Are you looking for a gorgeous, yet spooky and haunted hotel to stay in while visiting Chattanooga? Haunted hotel lovers will enjoy the Read House hotel in downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee. This historic hotel is beautifully decorated, highly rated, and carries a very unique history of paranormal activity. We stayed in the Read House hotel during our family vacation, and have all the details on why it should be your first choice when booking your stay in Chattanooga.
Is your family planning a vacation to Chattanooga, Tennessee? Things to do there are endless! There are so many fun things to do in the Chattanooga/Lookout Mountain area that we have put together a full guide for you. We will share attractions to visit, places to eat, suggestions on where to stay, and more for a Chattanooga family vacation!
This article includes:
What Is There to Do in Lookout Mountain
Downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee Things to Do
General Area of Chattanooga, Tennessee Things to Do
Where Should We Eat in Chattanooga
Where Should We Stay in Chattanooga
Find a place to stay in Chattanooga. This article contains Stay22 affiliate links.
Spending just a weekend in Chattanooga? Don’t miss this easy family itinerary for a weekend getaway to Chattanooga, TN. We’ve done all the planning work for you!
Rock City is a 4100-foot garden trail that winds through natural rock formations. One of the most significant parts of the park is a lookout point where you can see up to 7 states.
1400 Patten Road, Lookout Mountain, GA
Learn More about Rock City at Lookout Mountain, Georgia in our KA review!
Take an elevator 26 stories down to see a cavern and the waterfall that it hides over 1,000 feet underground.
1720 South Scenic Hwy, Chattanooga, TN
The Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel is fun to visit, even if you don’t stay there. We also took a cruise on a river boat. Nearby to Chattanooga is Rock City, which was a lot neater than I was expecting. We also went down into caves and saw Ruby Falls and took an incline railroad ride. We did a combo ticket for the falls, railroad, and Rock City attractions.
AshleyThe railway descends Lookout Mountain with a descent that goes up to 72.7% grade. This grade is one of the steepest railway grades in the world.
The top of the railway offers a panoramic view of the surrounding areas.
Tickets are round-trip.
3917 St Elmo Ave, Chattanooga, TN
This National Park is the site of a famous Civil War battle near Chattanooga that was called the “Battle Above the Clouds”.
110 Point Park Road, Lookout Mountain, TN
Did you know that the same people who designed downtown Greenville, designed downtown Chattanooga? It has a very “Greenville” feel to it.
TinaThis 13-acre zoo has six major areas with 4-5 exhibits in each. The zoo also offers multiple programs throughout the day, has a choo-choo train, camel rides, and a carousel. This zoo is a great option to fill out your itinerary during your Chattanooga family vacation!
301 N Holtzclaw Ave, Chattanooga, TN
Check out our KA review of the Chattanooga Zoo, the perfect place to visit during your family vacation!
The Creative Discovery Museum includes 15 permanent exhibits and a temporary exhibit.
The family-friendly exhibits include a Culinary Corner where kids can pretend to cook, an Evacuation Station that allows kids to dig in the sand, and a Lookout Tower that gives kids a 3-story view of the city.
321 Chestnut St, Chattanooga, TN
This pedestrian bridge is a fun way to see the river and explore Chattanooga. The bridge leads to the Tennessee Aquarium and Hunter Museum of Art on one side and Coolidge Park, Renaissance Park and it’s surrounding art shops and restaurants on the other side.
1 Walnut St, Chattanooga, TN
Aquarium, Zoo, both are great! Ruby Falls is fun, the incline train will take you up the mountain. There is a fountain downtown the kids can play in. There is a great hot dog place their as well near the fountain, but can’t remember the name. We found a great house to rent. Chattanooga is our go to summer destination; we love it!
CandaceTennessee Aquarium is known for its wide variety of fish, animals, and plants that live in fresh and saltwater.
The aquarium includes several touch tanks, a butterfly garden, a rainforest area, and other unique exhibits in addition to fish tanks.
1 Broad St, Chattanooga, TN
Aquarium is a favorite, especially with younger kids, because you follow a “path” through the entire space vs the hub and spoke model in Atlanta.
Theresa
Find out what makes the Tennessee Aquarium a must-see on your Chattanooga family vacation!
This downtown Chattanooga park should be on your itinerary. It’s located right beside the Walnut Street Bridge.
The park includes a 100-year-old restored carousel and an interactive water fountain. Admission is a $1.
150 River St, Chattanooga, TN
The carousel is unforgettable! Coolidge Park and walking the huge bridge is another favorite. I would agree that their downtown is similar to Greenville. Enjoy!
ChristaEnjoy the outdoors at this 23-acre wetland is a beautiful spot to explore nature in downtown Chattanooga.
River St, Chattanooga, TN
This park is located on the riverside near the Tennessee Aquarium and the Southern Belle Riverboat. It offers a playground and a large amphitheater.
201 Riverfront Pkwy, Chattanooga, TN
The downtown electric trolley in Chattanooga is free to ride and provides an easy way to transport your family around the downtown area. This is a must-do on your Chattanooga family vacation, simply because it is always fun to ride the trolley!
This river cruise company offers several different daily cruises, including 1.5 hour tours, lunch and dinner cruises, and sunset cruises.
You can enter the dockside boat’s gift shop for free even if you aren’t booking a cruise.
201 Riverfront Pkwy, Pier 2, Chattanooga, TN
We liked the dinner cruise with live music and dancing the kids really enjoyed the dancing
NicholeThis public area at the Chattanooga Choo Choo has outdoor games, a scenic seating area, and actual trains. It’s a great area to let the kids play while you relax.
1400 Market Street, Chattanooga, TN
If you are visiting during baseball season, be sure to check out the Chattanooga Lookouts schedule to see if they have any home games during your visit.
201 Power Alley, Chattanooga, TN
This award-winning climbing gym has a number of unique climbing fixtures including an outdoor climbing wall that overlooks the city.
219 Broad St, Chattanooga, TN
If you have older kids on your Chattanooga family vacation, then the Hunter Museum of American Art is a great museum to check out. They have art in a variety of mediums, interesting special events, and rotating exhibitions.
10 Bluff View St, Chattanooga, TN
A great one-stop area for multiple things to do, the Bluff View Art District has dining, art galleries, a coffee house, and excellent views of the city!
411 East 2nd St, Chattanooga, TN
Often recommended by locals, Raccoon Mountain Caverns specializes in educational tours of the Raccoon Mountain Cavern. The caverns are a must-see during your Chattanooga family vacation!
We took this tour as a family and were impressed with the tour guides’ ability to entertain even the smallest children while still giving a full presentation of the history and science behind the cavern.
Raccoon Mountain also has a campground, RV park, and cabins.
319 W Hills Dr, Chattanooga, TN
This popular amusement park is only 15 minutes from downtown Chattanooga. The park includes thriller rides, family rides, and kiddie rides, and also has a 5-acre waterpark.
1730 Lakeview Dr., Rossville, GA
Visiting this museum is an adventure because the museum is an actual running train and your visit includes a train ride.
4119 Cromwell Rd, Chattanooga, TN
You can take this easy trail to a stunning, crystal-clear swimming hole to relax with your children. You can hike past the swimming area to see a waterfall as well!
Mediterranean/Middle East Restaurant that serves lunch and dinner
5966 Brainerd Rd., Chattanooga, TN
Ankar’s Hoagies on Brainerd Rd. Steak in a sack (pita) & onion rings are to die for! We eat here every time we go back. Taco Mamacitas on North Shore. Best sangria we’ve ever had. Bones BBQ on Brainerd Rd. Classic southern style and their banana pudding alone is worth a visit!
AmyA fresh-Mex restaurant that serves taco fusion.
109 North Market St, Chattanooga, TN
Handcrafted, small-batch ice cream with seasonal flavors
3 locations including 1401 Market St, Chattanooga, TN
City Cafe (southern dinner but delicious share a meal). Taco Mac (kid friendly- during the day bar)
MaryTaco Mac is known for their buffalo wings and draft beers.
423 Market St, Chattanooga, TN
Bea’s Restaurant serves family-style fried chicken dinners.
4500 Dodds Avenue, Chattanooga, TN
Good dog. It’s a hot dog place in downtown that has plain ones but also funky unique ones
JenniferGood Dog serves a variety of hot dogs including high-quality all-beef hot dogs, vegetarian hot dogs, sausages, and more. Their menu includes vegan and gluten-free options. They offer several housemade ketchups and condiments with their meals.
34 Frazier Ave, Chattanooga, TN
Note: This bar/restaurant is 21+ for all meals but brunch. Brunch is from 10:30-3 and is upscale American southern cuisine.
55 Johnson St, Chattanooga, TN
Urban burger joint
12 W 13th St, Chattanooga, TN
Fried chicken and Southern foods
526 E ML King Blvd, Chattanooga, TN
Slow-cooked barbeque
205 Manufacturers Rd, Suite 110, Chattanooga, TN
Greek food
2213 Hamilton Pl Blvd, Chattanooga, TN
We just got back from there! The restaurant 1885 right by the Incline Train has sidewalk chalk through their entire outdoor seating and our two year old played all through dinner. Super yummy burgers too. And I second Urban Stack. And the BEST coffee shop we’ve found in all our US travels was Goodman Coffee in the warehouse district shipping downtown. So. Good. Those little energy peanut butter bites they makes were great at the start of our day at the Aquarium.
SarahLocated near the St. Elmo Incline Railway station.
3914 St Elmo Ave, Chattanooga, TN
Warehouse Row, 1110 Market St., Chattanooga, TN
Boathouse and Foodworks for full-service. I haven’t been to Big River Grille in years but it is close to aquarium and has pool tables. Mr. T’s Pizza and Purple Daisy (both in St. Elmo near Incline) are budget-friendly local spots. Lupi’s for specialty pizza.
ElizabethSeafood, oyster bar, and traditional fare with riverfront dining
1459 Riverside Drive, Chattanooga, TN
205-C Manufacturers Road, Chattanooga, TN
Near the Tennessee Aquarium and Children’s Creative Discovery Museum.
222 Broad St, Chattanooga, TN
From scratch pizza.
3924 Tennessee Ave., Chattanooga, TN
Barbeque and picnic foods, located at the base of Lookout Mountain.
4001 St. Elmo Ave, Chattanooga, TN
406 Broad St A, Chattanooga, TN
You can actually stay inside a refurbished train car at the Chattanooga Choo Choo. This iconic hotel is a classic choice for visiting Chattanooga.
1400 Market St, Chattanooga, TN
We stayed at the Chattanooga Choo Choo hotel and went to their miniature train museum. The room we were in was a converted old boxcar. It was so fun. We also went to the aquarium. I was very impressed with it. It’s probably one of my favorite aquariums.
AlexisThis popular bed and breakfast on Lookout Mountain has a scenic garden trail, a pool, and a gazebo with a jacuzzi.
1206 Lula Lake Rd, Lookout Mountain, GA
My parents live on Lookout Mountain. A great place to stay is the Garden Walk Inn. The carousel downtown is a must ($1). Then you must get Clumpies Ice Cream! The children’s museum is great for under 10. The aquarium is cool but lots of walking my 6 year old couldn’t make it all day. . . Raccoon Mountain caves are a few minutes further but way better. They have excursions for all abilities. The towing museum is great for any toddler who loves vehicles (but all you need is the free gift shop you can’t touch anything in the small museum). McKay’s used books is heaven for any reader and you must eat at City Cafe!
Mary2321 Lifestyle Way, Chattanooga, TN
We enjoyed staying at the Embassy Suites rooms are great for families and breakfast is our favorite of hotels.
NicholeCloudland Canyon State Park has a variety of styles of camping sites, cottages, and yurts available for reservation. Your family will have access there to hiking trails, horseback riding trails, bike trails (and rentals), cave tours, and more depending on the season.
122 Cloudland Canyon Park Road, Rising Fawn, GA
We stayed in a cabin at Cloudland Canyon Park.
DeirdreIf you enjoy staying at an Airbnb, our family stayed at Country Corner in the City. It comfortably slept eight people (two families) and was pet-friendly.
For even more ideas on fun family trips near Greenville, see our travel guide.
Thinking about visiting the Chattanooga Zoo on your family vacation to Chattanooga, TN? If you are looking for a travel destination away from the tourist-heavy beach and a place with tons to do and see, you should check out Chattanooga, TN. We have everything you need to know about the Chattanooga Zoo and everything you need to know before your family trip there.
Heading to Chattanooga, Tennessee, and searching for a fabulous outdoor adventure? Kidding Around readers love exploring the outdoors, especially when it involves a place to splash or swim. Here’s everything you need to know about this gorgeous swimming you can find during your next adventure on the Big Soddy Creek Gulf Trail.
Heading to Chattanooga, Tennessee for a road trip? You may want to check out the Tennessee Aquarium for a visit with the fish, penguins, rain forest creatures and more!