2-Day Itinerary in Chattanooga, Tennessee

  • Day 1: Tennessee Aquarium
    5 minutes (0.3 miles) from Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel

    The Tennessee Aquarium is an amazing attraction that features a variety of aquatic life, interactive exhibits, and IMAX movies. The two buildings are filled with fascinating creatures that are presented in an engaging and informative way.

  • Day 1: Hunter Museum of American Art
    5 minutes (0.9 miles) from the Tennessee Aquarium

    The Hunter Museum of American Art is a wonderful museum that showcases American art from the colonial period to the present day. The permanent collection is impressive, and the museum hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions throughout the year.

  • Day 1: Walnut Street Bridge
    10 minutes (1.0 mile) from Hunter Museum of American Art

    The Walnut Street Bridge is an iconic landmark that spans the Tennessee River. It's a pedestrian-only bridge that provides stunning views of the river and the city skyline. It's also a great place to take a leisurely stroll or bike ride.

  • Day 2: Ruby Falls
    15 minutes (4.4 miles) from Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel

    Ruby Falls is an incredible underground waterfall that's over 145 feet tall. Visitors can take a guided tour through the caves to see the waterfall and learn about the geological history of the area. It's a unique and unforgettable experience.

  • Day 2: Lookout Mountain Incline Railway
    10 minutes (2.0 miles) from Ruby Falls

    The Lookout Mountain Incline Railway is the steepest passenger railway in the world. It provides breathtaking views of the surrounding area as it climbs up the mountain. At the top, visitors can explore the historic Point Park and learn about the Civil War battles that took place there.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Tennessee Aquarium (2 hours, $35)
  • Hunter Museum of American Art (2 hours, $15)
  • Walnut Street Bridge (1 hour, free)
  • Ruby Falls (2 hours, $22)
  • Lookout Mountain Incline Railway (1.5 hours, $15)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $87

Transportation

Most of the attractions on this itinerary are within walking distance from each other. However, visitors may want to drive or take a taxi to Ruby Falls as it is a bit further away. Parking is available at most of the attractions, but it may be limited on busy days. Visitors should also be aware of the cost of parking and plan accordingly.

Useful Tips

If visitors have more time, there are several other great attractions in the area, including Rock City, the Creative Discovery Museum, and the Chattanooga Zoo. If they have less time, they may want to skip the Hunter Museum of American Art or the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway. Visitors should also check the hours of operation and plan their itinerary accordingly.

Airports

The closest airport to Chattanooga is the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA), which is about 7 miles east of the city center. It offers flights from several major airlines, including Delta, American, and United. Visitors can also fly into the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), which is about 120 miles south of Chattanooga.

0