The Best Things to Do in Chattanooga (Places to Visit, Restaurants, & More)

I’ve been visiting Chattanooga on family vacations since I was little, and now that I live in Nashville, it’s even easier to head there on a day trip or weekend trip.

There’s so much more to do in Chattanooga than you might expect. The city is perfect both for outdoorsy people and those who would rather have a less adventurous, but equally fun, time. I also think it’s an ideal place for families with children!

Like always on this blog, I only include places I have personally been to and recommend. Here’s where I suggest going in Chattanooga! If I missed your favorite spot, be sure to share it in the comments.

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Places to Visit

Tennessee Aquarium

Chattanooga has lots of family-friendly attractions, and the Tennessee Aquarium is one of the best! I have memories of going as a child, and I’ve recently taken my two-year-old and a four-year-old on their first visits.

The aquarium consists of two buildings: one with river aquatic life and one with ocean aquatic life. Admission to the aquarium includes both buildings. The touch tanks were a hit with both of my kids, and the surprise favorite was the butterfly garden. We loved seeing the penguins, and in the future will try to time our visit to coincide with the Penguins ROCK! Program.

The aquarium is very large, and we walked a good bit. Strollers are allowed inside. You might want to pack bathing suits for the kids if you visit during the summer because they can play in the streams at the Tennessee Aquarium Plaza or at the Passage, another water feature located nearby.

Google Maps | Tennessee Aquarium Website

Coolidge Park

Coolidge Park is a beautiful park located right along the water. It’s a great spot for families thanks to the antique carousel dating back to 1894  and the whimsical fountain that children can play in from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.

Throughout the year, the park hosts a variety of festivals, concerts, and other events.

Google Maps | Coolidge Park Website

Renaissance Park

Renaissance Park is a perfect spot to explore hiking/biking trails and enjoy views of the river. You can also walk along the wetlands overlook path to get a look at the unique ecology of the area. 

The area feels more secluded than Coolidge Park even though they’re right next to each other (and there are plenty of other people around).

Google Maps | Renaissance Park Website

Ruby Falls

Ruby Falls is located in a cave under Lookout Mountain and is famous for being the tallest underground waterfall that’s accessible to the public in the US.

I’ll admit that I don’t love being in caves, and this one can get a little claustrophobic in a spot or two. So that’s something to keep in mind when deciding whether or not to visit. The guides do a great job, though, and the waterfall is a very impressive sight.

Google Maps | Ruby Falls Website

Rock City

The See Rock City signs are impossible to miss, and the attraction, which opened in 1932, is certainly a one-of-a-kind experience. The natural rock garden has four different trails that you can take. Highlights include squeezing through rock channels, walking along a swinging bridge, and figuring out which stories are being depicted in the Fairyland Caverns.

Another popular spot in Rock City is Lovers’ Leap. This scenic spot claims to give you views over 7 different states. While I have never managed to see quite that far, the view is still incredible.

Google Maps | Rock City Website

Hotels in Chattanooga

🛎️ Need a place to stay in Chattanooga? These are my top hotel recommendations!

• Luxury – The Westin Chattanooga
• Mid-range – The Hotel Chalet at The Choo Choo
• Budget – La Quinta East Ridge

Where to Eat and Drink

Wayward Pastry Co

I had heard that Wayward Pastry Co made good pastries, but I was unprepared for just how good the pain au chocolate would be. I have rarely had a pastry that delicious outside of France. I assume that the rest of the menu is just as high quality.

Besides pastries, you can also order a variety of coffees and teas. I tried the iced lavender London fog, and a number of options on the seasonal drink menu sounded good as well.

Wayward Pastry Co has a beautiful outdoor patio that’s perfect for lingering with friends, or you can choose a seat inside. Either way, it’s definitely worth a visit!

Google Maps | Wayward Pastry Co Website | 👉 Read my full review of Wayward Pastry Co

River Street Deli

River Street Deli is a New York-style deli that’s been open since 1998. The restaurant is not exactly fancy, but it serves great sandwiches, soups, and salads. I tried the chicken salad here, and it did not disappoint. 

I’m clearly not the only one who likes the sandwiches here because even though I visited on a weekday at lunch, the stream of customers never stopped.

Google Maps | River Street Deli Website

The Reading Room

The Reading Room is a gorgeous bookstore/bar that’s perfect for hanging out with friends. The drink menu is very robust with beer, wine, cocktails, mocktails, non-alcoholic beers and sodas, coffee, and tea. The food menu is a bit more limited, but there are some tasty bar food options.

You can also buy used books at The Reading Room, and it’s fun to browse whether you plan to stay for a drink or not.

Google Maps | The Reading Room Website

Boathouse Rotisserie and Raw Bar

The Boathouse Rotisserie and Raw Bar is a popular restaurant located along the riverfront. While it’s not just a seafood restaurant, you’ll find great oysters and seafood options here.

You might have to wait to be seated, but the food along with the views of the river are worth it!

Google Maps | Boathouse Rotisserie and Raw Bar Website

Shopping

Winder Binder

Winder Binder is a unique store on Frazier Avenue selling used books, art, and records. It has one of the best-organized and curated used book sections that I’ve come across, and given that I’ve been visiting as many bookstores in Tennessee as possible, that is high praise.

Google Maps | Winder Binder Website

The Book & Cover

The Book & Cover is a cute bookstore housed in a cozy bungalow. The store carries new books in a variety of genres. The children’s section is particularly charming with murals of beloved children’s book characters.

The cafe at the store sells coffee and pastries, and there’s plenty of seating for customers who want to hang out for a bit.

Google Maps | The Book & Cover Website

Pennington’s Books

Pennington’s Books is a neighborhood bookstore carrying both used and new books. I liked that the curated selection had books that I wouldn’t have run across otherwise. 

Besides buying books, you can also browse artwork by local artists or grab a cup of coffee while you’re here. The store is very community-focused, and it seems like they regularly host cool events.

Google Maps | Pennington’s Books Website

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Thanks for reading my Chattanooga guide! I check out new spots every time I go, so let me know in the comments where your favorite places in Chattanooga are. 

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