Time Zone Map Chattanooga

Introduction

Chattanooga, located in Tennessee, is a city that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, history, and modern attractions. It’s a place where you can hike in the mountains, explore the local markets, visit historical landmarks, and enjoy a vibrant nightlife scene. This travel guide will provide you with comprehensive information about the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, family-friendly activities, off-the-beaten-path experiences, natural wonders, vibrant nightlife, local markets, beaches and mountains, cultural immersion, art and music scene, walking tours, architectural marvels, historical sites, biking routes, wellness retreats, and adventure sports in Chattanooga.

Top Attractions

Tennessee Aquarium

The Tennessee Aquarium is a must-visit attraction in Chattanooga. It’s home to over 12,000 animals and features two buildings that showcase the beauty of freshwater and saltwater habitats. The aquarium also has an IMAX theater that shows educational films about marine life.

Lookout Mountain

Lookout Mountain is a scenic mountain in Chattanooga that offers breathtaking views of the city. Visitors can take a scenic drive up the mountain, hike one of the many trails, or visit the famous Rock City Gardens.

Ruby Falls

Ruby Falls is an underground waterfall located inside Lookout Mountain. Visitors can take a guided tour of the cave system and see the 145-foot waterfall.

Hidden Gems

Chattanooga Market

The Chattanooga Market is a local farmers’ market that’s open on weekends. It’s a great place to try local food, buy handmade crafts, and listen to live music.

Songbirds Guitar Museum

The Songbirds Guitar Museum is a hidden gem for music lovers. It’s home to the world’s largest private collection of rare and vintage guitars. Visitors can take a guided tour of the museum or attend a live music performance.

Food Scene

Champy’s Famous Fried Chicken

Champy’s Famous Fried Chicken is a local favorite in Chattanooga. The restaurant serves delicious fried chicken, catfish, and sides like mac and cheese and coleslaw.

Aretha Frankenstein’s

Aretha Frankenstein’s is a popular breakfast spot in Chattanooga. The restaurant serves pancakes, omelets, and other breakfast dishes that are made from scratch.

Budget-Friendly Tips

Free Attractions

Chattanooga has many free attractions that are worth visiting. The Chattanooga Riverwalk, Coolidge Park, and the Walnut Street Bridge are all free to explore.

Happy Hour

Many restaurants in Chattanooga offer happy hour specials on food and drinks. Check out Clyde’s on Main, The Social, or Stir for great deals.

Outdoor Adventures

Rock Climbing

Chattanooga is known for its great rock climbing. Visitors can climb at the T-Wall, Foster Falls, or Stone Fort.

Kayaking

The Tennessee River runs through Chattanooga, making it a great place to go kayaking. Rent a kayak from L2 Outside and explore the river.

Historical Landmarks

Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park

The Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park is a must-visit for history buffs. The park commemorates two major Civil War battles and features monuments, cannons, and historical markers.

The Hunter Museum of American Art

The Hunter Museum of American Art is located on the edge of the Tennessee River and features a collection of American art from the colonial period to the present day.

Family-Friendly Activities

Creative Discovery Museum

The Creative Discovery Museum is a hands-on museum that’s perfect for kids. It features exhibits about science, art, and music.

Tennessee Valley Railroad

The Tennessee Valley Railroad offers train rides through the scenic Tennessee countryside. Kids will love riding on a real steam train.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

Incline Railway

The Incline Railway is a unique attraction that takes visitors up Lookout Mountain on a steep railway. The railway is over 100 years old and offers great views of the city.

Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center

The Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center is a 317-acre nature preserve that’s home to over 50 species of mammals, 150 species of birds, and 500 species of plants. Visitors can hike the trails, go birdwatching, or take a guided nature walk.

Natural Wonders

Rock City Gardens

Rock City Gardens is a natural wonder that’s located on Lookout Mountain. The gardens feature ancient rock formations, gardens, and a waterfall.

Raccoon Mountain Caverns

Raccoon Mountain Caverns is a cave system that’s located on Raccoon Mountain. Visitors can take a guided tour of the caves and see formations like stalactites and stalagmites.

Vibrant Nightlife

The Honest Pint

The Honest Pint is an Irish pub that’s located in downtown Chattanooga. It’s a great place to grab a pint of beer and listen to live music.

Southside Social

Southside Social is a bar and arcade that’s perfect for a night out with friends. Visitors can play games like pool, ping pong, and shuffleboard while enjoying a drink.

Local Markets

Chattanooga Market

The Chattanooga Market is a great place to buy local food, crafts, and gifts. It’s open on weekends from April to December.

Mainstreet Farmers Market

The Mainstreet Farmers Market is a small farmers’ market that’s open on Wednesdays. It’s a great place to buy fresh produce and artisanal products.

Beaches and Mountains

Lake Winnepesaukah

Lake Winnepesaukah is an amusement park that’s located on the Georgia-Tennessee border. It features a water park, roller coasters, and other rides.

Signal Mountain

Signal Mountain is a scenic mountain that’s located just outside of Chattanooga. Visitors can hike one of the many trails or enjoy the views from the overlook.

Cultural Immersion

Bessie Smith Cultural Center

The Bessie Smith Cultural Center is a museum that’s dedicated to African American music and culture. It features exhibits about famous musicians like Bessie Smith and Ella Fitzgerald.

International Towing and Recovery Museum

The International Towing and Recovery Museum is a unique museum that’s dedicated to the history of towing and recovery equipment. Visitors can see vintage tow trucks and learn about the history of the industry.

Art and Music Scene

Bluff View Art District

The Bluff View Art District is a neighborhood in Chattanooga that’s home to many art galleries and studios. Visitors can see works by local artists and attend art events.

The Tivoli Theatre

The Tivoli Theatre is a historic theater that’s located in downtown Chattanooga. It hosts concerts, plays, and other live performances.

Walking Tours

Chattanooga Ghost Tours

Chattanooga Ghost Tours is a walking tour that takes visitors through the haunted history of the city. The tour includes stops at famous haunted locations like the Read House Hotel.

Chattanooga Sidewalk Tours

Chattanooga Sidewalk Tours is a walking tour that takes visitors through the history and architecture of the city. The tour includes stops at famous landmarks like the Chattanooga Choo Choo.

Architectural Marvels

The Chattanooga Choo Choo

The Chattanooga Choo Choo is a historic hotel that’s located in a former train station. Visitors can stay in a train car room or take a tour of the train museum.

The Walnut Street Bridge

The Walnut Street Bridge is a pedestrian bridge that’s located in downtown Chattanooga. It’s a great place to take a stroll and enjoy the views of the river.

Historical Sites

The Read House Hotel

The Read House Hotel is a historic hotel that’s located in downtown Chattanooga. It’s been a popular destination for celebrities and politicians since it first opened in 1872.