In 2020, the Tennessee Aquarium is dedicating the year to celebrating turtles, home to North Americas largest collection of freshwater turtles. These vital reptiles play a crucial role in their ecosystems, yet face global threats. The Year of the Turtle celebration features special events and expansions across the River Journey and Ocean Journey buildings to educate visitors on their importance. Follow Turtle Trail markers highlighting turtle species in exhibits, paired with a downloadable trail

Chattanooga embraces the arts across its cityscape—from murals on buildings and sculptures in parks to intricate designs embedded in sidewalks. For an immersive experience, discover our world-class art galleries showcasing exceptional collections and local talent. Hunter Museum of American Art Perched on a 90-foot limestone bluff overlooking the Tennessee River, the Hunter Museum blends architectural styles from a 1905 classical revival mansion, a 1970s low-slung building, and a 2005 contempora

This winter, ditch the Netflix routine and treat your partner to an unforgettable romantic outing in Chattanooga. With its array of unique venues, the city offers endless opportunities to create cherished memories. Here are 11 dreamy spots perfect for a winter date night. 1. Tennessee Valley Railroad Step back in time with a dinner ride on a vintage train at the Tennessee Valley Railroad. Enjoy scenic tours year-round, including the special Valentine Dinner Train featuring a four-course meal.

The National Medal of Honor Heritage Center brings to life the stories of history-making moments and the birth of American heroes. Starting this month, visitors can immerse themselves in the tales of Medal of Honor recipients—our nations highest military award for valor—through captivating museum experiences. The Charles H. Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center hosts its grand opening on Feb. 22 at 10 a.m., with doors opening to the public at 1 p.m. Advance tickets for the opening w

The National Medal of Honor Heritage Center brings to life the stories of history-making moments and American heroes. Starting this month, the public can explore, learn about, and honor recipients of the Medal of Honor—our nation’s highest military award for valor—through an immersive museum experience. The Charles H. Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center hosts its grand opening on Feb. 22 at 10 a.m., with doors opening to the public at 1:00 p.m. Advance tickets for the opening weeken

Chattanooga boasts over 50 trailheads within 30 minutes of downtown, earning it a spot among the nations top hiking destinations. From Lookout Mountains slopes to the Tennessee River Gorges rugged crests, the Scenic City offers a diverse network of exceptional trails. Lookout Mountain features numerous excellent single- and double-track trails. Nearby Signal Mountain, the southern end of the Cumberland Plateau, is another hiking haven with standout sections of the renowned Cumberland Trail. F

Chattanoogas craft beer scene is thriving, earning the city a spot among Livability.coms top 10 beer destinations in the U.S. This expert guide covers standout breweries, pub crawls, and favorite watering holes, blending history, innovation, and community spirit. BREWERIES Big River Grille and Brewing Works 222 Broad Street, (423) 267-2739 Chattanoogas craft beer pioneer, Big River opened as the citys first brewpub in the early 1990s. Now part of a national chain with over 200 locations, it co

The words stress and spring break rarely go together—except for parents planning a week of fun without chaos or breaking the bank. If youre feeling the pressure, youre not alone. Here are expert tips to ensure a happy, memorable getaway for your family in Chattanooga. Where to Stay Choosing the right accommodation sets the tone for your trip. Chattanooga offers diverse family-friendly options downtown. For riverfront views, book SpringHill Suites at Cameron Harbor, the citys only waterfront pr

Step outside your comfort zone and showcase your talent in Chattanooga, the Scenic City! Whether you have jokes ready or pipes to impress an audience, our city offers welcoming open mic nights at music venues, comedy clubs, bars, and restaurants. Explore this curated guide below. Music Open Mics The Well Monday Nights, 7:30pm Located on Chattanoogas Southside, The Well hosts a supportive open mic perfect for musicians and poets of all levels. The encouraging atmosphere invites everyone to shar

Whether its spring break, summer vacation, or a week-long getaway, Chattanooga—the Scenic City—is an ideal family destination. Discover top-rated attractions, thrilling outdoor adventures, and kid-friendly activities for an unforgettable trip. Top Attractions to Explore: No visit to Chattanooga is complete without the Tennessee Aquarium. Dive into the River Journey and Ocean Journey exhibits, home to red-ruffed lemurs, macaroni penguins, fish, and reptiles. After exploring the Secret Reef and L

Chattanooga has transformed dramatically over the past three decades, evolving from a post-industrial town into a thriving tech hub and premier outdoor destination. Praised by The New York Times, Business Insider, and Travel + Leisure, the Scenic Citys rise is no surprise. As a 29-year-old copywriter born and raised here—now specializing in travel and outdoor content—Ive witnessed it firsthand. Today, Chattanooga blends historic Southern charm with modern urban energy. Heres how to maximize your

Chattanoogas premier visual arts festival, the 4 Bridges Arts Festival, returns to the First Horizon Pavilion April 17-19, 2020. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, this world-class event has been named a Top 50 Fine Arts Fair by Art Fair SourceBook. Guests enjoy a weekend of exceptional fine art in the heart of Chattanoogas historic Southside District. With diverse mediums and styles showcased in a unique 50,000 sq. ft. pavilion, plus serious art buyers from across the region and beyond, it creat

The Chattanooga region boasts over 7,000 caves within 60 miles of downtown, offering year-round exploration at a constant 55°F temperature—ideal for any weather. Commercial caves draw visitors nationwide, while adventurous explorers can venture into wild caves. For more on wild caving, visit the Southeastern Regional Association of the National Speleological Society or the Southeastern Cave Conservancy. Here are some of the areas most popular caves: RACCOON MOUNTAIN CAVERNS Just outside Chattan

Though compact, Chattanooga punches above its weight with a vibrant, soulful restaurant scene rivaling major cities. From upscale delicacies to casual dives, its eateries mirror the citys colorful spirit, each offering unique flair. If exceptional food defines your travels, the Scenic City delivers. Explore our expert-curated picks, grouped by category, for every food lover. Fine Dining Whitebird Nestled in The Edwin, Chattanoogas premier luxury hotel, Whitebird reimagines Appalachian classi

Date nights are a vital part of any relationship, but social distancing doesnt have to dim the spark. Chattanooga offers plenty of virtual and contactless options for food, entertainment, and more to keep the romance alive. Skip the endless cleaning and dive into this curated virtual date night experience weve assembled for you. Step 1: Order Takeout or Delivery from Your Favorite Restaurant For a sophisticated candlelit dinner at home with soft jazz, opt for upscale family-style to-go orders fr

With warmer weather and social distancing guidelines in place, safe, engaging outdoor activities near home are more popular than ever. Chattanooga offers four self-guided scavenger hunts throughout downtown, allowing you to explore the citys landmarks while adhering to health and safety recommendations. These hunts spotlight four distinct districts: the Innovation District, Northshore District, Riverfront District, and Southside District. Each features seven rhyming clues to spark curiosity an

Welcome Back to Chattanooga – Weve Missed You! Our stunning mountains, scenic rivers, majestic waterfalls, top attractions, restaurants, accommodations, and more are open and eager to welcome you. Travel offers a refreshing change of scenery, quality time with loved ones, rejuvenation, new discoveries about our city and culture, and unforgettable memories. Were excited to host you for that well-deserved summer vacation. To assist with planning, heres a curated list of open businesses and those r

As travel restrictions ease, welcome friends and family to Chattanooga—the Scenic City—with these safe, outdoor activities. Showcase our citys natural splendor, rich history, and vibrant neighborhoods. Weve curated six reliable, socially distanced experiences that will impress any visitor. Getting outside is the ideal way to enjoy Chattanoogas unparalleled outdoor offerings. Downtown History and Art Walk Chattanoogas downtown is alive with public art, colorful murals, and restored historic b

Even as social distancing practices evolve, discover ways to experience Chattanooga from home. Were sharing virtual tours, live streams, and digital activities via social media and our website. Follow @VisitChatt on Facebook for live and on-demand content. Check back regularly for new additions tailored for you and your family. The Chattanooga Visitors Center at Shuttle Park North, 215 Broad Street, is temporarily closed. Reach us at 800-322-3344 or email info@ChattanoogaTourism.com for travel

Chattanooga, Tennessee, has solidified its reputation as a top destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Dubbed the Scenic City for its breathtaking landscapes, it offers unparalleled adventures from the heights of Lookout Mountain to the dramatic bluffs of the Tennessee River Gorge. This expert-curated guide spotlights the regions premier trails, climbing crags, waterways, and essential spots for coffee, dining, craft beer, and nightlife to fuel your exploits. A single weekend provides an exciting