Are you looking for the perfect day trip destination that offers family-friendly activities and adult-only fun? Chattanooga, Tennessee, is an ideal choice! Nestled along the Tennessee River, this charming city has exciting attractions, scenic beauty, and delicious dining options. Whether exploring with kids or planning a grown-up getaway, Chattanooga has something for everyone. Here’s how to make the most of your day in this vibrant city!
Family-Friendly Fun
Tennessee Aquarium
No trip to Chattanooga is complete without visiting the Tennessee Aquarium. Located in the heart of downtown, this world-class Aquarium is home to thousands of marine creatures, including playful otters, mesmerizing jellyfish, and fierce alligators. The exhibits are divided into two buildings: the River Journey, which highlights freshwater habitats, and the Ocean Journey, where you can experience sharks, penguins, and a butterfly garden. It’s an unforgettable experience for kids and adults alike!
Creative Discovery Museum
For hands-on fun, head to the Creative Discovery Museum. This interactive museum is perfect for younger children, with exhibits encouraging creativity and exploration. Kids can dig for dinosaur fossils, experiment with musical instruments, and even build their own inventions in the STEM lab. It’s a fantastic way to let little ones learn while playing.
Chattanooga Zoo
Animal lovers will enjoy the Chattanooga Zoo, a smaller but well-maintained zoo that offers an up-close experience with a variety of animals. From red pandas to jaguars, there’s plenty to see. The petting zoo area is a hit with younger kids, and its manageable size makes it easy to explore in just a couple of hours.
Rock City & Ruby Falls
If you’re up for an adventure, Rock City and Ruby Falls are must-visit destinations. Rock City is located on Lookout Mountain and offers breathtaking panoramic views, unique rock formations, and the famous Lover’s Leap. Kids will love the whimsical Fairyland Caverns and the swinging bridge.
Nearby, Ruby Falls is an underground waterfall inside Lookout Mountain. The guided tour takes you through fascinating caverns leading to the stunning 145-foot waterfall. It’s an awe-inspiring natural wonder that’s worth the visit!
Coolidge Park & Walnut Street Bridge
After a morning of adventure, unwind at Coolidge Park. Take a stroll across the historic Walnut Street Bridge, one of the longest pedestrian bridges in the world. At Coolidge Park, kids can ride the beautifully restored antique carousel, splash in the interactive water fountains, or run around in the open green space. In the warmer months, you can rent paddleboards and explore the Tennessee River!
Adult-Only Adventures
Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery
For a fun and affordable adult experience, don’t miss the Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery. This short but informative tour walks you through the whiskey-making process and ends with a tasting flight of their unique bourbons. The atmosphere is lively, the staff is welcoming, and it’s a great deal at just $18 per person (plus tip)! This is a recent hidden gem that we found and are still talking about weeks later. Even if you’re not a big drinker, the experience is worth it for the history and craftsmanship alone.
Southern Belle Riverboat Dinner Cruise
For a romantic or relaxing evening, consider a Southern Belle Riverboat Cruise. While we haven’t tried it yet, it seems like a unique way to see Chattanooga from a different perspective while enjoying a meal on the water. The boat cruises along the Tennessee River, offering scenic views and a peaceful ambiance.
Related Read: DISCOVER THE TOP 5 HIKES IN NORTH GEORGIA FOR SUMMER ADVENTURES
Where to Stay in Chattanooga
If you’re making an overnight trip, staying close to the Aquarium is ideal. We highly recommend the Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown Chattanooga. It offers free parking and an indoor/outdoor pool and is within walking distance of major attractions. There is also a Holiday Inn and DoubleTree Inn next to the Hampton Inn, all within walking distance of the Aquarium. Another excellent option is The Edwin Hotel, which is located near the Walnut Street Bridge, providing easy access to the Aquarium and Coolidge Park. Years ago, we stayed at the historic Chattanooga Choo-Choo, a converted train station, which was a fun and unique experience!
Where to Eat in Chattanooga
After all that exploring, you’ll need to refuel! Here are some of our favorite spots to eat in Chattanooga:
Sticky Fingers—If you love BBQ, this spot is a must! Their ribs and pulled pork are mouthwatering, and the sauces are fantastic.
Urban Stack—This burger joint serves gourmet burgers with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Their truffle fries and craft cocktails are also worth trying.
Agave & Rye—A trendy taco spot with creative flavor combinations. The Brussels sprouts here are phenomenal—definitely worth ordering!
Wooden City Grill—A cozy spot with a great menu featuring wood-fired pizzas, craft cocktails, and delicious small plates. Consider making a reservation as they become packed quickly.
Aretha Frankensteins—Located on the north side of Chattanooga, this funky breakfast and brunch spot is a local favorite. Their pancakes are legendary, and the quirky atmosphere makes it a fun stop.
Niedlov’s Bakery & Café—A fantastic place for coffee and fresh-baked pastries. Their croissants and artisan bread are some of the best in town.
Old Man Rivers Table & Tavern—Though we haven’t been here yet, locals highly recommend it. It’s on our list for our next visit!
Kelly’s Thoughts
Whether visiting Chattanooga with kids or planning an adult getaway, this city has something for everyone. From world-class attractions like the Tennessee Aquarium and Rock City to unique experiences like the Chattanooga Whiskey Distillery Tour, there’s no shortage of things to see and do. Add fantastic dining and charming accommodations, and you have the perfect recipe for an unforgettable day trip.
Have you visited Chattanooga before? What are your favorite spots? Let me know in the comments! Happy exploring!
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