The Area
RECOMMENDATIONS, PICNICS, AND MORE
3-Day Itinerary
Home to the famous Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel, Chattanooga is a fascinating, fun, and adventurous city to visit for people of all ages and interests. With so many fun things to choose from, it’s easy to get lost jumping from one attraction to the next, piling your vacation with a lot of hurried moments, and none of the fun and relaxation you came here for. With years of experience living on Lookout Mountain, just 10 minutes outside of Chattanooga, let us do some of the planning for you. We’ve put together a sample three day itinerary for the Chattanooga area, which covers many of the highlights, and will at least help get you started on your road to a fun-filled Chattanooga adventure.
Day One: Exploring Lookout Mountain
It wouldn’t be a trip to Chattanooga without exploring the sites and history on beautiful Lookout Mountain, especially since our Bed and Breakfast Inn is located right at the base of this unique attraction. No where else can you see three stunning, not to mention historic, attractions all in one place.
Start your day by taking a ride on the Incline Railway to the top of Lookout Mountain, where you’ll find breathtaking views, many points of Civil War interest, and plenty of other things to see and do. Afterwards, head to Ruby Falls, a stunning waterfall located over 1,120 feet below the surface. It is the largest and deepest waterfall open to the public. After you’ve marveled at this beautiful site, head to the ZIPstream Aerial Adventure Course for some adrenaline-packed fun.
Afterwards, RockCity, put simply, is going to amaze you. You may never want to leave once you see the view from the top of Lookout Mountain. You’ll encounter massive ancient rock formations, gardens with over 400 native plant species, and breathtaking 7-States panoramic views. If you bring along your walking shoes, you can even go for a nice afternoon hike, ending your day with sunset over Pointe Park.
Day Two: Downtown Chattanooga
You can’t come to Chattanooga without “doing” downtown Chattanooga. Since there’s so much to do in downtown, we’ve packed it in on day two, leaving days one and three for a more relaxing glimpse at the beauty our city is famous for. So get your walking shoes on, and get ready for a fast-paced, jam packed day of fun in the Scenic City!
If you have the kids in tow, then you can’t miss the spending a couple of hours at the Tennessee Aquarium, which has been rated the #1 aquarium in the country. The Chattanooga Ducks along the scenic Tennessee River would also be a fun, and different way for the family to see Chattanooga.
Afterwards, take a walk over the Walnut Street Bridge to Coolidge Park, which features a water play fountain, a 100-year-old carousel, as well as ice cream and doughnut shops. If you don’t have the kids in tow, why not take a beautiful river cruise along the Tennessee River Gorge in the morning, either on the old-fashioned Southern Belle Riverboat, or the faster River Gorge Explorer?
Grab some lunch at one of the many popular Tennessee barbecue joints, such as Sugar Rib’s, then head to the Tennessee Aquarium, followed up by some wonderful shopping. You’ll find a variety of eclectic boutiques and restaurants on Frazier Avenue in Chattanooga’s trendy NorthShore Area, inside Warehouse Row, or even the newly renovated Southside of Chattanooga. The Chattanooga Market is also a fascinating place to browse, if you’re in town on a Sunday or Wednesday.
The adventurous may even want to try their hand at rock climbing, at downtowns newest attraction, High Point Climbing and Fitness. Finally, end your evening with a fun round of wine or whiskey tasting, followed by dinner at Chattanooga’s 4-star restaurant, St. John’s.
Day Three: Reconnect With Nature
There is a reason Chattanooga has recently been hailed as the South’s top travel destination: It is breathtakingly beautiful. A trip here would not be complete without a trip into the outdoors, where you relish in the lasting impact this trip will leave in your mind. Outdoor enthusiasts visiting Chattanooga can enjoy a huge range of activities, from rock climbing, road and mountain biking, and hiking, to the more extreme white-water rafting, hang gliding, and more.
On land, choose from a number of wonderful places for either hiking or biking in the Chattanooga area. A local favorite is Cloudland Canyon State Park, or the Enterprise South Nature Park. Both places feature a variety of hiking and biking trails, fit for all levels of experience.
If you prefer to be on the water, try renting a kayak or stand-up paddle board from River Canyon Kayak & Paddle, and explore the stunning Tennessee River Gorge at your own relaxing place, seeing the city like you’ve never seen it before. After a morning adventure of your choice, head underground at Cumberland Caverns, known as Tennessee’s largest show cave, or the Lost Sea, which is America’s largest underground lake. If that isn’t enough to get your heart pumping, maybe your afternoon is better spent at the Nantahala Outdoor Center, where you can fight the rapids on the Ocoee river, or speed down the zip lines.
No matter how you choose to spend your vacation in Chattanooga, we are here to help in whatever way we can. This is just a taste of the type of fun waiting for you in our beautiful city!
