A 2-day Itinerary to Explore Chattanooga, Tennessee and Enjoy Lunch by the River

  • Day 1: Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum
    16 minutes (6.8 miles) from Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport

    The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum is a popular attraction located near the airport. They offer train rides, exhibits, and the opportunity to learn about the history of railroads in the region.

  • Day 1: Creative Discovery Museum
    4 minutes (0.5 miles) from Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum

    The Creative Discovery Museum is a great place to bring kids and families. It offers interactive exhibits that promote learning and creativity in science, math, and art.

  • Day 1: Walnut Street Bridge
    13 minutes (0.7 miles) from Creative Discovery Museum

    The Walnut Street Bridge is a pedestrian bridge that offers a great view of the Tennessee River and downtown Chattanooga. It's a perfect spot to enjoy a stroll and take in the scenery.

  • Day 1: Coolidge Park
    3 minutes (1 mile) from Walnut Street Bridge

    Coolidge Park is a public park located on the north shore of the Tennessee River. It offers plenty of green space to relax, picnic, and enjoy outdoor activities. The park also features a beautiful carousel that kids will love riding.

  • Day 1: The Boathouse at Riverview
    15 minutes (4.4 miles) from Coolidge Park

    The Boathouse at Riverview is a restaurant located by the Tennessee River. It offers a wonderful view of the river and a great selection of seafood, steaks, and salads. This is the perfect spot to have lunch while taking in the river view.

  • Day 2: Lookout Mountain
    20 minutes (8.6 miles) from Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport

    Lookout Mountain is a scenic mountain located south of Chattanooga. It offers several attractions, including Rock City Gardens, Ruby Falls, and the Incline Railway. These are great spots to explore nature and learn about the region's history and geology.

  • Day 2: Hunter Museum of American Art
    18 minutes (6.9 miles) from Lookout Mountain

    The Hunter Museum of American Art is located on the south shore of the Tennessee River. It features American art from the Colonial period to the present day. The museum has a beautiful collection and a wonderful view of the river and downtown Chattanooga.

  • Day 2: Tennessee Aquarium
    1 minute (0.4 miles) from Hunter Museum of American Art

    The Tennessee Aquarium is a must-see attraction in Chattanooga. It features thousands of freshwater and saltwater animals, including fish, penguins, and otters. Visitors can also explore the IMAX theater and take a river cruise to learn more about the Tennessee River ecosystem.

  • Day 2: The Blue Plate
    3 minutes (0.3 miles) from Tennessee Aquarium

    The Blue Plate is a classic American diner located in downtown Chattanooga. It offers a great selection of breakfast, lunch, and dinner items, including burgers, sandwiches, and milkshakes. The diner has a friendly atmosphere and affordable prices.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (2-3 hours, $20)
  • Creative Discovery Museum (2-3 hours, $15)
  • Walnut Street Bridge (1 hour, free)
  • Coolidge Park (1-2 hours, free)
  • The Boathouse at Riverview (1-2 hours, $20-30)
  • Lookout Mountain (4-6 hours, $40-60)
  • Hunter Museum of American Art (2-3 hours, $20)
  • Tennessee Aquarium (2-3 hours, $30)
  • The Blue Plate (1 hour, $10-15)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $170-225

Transportation

Travelers can get around easily in Chattanooga by car or public transportation. A rental car is recommended for those who want more flexibility in their itinerary. The city also offers a free electric shuttle that runs between the riverfront and the North Shore. On average, Uber and Lyft rides within the city cost $15-20 and take 10-20 minutes.

Useful Tips

For travelers with more time, we recommend visiting the Chattanooga Zoo, the Chattanooga Choo Choo, and the Bluff View Art District. For those with less time, we suggest skipping Lookout Mountain and focusing on the downtown attractions. Keep in mind that some attractions may have limited hours or require advanced reservations, so plan accordingly.

Airports

The main airport serving Chattanooga is the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA). It is located 5 miles east of downtown Chattanooga and offers flights to several major cities in the United States. The airport code for Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport is CHA. Travelers can take a taxi or Uber/Lyft to reach downtown, which takes around 15 minutes and costs $15-20.

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