Location: Chattanooga
Top Things to do in Chattanooga
What to do and see in Chattanooga, Tennessee (TN): The Best Sights & Landmarks
The name "Chattanooga" comes from the Creek Indian word for "rock coming to a point." This refers to Lookout Mountain, one of the city's major attractions. Here visitors can explore extraordinary rock formations, see a roaring enclosed waterfall and travel by train to the top of the mountain for truly awesome vistas. Back down on the ground, don't miss the world's largest freshwater aquarium, the Tennessee Aquarium. History enthusiasts will love the city's museums dedicated to Civil War, Native American and 20th-century history. More than anything, Chattanooga is a scenic city, full of natural wonders waiting to be explored by foot, car, bike or train.
Restaurants in Chattanooga
1. Chattanooga National Cemetery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 397 reviews
Reviewed By ISC624 - Acworth, United States
A maliciously maintained National Cemetery, and the final resting place of a family member. There are several areas of historical interest in the cemetery, including the grave of Corporal Desmond Doss; awarded the MOH for his actions at Hacksaw Ridge.
2. Law Enforcement Memorial
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By TexasTraveler1971
Touching memorial to our heroes in blue. Wish more cities would honor them this way. Thank an officer!
3. Lookout Mountain
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,246 reviews
Reviewed By C8004SFlt
Whether for the usual attractions or exploring this beautiful mountain, it is worth the short trip from Chattanooga. You can ride the incline to the top or drive to see the beautiful historic homes, famous Rock City with Lovers Leap, Point Park, Ruby Falls or explore nature at Lula Lake Falls or watch the Hang-gliders jump from the cliffs and soar over the valleys. Great day trip!
4. Bluff View Art District
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 424 reviews
Perched on the bluffs overlooking the Tennessee River, Bluff View Art District is widely known as Chattanooga's premier spot for quality dining and culinary delights made on site throughout the District's many kitchens, bakery and coffee roaster. Its location provides for a breathtaking destination in the heart of the city where locals and travelers alike may view equally stunning works of art, horticulture and architecture, all of which define the District's unique atmosphere.
Reviewed By glennmcf - Washington DC, United States
When visiting Chattanooga, you don’t want to miss this part of town, even if you only have one day. The Hunter museum is here and worth a visit but if the weather is nice, why not spend your time walking through the acres of art on the River Walk? Although the art displayed is privately owned it is publicly displayed for all to see for free. You can also pop into a wide variety of restaurants serving up delicious fare from artisan coffee to fine dining for dinner with a view of the river and the surrounding city. If you plan to spend a night or two, the Edwin Hotel is an amazing boutique hotel which boasts a huge collection of local only arts that would make any city envious.
5. Hunter Museum of American Art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 529 reviews
Focusing on American art from the Colonial period to the present day, the Hunter offers amazing architecture, a stunning permanent collection and exciting temporary exhibitions, and a museum store. The museum is housed in an early twentieth century mansion, a modern 1970s era building and a sleek, contemporary structure of steel and glass. The museum's collection includes paintings, works on paper, sculpture, photography, mixed media, video, furniture and contemporary studio glass covering a diverse range of styles and periods. A few of the well-known artists whose work is represented in the Hunter include Thomas Cole, Fitz Henry Lane, Winslow Homer, Robert S. Duncanson, Mary Cassatt, Childe Hassam, Robert Henri, John Marin, Thomas Hart Benton, Helen Frankenthaler, Louise Nevelson, Jack Beal, George Segal, Duane Hanson, Robert Rauschenberg, Sam Gilliam, and Andy Warhol. The Hunter Museum is a 501 (C) 3 Non-Profit charitable institution.
Reviewed By MaizeBlueVA - Fairfax, United States
The Hunter Museum of American Art certainly follows the directive of its name: It is a modest sized but interesting museum devoted exclusively to American Art. It's not a complaint but my visit did not find any work of art by an artist who was not an American. Just so you know what you're getting when you visit. The Hunter is located on a hill at the edge of downtown Chattanooga in a gentrified section called Bluffview, which consists of former mansions as well as apartment houses built in the early twentieth century. It is a charming area which should especially appeal to those interested in architecture. The selection of art is quite good though not extensive. Parking is available on site. The museum has a charge for admission.
6. Coolidge Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 771 reviews
Named in honor of a World War II Medal of Honor recipient, this seven-acre park features a restored hand-carved carousel, pavilion and interactive play fountain.
Reviewed By Loren256 - Russellville, United States
Coolidge Park is a must for us every time we visit Chattanooga. Our 3 small dogs pout if they don't have a walk here. Despite a sign at the entrance (which we didn't notice at first), it is actually dog-friendly. We have often seen other people with their dogs. It's a beautiful park, has restrooms, splash pad (during hot weather), plenty of doggy-bags for cleaning up, and the park is immaculate. We always meet such nice people when we visit. And the view of the river is awesome. If you have children, they have an enclosed carousel, which is vintage and beautiful. Highly recommend it!
7. Forest Hills Cemetery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
8. Walnut Street Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,895 reviews
One of the finest examples of the Phoenix wrought-iron truss bridges that were build between 1884 and 1923.
Reviewed By lisareneoakley - McDonald, United States
Walking across the Walnut Street Bridge is a must-do if you’re in Chattanooga! (Or bike ride across). The scenery is beautiful day or night. Plenty of room to bring kids, dogs, strollers, your own chair/there are benches to sit already. Great place for photos. Great place to watch the various activities of Chattanooga such as fireworks, arrival of Santa the day after Thanksgiving, pops in the park music. We always feel safe. And no matter which side you start from, you are rewarded with something exciting on the other side! ...downtown Chattanooga, the Riverwalk, the Hunter museum and Art Distric or the North Shore with Coolidge Park, the various quirky shops and restaurants. I love that bridge and you will too...many fun memories to be made there!
9. Challenger STEM Learning Center
10. Historic Dent House
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