The Perfect Weekend in Chattanooga, Tennessee

This post contains affiliate links which means that I will make a small commission if you purchase a product after clicking on any of them, at no extra cost to you.

We ended our epic 2-week Southeast US road trip with a weekend in Chattanooga, Tennessee and it was the perfect end cap to our trip! This charming Tennessee city had it all: breathtaking mountain views, a lively downtown scene, and plenty of fun things to do. Whether you’re a nature lover, a foodie, or just someone looking for a weekend getaway packed with charm and adventure, Chattanooga is the perfect spot to unwind and explore!

Ready to see why they call it the “Scenic City”? Let’s dive into all the ways you can make the most of your weekend in Chattanooga!

Fun Things to Do in Chattanooga, TN

1. Foster Falls

Funny story—I’m one of those people who has to get to trails super early to dodge the crowds, so when I saw Foster Falls opened at 8 AM, I was determined to be there right on time. But life happens, and we were running behind thanks to a slow breakfast pickup. By the time we hit the road, it was 8:30 AM, and I was convinced the trail would already be bustling. Then, cue magic—25 minutes into our 45-minute drive, we crossed the time zone and gained an hour! Best. Surprise. Ever.

Here’s your takeaway: if you want to hike Foster Falls at opening time, leave Chattanooga around 8:15 AM, and you’ll still get there when it opens (thank you, time zones!). Just remember, you’ll lose that hour on your way back, so plan accordingly!

Now, onto the hike. This beautiful loop trail is about 1.5 miles long and packed with stunning scenery that makes the rocky trek totally worth it. You can choose your adventure: start the loop with the breathtaking waterfall and let it fuel your journey, or save the best for last and finish your hike with the stunning Foster Falls as your reward.

Not in the mood for a full hike? No worries! The falls are less than half a mile from the trailhead, so you can take a quick stroll, soak in the view, snap some pics, and call it a day.

2. North Chickamauga Creek Gorge State Park

North Chickamauga Creek was hands-down one of my favorite activities from our weekend in Chattanooga. Just a short drive from Chattanooga, you’ll find this stunning outdoor area that offers hiking trails, swimming holes, and incredible natural scenery. One of its most famous spots is the Blue Hole, a beautiful swimming area surrounded by lush forest and rocky outcroppings.

When we visited, we accidentally discovered a peaceful little oasis about 0.4 miles into the trail. The water was crystal-clear and perfect for a refreshing dip. We thought it was the Blue Hole until we spotted a sign pointing us further along the trail! When we eventually reached the actual Blue Hole, it was crowded with families and thrill-seekers lining up to jump off a boulder.

If you’re looking for a quieter experience, the smaller pools along the trail are just as magical—and far less busy. Pack snacks, non-alcoholic drinks, and a speaker, and you’re set to experience one of the best free things to do in Chattanooga!

3. Do a Water Adventure

Ready for an adventure that’ll have your heart racing? Grab your paddle experience a Middle Ocoee River Rafting Trip—a whitewater rafting experience that’s as thrilling as it is beautiful! This 3-hour tour will have you navigating Class III and IV rapids, all while soaking in the stunning views of the Ocoee River.

Not quite ready to brave the whitewater? No problem! For a calmer (but still totally awesome) water adventure, check out this awesome guided kayak tour. You’ll get to paddle through serene waters, soak in the area’s history, and end the day with a magical nighttime visit to a bat cave—where you can watch 100,000 bats take flight! Kind of reminds me of Austin, Texas!

4. Southside Social

If you’re looking for a fun night out with delicious food and tons of activities, Southside Social is the place to be! Not only do they serve up some seriously tasty eats, but the real highlight is the games galore. Think bowling, foosball, ping pong, darts, cornhole—you name it, they’ve got it! It’s basically a huge warehouse with an epic game yard to match.

We went here both on a Saturday and a Sunday, and let me tell you, the vibe is totally different depending on the day. If you’re looking for a more chill experience, I highly recommend swinging by on a Sunday when it’s way less crowded. We had the entire dart room to ourselves—game on!

And if you are there on a Sunday, don’t miss out on their all-day brunch menu. You’ll find everything from pizza to BBQ. Southside Social is definitely more than just a place to grab a bite; it’s a whole experience!

5. Ruby Falls

Ruby Falls is like stepping into a secret world inside Lookout Mountain! Imagine walking through a winding, mystical cave with shimmering stalactites and stalagmites, all leading to one jaw-dropping surprise—a massive, 145-foot waterfall, hidden deep within the mountain.

The cave itself is an adventure—chilly and full of surprises, like the magical moment when you first catch sight of the waterfall. Seriously, there’s nothing quite like seeing water tumble down inside a cave—it’s as dramatic as it sounds!

I’ll admit, it had been years since my last cave tour, so I was beyond excited to experience Ruby Falls. Trust me, if you love unique natural beauty, this is a total must-do during your weekend in Chattanooga!

6. Zipline at Ruby Falls

Okay, zipline enthusiasts, this one’s not for the pros looking for a long adrenaline-pumping ride. But if you’re curious about ziplining and want a quick thrill without breaking the bank, Ruby Falls is the place to check it out! For just $20 (yep, you read that right), you can zip two lines and catch some sweet views—talk about a steal!

The ziplining experience lasts about five minutes, so it’s definitely on the brief side. But hey, it’s perfect for testing the waters and getting that little rush! Bonus: before you zip, you can try out their rock-climbing walls, which adds even more fun to the adventure. Not the longest ride, but a super affordable way to catch some air while you’re at it!

7. The Incline Railway

If you’re looking for a fun, quick way to soak in some incredible views, hop on the Incline Railway! Just a short distance from Ruby Falls, the Incline will take you up Lookout Mountain and back for a ride on the world’s steepest incline—how cool is that? For just $20 round-trip, it’s a budget-friendly way to experience a literal “high” point of Chattanooga.

At the bottom, you can wander through the charming Historic St. Elmo area, filled with quirky shops and tasty spots to grab a bite. But the real highlight is when you reach the top: panoramic views from the observation deck that will make your jaw drop!

8. Rock City

Less than 10 minutes from the Incline, you’ll find Rock City. One of the main highlights of Rock City is the iconic “See Seven States” viewpoint, where you can take in panoramic views stretching across Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia!

But that’s not all—Rock City is home to a magical garden of gnome statues, dramatic rock formations, and the serene Fairyland Caverns. Here are some things you don’t want to miss when visiting Rock City!

9. Check Out the Coffee Scene

Chattanooga’s coffee game is strong, and there were three spots that stood out during our visit. At Frothy Monkey, the Hummingbird Latte stole the show with its unique blend of pecan syrup, banana, and cinnamon—plus a dried pineapple garnish for extra flair. Pair it with one of their tasty breakfast sandwiches!

Sleepyhead Coffee is as cute as its name, with Instagram-worthy aesthetics and pink coffee cups to match. Their vanilla cappuccino was smooth and flavorful.

At Mean Mug Coffee, you’ll find hearty breakfast plates (the cheesy grits and house-made strawberry preserves were unforgettable!) alongside perfectly crafted lattes, complete with latte art.

Whether you’re in it for the vibes, the food, or the caffeine fix, these Chattanooga coffee shops are sure to hit the mark!

10. Experience a Speakeasy

Chattanooga’s first speakeasy, Unknown Caller, is an experience right from the get-go! Your GPS will lead you to an unassuming phone booth. Step inside, find the payphone, and dial the secret number to gain entry—mystery and adventure all rolled into one.

Once inside, the vibes are immaculate. Think chic furniture, eclectic art, and a music playlist that spans all genres. The bar itself is a masterpiece, with bartenders who are true cocktail artisans. Remi loved his classic Old Fashioned, while I went for the Clover Club—both were perfection.

Whether you’re into inventive drinks or just love a good speakeasy atmosphere, this spot is a must for a memorable weekend in Chattanooga!

11. Enjoy Some of the Amazing Restaurants in Chattanooga

Chattanooga’s food scene is chef’s kiss! While one of our favorite spots from our weekend in Chattanooga sadly closed (RIP to a delicious memory), we still found plenty to rave about.

Stir was one of the places we stopped by for a quick cocktail and app, and let me tell you—those charbroiled oysters were everything! Pair them with a Strawberry Moon Sangria, and I was basically in foodie heaven.

Oh, and the vibe? Industrial-chic perfection. We spent half our time gushing over the decor. If you’re a fellow foodie, there’s even a Downtown Chattanooga Food Tour to taste-test your way through the city! Highly recommend adding that to your Chattanooga itinerary.

12. Grab Dessert from Clumpies Ice Cream Co.

Speaking of delicious things to do in Chattanooga, you have to stop by Clumpies! With multiple downtown locations, this iconic ice cream shop serves up some of the most unique and mouthwatering flavors. I went with the peach cobbler, which was perfectly summery, but Remi’s brown sugar cinnamon coffee cake totally stole the show—it was next-level delicious.

Even if ice cream isn’t usually your thing, Clumpies might just change your mind. Make sure to grab a scoop (or two) before you leave town—you won’t regret it!

13. Take a Trolley Tour

If you’ve got some extra time during your weekend in Chattanooga, why not hop on a trolley tour? Conveniently, one of the pick-up spots is right at Frothy Monkey—perfect for grabbing a latte and breakfast sandwich before diving into the past.

Led by a super-knowledgeable guide, this tour takes you to a 100+-year-old train station, a historic railroad museum, and the oldest (and second-largest) national cemetery in the U.S. It’s a laid-back, fascinating way to learn more about the city’s story.

Where to Stay for a Weekend in Chattanooga

Finding a great place to stay in Chattanooga doesn’t have to break the bank! All of these options typically average around $100 a night, making them affordable and perfect for any budget. Here are some of my top picks:

• Holiday Inn Chattanooga Downtown— Traveling with kids? This budget-friendly option is a winner, thanks to their “kids eat free” policy at any on-site restaurant. It’s a lifesaver for families trying to stick to a budget! Plus, it’s in a convenient downtown location. This is where we stayed and we really enjoyed it.
• Hotel Indigo Chattanooga Downtown— For a cozy yet trendy vibe, this midrange hotel is a fantastic choice. Hotel Indigo properties are always unique, with fabulous on-site restaurants and bars. Bonus: this hotel is perfectly located in the heart of all the action!
• The Read House Hotel— Ready to splurge just a smidge? The Read House is a stunning historic hotel that oozes charm. Picture this: a swanky restaurant and bar with speakeasy vibes, a billiards room, and an indoor pool you can enjoy year-round. It’s a little slice of luxury (at an affordable price) right downtown!

Wherever you choose to stay, these options make it easy to enjoy all that Chattanooga has to offer without stressing your wallet.

Getting Around Chattanooga

Getting around Chattanooga is super easy, especially if you plan your transportation based on your itinerary. If you’re heading out to explore nature or places outside the city center, I’d recommend renting a car. We rented one during our weekend visit, and parking wasn’t much of a hassle—just a few metered spots here and there, nothing too wild. To score the best prices, I love using this tool that compares rental options across multiple companies.

When it comes to parking downtown, some hotels have those eye-roll-worthy fees, but don’t worry—SpotHero to the rescue! This handy app helped us find affordable parking nearby and saved us a ton of hassle (and cash).

If you’re sticking around downtown, you’ve got options. Chattanooga is walkable, but it’s a decent size, so if you’re not in the mood for a trek, you can rent a bike for just $8 a day. Bike rentals are sprinkled throughout downtown, making it super convenient to explore the city on two wheels.

Are you ready for an epic weekend in Chattanooga?!

Whether you’re zipping through the scenic views at Ruby Falls, enjoying a delicious cup of coffee at Sleepyhead, or soaking in the rich history on a trolley tour, there are plenty of fun things to do in Chattanooga to keep your weekend itinerary full! With its mix of natural beauty, quirky spots, and delicious eats, Chattanooga is the perfect place to make some unforgettable memories.

Before you go, be sure to follow me on Insta @guidedbydestiny and check out some of my other US blog posts:

New England fall road trip itinerary

Amazing waterfalls in Helen, Georgia

Best things to do in Orange Beach, Alabama