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Chattanooga completely surprised me in the best way. One minute I was taking in panoramic views from atop Lookout Mountain and the next I was descending 260 feet underground to see a breathtaking waterfall hidden inside a cave. Throw in a historic railway, whimsical animal scooters, Civil War history, incredible restaurants, and one of the South’s most beautiful historic and haunted hotels, and it’s easy to see why Chattanooga has become one of my favorite Tennessee getaways.
Chattanooga is America’s first National Park City and offers the best outdoor adventure, history, culture and a walkable downtown within minutes of one another. No matter what kind of traveler you are, you’ll find something to love here.
I originally visited Chattanooga for a work conference, but I’m really glad I stayed longer to explore. I had some amazing adventures and quickly fell in love with the city. If you’re planning your own visit, this 2-day Chattanooga itinerary will help you experience the city’s top attractions, fantastic restaurants and noteworthy experiences in one memorable weekend.
⏱️Short on Time?
Chattanooga Planning At a Glance
Where to Stay:
Reed House Hotel
The Mayor’s Mansion Inn
The Hotel Chalet at the Choo Choo
Must-See Spots:
Ruby Falls
Rock City
Incline Railway
Raccoon Mountain Cavern
Point Park
The Chattanooga Choo Choo
Activities to Book in Advance:
Rydables tour
Ruby Falls tickets
Rock City tickets
Incline Railway tickets
Chattanooga 2-Day Itinerary Overview
This itinerary mixes Chattanooga’s famous sights with some special experiences that made me love the city.
⛰️ Day 1: Lookout Mountain Adventures
🛵 Day 2: Underground Adventures & Downtown Discoveries
Day 1: Lookout Mountain Adventures
Today is all about exploring Lookout Mountain, just 4 miles away and about a 15-minute drive. Many of Chattanooga’s most famous attractions are located close together on Lookout Mountain.
Day 1: Breakfast at Petal and Pour
📍800 Broad St, Ste. 100, Chattanooga
When I walked into Petal and Pour, it felt like finding a charming European cafe right in downtown Chattanooga. The fresh flowers, cozy seating and beautifully curated decor made it feel warm and inviting. I had a ham-and-cheese croissant and a cup of tea before heading out to explore the city.
If you stay at the Reed House Hotel I mention in this article, it’s less than a three-minute walk from there.
Day 1 Morning: Ruby Falls 💦
📍1720 S. Scenic Highway Chattanooga
Start your Chattanooga adventure with a short 10-minute drive, then descend 260 feet underground on Lookout Mountain. Deep inside, Ruby Falls is the tallest underground waterfall in the country that you can visit.
I’ve taken this tour twice, and each time I notice something new. The walk to the waterfall is exciting because you pass ancient limestone formations and huge, cathedral-like chambers before reaching the stunning 145-foot waterfall cascading into the cavern. Hearing the story of how the cave was discovered and seeing the waterfall lit up at the end is something you’ll always remember.
The cave stays at a cool 60 degrees year-round, so it’s a good idea to bring a sweatshirt or light jacket.
Plan for 1.5 to 2 hours.
💡Pro Tip: Make sure to book your Ruby Falls tickets in advance, as popular time slots sell out quickly.
Day 1: Lunch at Massey’s Kitchen 🍕
📍826 Scenic Hwy, Lookout Mountain
I really enjoyed Massey’s Kitchen for its artisan pizzas made with fresh ingredients. Their wood-fired pizzas are a great meal option right on Lookout Mountain.
Day 1 Early Afternoon: Rock City
📍1400 Patten Rd, Lookout Mountain
Drive just 5 minutes down the road and you’ll arrive at Rock City.
Rock City was one of my favorite stops in Chattanooga and made me feel like a kid again. Walking the winding trails through huge rock formations, I was excited to see what was around the next corner. I squeezed through Fat Man’s Squeeze, crossed the Swing-A-Long Bridge, explored the whimsical Fairyland Caverns and Mother Goose Village, enjoyed the view from Lover’s Leap and saw the famous seven states.
Standing at Lover’s Leap at the top of the mountain was a highlight of my trip. On a clear day, I could see the red barn below with the sign “See Rock City” and maybe even all seven states. No matter whether you see seven states or not, the view across the Appalachian landscape is absolutely breathtaking. If it’s your first time in Chattanooga, Rock City is a must-see.
Plan for 2-3 hours at Rock City, then drive 8 minutes to the Incline Railway Lower Station.
💡Pro Tip: Book your Rock City tickets in advance as popular time slots sell out quickly.
Day 1 Afternoon: Incline Railway
📍3917 St. Elmo Avenue, Chattanooga
I’d been looking forward to riding this for over a year, since it was closed during my visit last visit to Lookout Mountain. I’d ridden steep railways in Switzerland before, but nothing quite like this. As the trolley climbed up Lookout Mountain, I couldn’t stop looking at the amazing views across the valley.
The Incline Railway has carried people up the mountain since 1895 and reaches a steep 72.7% grade near the top. It’s one of the steepest passenger railways, which is why it’s called “America’s Most Amazing Mile”.
💡Pro Tip: Book your Incline Railway tickets in advance as popular time slots sell out quickly.
💡Pro Tip: You have 2 options (neither one is better, I just want you to be aware that you have options): You can either 1) ride the Incline Railway up to the top and back down, then drive 13 minutes up the hill to Point Park Or 2) ride the Incline Railway to the Upper Station Lookout, then walk north on East Brow Road for five minutes to Point Park, then return and ride the Incline Railway back down the mountain. Walking saves you from looking for parking in the small free lot or paying for street parking.
Day 1 Late Afternoon: Point Park
📍110 Point Park Rd, Lookout Mountain
Before walking through Point Park, I spent a few minutes inside the visitor center and I’m really glad I did. The first thing I noticed was the enormous painting of the Battle of Lookout Mountain. Seeing the battle brought to life on such a large canvas helped me appreciate the history behind this beautiful place. It gave me a new perspective before stepping outside to enjoy the amazing views from the battlefield.
As I explored Point Park, it was fascinating to imagine some of the Civil War’s most famous generals standing on this very mountain. Union leaders like Ulysses S. Grant and Joseph Hooker played key roles in the Battle Above the Clouds, while Confederate generals Braxton Bragg and James Longstreet fought to defend Lookout Mountain. Knowing the history made the overlooks and historic cannons feel even more meaningful as I walked through the park.
The park is easy to explore in 1- 1.5 hours, with scenic overlooks, monuments and peaceful walking paths. Afterward, you can walk back to the Incline Railway to take it back down the hill or drive to Sunset Rock.
💡Pro Tip: If you have an America the Beautiful National Park Pass, don’t forget to bring it! Point Park is managed by the National Park Service, so your pass covers admission and can save you the entrance fee. If you don’t have one, but plan to visit several more National Parks within a year, it may be a wise investment.
Day 1 Early Evening: Sunset Rock
📍405 W. Brow Rd., Lookout Mountain
There were many gorgeous viewpoints on Lookout Mountain, but this may have been one of my favorites. After a short, easy walk through the woods, I found a peaceful overlook that was less crowded than other attractions in the area.
The hike was about 1-mile round trip. Beware that the parking lot is quite small and fills on gorgeous days.
Day 1 Evening: Dinner at The Feed Co. Table & Tavern
📍201 W Main St, Ste 101, Chattanooga
For dinner, I went to Feed Co. Table & Tavern and was happy to try some Southern food. I ordered the Southern fried chicken, which was crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside and full of flavor. The restaurant has a warm, welcoming atmosphere with rustic industrial charm. It was the perfect mix of comfort food and a cozy setting.
Day 1 Photo Stop: “What Lifts You” Mural
📍1501 Long Street, Chattanooga (in front of Five Wits Brewing)
Feed Co. is just down the street from the Wings Mural, so I recommend stopping for a quick photo. The same artist who painted the Wings mural in Nashville also painted this mural and while they look similar, there are some small differences.
Chattanooga is full of murals and there are a few others on this street that you may want to see, like the Polka Dot Wall across from Hi-Fi Clyde’s and murals of John Lennon and Martin Luther King Jr. at Hi-Fi Clyde’s.
Day 2: Underground Adventures & Downtown Discoveries
Today’s plan includes caves, history, quirky attractions and some of Chattanooga’s most fun downtown experiences.
Day 2 Photo Stop: Umbrella Alley
📍816 Chestnut St, Chattanooga
Umbrella Alley is a colorful walkway behind the Reed House Hotel, where hundreds of brightly colored umbrellas make a fun photo spot. It’s a quick stop and only takes a few minutes to enjoy.
Day 2 Breakfast: Milk & Honey
📍135 North Market St., Chattanooga
I stopped at Milk & Honey for brunch and it’s easy to why it’s a local favorite. I loved the bright, inviting space and relaxed atmosphere. Everything tasted fresh and thoughtfully prepared and you could tell they put a lot of care into every dish.
I ordered the Hodgepodge Hash, one of Milk & Honey’s most popular brunch dishes. It was loaded with crispy roasted potatoes, sausage, fresh veggies, feta and a perfectly cooked egg, all topped with chipotle crema that tied everything together. It was a great breakfast that gave me energy for a full day of exploring Chattanooga.
Day 2 Morning: Raccoon Mountain Caverns
📍319 West Hills Drive, Chattanooga
If you want another underground adventure, I highly recommend Raccoon Mountain Caverns. I loved that it felt more natural and less commercial, with winding passageways full of amazing rock formations that have been growing for thousands of years. The best part was that our guide spotted a cave salamander and I got a picture of it. While I can’t guarantee that you’ll also see one, the guides are good at finding where they might be.
The Crystal Palace is especially impressive and the cave stays at a cool 58 degrees all year, which is a nice break from the Tennessee heat. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even book a wild cave tour that takes you beyond the walkways and lets you explore deeper into the mountain. I’ve had friends who have done this and come back covered in mud and dirt, but they loved it.
Allow 1- 1.5 hours.
Day 2: Lunch at Tony’s Pasta Shop & Trattoria
📍212 High Street, Chattanooga
I started with their warm, freshly baked bread, which was so good I could have made a meal out of it alone. I ordered the chicken pesto pasta and it was absolutely delicious. The homemade pasta was perfectly cooked and served quickly. There’s also a really pretty outdoor seating area, as well as indoor seating.
Day 2 Afternoon: City Tour
One of the most fun ways I explored downtown Chattanooga was on a Rydables tour. If you’re wondering, a Rydable is an electric scooter dressed up as different animals. These quirky, animal-shaped scooters made everyone we passed smile and wave as we cruised by some of the city’s most iconic sights, learning fun facts and local history from our guide. One of my favorite stops was the MoonPie General Store, where I browsed Chattanooga souvenirs and, of course, picked up a few of the city’s famous MoonPies. It was such a unique way to see the city and one of the most memorable parts of my trip.
Day 2 Afternoon: Ride the Tennessee Valley Railroad’s Missionary Ridge Train
📍4119 Cromwell Road, Chattanooga
I absolutely love trains, especially historic ones, so riding the Missionary Ridge Local with the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum was another favorite experience in Chattanooga. This relaxing 65-minute train ride goes through scenic East Chattanooga, crosses four historic bridges and climbs Missionary Ridge. Along the way, I enjoyed learning about the area’s railroad history, but the highlight was watching the locomotive uncouple and move around the turntable to the opposite end of the train.
Day 2 Evening: Chattanooga Choo Choo
📍1400 Market St, Chattanooga
The historic train station has been turned into a lively spot with restaurants, shops, gardens and beautifully restored train cars you can explore. Built in 1909, the station is absolutely gorgeous. I loved walking around and imagining a time when 50 trains a day used to pass through.
Where to Stay in Chattanooga
All three of these hotels are great, and I have personal experience with them; it just depends on what you are looking for.
The Reed House Hotel
✨A beautifully restored landmark that has welcomed guests since 1872
✨I loved how the hotel combines historic elegance with modern amenities
✨Perfect walkable location in downtown
✨Even though it’s located on a busy street, my room was incredibly quiet thanks to the insulated windows
✨Be sure to take advantage of the complimentary Haunted Room 311 Tour, where you’ll learn about the hotel’s ghost, Annalise
The Mayor’s Mansion Inn
✨A beautifully restored Victorian mansion built in 1889
✨Warm, welcoming atmosphere and the unique character that made my stay feel extra special
✨Complimentary breakfast was absolutely delicious and a wonderful way to start the day
✨Complimentary bedtime treats, which made returning to my room each evening even more memorable
✨A peaceful retreat while still being just a short drive from Chattanooga’s top attractions
The Hotel Chalet at the Choo Choo
✨A beautifully restored boutique hotel set on the grounds of the historic Chattanooga Choo Choo Terminal Station
✨Blends rich railroad history with stylish, modern design for a truly unique stay
✨Beautifully landscaped courtyards, inviting outdoor pool, and thoughtfully designed spaces made it easy to relax between sightseeing adventures
✨Location is great, with restaurants, shops, and many of Chattanooga’s top attractions just a short walk or drive away
✨Property had a nostalgic charm you won’t find anywhere else
Frequently Asked Question for a 2-Day Itinerary in Chattanooga
Is 2 days enough time in Chattanooga?
Yes! Two days is enough time to experience many of Chattanooga’s top attractions, including Lookout Mountain, Rock City, Ruby Falls, Point Park and the vibrant downtown. While you could easily spend longer exploring, a weekend in Chattanooga is perfect for seeing the highlights.
What is best time of year to visit Chattanooga?
I have visited in both May and June and both were lovely. That being said, spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) are the sweet spots to visit. The mild spring and fall temperatures make it ideal for exploring Chattanooga’s outdoor attractions. Spring brings colorful wildflowers and blooming gardens, while autumn paints the surrounding mountains in vibrant shades of red, orange and gold. Summer is perfect for enjoying river activities, although you should be prepared for warm, humid weather.
What are the must-see attractions in Chattanooga?
Some of Chattanooga’s top attractions include:
- Rock City
- Ruby Falls
- Lookout Mountain Incline Railway
- Point Park
- Tennessee Aquarium
- Chattanooga Choo Choo
- Walnut Street Bridge
- Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum
- Umbrella Alley
Do you need a car in Chattanooga?
A car is recommended if you plan to visit attractions on Lookout Mountain, Ruby Falls or the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum. However, downtown Chattanooga is very walkable. I enjoyed walking because many restaurants, hotels and attractions are within easy walking distance of one another.
How much time should you plan on spending at Rock City?
Plan to spend about 2 to 3 hours exploring Rock City. This gives you enough time to enjoy the scenic walking trail, see the famous Seven States viewpoint, wander through Fairyland Caverns and take plenty of photos.
How long does it take to tour Ruby Falls?
The guided cave tour to Ruby Falls typically takes between 1.5 and 2 hours, including the walk through the cave to the spectacular underground waterfall.
Is the Incline Railway worth it?
Absolutely! The Incline Railway is one of Chattanooga’s most iconic attractions and one of the world’s steepest passenger railways. In fact, I think it rivals some of Switzerland’s funiculars. The ride offers incredible views and provides easy access to Point Park and the scenic overlooks atop Lookout Mountain.
Is Chattanooga a walkable city?
Yes. Downtown Chattanooga is one of the most walkable cities in Tennessee. In fact, I walked all around downtown to different restaurants and my hotel and I felt very safe as a solo female traveler.
Is Chattanooga family-friendly?
Definitely! Chattanooga is packed with family-friendly attractions, including the Tennessee Aquarium, Creative Discovery Museum, Rock City, Ruby Falls, the Incline Railway, the Tennessee Valley Railroad, Raccoon Mountain Caverns and much more. It’s a great destination for travelers of all ages.
What is Chattanooga known for?
Chattanooga is known for its scenic location along the Tennessee River, Lookout Mountain, outdoor adventures, Civil War history, the historic Chattanooga Choo Choo and attractions like Rock City and Ruby Falls. It also holds the distinction of being America’s first National Park City, recognizing its commitment to nature, sustainability, and accessible outdoor spaces
Final Thoughts on a 2-Day Chattanooga Visit
In just two days, you can ride one of the world’s steepest passenger railways, admire panoramic mountain views, venture underground to a spectacular waterfall, explore fascinating Civil War history, and enjoy impressive dining, all within minutes of one another.
What stood out to me most was how effortlessly Chattanooga blends outdoor adventure, history, and Southern hospitality, and how much you can experience in just 2 days. As America’s first National Park City, it offers easy access to nature without sacrificing the convenience of a vibrant, walkable downtown.
