In a city brimming with things to do, it’s hard to pick all our favorite Chattanooga attractions. That’s like trying to pick one crayon out of the entire coloring box. There are so many things to see and places to explore. If you only picked one, you wouldn’t be seeing the full spectrum of the rainbow! So, we’re sharing a few of our top spots to give you a little peek at the fun in our hometown.
Lookout Mountain
This towering mountain ridge includes more than one of our favorite Chattanooga attractions! More than three distinct experiences can be found here.
Rock City: This Chattanooga attraction has a reputation that proceeds itself. If you’re driving on any byway near Chattanooga, chances are that you’re passing the bold “See Rock City!” signs. And when you get there, you understand why.
The dramatic cliff sits high above the city, giving you a view that claims to include seven states. Hike to the cascading waterfall as it plunges more than 100 feet. Known as Lover’s Leap or High Falls, this man-made fall splashes against a stunning vista. Make your way through the Enchanted Trail, Swing-a-Long Bridge, or Fairy Caverns.
Ruby Falls: Head 260 feet into Lookout Mountain in a glass-front elevator. You’re searching for the tallest underground waterfall in the United States. This special waterfall was an accidental discovery by Leo Lambert in 1928. A 17-hour squeeze through the caverns led him to the dramatic spot, which he promptly named after his wife, Ruby.
If you’re feeling especially frisky, sail over the treetops on the Ruby Falls High Point ZIP Adventure. See the sights while getting your heart pumping on this zipline adventure.
Incline Railway: Hop aboard the world’s steepest passenger railway! Known as “America’s Most Amazing Mile”, these trolleys take you through the mountains at a 72% grade. On the return, you’ll reach St. Elmo, where restaurants, shops, microbrew tours, and ice cream await.
Tennessee Aquarium
Located right on the famous Chattanooga Riverfront, the Tennessee Aquarium is one of our favorite Chattanooga attractions not to be missed. Consistently voted as one of the top attractions in the city, it draws people from all over the world. The aquarium is two buildings. Wandering through them takes you on an adventure from river to sea.
River Journey: A River Journey tour will introduce you to the creatures and critters that roam or swim in the freshwater channels. View Sturgeon, alligators, and snapping turtles. An Appalachian Cove Forest exhibit will have you walking through a forest on the banks of the Tennessee River. You can peek at River Otter Falls, where otters scamp around the waterfalls and streams.
Ocean Journey: Go under the sea in the Ocean Journey section of the aquarium. There you’ll enter a dewy rainforest teeming with creatures and coves. Watch bug-eyed lemurs scuttling overhead. Be surrounded by more than 1,000 butterflies in the Butterfly Garden. Go below the surface of a secret reef with gliding sharks and gelatinous jellyfish before popping up to a penguin perch.
With an IMAX theater and behind-the-scenes tour options, this Chattanooga attraction is something special. Give yourself several hours to explore this incredible facility.
The Walnut Street Bridge
One of our favorite Chattanooga attractions isn’t necessarily an attraction at all. (At least in the sense that you don’t have any entry fees.) But we’d be remiss not to include it, as it’s one of the most iconic sights of our city. We’re talking about the famous Walnut Street Bridge.
Completed in 1891, the trademark blue steel and iron bridge towers over the flowing Tennessee River. It connects downtown with North Shore and is closed to traffic, giving you access to stroll or bike over the waters. It is the oldest non-military highway bridge still being used today. And if you’re taking a picture of something that is distinctly Chattanoogan, it is this spot!
Tennessee Valley Railroad
Our hometown loves trains. We’re proud to boast that the Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad was the first complete line railroad in the state! And we’re home to the famous Chattanooga Choo Choo. We became a hub in the travel and trade market as well as with the military. We have museums devoted to the subject. Our connection to the railway runs deep. So, it’s no surprise that a train makes an appearance on our favorite Chattanooga attractions list.
When you visit the Tennessee Valley Railroad, you can journey back in time to when travel was all about trains. Take a 50-mile turn through the Hiwassee Loop gorge all the way to the top for one of the best views of the river. Board the 1940s, 50s, or 60s passenger train, where you’ll chug through the forests of Chattanooga as the sun sets. There is a full menu of train ride options suitable for all age ranges. And we love the interactive staff, who dress in historical fashion to further set the mood.
Raccoon Mountain Caverns
The Raccoon Mountain Caverns are a natural cave system. Guided Crystal Palace tours will take you through stalactites, stalagmites, fossils, and bats. You may even spy a cave salamander as you peer through the smooth rocks. Consistently voted as one of the top attractions in Chattanooga, this spot is less than an hour from Lookout Mountain.
How to Book Chattanooga Attractions
With so many things to do and see, booking the right experience can be overwhelming! And ensuring that the experience suits your group is important to a good time. Each of our favorite Chattanooga attractions has a different process for booking, especially when you’re with a large group.
We’re experts at guiding our guests to the best experience in a town full of options. Reach out to us, and we’ll connect you with some of the most memorable moments of your visit.
