CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (Aug. 25, 2026) — Chattanooga has been named the No. 4 Best Weekend Getaway in the South in U.S. News & World Report's 2026 Best Vacations rankings, marking the second straight year the city has landed in the category's top five.
U.S. News travel editors evaluated more than 1,500 destinations nationwide for the Best Vacations rankings, scoring each on multiple factors before opening voting to readers. The full 2026 rankings, including Chattanooga's placement among the Best Weekend Getaways in the South, are available at usnews.com.
“Being recognized as one of the South’s top five weekend getaways for a second year in a row is exciting for Chattanooga and our community,” said Susan Harris, interim CEO of Chattanooga Tourism Co. “As the first National Park City in North America, Chattanooga has something to offer everyone. From our internationally recognized restaurants to our vibrant culture, heritage and arts to outdoor adventure, visitors can experience so much of what our community has to offer in just a few days. And it’s the people of Chattanooga who make those experiences welcoming, memorable and worth a weekend visit.”
National recognition that keeps Chattanooga visible to travelers supports an industry with significant local economic impact. In 2024, Hamilton County welcomed more than 11.1 million visitors who generated an economic impact of $1.8 billion in visitor spending.
For more on U.S. News' Best Vacations methodology, visit usnews.com.
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About Chattanooga Tourism Co. Chattanooga Tourism Co. is the official destination marketing organization for Hamilton County, dedicated to sustainably increasing visitation and connecting guests with Chattanooga experiences. The organization strengthens the local economy and enriches the community by establishing Chattanooga as a premier destination for meetings, conventions, sporting events and leisure travel. Hamilton County welcomes more than 11.1 million visitors annually, who generate an economic impact of $1.8 billion. This visitor spending contributes $186 million in local and state tax revenue, saving each resident household $1,232 in taxes and supporting more than 30,000 jobs. VisitChattanooga.com
Media Contact:
Dawn Kimberlin
Communications Manager
Chattanooga Tourism Co.
(907) 360-4874
