Welcome to your ultimate weekend getaway guide to Chattanooga, Tennessee! Nestled along the Tennessee River, Chattanooga is a hidden gem that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history, and southern charm. Whether it's hiking the trails of Lookout Mountain, exploring the vibrant arts scene, or indulging in mouthwatering local cuisine, this itinerary promises to make your romantic escape an unforgettable one. So pack your bags, and let's embark on this Southern adventure together!
Chattanooga, Tennessee is located in the Southeastern United States. It's nestled along the Tennessee River in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, offering a stunning backdrop of beautiful natural scenery.
Chattanooga is best known for its wealth of natural beauty and outdoor activities. The city is home to the famous Lookout Mountain, where you can visit attractions like Rock City, Ruby Falls, and the Incline Railway. Chattanooga is also recognized for its revitalized riverfront, vibrant arts scene, and the Tennessee Aquarium, one of the largest freshwater aquariums in the world.
Absolutely! Chattanooga is an excellent choice for a couples getaway. The city's romantic riverfront, scenic beauty, diverse culinary scene, and plethora of outdoor activities offer something for every couple. Whether you're art enthusiasts, nature lovers, or foodies, Chattanooga's variety of attractions will ensure an unforgettable experience.
Chattanooga has several wonderful hotel options depending on what you're looking for. For couples who are looking for a romantic getaway there are a couple accommodations we'd recommend over others. We've had the chance to stay at both of these options in the past and I can 100% recommend both!
This is a Marriott property but it retains a certain individualistic charm that makes it feel more like a boutique hotel than one that's run by a major chain. The hotel offers an onsite spa, rooftop bar, onsite restaurant, and a perfect location right next to Chattanooga's iconic Walnut Street Bridge (a fully pedestrian bridge) and the Bluff View Art District, and within walking distance to lots of restaurants and bars.
Check for the best prices at The Edwin: Expedia | Booking.com | Hotels.com
The Read House is a piece of Chattanooga history and walking in its doors is like stepping back into the 1920s. With a nod to the art deco beauty of the Roaring 20's mixed with a dose of elegance and refined comfort, The Read House is the perfect place for couples to relax and unwind in a beautiful and timeless setting. While the hotel doesn't offer a spa, it does offer a gym and an indoor pool as well as an onsite restaurant and bar. The hotel is conveniently located in the heart of downtown exactly halfway between the Riverfront and the Main Street district.
Check for the best prices at The Read house: Expedia | Booking.com | Hotels.com
We designed this Chattanooga itinerary for Friday afternoon through Monday morning. Often times we give multiple options for each time slot so you can pick and choose the restaurants and activities that sound most appealing to you. For more suggestions be sure to checkout our other Chattanooga blog travel guides and Youtube travel vlogs all linked above.
Check-in at The Edwin Hotel, one of Chattanooga's best hotels! This Marriott owned property is centrally located right next to the Walnut Street Bridge and the Bluff View Arts District. It features a spa, delicious onsite restaurant, and a rooftop bar with wonderful views of the Tennessee River. Or if you're wanting something more unique and private, we'd recommend checking out Treetop Hideaways at Ruby Falls. Just a short 10 minute drive from downtown Chattanooga, these luxury treehouses are a hidden gem! We've stayed at the Redbud at Ruby Falls and highly recommend this cabin!
The Edwin address: 102 Walnut St, Chattanooga, TN 37403 | Google Maps
Treetop Hideaways at Ruby Falls address: 1708 Scenic Hwy, Chattanooga, TN 37419 | Google Maps
Check for the best hotel rates for The Edwin using the links below!
Expedia | Booking.com | Hotels.com
Get a bird's eye view of the city by riding the Incline Railway, a funicular railway system over a hundred and twenty five years old, to the top of Lookout Mountain. At the top of Lookout Mountain we'd recommend walking the short walk to Point Park to take in the stunning views of the Tennessee Valley.
Incline Railway address: 3917 St Elmo Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37409 | Google Maps
Enjoy an evening out at dinner at Calliope Restaurant & Bar, an authentic and modern take on Levantine cuisine. This is one of our new favorite spots in town! It's unique setting in a two story historic building in Chattanooga's MLK district is both cozy and romantic feeling with the full bar and giant chandelier as the centerpieces when you walk into the restaurant. Everything we've tried here has been incredible, but you absolutely must try the whipped feta, falafel, and lamb neck.
Calliope Restaurant & Bar address: 422 E M L King Blvd, Chattanooga, TN 37403 | Google Maps
Grab a drink at Chattanooga's coziest bar, The Rosecomb. Set in a historic home in Chattanooga's Riverview neighborhood, this is the perfect place to enjoy an evening with your significant other.
The Rosecomb address: 921 Barton Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37405 | Google Maps
Treat yourself to a classic southern breakfast at Bluegrass Grill. We love that this restaurant is owned and operated by one big family. Not only does the cooking remind me of what my southern grandmother used to cook for me when I'd have spend the night parties at her house as a kid, but it feels like you've stepped into the kitchen of an old friend.
Note: Bluegrass Grill gets busy so we'd recommend getting there early!
Bluegrass Grill address: 55 E Main St #101, Chattanooga, TN 37408 | Google Maps
On your way up Lookout Mountain, stop off in St. Elmo for a pick me up at Goodman Coffee's St. Elmo location. With two locations in town, Goodman's roasts and serves the best coffee in Chattanooga!
Goodman Coffee St. Elmo address: 3913 St Elmo Ave Suite B, Chattanooga, TN 37409 | Google Maps
Visit Rock City Gardens for a nature walk with stunning views. While this is a very touristy spot, the views here are incredible and it makes for a nice morning spent casually strolling gardens. If you'd prefer a more natural and free option in nature, consider checking out Sunset Rock.
Note: The parking lot for Sunset Rock has very few spots. If all spots are taken when you arrive, do not park illegally! This is a neighborhood and illegal parking can be both frustrating for locals as well as potentially dangerous if emergency vehicles were to need to get through. Also, please review Leave No Trace principles prior to hitting the trail.
Rock City Gardens address: 1400 Patten Rd, Lookout Mountain, GA 30750 | Google Maps
Sunset Rock address: Google Maps
Refuel with lunch at Massey's Kitchen. There are very few food options on Lookout Mountain, but thankfully Massey's Grill serves a variety of solid options no matter what your dietary restrictions or preferences.
Massey's Kitchen address: 826 Scenic Hwy, Lookout Mountain, TN 37350 | Google Maps
For those up for a bit of an adrenaline rush, consider hang gliding on the Lookout Mountain Flight Park. Or if a tandem flight isn't your idea of fun, consider driving down scenic Lookout Mountain to Cloudland Canyon State Park for a beautiful view and a bit of hiking.
Lookout Mountain Flight Park address: 7201 Scenic Hwy, Rising Fawn, GA 30738 | Google Maps
Cloudland Canyon State Park: 122 Cloudland Canyon Park Rd, Rising Fawn, GA 30738 | Google Maps
Grab a post hike or hang gliding beer at Oddstory Brewing Co. We're partial to their Monkey's Heart IPA, but really you can go wrong with any brew there!
Oddstory Brewing Co. address: 1604 Central Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37408 | Google Maps
For a fine dining experience we'd recommend dinner at Alleia for a delicious Italian meal in Chattanooga's popular Main Street district. For something a bit more casual we'd recommend checking out Main Street Meats.
Alleia address: 25 E Main St, Chattanooga, TN 37408 | Google Maps
If you're looking to continue the evening a bit longer, consider heading back to The Edwin Hotel and enjoy a cocktail at their rooftop bar, Whiskey Thief. Or if you decided to stay at Treetop Hideaways but would still like to enjoy a nightcap, we'd recommend stopping by Imbibe (local liquor store that is probably the least sketchy liquor store I've ever been to) right on Broad Street which you'll pass on your way to the treehouse. Grab a bottle of wine and enjoy the views from the treehouse or a relaxing evening in the outdoor bathtub.
Whiskey Thief address: 102 Walnut St, Chattanooga, TN 37403 | Google Maps
Imbibe address: 1616 Broad St, Chattanooga, TN 37408 | Google Maps
Get your caffeine kick at Mean Mug Coffeehouse (we prefer their Main Street location). Their pastries here are delicious, too, specifically the cinnamon rolls! If you're looking for a heartier breakfast consider grabbing a bite at Aretha Frankensteins which is famous for it's 1 inch thick pancakes (they're amazing, just prepare for a bit of a carb coma afterwards),or The Daily Ration which hosts a variety of breakfast classics including breakfast burritos, fried chicken and grits, chilaquiles, and more.
Mean Mug Coffee House address: 114 W Main St, Chattanooga, TN 37408 | Google Maps
Aretha Frankensteins address: 518 Tremont St, Chattanooga, TN 37405 | Google Maps
The Daily Ration address: 1220 Dartmouth St, Chattanooga, TN 37405 | Google Maps
Visit the Tennessee Aquarium and discover the extensive freshwater and saltwater exhibits (it's not just for kids!). Don't forget to stop by and say hello to Chattanooga's cutest residence in the penguin exhibit while you're there. Or if you'd rather get outside and enjoy Chattanooga's incredible outdoor activities, consider hitting a hiking trail on Lookout Mountain, or rent a kayak or paddle board from L2 Outdoors and paddle your way to Macclellan Island.
Tennessee Aquarium address: 1 Broad St, Chattanooga, TN 37402 | Google Maps
L2 Outdoors address: 131 River St, Chattanooga, TN 37405 | Google Maps
Grab a tasty sandwich at River Street Deli. This place is known for it's authentic Italian sandwiches and the shop is conveniently located right next to Coolidge Park. Just a heads up: River Street Deli is located downstairs and on the backside of the building that faces Frazier Avenue.
River Street Deli address: 151 River St, Chattanooga, TN 37405 | Google Maps
Relax and enjoy the beautiful Tennessee Riverwalk, a 35-mile greenway along the Tennessee River. You can walk, run, or bike the pathway so be sure to bring your walking shoes and/or bike. If you don't want to worry with the hassle of bringing our own bike, Chattanooga has a bike share program where you can rent bikes to enjoy around town and park at various stations around town when you're done exploring.
Rather relax than hit the trail? Consider a spa day! If you're staying at The Edwin, book a massage or (or even a full spa day!) at their in house day spa, Ama Spa. If you're staying at Treetop Hideaways you can still book services at Ama Spa even if you aren't staying there. Or if you'd rather relax in the privacy of the treehouse you can hire a massage therapist through The MASAJ to come to the cabin to give you a massage.
Ama Spa address: 102 Walnut St, Chattanooga, TN 37403 | Google Maps
Cap off your weekend with a meal at Little Coyote, one of Chattanooga's latest restaurants which is quickly gaining in popularity. We'd recommend snagging a seat on their heated patio to enjoy views of Lookout Mountain right in front of the restaurant.
Note: Little Coyote does not take reservations but you can put your name on the waiting list when you're on your way to dinner.
Little Coyote address: 3950 Tennessee Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37409 | Google Maps
Looking for a post dinner sweet treat? Head to Rembrandt's Coffee House for handmade chocolates, pastries, and espresso. Either enjoy your treats in their cozy house setting, or take it to-go to walk around the Bluff View Art District. Bonus: They have one of my favorite patios in Chattanooga that's great for relaxing on!
Rembrandt's Coffee House address: 204 High St, Chattanooga, TN 37403 | Google Maps
Grab a quick breakfast at Niedlov's Breadworks. They serve up delicious breakfast sandwiches and plates plus a wide variety of freshly baked bagels and pastries alongside their topnotch coffee and espresso featuring Onyx Coffee.
Niedlov's Breadworks address: 215 E Main St, Chattanooga, TN 37408 | Google Maps
Peruse the boutiques and galleries in Chattanooga's Northshore neighborhood before heading home, or go for a hike in Chattanooga's urban park, Stringers Ridge Park.
Northshore Art District address: Google Maps
Stringers Ridge Park address: Spears Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37405 | Google Maps
As you wrap up your journey through Chattanooga, we hope this guide has been your compass, navigating you through the city's best spots from mouthwatering eateries to breathtaking scenic views. Each street corner, lookout point, and local business here carries a unique story, and we're pleased you took the time to make them part of your own adventure. From sun up to sun down, there's always a new experience waiting around the bend in Chattanooga. We're confident that the memories and experiences you've gathered here will call you back for another visit. Safe travels, and we can't wait to welcome you back soon!
