Chattanooga — a southeastern Tennessee city which sits at the convergence of Tennessee, Alabama, and Georgia — is blessed with vistas of Lookout, Raccoon, and Signal Mountains, as well as the Tennessee River, which winds through the middle. The changing seasons are displayed spectacularly, luring visitors to Chattanooga throughout the year, but couples will particularly enjoy the variety of activities and attractions available and quickly understand its nickname of the “Scenic City.”
Couples who are outdoor enthusiasts will be happy to find hiking and biking trails and facilities. Art lovers will gravitate to the museums and the public art. Sports and music fans will appreciate the events scheduled by the city and the local colleges. Science and nature lovers will be amazed at the aquarium. History buffs will be able to add to their knowledge of the Civil War and the Trail of Tears, and first-time visitors will want to experience the iconic attractions. All who come will delight in the variety of restaurants and accommodation options that are offered.
Here are 14 things, in no particular order, for couples to enjoy when they want to get away to Chattanooga.
My visit was partially sponsored by See Rock City. All opinions are completely my own.
1. Take A Hike In The Mountains
Lookout, Signal, and Raccoon Mountains have trails galore waiting to be explored. Whether you want to hike, bike, walk, or run, Lookout Mountain has 30 miles of marked trails. Raccoon Mountain adds another 30 miles and Signal Mountain contributes many more marked trails of varying degrees of difficulty. Waterfalls and breathtaking views reward those who choose this form of exercise and couple togetherness.
2. Rent A Scooter Or E-Bike
Chattanooga is serious about accommodating bike riders. The Chattanooga Bicycle Transit System has 42 stations scattered throughout the city with 375 bikes and 55 e-bikes distributed among them. Daily passes, 3-day passes, and yearly passes can be purchased by locals and visitors with unlimited 60-minute rides possible during the selected time periods. These bikes reflect Chattanooga’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality.
Pedego Chattanooga specializes in renting and selling e-bikes. They offer a Scenic City Self-Guided Tour which charges by the hour and comes with a Garmin computer for directions. ChattaScooter rents e-scooters and makes it renter-friendly by using an app to reserve a scooter, pay, and scan the scooter at one of the locations throughout the city.
3. Walnut Street Bridge
Walnut Street Bridge, which connects downtown Chattanooga to North Chattanooga, was originally built in 1890 and is said to be the first non-military bridge built across the Tennessee River. It was closed to vehicle traffic in 1978. After being restored and repaired, it opened as a pedestrian walkway. One end is only a few steps from the Hunter Museum and the Tennessee Aquarium, so this stroll is a great way to extend your time in the area without spending any money.
Several yearly events utilize the bridge. Wine Over Water is well-known for tastings and live music. The Riverbend Festival features the bridge in a fireworks display and the Seven Bridges Marathon includes the bridge along its course.
4. Lookout Mountain Incline Railway
The ride from the lower station at St. Elmo to the top station at Point Park is often referred to as “America’s Most Amazing Mile.” Guests on Lookout Mountain Incline Railway are seated inside a streetcar-style railcar for the duration of the ascent at a grade of 72.7 percent. This has been one of Chattanooga’s top attractions for more than a century. Tickets are $15 per adult.
At the top, there is a nice gift shop, an observation tower, and Civil War points of interest nearby. At the bottom, there are several restaurants along with boutiques and shops selling everything from fresh flowers to clothing, candles, and coffee. The ride itself only lasts 10 minutes in both directions.
Pro Tip: I highly recommend dinner at 1885 Grill steps away from the bottom station, followed by ice cream at Clumpie’s. Parking in the station lot is only $2 and you can keep your car there while you enjoy your dinner and ice cream. The shrimp and crawfish etouffee is outstanding.
5. Tennessee Aquarium
The Tennessee Aquarium is home to more than 10,000 animals housed in two buildings. One showcases a freshwater habitat while the other features underwater ocean creatures. An IMAX theater is also part of the experience. You will want to allow several hours for your visit and more if you see a movie. Timed entry tickets help to regulate the crowd and maximize your enjoyment.
The aquarium is open 7 days a week with expanded hours on Saturday and Sunday.
Pro Tip: Don’t miss the playful otters darting in and out of the cascading waterfalls or the penguins in the cold-water habitat. They are arguably the most popular of the aquarium’s 10,000 animals.
6. University Of Tennessee-Chattanooga
McKenzie Arena, also known as The Roundhouse, has a seating capacity of more than 11,000 and plays host to major concerts, a circus, monster truck shows, and the UTC basketball games. Finley Stadium is the venue for football and Frost Stadium hosts home baseball games. Even if you are not an alumni of UT-Chattanooga, you are welcome to attend an event on campus.
Pro Tip: The rallying cry of “Go, Mocs!” refers to a northern mockingbird and not to the snake or the traditional shoes worn by Native Americans. The mascot, named Scrappy, is dressed in a mockingbird costume.
7. Hunter Museum Of American Art
Hunter Museum of American Art provides a visual history of art and life in America from the 1700s to the present. Tickets are $20 for each adult and the museum is open every day of the week except Tuesday. On the first Thursday of each month, from 4–8 p.m., you can take advantage of the museum’s offering of free admission to the permanent collection and $5 admission for special exhibits.
Pro Tip: Pose for a photo mimicking the pose in front of the Free Money sculpture by Tom Otterness near the front of the museum. The couple appears to be dancing in celebration. Or do the same with any of the other works that catch your attention in the Outdoor Sculpture Garden.
8. Native American And Civil War Connections To Chattanooga
Battle Above the Clouds, also known as the Battle of Lookout Mountain, was fought on November 23, 1863, and was one of the Civil War’s bloodiest battles. Battles for Chattanooga Museum at Point Park uses a digital panorama to help you understand the November 1863 battle and imagine Sherman’s attack on Missionary Ridge before his infamous March to the Sea.
Seven Cherokee clans were forced from their homes during the Trail of Tears and that is commemorated downtown at The Passage, which consists of a stairway waterfall and a weeping wall. You can find it near Ross’s Landing on Waterfront Parkway.
9. Rock City
Rock City is celebrating its 90th anniversary of providing incredible views of seven states for visitors. The trail to the summit includes Fat Man’s Squeeze, Needle’s Eye, Fairyland Caverns, a swing-a-long bridge, Mother Goose Village, and lush garden plants. The Raptor Show is extremely popular and well worth half an hour of your time.
Pro Tip: The iconic souvenir to buy in the gift shop is a See Rock City birdhouse. Learn about the ingenious advertising method, which began in 1935, employed by Garnet Carter.
10. Ruby Falls
Ruby Falls is almost as synonymous with Chattanooga as Rock City. It consists of a group of underground waterfalls, including the tallest and deepest one open to the public in the entire country. This attraction is open daily, but the hours vary according to the season.
11. Attend A Fun Festival
Chattanooga hosts several important festivals throughout the year. Among them are Moon River Music Festival, Riverbend Festival, Three Sisters Music Festival, Top Tomato Festival at the Chattanooga Market, Bridges Arts Festival, Lookout Wild Film Festival, National Cornbread Festival in nearby South Pittsburg, Tennessee, and several others.
12. Southern Belle Riverboat
The Southern Belle Riverboat offers cruises on the Tennessee River with great views of the city during the daytime and lunch. But arguably, the most romantic is the sunset cruise. It lasts an hour and a half and includes live music and a Moon Pie.
Pro Tip: Moon Pies were first produced by the Chattanooga Bakery and date to 1917. They consist of a marshmallow filling between two graham crackers that have been covered with chocolate.
Where To Eat In Chattanooga
The 1885 Grill has a chef who knows the secrets of Lowcountry cooking. The food is great and it is a few steps from the Incline Railway station.
Milk and Honey is a favorite eatery and their rosé waffles have been called “the best waffles ever!” Tremont Tavern is a smallish pub with great burgers. Daily Ration is pet-friendly with plenty of room to sit outside.
Aretha Frankenstein’s is in the middle of downtown and sports a funky vibe and great food. The Public House is said to be a place for relaxing and unwinding. Their warm carrot cake is legendary. Tony’s Pasta Shop & Trattoria is an Italian restaurant and favorite of the locals in the Bluff District.
Clumpie’s Ice Cream originated in Chattanooga and has been known for its handcrafted flavors since 1999. If you only want to sample one flavor, know that a Kiddie Cone has a generous serving size.
Where To Stay In Chattanooga
Chattanooga has dozens of chain hotels from which to choose, but consider something a little more unconventional. Glamping Hub offers treehouses with heated tile floors, a tuft-and-needle mattress, air conditioning, high-speed internet, and a lovely fire pit outside.
Boutique hotel options are The Read House and The Edwin Hotel. Chattanooga Choo-Choo Hotel is located at Terminal Station, the South’s first railway station. The hotel was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974 and includes the beautiful Glenn Miller Gardens.
Chanticleer Inn Bed & Breakfast is near the entrance to Rock City on Lookout Mountain. It was built in 1927, but the rooms are modern with beautiful décor and all the expected amenities. A cooked-to-order breakfast is included in the room charge.
No matter your age, interests, or activity level, Chattanooga has abundant options to keep you well-fed and delightfully entertained.