Chattanooga is one of the South’s top travel destinations. In fact, the New York Times named Chattanooga TN one of the “Top 45 Places to go" in the World. And it’s no wonder. Tucked between the mountains of Southeast Tennessee, along the beautiful Tennessee River, Chattanooga is one of America’s most breathtaking cities. But that’s just the beginning of what the Scenic City has to offer. There’s a world of outdoor adventure, amazing restaurants, live events, art and world-class attractions waiting for you here.
Outside magazine dubbed Chattanooga the “Best Town Ever.” With access to some of the nation’s top venues for rock climbing, road and mountain biking, hiking, white-water rafting, hang gliding and more, all within a short drive of downtown, the Chattanooga outdoors offer unique opportunities for even the most hardcore outdoor enthusiasts.
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Tennessee River Gorge
The only large river canyon bordering a mid-sized city, the Tennessee River Gorge is a unique carving of the river through the Cumberland Plateau, encompassing 27,000 acres. Habitats for more than a thousand varieties of plants, trees, grasses and flowers as well as a diversified wildlife population exist in this scenic terrain.
The Gorge is referred to as "Tennessee's Grand Canyon," an apt description, given the breathtaking scenery and the incredible wealth of natural and cultural resources.
Riverbend Festival
The Riverbend Festival is an internationally award winning 9 day music festival. Riverbend takes place on the 21st Century Waterfront along the Tennessee River. Boasting five stages with over 100 bands featuring world class entertainment ranging from classic rock, jam bands, country, urban and bluegrass!
Creative Discovery Museum
The Creative Discovery Museum is a children's museum located in downtown Chattanooga. The museum contains art, music, and field science areas, along with a water-themed zone called RiverPlay, a rooftop exhibit, an inventor's workshop, and a temporary exhibit space.
Chattanooga Zoo
A small 13 acre zoo located in Warner Park near downtown. The most notable exhibit is Himalayan Passage, which houses the zoo's red panda. The Corcovado Jungle is home to animals from Latin America, including jaguars, spider monkeys, macaws, and capybaras.
Tennessee Riverwalk
The Tennessee Riverwalk is a 13-mile riverside path which parallels the Tennessee River from the Chickamauga Dam to downtown. It is part of the Tennessee Riverpark System featuring the Tennessee Riverpark, Coolidge Park, Renaissance Park, Ross's Landing, and the Walnut Street Bridge.
The Riverwalk is a mix of paved pathways, boardwalks and bridges along the river, through marshland, and over creeks. Restroom facilities and drinking fountains are conveniently spaced along the path.
Nine brightly colored quarter-inch-thick stainless steel silhouettes mark each milestone along the Riverwalk.
Chattanooga Choo Choo
This 1909 station, with its magnificent 85-foot free-standing dome, is the focal point of this 24-acre historical property that features exceptional accommodations, spirited dining venues, and family fun. Sleeper train cars are available as an alternative to hotel rooms.
The Chattanooga Choo Choo boasts one of the world’s largest HO gauge model train displays, with 120 locomotives,1,000 freight cars, 80 passenger cars,and 3,000 feet of track.
Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park
In 1863, Union and Confederate forces fought for control of Chattanooga, known as the "Gateway to the Deep South." The Confederates were victorious at nearby Chickamauga in September. However, renewed fighting in Chattanooga that November provided Union troops victory and control of the city. After the fighting, a Confederate soldier ominously wrote, "This...is the death-knell of the Confederacy."
Tennessee Aquarium
The Tennessee Aquarium's River Journey and Ocean Journey buildings are home to more than 12,000 animals including fish, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, birds, penguins, butterflies and more. The original River Journey facility is organized around the theme of the Story of the River, following the path of a raindrop from high in the Appalachian Mountains to the Gulf of Mexico. The only freshwater aquarium anywhere.
Rock City Gardens
Located atop Lookout Mountain, just 6 miles from downtown Chattanooga, Rock City is a true marvel of nature featuring massive ancient rock formations, gardens with over 400 native plant species, and breathtaking "See 7 States" panoramic views. Take an unforgettable journey along the Enchanted Trail where each step reveals natural beauty and wonders along the woodland path. Brave the swing-along bridge if you dare. Experience the magic of Fairyland Caverns and Mother Goose Village.
Sunset Rock
Sunset Park offers some amazing climbs and in some climber's eyes, it is considered to be the "Crown Jewel" of southern sandstone climbing, Sunset Park is located on the west brow of Lookout Mountain, in the Chickamauga National Battlefield Park.
Exquisite rock, friendly approach, and lots of high quality routes. Sunset offers cool summer climbing, but can get pretty cold and windy from December through March.
Parking is extremely limited and is strictly enforced.