My go-to spots in the Scenic City. Kid-friendly picks, date-night dinners, and the easiest ways to book. This list contains affiliate links, and I may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Sections
4
Must-See Attractions
Where to Eat
Where to Stay
Pack This
Must-See Attractions
A 145-ft waterfall deep inside Lookout Mountain. Book ahead on busy weekends.
Ruby Falls Tours - Book Now
One of the steepest passenger railways in the world, and an easy add-on to Ruby Falls.
Lookout Mountain Incline Railway Tours - Book Now
Two buildings of river and ocean exhibits, with the penguins as the highlight. Plan on at least 2 hours.
Tennessee Aquarium Tours - Book Now
Hands-on play for little kids, a short walk from the aquarium.
Creative Discovery Museum Tours - Book Now
A guided, small-group food tour of Downtown Chattanooga.
Chattanooga Food Tour
Rock formations, the swinging bridge, and the "See Seven States" view. Go back in winter for the Enchanted Garden of Lights.
Rock City Tours - Book Now
Where to Eat
A Southside favorite with an eclectic, salvage-yard vibe. Get the ceviche and anything wood-fired. It's family-friendly and dog-friendly with a big patio, and in winter you can book one of their patio igloos.
State of Confusion
Korean BBQ meets steakhouse! Your server cooks premium cuts like dry-aged ribeye and wagyu right at your table, and every meal comes with traditional banchan sides. Grab a craft cocktail and make a reservation, because it's perfect for date night or ...
Zaya 1943 Korean Steakhouse
My pick for cocktails in Chattanooga. They carve their ice in-house, and the raw bar oysters are a must. It's inside the historic Chattanooga Choo Choo with a heated patio, and they serve weekend brunch too. Use the link to book on OpenTable.
STIR - Chattanooga - Chattanooga, TN on OpenTable
Seafood with a view of the Tennessee River. Order oysters from the raw bar and the half rotisserie chicken. It's always busy, so plan ahead or try for a seat at the bar.
Add one detail from your own visit to each, like what you ordered or who you we...
Boathouse Chattanooga
Where to Stay
My pick for a splurge weekend. It's a luxury hotel on the riverfront with views of the Tennessee River and the Walnut Street Bridge, plus the Whiskey Thief rooftop bar for sunset drinks. You can walk to the aquarium in about 6 minutes, and the hotel ...
The Edwin Hotel, Autograph Collection in Chattanooga
A historic, glamorous hotel in the heart of downtown. It has a cozy library, a coffee shop, and Bridgeman's Chophouse right on-site. Great for families: there's an indoor pool, and it's about a 9-minute walk to the Creative Discovery Museum.
Chattanooga Hotels The Read House Hotel Hotel Information
Stay inside the historic Chattanooga Choo Choo! It's a 4-star hotel at 92 Choo Choo Ave with two bars and lounges, and STIR is right on the property for dinner and cocktails.
The Hotel Chalet at The Choo Choo
Pack This
Comfy walking shoes, since Rock City has lots of stairs and uneven paths
New Balance MC996 Lightweight Tennis Shoe
A light jacket, because Ruby Falls stays cool year-round