48 Hours In Chattanooga, Tennessee Weekend Guide

Today I want to share my 2-day Chattanooga itinerary with you. The Scenic City of Chattanooga, TN is one of the most beautiful cities in Tennessee, and you can see a lot if you have 48 hours here. From the Walnut Street Bridge to Rock City Gardens, Chattanooga has no shortage of fun entertainment for visitors.

I have included family-friendly attractions, perfect for couples and a solo travelers guide. This 2 days in Chattanooga guide is a good way to see all the best attractions and activities.  I bet you love your vacations so much you will be back for more.

My 48-hour itinerary includes a variety of things to see and do. It’s ideal for the first-time visitor.  This list will feature the best tourist attractions and tempt you to return on a future vacation.

When people ask me what to do in Chattanooga,  I tell them plenty. As a resident of Chattanooga, I can provide a ton of the best places to visit and must-see attractions.  The great thing about a two-day itinerary is that it gives you enough time to see the highlights.  The city is walkable so you can cover a lot of ground in a short period.

Whether you are traveling as a couple, solo, or as a family, you will find a lot to get excited about here. For the most in-depth dive into the Scenic City of Chattanooga, be sure to also visit my list of 99 fun things to do!

When it comes to places to stay in Chattanooga, TN there is no shortage of accommodations for all tastes and budgets. If you need ideas, you can look at my guide for the best places to stay.

If you would rather have my recommendations, here are my favorite places to stay in Chattanooga.  For the perfect downtown location, close to The Tennessee Aquarium, Tennessee’s longest pedestrian bridge, and Coolidge Park, book at The Edwin Hotel. If you want to be close to the best places to eat, The Choo Choo book a stay at The Hotel Chalet.  I highly recommend, booking accommodations in an authentic train car.  A train car suite will create a truly unique trip and experience of a lifetime.

I use Hotels.com for last-minute deals and prices! 

Start your weekend trip at one of Chattanooga’s most popular coffee shops and breakfast joints.  Chattanooga Choo Choo’s Frothy Monkey or Niedlov’s Cafe and Bakery is a great starting point. Now that you have some caffeine, head on down to the Tennessee River.  Discover the beautiful views crossing the Walnut Street Pedestrian Bridge.  Walk to the opposite side of the Northshore for vintage clothes shopping and explore the popular Coolidge Park.

Traveling with children or the young at heart? Take a ride on the Coolidge Park merry-go-round. On those hot summer days, bring the swimsuits to splash around in the park splash pads.  Another hidden treasure in the Summer is the waterfall stairs by the aquarium, leading to Ross’s Landing.

Afternoons are perfect for sightseeing downtown.  Couples will love the Bluff View Art District.  Enjoy a patio lunch at Rembramts.  Visit the Hunter Museum for cultural enlightenment.  Once you have finished exploring the Art district, walk the glass bridge to downtown and check out the Tennessee Aquarium.

The Southern Belle Riverboat cruise is a great way to relax and sight-see in comfort after all that walking.

For those traveling with children, skip the Hunter Museum. Take the kiddos to the Tennessee Aquarium and then the Children’s Discovery Museum and a less formal more budget-friendly lunch at Lupis Pizza.

Downtown Chattanooga offers a lot of nightlife options.  I recommend a quick Google of Chattanooga Tennessee for the specific dates you will be visiting.  There are several festivals and events on most Chattanooga weekends.  Popular Chattanooga weekend trip itineraries include  Dinner at Alleia, drinks at one of the local speakeasies, or a show at The Signal.

Chattanooga also has cool evening activities to do with the kids.  Grab some dinner at one of the many family-friendly downtown restaurants.  Everyone will enjoy visiting Rock Point Climbing and is perfect for all skill levels.  Take in a movie at the Imax Theater downtown.

The best place for a sweet treat is Clumpies Ice Cream.

Start day trip day two with breakfast at Aretha Frankensteins before taking a drive to Lookout Mountain.  Here families and grown-ups can discover some of Chattanooga’s top tourist attractions.  An entire afternoon can be found exploring Ruby Falls, Rock City, and the famous Incline railroad.  These attractions will take up most of the morning and into the afternoon. 

Since you should still be in the Lookout Mountain area, stop for lunch near the Incline Railroad at the Purple Daisy for BBQ and Southern cooking.  Learn about Civil War history while taking in the breathtaking views at the free Chickamauga Military Park.

For tourists traveling with a dog and not the kids, once you’ve explored the mountain head on down to the valley.  Play Wash Pint is a great place to enjoy a beer in an off-leash park.

Another cool hidden gem is umbrella alley on the westside of town. This is one of the best Instagram moments in the city.

Let’s wrap up our 2 day trip to Chattanooga, with dinner and Tennessee River Views. Dine at the Boathouse for great food and oysters.  Now that your belly is full lets, hit up the Chattanooga Choo Choo entertainment district with tickets to the Comedy Catch or an 80s dance party at Regans Club on Station Street. 

Traveling with the kids?  Check the schedule to ride the rails at the Tennessee Valley Railroad, or check out the Classic Arcade Pinball Museum. 

In just two days, Chattanooga will charm you with, stunning landscapes, and quirky attractions. From exploring Ruby Falls to indoor rock climbing, this city proved that big adventures come in small packages. With its live music venues like The Signal, to mouthwatering food options.

Chattanooga knows how to satisfy both your cravings. So whether you’re a thrill-seeker or a foodie looking for your next culinary delight, pack your bags and get ready to fall head over heels in love with this charming Tennessee gem.

With only 48 hours in Chattanooga, I guarantee you won’t be disappointed – it’s a place where memories are made.

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