Chattanooga Tennessee surprised me by being one of my favorite weekend trips this year. I wrote this guide to help you see the best of the city in just one weekend
Here’s everything I did visiting Chattanooga, and what I’d do over again and recommend.
Chattanooga Tennessee weekend trip
- Take the Tennessee Riverwalk and Walnut Street Bridge
- Go for a coffee and explore the sculpture garden in Bluff View Art District
- Shop and eat in Southside Historic District
- Explore Chattanooga’s train history at Chattanooga Choo Choo and The Hotel Chalet
- Dive into Chattanooga’s history with museums and monuments
- Get into nature on Lookout Mountain and Rock City Gardens
My biggest rule for myself for weekend trips is to choose one or two must-do activities, and leave room for wandering.
In Chattanooga I made it a point to go to Chattanooga Choo Choo and Rock City Gardens. I stayed in the Riverfront District so I could hop out the door and explore the riverwalk.
This worked so well for filling our time with cool sites and restaurants, without pushing too hard and needing a vacation from our vacation.
Where to stay: The Riverfront District
Chattanooga’s layout is long and narrow. It’s walkable, but it matters where you stay. The first time I visited I stayed at Moxy Chattanooga Downtown (see my full review here).
On my last trip I wanted to stay by the river, so I chose the Courtyard Marriott. Best. Decision. Ever. The hotel was very standard, but I liked the combo of getting my Marriott Bonvoy points plus proximity to the water.
Tennessee Riverwalk and Walnut Street Bridge
One of the best things about Chattanooga is it’s accessible waterfront. I walked the ~0.5 mile paved path from Ross’s Landing to Bluff View. The walk is an absolute must when you visit.
Start at Ross’s Landing and head past the Tennessee Aquarium to the waterfront memorial, Ross’s Landing. Continue past Walnut Street Bridge, then Hunter Museum of American Art, you’ll get to the Bluff View Art District.
Pro Tip: The Walnut Street Bridge is pedestrians only. Renovations are underway and complete in September 2026.
Make sure you stop on these points of interest along the Tennessee Riverwalk:
- Ice cream at The Ice Cream Show
- MoonPie General Store on the Southern Belle Riverboat
- Overlook at Hunter Museum of American Art
- Ed Johnson Memorial
- The Passage (famed staircase and waterway)
- The Four Seasons statue by Daud Akhriev
Pro Tip: Chattanooga sunrises paint the sky each morning. Wake up early and go to the Hunter Museum of American Art lookout for the best sunrise views I found.
Coffee and sculpture garden at Bluff View Art District
My next stop after the riverwalk took me to Rembrandt’s Coffee House. Oh my, the pastries are amazing. I relaxed on the covered porch for awhile with a black coffee and lemon tart. Best way to start the morning.
Bluff View Art District is small, essentially a block of connected buildings and walkways. I took a lap around the Sculpture Garden, and I’d recommend it every time. The river views are lovely, and its completely free.
Shop and eat in Southside Historic District
My dinner spots included STIR (modern American & oyster bar), Elsie’s Daughter (upscale Southern), and State of Confusion (Latin American). I’m impressed with Chattanooga’s food scene, every meal was memorable.
The district bustles as night, so I’d recommend making reservations for dinner or sitting at the bar.
Southside is packed with breweries, distilleries, and wine bars. If you want speakeasy bar vibes, The Vault is housed in a historic bank.
Chattanooga has 6 main districts:
- Riverfront District
- Southside Historic District
- Northshore
- Bluff View Arts District
- City Center
- MLK District
Chattanooga Choo Choo and The Hotel Chalet
Getting into Chattanooga’s train history was a ton of fun. I loved visiting the grand Chattanooga Choo Choo station that houses trains, bars, and restaurants.
The Hotel Chalet is a boutique hotel with individual rooms housed in restored train cars. How cool is that! I was able to tour a room, and it’s on my list for my next visit.
Museums, historic buildings and monuments
Established on December 20, 1839, you better believe Chattanooga is layered in history. Some of it is heavy. I try to learn about the history of each new city I visit, and there was a lot to dig into in Chattanooga.
Look for monuments to Cherokee history, the pre-Civil Rights and Civil Rights era, and the Civil War.
One place that I want to visit is Tivoli Theater. The picture house is over 100 years old and shows a huge variety of films.
Lookout Mountain and Rock City
Rock City was such a surprise to me. I thought it would be beautiful, but WOW. Nothing prepared me for how beautiful the narrow walkways, overlooks, and trails would be.
Pro Tip: When you go to Rock City, give yourself at least 3 hours to wander.
Chattanooga FAQ
Where to stay in Chattanooga
I recommend Riverfront District. It’s walkable and there are lots of good hotel options.
Transportation
Chattanooga Tennessee offers a free electric shuttle. Parking can be limited, so I walked as much as possible.
What is there to do close to Chattanooga Tennessee?
Visit Ruby Falls or Rock City on Lookout Mountain. Take the Incline Railway. Learn Civil War history at Western & Atlantic Railroad Tunnel or one of Chattanooga’s many Civil War battle fields.
Final thoughts on Chattanooga
Chattanooga Tennessee impressed me as one of the most scenic city areas in the south east. I’d say it’s one of the best places for a quick weekend trip from Atlanta. I’m already planning my next trip back!
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