Discover Chattanooga: Arts, History, Dining & Unique Stays in the Scenic City
Chattanooga, famously known as the Scenic City, captivates with its stunning natural beauty—from the Tennessee River to the Appalachian Mountains. Yet, the city's indoor attractions rival the outdoors in allure.
Ideal for art lovers, history enthusiasts, or those craving a luxurious getaway, this welcoming Southeast Tennessee destination tops any must-visit list. Vibrant fall foliage creates a picturesque backdrop for your social media shares.
Explore our curated guide to Chattanooga's highlights.
Immerse in the Arts
Orient yourself in the Bluff View Art District, a compact 1.5-block haven within walking distance of downtown. Perched on stone cliffs, it offers breathtaking views of the Tennessee River and iconic Walnut Street Bridge, a pedestrian-only link to the North Shore.
Visit River Gallery for free admission to paintings, glass art, and a serene sculpture garden. The district also features lush gardens, plazas, courtyards, dining options, and the charming Bluff View Inn for an overnight stay.
Nearby, the Hunter Museum of American Art graces a 90-foot limestone bluff. Spanning three buildings—including a 1905 classical revival mansion—it showcases American art from colonial times to today, including paintings, sculptures, contemporary glass, and crafts.
Other creative gems include Gallery 1401 with works by acclaimed national and international artists. The Association for Visual Arts on the North Shore rotates exhibits yearly and hosts the 4 Bridges Arts Festival for artist meet-and-greets and purchases. At Ignis Glass Studio, craft your own glass ornament or paperweight with expert guidance.
On the Southside, wander the Sculpture Fields at Montague Park, the Southeast's largest sculpture park at 33 acres. Free to visit, it displays over 40 monumental sculptures from global artists.
Delve into Local History
Chattanooga's legacy shines in railroads and the Civil War. Ride a historic train on a 3-mile stretch at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum. Railway aficionados will love Chattanooga Choo Choo, where the former Terminal Station now offers dining, entertainment, and hotel stays in restored Pullman cars.
After the acclaimed Tennessee Aquarium—one of the nation's best—visit the adjacent National Medal of Honor Heritage Center. It honors heroes with battle recreations, family-loaned medals, and gear from Tennessee recipients. Chattanooga awarded the Civil War's first Medals of Honor for Andrews' Raid.
Explore Black history at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center, celebrating blues icon Bessie Smith with writings, films, posters, and a 1920s beaded dress.
For a quirky twist, the International Towing & Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum honors Ernest Holmes, Chattanooga's tow truck inventor, with antique vehicles and a tribute wall.
Savor Culinary Delights
Chattanooga's walkable layout makes restaurant-hopping effortless. On trendy Station Street, STIR tempts with an oyster and seafood cold bar or $1 brunch mimosas. State of Confusion fuses South American, New Orleans, and Lowcountry flavors like Peruvian ceviche and shrimp & grits.
Flying Squirrel, your 'third place' for unwinding, serves shareable plates with local ingredients—think ginger scallion noodles and miso brussels sprouts—amid live local music.
Elevate at Whiskey Thief, the city's sole rooftop bar with 100+ whiskeys and panoramic views. For speakeasy vibes, find the red light at Unknown Caller on Cherry Street for weekly cocktails and bites like cheese boards.
Relax in Distinctive Lodgings
From railcars to bluff-top retreats, Chattanooga offers unique stays. The Read House, a Jazz-era icon, hosted Oprah, Crosby, Churchill, and Capone (room 311 has custom bars). Its Broad Street entrance aligns with the free electric shuttle.
The Edwin, named to Travel + Leisure's Top 500 Hotels, boasts city views, a spa, and Whiskey Thief rooftop—steps from the Hunter Museum and Walnut Street Bridge.
Just 10 minutes from downtown in Georgia, Chanticleer Inn Bed and Breakfast sits 1,800 feet above sea level amid gardens, perfect for Lookout Mountain adventures like Ruby Falls.
