Location: Chattanooga
Top Things to do in Chattanooga
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10 Things to Do in Chattanooga That You Shouldn't Miss
The name "Chattanooga" comes from the Creek Indian word for "rock coming to a point." This refers to Lookout Mountain, one of the city's major attractions. Here visitors can explore extraordinary rock formations, see a roaring enclosed waterfall and travel by train to the top of the mountain for truly awesome vistas. Back down on the ground, don't miss the world's largest freshwater aquarium, the Tennessee Aquarium. History enthusiasts will love the city's museums dedicated to Civil War, Native American and 20th-century history. More than anything, Chattanooga is a scenic city, full of natural wonders waiting to be explored by foot, car, bike or train.
Restaurants in Chattanooga
1. Raccoon Mountain Caverns
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Raccoon Mountain Caverns is located just 1.3 miles off of I-24 at the Lookout Valley exit (#174), and is less than ten minutes from downtown Chattanooga. Visitors are presented with a cave in its natural state and our 45-minute (+/-) Crystal Palace Walking Tour allows them to view thousands of diverse formations - stalagtites, stalagmites, delicate soda straws, flowstone, rimstone pools, draperies, columns, natural bridges, and a rare shield formation. We also offer a variety of wild cave "spelunking" expeditions for those who want to view beyond the lighted pathways and explore deeper into the mountain. Our Waterfall Dome expedition permits visitors to view the areas tallest underground, natural (unassisted) flowing waterfall.
Reviewed By Jody T - Marietta, Georgia
This was a last minute idea as we spent the night in Chattanooga the night before. I read online and the reviews were fantastic so my 10 year old son and I gave it a try. We LOVED it! I'm not even a fan of small spaces (elevators sometimes make me feel jittery) but I was able to do the Canyon Crawl. At first when she pointed where we had to go, I have to say I was a bit nervous....but by the end of our hike I was going head first into holes you were barely able to squeeze into. Scarlett, our guide, was very informative, friendly and knowledgeable. Go give this a try! It's SO worth it! Also -where old clothing - you are gonna get dirty!!
2. Coker Tire Museum
Overall Ratings
5 based on 88 reviews
Reviewed By Richard C - London, United Kingdom
This is a little gem of a museum, some beautiful and very rare cars and motorbikes. If you love vehicles this is not to be missed and well worth the trip.
Fantastic experience, just one hour guided tour and FREE!
Unbelievable seeing these guys also making/repairing wooden-spoked wheels.
Thank you Corky
3. Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 427 reviews
Opened in March of 2015, the Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery is making the first legal whiskey in Chattanooga is over 100 years. Daily tours include insight into our history, education on the production process and rounds out with a whiskey tasting! Come learn how we're building upon tradition and bringing whiskey back to the people. Our tasting room is now open Thursday-Saturday evenings as a full-service whiskey lounge featuring seasonal cocktails made with Chattanooga Whiskey!
Reviewed By Garry M - Orillia, Canada
Tried this whisky tasting experience after it being recommended and we're glad we did. It has been one of our better tastings that we've been to. The staff here were very friendly, informative and exceedingly knowledgeable Kaitlin and Matt were exceptional. The whisky flights were...MoreHi, Garry! So glad to hear that you enjoyed the tasting--we hope to see you back soon!
4. Chattanooga National Cemetery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 307 reviews
Reviewed By 382emmettm - Chattanooga
There are graves here of Union personnel that died in the War of Northern Aggression. There are thousands of graves here of all service personnel and this is a very large property.
5. Walnut Street Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
One of the finest examples of the Phoenix wrought-iron truss bridges that were build between 1884 and 1923.
Reviewed By JHMC2015 - Knoxville, Tennessee
Easy pedestrian access from one side of the Tennessee River to the other. Lots of local coffee and ice cream shops, boutiques, and parks on the North end of the bridge, and downtown on the South side of the bridge.
6. Tennessee Aquarium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 reviews
More than 9,000 animals swim, fly and crawl through this aquarium dedicated to educating visitors about freshwater ecosystems.
Reviewed By Fatemia F - Williamsburg, Kentucky
We took our six year old during spring break. Really enjoyed the River side of the aquarium. The layout flows really well so that you are not always bunched up with a group of people. Parking was a hassle but there is a parking garage a block over.
7. Walnut Street Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 258 reviews
Reviewed By climbingsidi - Chattanooga, Tennessee
Well it is called the Walnut Street walking bridge, but don't be fooled it is not made of Walnut but steel and pine. Fun way to get across the river. Great little ice cream shop next to the museum.
8. Coolidge Park Antique Carousel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 220 reviews
Reviewed By Sandi G - Chattanooga, Tennessee
This gorgeous old carousel used to be in the center of 6 Flags over Ga. and was transported here. My only complaint is that it's too far a walk to get to it from the parking area.
9. Lookout Mountain
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By Richard V - Greenville, United States
We just went to Rock City which where the Lookout part of Lookout Mountain is located. There is a nature trail that you have to go through in order to go the Lookout, then there is an optional trail that takes you through an old Fairy Tale Land, it's great for little kids. Lots of awesome picture taking "selfie" spots with a view of a beautiful waterfalls. You can see 7 States from the Lookout area. I would definitely come back with the Grand kids when we get some. We would highly recommend Rock City for anybody traveling through Chattanooga.
10. Creative Discovery Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 858 reviews
Creative Discovery Museum is a hands-on children's museum in the heart of downtown Chattanooga that inspires all children to explore, innovate, create, and play. Our exhibits are designed to both entertain and educate as children discover the world around them and all it has to offer including art, music, dinosaur digging, water exploration, and science. Rated the #7 children's museum in the U.S. by Trekaroo in 2015.
Reviewed By Matt A - New Bern, North Carolina
We went with our three-year-old daughter and our three and six-year-old nephew and niece. Our daughter had a blast with the variety of experiences - from art to paleontology and everything in between. Their current exhibit From America to Zanzibar was a great way to introduce other cultures to kids and my wife and I were thrilled with it.
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