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Chattanooga, Tennessee Weekend Itinerary for Adults and Families.

This Chattanooga, Tennessee weekend itinerary is perfect for adults and families looking for a mix of outdoor adventure, cultural attractions, and delicious food.

As a local Chattanooga, TN residence, I have vetted all atrractions and locations on this sample itinary. Happy Travels! 

Chattanooga, TN travel Blogger over 50 Kathy Brown in Downtown Chattanooga, TN

Chattanooga, Tennessee Weekend Itinerary for Adults and Families:

Day One - Lookout Mountain and the Tennessee Aquarium

Morning: Scenic Drive or Hike

Start with a scenic drive or hike in the Lookout Mountain area, which offers breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding mountains.

Afternoon: Tennessee Aquarium

Visit the Tennessee Aquarium, which is home to a wide variety of marine life, including river otters, penguins, and thousands of fish species.

Evening: Local Barbecue Scene

Check out the local food scene by trying some of Chattanooga’s famous barbecue, or sample a craft beer at one of the city’s many breweries.

Day 2: Bluff View Art District and the Hunter Museum of American Art

Morning: Bluff View Art District

Take a walking tour of the Bluff View Art District, a charming neighborhood filled with art galleries, cafes, and boutique shops.

Afternoon: Hunter Museum of American Art

Visit the Hunter Museum of American Art, which features an extensive collection of American art from the colonial period to the present day.

Evening: Show at the Tivoli Theatre

Attend a show at the Tivoli Theatre, which hosts a variety of musical acts, plays, and other performances throughout the year.

Day 3: Chattanooga Choo Choo and the Tennessee Riverwalk

Morning: Chattanooga Choo Choo Tour

Take a tour of the Chattanooga Choo Choo, a historic train station turned hotel that offers a glimpse into the city’s transportation history.

Afternoon: Tennessee Riverwalk Walk

The Chattanooga River Walk is a great way to spend time outdoors and take in some of the amazing scenery.  This is also a great way to maintain fitness goals while on vacation.

Evening: Sunset Boat Tour

Finish your trip with a sunset boat tour of the Tennessee River.  The Southen Belle dinner cruise is a popular attraction in Chattanooga, TN. 

Here is a sample travel itinerary for a family with kids in Chattanooga, Tennessee

Day One Aquarium, Childrens Museum & Incline Railway

Morning: Get Tickets for the Downtown Aquariun

Morning: Visit the Tennessee Aquarium, which is home to a wide variety of marine life, including river otters, penguins, and thousands of fish species.

Afternoon: Lookout Mountain Incline Railroad

Chattanooga Incline Railway is a funicular railway that takes visitors from the historic St. Elmo neighborhood to the top of Lookout Mountain. It is one of the steepest passenger railways in the world, with a grade of 72.7

Evening: Childrens Museum in Chattanooga

Explore the Creative Discovery Museum, an interactive children’s museum that offers hands-on exhibits and activities for kids.  Younger children will exspecially love the interactive activities. 

Day 2 Exploring With The Kids:

Lake Winnepesaukah, IMAX & The Aquarium

Morning: See a Movie at The IMAX

Attend a show at the IMAX Theater, which features giant-screen films that offer a unique and immersive viewing experience.

Afternoon: Go To Lake Winnepesaukah

Stop by the Lake Winnepesaukah amusement park, which features a variety of rides and attractions, including a wooden roller coaster, a carousel, and a Ferris wheel.

Evening: Go Climbing at HighPoint

Visit the High Point Climbing and Fitness Center, which offers indoor rock climbing, a kids’ climbing area, and fitness classes.

Day Three: Riverwalk, Walnut Street Bridge, Clumpies Ice Cream:

Morning: Walk or Bike the Riverwalk

Morning is the perfect time to walk or bike with the kiddos on the Chattanooga Tennessee River Walk.  Several bike rental stations are found throughout the area. 

Afternoon: Cross The Walnut Street Bridge to Coolidge Park

Don’t miss a stroll over the Walnut Street pedestrian bridge.  Conclude the journey with a stop in Coolidge Park where children can ride the merry-go-round for just $1.

Evening: End the day with a scoop of Clumpies Ice Cream.

Clumpies Ice Cream is a icon of Chattanooga.  Though it’s true there are several other ice cream shops in the city, there is only one Clumpies Waffle Cone.

Weekend Itinerary for Adults in Chattanooga, Tennessee:

Day One: Hiking, Choo Choo & BBQ:

Morning Hike or Drive on Lookout Mountain:

Start with a scenic drive or hike in the Lookout Mountain area, which offers breathtaking views of the city. 

Afternoon: Check out the Choo Choo:

Better yet, book a stay at the brand new Chalet Hotel located at the Choo Choo.  The Choo Choo entertainment area on the Southside is the perfect place to spend the day exploring. 

Evening: Eat at one of the amazing BBQ Restaurants:

Check out the local food scene by trying some of Chattanooga’s famous barbecue, or sample a craft beer at one of the city’s many breweries.

Day Two For Adults: Bluffview, Hunter Museum and Tivoli Theater:

Morning: Visit The BluffView Art District

Take a walking tour of the Bluff View Art District, a charming neighborhood filled with art galleries, cafes, and boutique shops.  Best place to dine in Bluffview is Rembrants Cafe and Coffee House. 

Afternoon: Visit the Hunter Museum of American Art:

Hunter Museum of American Art, which features an extensive collection of American art from the colonial period to the present day.

Nighttime: Evening: Attend a show at the Tivoli Theatre

The Tivoli Theatre, which hosts a variety of musical acts, plays, and other performances throughout the year.

Day Three in Chattanooga - Bunch, Shopping and Nightlife:

Morning Brunch and Mimosas:

We have got some amazing brunch specials found throughout the city. My personal favorite is Stir, Tupelo Honey and Ruby Sunshine.  

Afternoon: Lets go Shopping:

  • Warehouse Row is a historic shopping district in the heart of downtown Chattanooga, featuring a variety of high-end retailers and specialty shops, such as J.Crew, Anthropologist, and West Elm.
  • Hamilton Place Mall: Hamilton Place Mall is the largest shopping center in the area, offering over 150 stores, including popular retailers such as Dick’s Sporting Goods, Dillard’s, and Victoria’s Secret.

Evening: Music, Libations and Nightlife:

Take in some drinks at one of the scenic cities’ most popular bars.

  • State of Confusion: Dog-friendly outdoor and indoor bar/restaurant is a popular place for local hangouts.  The food is amazing and the drinks well-poured. 
  • The Terminal Brewhouse: This brewery and restaurant feature a wide selection of handcrafted beers, as well as a menu of pub-style food.
  • The Whiskey Thief: This upscale whiskey bar offers a menu of contemporary American cuisine, as well as a carefully curated list of craft cocktails, whiskey, and wine. It’s also important to mention the incredible views of downtown Chattanooga are found at this rooftop Edwin Hotel bar.
  • Unknown Caller: By far the place to be for nightlife.  So popular that don’t be surprised if there’s a line to get in. 
  • Tremont Tavern: This classic neighborhood bar is known for its cozy atmosphere and a fantastic selection of beers and spirits.
  • The Moxy: This chic bar and lounge offers a menu of craft cocktails and a lively atmosphere, perfect for a night out on the town.

99 Fun Things To Do In Chattanooga, Tennessee

Are you visiting Chattanooga or maybe you are a local looking for fun ideas.  

Be sure to read the full list of 99 Fun Things To Do In Chattanooga, TN! 

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