Dame Traveler's Travel Guide to Chattanooga

Travel Inspiration From
Tennessee Vacation

Dame Traveler Explores Chattanooga

A world traveler and blogger's guide to Chattanooga.

February 28, 2018

This article and photos (unless otherwise noted) were created by and originally published on DameTraveler.com. It has been republished with permission.

Chattanooga is a city full of adventure, natural beauty, friendly locals and excellent restaurants. And if that’s not enough to convince you, this charming city has been consistently voted at the ‘Best Town Ever’ by the New York Times, Outside Magazine, Travel + Leisure and more. Chattanooga’s transformation is definitely getting up to speed right up there with the nation’s trendy cities with nitro cold brews, tech start ups and more.

To Do

Photo Credit: Dame Traveler

Stop 1 of 13

Tennessee Aquarium

The Tennessee Aquarium is definitely a must-see when visiting Chattanooga. Set in the perfection location overlooking the river, the aquarium consists of two separate buildings, one of which happens to be the largest freshwater aquarium in the world! And the new Alligator Bayou includes more than one dozen American Alligators.

The Tennessee Aquarium is proud to be named the nation’s top aquarium for the third year in a row.

From the free-flying song birds in River Journey’s Cove Forest and Delta Country exhibits to the Undersea Cavern and Butterfly Garden in the Ocean Journey building, the Tennessee Aquarium combines both freshwater and saltwater habitats to give visitors an experience unlike any other.

Stop 2 of 13

Ruby Falls

For gorgeous photo ops and a day well spent in nature, visit Lookout Mountain which begins in Chattanooga and stretches 88 miles through Alabama and Georgia. Spend the day exploring Rock City and Ruby Falls and hop on the incline for gorgeous views of the city. All of which are nearby one another. Tickets can be purchased online ahead of time are good for up to one year.

Ruby Falls at the base of the mountain which is home to America’s deepest commercial cave and tallest underground waterfall. Located 1,120 feet beneath the surface, after a brief walk, you’ll end the tour with a magnificent view of the a 145-foot waterfall discovered by Leo Lambert who named the waterfall after his wife, Ruby.

Photo Credit: Dame Traveler

Stop 3 of 13

Rock City

Perched high on a mountain top, Rock City offers amazing views and peaceful gardens. Discover the beauty of the views from Lookout Mountain’s Lover’s Leap. On a clear day, you can see 7 states! Rock City is 1,700 feet above sea level, with a 100-foot waterfall that cascades down the mountain, and the famous Swing-A-Long bridge that spans nearly 200 feet.

Photo Credit: Dame Traveler

Stop 4 of 13

Incline Railway

Next, drive over to the Incline Railway where you will find Clumpie’s Ice Cream, a good pit stop to make before ascending to the Incline which climbs historic Lookout Mountain. The breathtaking 72.7 percent grade of the track makes it one of the steepest passenger railways in the world.

Photo Credit: Dame Traveler

Stop 5 of 13

Hunter Museum of American Art

A charming area located on the south bluffs of the Tennessee River, one can easily spend an entire day here. You’ll find a lovely bed and breakfast, fine dining, bakery, coffee roasting studio, a chocolatier, museums, galleries, sculpture garden and café.

Perched on an 80-foot bluff on the edge of the Tennessee River, just three blocks from the Tennessee Aquarium, the Hunter Museum of American Art offers stunning views of the Tennessee River and downtown Chattanooga. Here is where you’ll find an incredibly diverse range of styles, periods and media all under one roof.

Photo Credit: Dame Traveler

Stop 6 of 13

NorthShore Historic District

The Riverwalk experience begins at Ross’s Landing Plaza to the north shore which is also home to Coolidge Park. The park features an antique carousel and is the first Riverwalk segment on the north shore of the river. The views are spectacular from one of the world’s largest pedestrian-only bridges. Take a segway tour around the city where you will experience museums, green spaces, entertainment, and tastes of Chattanooga.

Saints Peter and Paul Basilica

Visit this stunning Basilica with stained-glass windows designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany, depicting significant events in the lives of the parish’s patron saints.

Where to Eat

Photo Credit: Dame Traveler

Stop 7 of 13

STIR Chattanooga

STIR is located in the historic Chattanooga Choo Choo hotel and is the perfect place for oysters and craft cocktails.

Photo Credit: Dame Traveler

Stop 8 of 13

Julie Darling Donuts

Have possibly one of the best donuts you'll ever taste. These moist and perfect cake donuts come in a variety of unique flavors.

Photo Credit: Dame Traveler

Stop 9 of 13

Milk & Honey

Loved this place so much, we visited twice! Homemade gelato, milk & honey lattes and more.

Photo Credit: Dame Traveler

Stop 10 of 13

Clumpies Ice Cream Co.

Clumpies is a classic with funky flavors such as salted buttered popcorn and more.

Photo Credit: Dame Traveler

Stop 11 of 13

Taco Mamacita - Chattanooga

For a creative twist on Mexican food. Everything we tried was excellent, from the nachos, to the roasted chicken to the strawberry and coconut margarita.

Photo Credit: Dame Traveler

Stop 12 of 13

Public House

Absolutely loved the light and fresh ambiance during lunch at this restaurant. From the comfort food to the perfect service, Public House left a lasting impression.

Where to Stay

Photo Credit: Dame Traveler

Stop 13 of 13

The Dwell Hotel

The Dwell Hotel is hands down one of the most charming, retro boutique hotels I’ve stayed in. The 16-room property includes luxury amenities, an upscale restaurant and bar, incredibly friendly and helpful staff, retro furnishings and unique rooms equipped with free wifi and more. Incredibly impressed by the design of the trendy design of the hotel in the heart of Chattanooga. Terra Mae, the hotel’s restaurant, is simply beautiful.

Learn more about the Dame Traveler and follow her adventures at DameTraveler.com.

Aquarium expert holding a freshwater turtle

Zoos & Aquariums

Tennessee Aquarium

Located in the heart of downtown Chattanooga on the beautiful riverfront, the Tennessee Aquarium is the top-rated aquarium for guest satisfaction.

Outdoor Activities

Rock City

Located atop Lookout Mountain in Georgia, just six miles from downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee, Rock City Gardens is an enchanted, 4,100-foot walking trail showcasing soaring rock formations, caves, and lush gardens. Nearly a half million people from al...

Incline Railway is open year round for family fun!

Tours

Lookout Mountain Incline Railway

The Incline Railway cars have awesome mountain views!

Arts & Entertainment

Bluff View Art District

Arts & Entertainment

Hunter Museum of American Art

Come learn, play, explore, and be inspired by works of art that illustrate the creativity and strength of the American spirit. The Hunter Museum in Chattanooga is for everyone!

Outdoor Activities

STIR Chattanooga

Every bite and every sip at STIR is crafted daily from scratch.

Brunch

Milk & Honey

Serving breakfast, lunch, handcrafted coffees, gelato, homemade paletas, and a variety of other baked treats 7 days a week.

Desserts & Bakeries

Clumpies Ice Cream Co.

Clumpies ice cream is made by hand with only the finest ingredients that can be found. We hand craft our ice cream in small batches, ten gallons or less at a time.The result is a rich, creamy, delicious ice cream crafted with care!

Hotels, Inns & Resorts

The Dwell Hotel

Can’t-miss Spots for Nashville Hot Chicken

Visit one of these four fiery locations if you can stand the heat

Inspiration just for you

We have a hunch these experiences might be right up your alley.

Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival in Manchester, TN

Celebrate

Spring & Summer Festivals in Tennessee

It's time to start planning for a spring and summer vacation.

Tennessee Inspiration

Get in Touch (Literally) With Nature at the Tennessee Aquarium

Chattanooga is filled with Tennessee experiences. Just ask lifestyle blogger, Anna Liesemeyer of In Honor of Design, who recently took her family to experience them.

Charcuterie board from Oliver Royale in Knoxville, TN

Knoxville Inspiration

Experience These Knoxville Restaurants

Get a Made in Tennessee taste in Knoxville.

Knoxville Inspiration

A Made in Tennessee Journey to Knoxville

Culture, creativity, and a wealth of music options, Knoxville beckons with its laid back sophistication.

Outdoor Adventure

Have an Extreme Vacation in Tennessee

An adrenaline-pumping vacation is Made in Tennessee.

Stay Inspired

Thank you!

Dame Traveler Explores Chattanooga

To Do

Tennessee Aquarium

Ruby Falls

Rock City

Incline Railway

Hunter Museum of American Art

NorthShore Historic District

Saints Peter and Paul Basilica

Where to Eat

STIR Chattanooga

Julie Darling Donuts

Milk & Honey

Clumpies Ice Cream Co.

Taco Mamacita - Chattanooga

Public House

Where to Stay

The Dwell Hotel

Places in this article

Tennessee Aquarium

Rock City

Lookout Mountain Incline Railway

Bluff View Art District

Hunter Museum of American Art

Walnut Street Bridge

Coolidge Park

Public House

STIR Chattanooga

Milk & Honey

Clumpies Ice Cream Co.

The Dwell Hotel

Can’t-miss Spots for Nashville Hot Chicken

Inspiration just for you

Spring & Summer Festivals in Tennessee

Get in Touch (Literally) With Nature at the Tennessee Aquarium

Experience These Knoxville Restaurants

A Made in Tennessee Journey to Knoxville

Have an Extreme Vacation in Tennessee

Nashville Zoo

Adventure Awaits

LITTLE ARROW OUTDOOR RESORT

Cheekwood Estate and Gardens

Become part of the story ...

Get your free 2024 Tennessee vacation guide

Get Tennessee Inspiration Sent Straight to your inbox