CHATTANOOGA
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How Much Time Do You Need IN CHATTANOOGA
A weekend is perfect for exploring Chattanooga. If you have more time, you can add in more hiking or add in a day trip to Huntsville or Nashville.
WHERE TO Eat AND DRINK IN CHATTANOOGA
State of Confusion Peruvian Food
State of Confusion has some of the best Peruvian food in Tennessee. If you like ceviche, you’ll love their expansive ceviche menu. Our favorite is the Peruvian Ceviche, but if you’re feeling indecisive, you can get a sampler. They also have traditional Southern food like po boys’ and muffulettas.
Unknown Caller
Unknown Caller is a fun (but slightly pricey) speakeasy in downtown Chattanooga. To find the bar, look for a red British phone booth. You’ll enter through the phone booth and walk down a short, narrow alleyway to get into the bar. They have super yummy craft cocktails. It’s a fun place for a date night or a girls night out.
Attack of the Tatsu
Yummy ramen in a cool environment. They have a small counter-service section in the front and a larger restaurant in the back. It’s a dark restaurant with neon signs lighting up the space and anime playing on TV screens in the bathroom. They have a bunch of different ramen options – some gluten free, as well as katsu sandwiches. It’s perfect for rainy days.
Rosecomb
Rosecomb is the perfect spot for delicious drinks and snacks. All of their food can be made gluten free and they have a really cute outdoor patio.
Activities IN CHATTANOOGA
Rock City
Rock City is a popular tourist attraction that’s actually worth the hype. It’s known for its unique rock formations, gardens, waterfall, and lookout where you can see seven states. It’ll take you about two hours to meander through the walking trail. Try and find the swinging bridge!
Chattanooga Choo Choo
Originally a train station, Choo Choo Chattanooga has been converted into a hotel and entertainment complex in Chattanooga. It retains its historic charm and has some restaurants and cafes, as well as an open area for performances. If you stay at the hotel, you can choose between a traditional room or sleeping in a train car.
Hunter Museum of Art
The Hunter Museum of Art showcases American art. Their temporary exhibits tend to focus on regional artists. They have a bunch of cool sculptures outside of the museum. You can also easily access the super windy walkway (Williams Stairway) leading onto the Walnut Street Bridge.
Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park
This is a significant historical site commemorating the Civil War battles of Chickamauga and Chattanooga. Here you can see monuments and the preserved landscapes, offering a glimpse into the area’s role in the war. You can also walk some short nature trails. It’s super hilly, so prepare to feel the burn.
Nearby there are places to hike, bike, horseback ride, paddle on the water, and rock climb.
Hot Take: Skip Ruby Falls
Ruby Falls is a famous waterfall in Chattanooga. You walk underground to see a colorfully backlit waterfall. If you’ve seen waterfalls before, we don’t think you’ll be too impressed, especially not at over $22/person to enter.
HIKES NEAR CHATTANOOGA
Sunset Rock at Point Park
This is a great trail. Hike to a scenic overlook to see stunning views of the Tennessee River Gorge. You’ll start this hike near the Chattanooga National Military Park. There are quite a few stairs here, and it can get pretty muddy if you go after it rains.
If you only want to see the viewpoint at Sunset Rock, there’s a small parking lot nearby. You’ll walk a steep downhill for about 5 minutes to see the viewpoint. We used AllTrails to find the parking lot.
Rainbow Falls
This is a fun trail about 15 minutes outside of downtown Chattanooga. Depending on the rainfall, you can see a handful of waterfalls on your hike. You’ll walk on a combo of hard-packed dirt trails, boardwalks, and steps.
NOT DONE TRAVELING?
Check out our guides of nearby areas:
Huntsville
Chattanooga to Huntsville
Best of Knoxville
Caving at Stephens Gap