For A Day with Kids
The Tennessee Aquarium is a must-see destination in Chattanooga. When it first opened in 1992, it held the title of the largest freshwater aquarium in the world. The exhibits are beautifully organized around "The Story of the River," tracing the journey of a single raindrop from the peaks of the Appalachian Mountains all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. Also in the area is the Aquarium’s IMAX Theatre, which offers a bonus indoor immersive experience.
Up the street, enjoy the jubilant rainbow landscape of the Creative Discovery Museum. Creative Discovery Museum. It is a hands-on children's museum in the heart of downtown that inspires children to explore, innovate, create, and play.
There are several great restaurants nearby as well! Wooden City offers a great happy hour from 4-5:30 with burgers and cheesy bread, and for the grown-ups, locals rave about the Beet Ravioli with pistachio and goat cheese. Fast-casual, kid-friendly spots are plentiful in this area, with standouts like Puckett’s, Mellow Mushroom, and Riverside Grill. Burger Republic has endless burger options for picky kids, and decadent spiked milkshakes for world-weary parents.
Restore Your Zen
Kick off your morning with a refreshing workout to awaken both your body and mind. At High Point Climbing & Fitness, you can engage in a fun and challenging indoor climbing session. High Point offers routes for every skill level, providing a perfect way to stretch your muscles while having fun. If you’re craving something more serene, join a morning yoga class at one of Chattanooga’s peaceful yoga studios, like Yoga Landing or Southern Soul.
After your morning workout, transition into deep relaxation at the Chattanooga Salt Cavern. This cozy, tranquil space offers a peaceful escape where you can sit back and breathe in the purifying air filled with fine salt particles. Known for its therapeutic benefits, a session in the Salt Room helps reduce stress, clear your lungs, and leave you feeling refreshed and revitalized.
Now that you’ve reset your breath, treat your body to some luxurious pampering at one of Chattanooga’s spas. To create custom scented candles, soaps, and lotions and book a spa experience all under one roof, visit Good Fortune Soap & Spa. You can also visit AMA Spa, where you can revel in the properties of locally made bourbon with their Whiskey & Wellness treatment or Natural Body Day Spa for a hot stone massage to melt away the chill.
As your day of relaxation winds down, treat yourself to a delightful meal in one of Chattanooga’s cozy dining spots. Calliope, known for its vivid Levantine dishes, served family style in a beautiful two-story space. If you’re in the mood for comfort food in a relaxed, outdoor setting, opt for the cozy patio at Il Primo. With its warm ambiance and from-scratch pasta, it is an excellent choice for comfort and flavor.
A Day of Planes, Trains, and Automobiles
Head over to the Coker Museum, where you’ll find 130 beautifully restored vintage vehicles, from classic cars to sleek airplanes! Since 1948, this iconic spot has been home to Honest Charley’s, the world’s first-ever mail-order speed shop. Today, the 13,000-square-foot space is a nostalgic wonderland.
For a unique lunch experience, head to Urban Stack, where you can enjoy a delicious burger in one of Chattanooga's oldest buildings! Originally built in 1870 as the Southern Railway Baggage Depot, this historic space has been transformed into a modern tavern. The old passenger terminal was deemed too small and was moved in the 1920s to the famous Chattanooga Choo Choo dome building.
In the afternoon, venture to The International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum to learn about the history of history of towing and vehicle recovery - from the technology involved to the folks who gave their lives in the quest to clear roads and save others.
Later, it's time to ride for yourself – Book an afternoon trip on the Missionary Ridge Local Train Ride departing from the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum. This 65-minute journey includes crossing four bridges and a pre-Civil War tunnel. The trip features a turntable demonstration and a brief tour of the train restoration shop. Check their website for more seasonal offerings!
For Dinner, navigate between beautifully restored rail cars at Hotel Chalet to reach Elsie’s Daughter. Tucked away in the back corner of the Chattanooga Choo Choo campus, Elsie’s Daughter blends Appalachian soul with the casual elegance of French culinary traditions. This hip bistro draws inspiration from the region’s hearty flavors, paired with the finesse of French cooking, resulting in a unique and delicious dining experience.
Creative Aesthetics
Art lovers visiting Chattanooga will not be disappointed! Start your day with a cup of locally brewed coffee at Stone Cup Café, where you can purchase works from local artists while enjoying scenic views of the Tennessee River. From there, head to the Houston Pop-Up Museum for a rotating selection from their collection of historic glassware. Next, take a short walk to the Hunter Museum of American Art, a stunning blend of classic and modern architecture housing an impressive collection of American masterpieces. Looking for more art? Check out our Art Lover’s Guide for an even more advanced itinerary or consult the Experience Art Map to find gallery locations around Chattanooga.
After soaking up your inspiration, get hands-on at Ignis Glass Studio, where you can take a glassblowing class and create your own masterpiece – an artistic outlet that is guaranteed to warm you up on a blustery day.
Head to Whiskey Thief for a hot toddy paired with 360-degree views of the city in a cozy, indoor longue. The bar is on the top of floor of the Edwin Hotel, which is dappled with local art. For dinner, visit to Main Street and dine at Ernest Chinese, known for its striking architecture, dumplings, and a trendy, laid-back ambiance
