Brand New Southside Apartment
If youre trying to decide where to stay in Chattanooga for couples, have a look at this apartment. Cozy and inviting, its located in a local subdivision and offers complete privacy. The apartment has all the usual amenities including a fully equipped kitchen and is right in the center of the city, close to everything youll want to see and do.
Have some time? Get out of the city with these epic day trips from Chattanooga!
Family Fun Things To Do In Chattanooga Downtown Area
One of the things I loved about Chattanooga is how close everything was to each other. You can have a full day of activities and never once have to use a car. Everything in downtown Chattanooga is pretty much within walking distance, so its perfect to check off your things to do in Chattanooga bucket list.
Take A Sightseeing Riverboat Cruise
For Chattanooga family fun, take a cruise along the picturesque Tennessee River on board the Southern Belle Riverboat.
Ninety-minute riverboat cruises depart daily, offering views of the Chattanooga skyline and Lookout Mountain as you listen to narration about the history and sights of the town.
At twilight and sunset, longer two-hour riverboat cruises allow you to laze on the deck and let the river scenery roll on by. This is definitely one of the most relaxing things to do with kids in Chattanooga.
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What Is There To Do In Lookout Mountain
Rock city is a 4100-foot garden trail that winds through natural rock formations. One of the most significant parts of the park is a lookout point where you can see up to 7 states.
1400 Patten Road, Lookout Mountain, GA
Take an elevator 26 stories down to see a cavern and the waterfall that it hides over 1,000 feet underground.
1720 South Scenic Hwy, Chattanooga, TN
The Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel is fun to visit, even if you dont stay there. We also took a cruise on a river boat. Nearby to Chattanooga is Rock City, which was a lot neater than I was expecting. We also went down into caves and saw Ruby Falls and took an incline railroad ride. We did a combo ticket for the falls, railroad, and Rock City attractions.
The railway descends Lookout Mountain with a descent that goes up to 72.7% grade. This grade is one of the steepest railway grades in the world.
The top of the railway offers a panoramic view of the surrounding areas.
Tickets are round-trip.
This National Park is the site of a famous Civil War battle near Chattanooga that was called the Battle Above the Clouds.
110 Point Park Road, Lookout Mountain, TN
The Coolest Place To Stay In Chattanooga
COOLEST thing to do in St Elmo Go for a ride on the Incline Railway up Lookout Mountain.
BEST place to visit in St Elmo Learn about the Civil War at the Battles for Chattanooga Museum.
If you really want to be out of the city but still have easy access to all its comforts, then look for a place to stay in St Elmo. Its a historic area located at the base of Lookout Mountain, so offers endless access to all the outdoor activities and sites you could ever want to do or see. And best of all, its just a few minutes from the Downtown area, so its a great choice when youre deciding where to stay in Chattanooga close to everything.
St Elmo may be small, but its also pleasingly historic and eclectic, with an interesting mix of shops and restaurants. And if youre interested in the Civil War, youll also find lots of monuments and artifacts from the battles at the top of the mountain!
- Have a delicious meal at 1885 Grill, Mr Ts Pizza, or The Tap House.
- Hike through Point Park, 100 acres full of Civil War artifacts.
- Take the Incline Railway to the top of Lookout Mountain and enjoy the views.
- Check out Ruby Falls, the longest underground waterfall in the world.
- Take in the views at the Rock City Gardens.
- Get some culture at the Hunter Museum of American Art.
- Try some local hiking trails like the Guild Trail, which winds around the mountain.
- Take the kids to the Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center for child-friendly activities.
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Cross The Walnut Street Bridge
The Walnut Street Pedestrian Bridge is more than just a bridge on Walnut Street . Its the worlds longest pedestrian bridge, spanning 2,376 feet from downtown Chattanooga to the North Shore.
Built in 1890, this dog-friendly bridge is a favorite with locals and visitors alike, boasting scenic views of the flowing Tennessee River all along the leisurely stroll from bank to bank.
On one side, ride the antique carousel at Coolidge Park, then cross the bridge for the Tennessee Aquarium and Creative Discovery Museum Chattanooga.
The bridge connects you with the Chattanooga activities that are the most fun for kids and families. You may also want to explore downtown Chattanooga by way of a two-hour segway tour.
Lookout Mountain Incline Railway
Lookout Mountain Incline Railway is a funicular railway systemits operated by cables, with ascending and descending cars counterbalanced. Its a one-mile long single track, except for a loop in the middle. The grade is 72.2 percentalmost straight up. The ride offers amazing views, with more from the observation platform once you reach the top. At the bottom youll find shops and restaurants, if you need to fuel up for the trip. Open Monday-Sunday, 8:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Adults/seniors, $15 roundtrip children, , $7 roundtrip. Read reviews here.
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Hixson Best Place To Stay With Family
cendhika
Hixson is a quiet suburban neighborhood in Chattanooga and the ideal place for families to come and relax. Despite the areas quietness, there are numerous attractions in Hixson. These include the Chickamauga Dam, a local dam named after a politically separated branch of the Cherokee. Another popular local attraction is Greenway farms, which offers multiple hiking, canoeing, and sports opportunities.
Hixson is ideally located between downtown and the countryside, so youll never be too far from some epic hikes and scenery. The area is close to Chattanooga Zoo as well as parks and museums, so youll have plenty to keep everyone entertained.
Ride The Lookout Mountain Incline Railway
- The steep track
- Beautiful views looking out
Why drive up the mountain when you can take the most thrilling ride to the top on the Incline Railway with expansive views over the Tennessee Valley through the carriages glass windows?
Well forever talk about that moment halfway up Americas most amazing mile when we looked back and saw how we were about to incline up the steepest part of the worlds steepest railway, giggled in fear and said, Oh this is a little scary.
Savannah said this was our favorite Chattanooga attraction.
If you are too busy closing your eyes and clutching your seat with fear over its 72.7% grade steepness, there is an observation deck with unobstructed views at your destination.
It was just as thrilling as your favorite roller coaster ride and is not to be missed. See more here.
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Best Pet Friendly Chattanooga Tennessee Treehouse Eagle Treehouse Getaway With Hot Tub
Location: Monteagle TN
Sleeps: 6
Eagle Treehouse Getaway with Hot Tub, Gas Fireplace, and Outdoor Firepit
The Eagle treehouse is tucked away in nearly 18 acres of secluded woods, but there is still excellent cell reception and WIFI signal.
There is a bedroom for adults and a separate loft space that is perfect for kids!
There is also a full kitchen, a large covered porch with a spectacular view of the forest, and a private salt water hot tub.
Guest review: This treehouse was perfect for a short getaway with my mom and my 2 kiddos .
The beds were super comfortable, the view was gorgeous, and we had a wonderful time in the hot tub and around the fire pit!
Cabin was easy to find and was very quiet and peaceful. Highly recommend! Jessica, October 2021
We Now Have A Nice Rotation Of Go
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Champys
With delicious fried chicken and a laid back, come as you are atmosphere, this is a big family favorite. The walls are decorated with photos, dollar bills, upside down Christmas trees, and pretty much anything else you can imagine. The servers are friendly and very open to kids enjoying their fried chicken as much as the UTC students enjoying a beer at the next table. All three of our kids LOVE the sausage and cheese platter.
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Universal Joint
When Universal Joint arrived downtown and converted an old service station into a restaurant and bar, it was exactly what the area neededwe just didnt know it. On a typical night you will see UTC students, families with kids, business folk after work grabbing a drink, older couples having dinner, or people watching sporting events on the big tvs. It has the open outdoor patio concept down pat and it is easy and casual and fun for the kids and adults. The food is good, but it really wins in the atmosphere category.
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Embargo 62
Our kids are somewhat adventurous eaters, so maybe this is a little outside the ordinary for a family restaurant, but we love Embargo. The Cuban food is amazing, and somehow you step into the restaurant and are transported to another world. If you like Cuban food, it is spot-on and the mojitos are a nice grown up perk. Our kids love the mussels, empanadas, lechon , and congri . It is great if you want to change things up, and the atmosphere feels like another world. And did I mention the mojitos??
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Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Chattanooga
434 Chestnut StreetChattanooga, TN 37402 777-5858
Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites is located at the center of the main city attractions like the Creative Discovery Museum, Tennessee Aquarium, Tennessee river, and the Lookout Mountain, which will give you the experience of the best family vacations in Tennessee.
Refurbished Caboose On A Bison Ranch In The Smoky Mountains
Location: Buffalo Creek/Crabtree Smoky Mountains
Yes, you read that right. you can sleep in a refurbished train caboose as a tiny home in the smoky mountains on a bison ranch! This space might be small but is perfect four couples or even a family as it can fit 5 people.
Wake up and watch the local bison roam and feed while enjoying your morning coffee. Have a barbecue and have your kids play on the custom Buffalo Creek play area complete with ziplines, climbing nets, and swings. Or explore some amazing hiking trails, go fishing, and more! Its yet another perfect and unique tennessee getaway.
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Red Bank Best Area In Chattanooga On A Budget
Tracy Burroughs Brown
Red Bank is an excellent place to visit if youre traveling on a budget. Its not central, but its fantastic if youre looking for a quieter place with more affordable hotels and guesthouses. Red Bank has a relatively small population and gives visitors a relaxed suburban feeling.
There are also many parks and restaurants featuring epic international cuisine. The area is also close to Signal Mountain, where you can climb into the wilderness and marvel at the epic views.
Chattanooga Choo Choo Historic Hotel
At the Chattanooga Choo Choo Historic Hotel, you can stay in a hotel room, but guysyou can also stay in a converted Pullman Car. You can stay in a TRAIN, and if that doesnt make your kids shriek with glee, we dont know what will. Its all part of a reconstructed complex, part of which was the train terminal, that now includes a heated indoor pool, free shuttle service, and a dog park.
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Wander Rock City Gardens
Not your average view, right?
Even better is the enchanting trail you follow to get here meandering around giant rock boulders, through gardens and narrow canyons, alongside babbling brooks, into caves, and across swinging bridges.
I dare you to try and find your way around this 4,100-foot trail I was lost after a few footsteps as it curved up and down and around. Just follow the signs as it takes you through this natural wonderland of over 400 species of plants and trees.
Rock City Gardens in Chattanooga is so unique and totally worth it for these views of the 100 ft. waterfall cascading down the mountain.
You can also see Seven States from here high atop Lookout Mountain: Virginia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama.
Savannah recommends Rock City as one of the best things to do in Chattanooga with kids. It is also one of the Souths most popular attractions.
Dont miss the Fairyland Caverns which has scenes from some of the worlds most beloved fairytales. See more here.
Where To Stay In Chattanooga: Mid
Aerial view of Chattanooga
Embassy Suites by Hilton Chattanooga Hamilton Place is another mid-range choice, which offers all suites and is within driving distance of downtown and the Tennessee Riverwalk.
The suites are large and clean and feature separate living spaces with pullout sofas, which are handy if you’re traveling with kids. They also come with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs in both the bedroom and living room , and mini-fridges and microwaves.
Free perks of staying include a made-to-order breakfast and nightly snacks. There is also an on-site steakhouse-style restaurant, a 24-hour convenience store, indoor swimming pool, rooftop terrace, and free parking.
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River Canyon Vacation Rentals
These riverfront condos are about as Chattanooga as it gets. Located in the beautiful river gorge, getting to downtown is just as easy as getting out on the water. Guests at River Canyon Vacation Rentalscan enjoy large community pavilions, views of Signal and Elder Mountains, and free kayak and SUP access.
Walk Or Bike The Tennessee Riverpark
- Tennessee Riverwalk
- Hire bikes
- Blue Goose Hollow sculptures
Find a section of the 16.1 miles of paved trails along the Tennessee River from Chickamauga Dam through downtown and to the foot of Lookout Mountain to bike or walk.
Youll find sculptures, parks, picnic areas and gorgeous views. We walked a small section of the trail at Blue Goose Hollow which is a short and easy section for families.
If you dont have your own bike, you can grab a rental from Bike Chattanooga, although there is an age-limit of 16 so not the best option for families.
There are numerous stations around the city where you can swipe and go. Day passes are available for unlimited 60 min rides. Chattanooga would be a fantastic city to explore on a bike. Its pretty flat on the valley floor.
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Picnic And Play At Coolidge Park
If you need a rest break, a picnic spot, or a place for the kids to run around, head to Coolidge Park on the North Shore banks of the river. Find a grassy spot and soak up the scenic views.
You are close to a couple of restaurants and breweries here as well. During the warmer months, the fountains offer a refreshing way to cool off.
Where To Grab A Bite To Eat In Chattanooga With Kids
Beast + Barrel
After exploring the charming little downtown Chattanooga, you and your family are going to be craving a good bite to eat. Do your taste buds a favor and check out one of Chattanoogas best restaurants: Beast + Barrel. The service is just as great as the food, especially if youre a big fan of meats.
The Big Katz pastrami sandwich is one to die for, and the BLT with added salmon and pastrami is one-of-a-kind. Try the chicken in a biscuit too if youre feeling a bit more southern traditional.
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Downtown Chattanooga And The Tennessee River
Downtown Chattanooga offers a lot for the family traveler. Its walkable and vibrant with different neighborhoods to explore, great museums, and restaurants.
Its a beautiful downtown with the spectacular Tennessee River meandering through and the lush mountains that surround the city. Its a city that makes you sit up and pay attention.
Tour The Underground Ruby Falls
I love experiences that help me tap into awe and wonder.
Ruby Falls in Chattanooga was that for me. We walked through the caverns, 260 feet deep inside the mountain to follow the path its discoverer, Leo Lambert, took in 1928.
He crawled for 17 hours in the dark, most of the time alone in cramped tunnels. Until he came upon a totally unexpected jewel, which he named after his beloved wife: Ruby Falls.
We walked and enjoyed the colorful lights illuminating the stalagmites, stalagmites, and unusual and beautiful rock formations.
Ruby Falls lies at the end of the trail, made even more beautiful by the colored light display surrounding it. It is the tallest and deepest underground waterfall open to the public in the USA
How many other mountains around the world have waterfalls hidden in them? And would you crawl through tiny spaces in the dark to find them?
The guided tour lasts for about 90 minutes. You can see our IG Reel of the tour here.
I enjoyed the introductory video taking us back to 1928 sharing Leos expeditions and motivations for doing so. It helped me reconnect to the importance of persevering with a dream and traveling the lessor known path.
Ruby Falls was the first attraction in the USA to receive the international Green Globe certification for its sustainability practices which include LED lighting, solar panels, and recycling.
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