a small percentage of the park area, but access is available to the overlook. The park Vista is different each season of the year. I took hundreds of photos but Google only allows 50. Be sure to carry your camera.
Amazing experience amidst a peaceful and magical landscape all leading to some fabulous views from the top of Lookout Mountain. Parking is free and plentiful and the entry process was easy. There is actually a Starbucks across the street. So many neat little treasures and spaces to find along the walk with easy paths and bridges and great sights around every corner. Kids will love this, especially Fairyland at the end. There is a great cafe and some relaxing seating and benches throughout. Would definitely visit again.
This is a stop you have to make! The gardens are very beautiful and the sights are second to none. the best around. Stop at cafe 7 for adult drink samples and food. Plenty of shade to get out of the sun. They have a great history, which you can learn about through your trip. Accessibility is limited though. They have an accessible path to the scenic overlook and to view the seven states. There are activities along its path to make it entertaining but it’s nothing like the actual trail. If you are in the area you have to SEE ROCK CITY. Great commercial right? Again the main path is not handicap accessible so keep that in mind if you make plans to go here. That being said, if you plan to visit, plan to spend a good 2hrs looking around and taking it all in, especially if it’s your first visit. You won’t be disappointed with your visit. Parking was an easy walk to the entrance and was not crowded as we visited on a weekday. One thing that’s good to know about this place is that if you take your time exploring this place, any amount of crowd will pass you by and you will have a moment or two to yourself to take it all in. And the mother goose/fairy gardens is worth seeing even as an adult, it’s fun to take a trip down memory lane to your childhood. More importantly, you escape the heat because it’s air conditioned!! I would definitely recommend this to anyone who likes a good view, likes a little adventure and is able to maneuver stairs, ramps and bridges and maybe a surprise or two. There are some bypass paths on the main path if desired.
This is must see! Love Love Love!!! Beautiful walk on a very creative trail between boulders, over bridges, above bluffs and waterfalls, crisscrossing in imaginative ways. The overlook view of the valley below is breathtaking. Right to left you can see almost 180 degrees. You really can see 7 states. The walk is worth the time and visit. It is a great family adventure, with the walk ending in Fairyland Caverns. The park is not without gift shops and restaurants. One thing that’s good to know about this place is that if you take your time exploring this place, any amount of crowd will pass you by and you will have a moment or two to yourself to take it all in. And the mother goose/fairy gardens is worth seeing even as an adult, it’s fun to take a trip down memory lane to your childhood. More importantly, you escape the heat because it’s air conditioned!! I would definitely recommend this to anyone who likes a good view, likes a little adventure and is able to maneuver stairs, ramps and bridges and maybe a surprise or two.
I can’t believe I’ve never heard of this place before!
We just went on a coworkers recommendation since we discussed my family loves hiking trails and Rock City did NOT disappoint. It was beautiful with spectacular scenery and great for fall colors. I bet it looks just as lovely in the spring when things are blooming.
Kinda felt like a *teeny* tiny version of a canyon at times.
Bring water, comfy walking/climbing shoes, and buy tickets in advance! We signed up for the 10:15 time and were able to walk in within minutes upon arrival. When we left at about 1-1:30 though, there was a HUGE long line to get in as people waited for their assigned times.
We’ll definitely be back again.