Chattanooga

Tennessee

Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2026

Shop

Get even more with a Lonely Planet guide.


Shop Book

Shutterstock / Drone Trekkers

Aerial over Chattanooga Riverfront and Downtown at sunset; Shutterstock ID 476509726; Your name (First / Last): Trisha Ping; GL account no.: 65050; Netsuite department name: Online Editorial; Full Product or Project name including edition: 65050/Trisha Ping/Online Editorial/Chatty BiUS

Why visit Chattanooga

Chattanooga has charisma to spare. With world-class rock climbing, hiking, cycling and water-sports opportunities, it's one of the South's best cities for outdoorsy types. It's gorgeous, too: just check out those views from the Bluff View Art District! It's also remarkably eco-forward, with free electric buses, miles of well-used waterfront trails, and pedestrian bridges crossing the Tennessee River. All this makes it hard to credit its reputation in the 1960s as America's dirtiest city.

Lonely planet’s trusted travel insurance provider

Dreaming of Chattanooga? Protect your trip

Travel with confidence. Protect your trip and your wallet.

LEARN MORE

We don’t represent World Nomads, we receive a fee from quotes using this link. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

Take your United States (USA) trip with Lonely Planet Journeys

Pick one of our ready-to-book trips or fully customize your own with help from our local experts.

bookable trip

Road Trippin' Across the American West

11 days / 10 nights

highlights

  1. 1 Riding a historic cable car to see the seals of San Francisco's Fisherman’s Wharf
  2. 2 Whitewater rafting along the thrilling South Fork American River
  3. 3 Hiking past Liberty Cap and Half Dome on a guided tour of Yosemite's highlights
from $5,780

per person

Explore more trips

Want our experts to design a custom trip for you?
start planning

Top places to visit in Chattanooga

Discover the best attractions in Chattanooga from must-see sights to unexpected hidden gems.

Travel Guides

Chattanooga travel tips from Lonely Planet experts

Find practical guidance from our team of contributors around the world who bring their decades of first-hand travel experience to your next trip.

Best Things to Do

Plan your time in Chattanooga, “the Scenic City,” with these top experiences.


Read full article

Transportation

If you're curious how to navigate Chattanooga while you're visiting, we have all the details on how to get around the Scenic City.


Read full article

Free Things to Do

All aboard the budget-friendly express train to Chattanooga! Enjoy a cut-price vacation with our insider tips on the best free things to do in Scenic City.


Read full article

Best Neighborhoods

From taking in an art show downtown to exploring Civil War and Reconstruction history in the North Shore, these are Chattanooga's best neighborhoods.


Read full article

Day Trips

Chattanooga is the perfect Tennessee home base to plan winter day trips to countless regional destinations like Nashville, Atlanta and Knoxville.


Read full article

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Chattanooga