Weekend Getaway Itinerary for Chattanooga, Tennessee

Planning a getaway to Chattanooga, Tennessee doesn’t have to be stressful—I’ve made it east with this perfect weekend itinerary. Nicknamed the “Scenic City” for its river views and surrounding mountains, Chattanooga is full of bucket list experiences, from historic attractions to outdoorsy adventures and an amazing food scene. Lonely Planet named it the Best in the U.S. and The New York Times listed it among the Top 45 Places to Go in the world, and it’s easy to see why.

Want Quick Details? Here’s a snapshot of a perfect weekend itinerary:

Friday

• Check into Kinley Chattanooga
• Visit the Tennessee Aquarium
• Dinner at 2nd American
• After Dinner Cocktail at Company (the Kinley Speakeasy)

Saturday

• Breakfast at Niedlov’s Cafe & Bakery
• Explore Ruby Falls
• Go to Rock City Gardens
• Lunch at 1885 Grill
• Ride the Lookout Mountain Incline 
• Take a Cocktail Making Class with Chatt Taste
• Dinner at Wooden City
• Cocktails at Home Bar

Sunday

• Breakfast at Milk & Honey
• Visit the Sculpture Fields at Montague Park
• Go to the Bessie Smith Cultural Center
• Lunch at Main Street Meats
• Taste at the Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery
• Drinks at 50/50 Wine Bar
• Dinner at Stir

Here’s my video of this itinerary:

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Best time to Visit

Fall and spring are usually the best seasons in Chattanooga—cooler weather and fewer crowds. I went in early September and had perfect weather for me, with lows in the 50s and highs in the low 80s—ideal for exploring without sweating buckets. Summer can get HOT (think… bring-extra-deodorant hot), with highs often in the 90s, but it’s a fun time for river activities. Winter is generally mild, but a little chilly with highs in the 50s.

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Getting Around

Getting around Chattanooga is easy! Downtown and most districts are very walkable, and you’ve got options like Uber or plenty of public parking if you rent a car (I recommend using Expedia if you do!). One of the best ways to explore the heart of the city is the Downtown Electric Shuttle—a free, eco-friendly ride that stops every block from the Chattanooga Choo Choo to the Tennessee Aquarium.

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Where to Stay

Kinley Chattanooga ($$)

The Kinley Chattanooga feels like the kind of boutique hotel that is stylish without being stuffy, modern without losing its warmth. And the location? Perfect—you’re right in the Southside, surrounded by restaurants, bars, and murals that make exploring easy.

From the start, it’s the details that grab you. At check-in, I was offered citrus water and cookies (a small gesture, but tell me that doesn’t instantly make you feel at home). The lobby bar, the Exchange, shifts effortlessly from a laid-back coffee spot in the morning to a cocktail lounge at night. And tucked away behind it all is Company, a speakeasy-style hideout perfect for pre-dinner cocktails.

My room, the Market Street Suite, was spacious, with floor-to-ceiling windows flooding the space with light, a sofa and coffee table for lounging, and a bed that made sleeping-in dangerously tempting. It was the kind of room you actually want to spend time in, not just crash after a long day. Check best pricing.

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Other Hotel Options

• The Read House ($$): The Read House is Chattanooga’s glamorous Gatsby-era hotel with an elegant chophouse and billiards bar. For a thrill, visit Room 311—rumor has it a 1927 murder left behind some ghostly guests.
• The Edwin Hotel ($$$): The Edwin Hotel blends Chattanooga luxury with Southern charm on the riverfront, featuring modern loft-style rooms, art-filled interiors, standout dining at Whitebird, and rooftop cocktails with a view at Whiskey Thief.
• Treetop Hideaway at Ruby Falls ($$$$): Ever dreamed of sleeping in a grown-up treehouse? Treetop Hideaways at Ruby Falls on Lookout Mountain blends rustic charm, nostalgia, and modern luxury for a true bucket list stay.
• Hotel Chalet ($$): Sleep in a vintage train car at Hotel Chalet, part of the iconic Chattanooga Choo Choo. Restored Pullman cars now offer cozy, stylish, modern rooms for a true bucket-list stay.

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Things to Do

Rock City

Rock City is part natural wonder, part whimsical playground. Wander the Enchanted Trail past massive rock formations, an almost 100-foot tall waterfall, and the Swing-A-Long Bridge that is is nearly 200 feet long! Also, don’t miss the Fairyland Caverns, hobbit-like doorways, and quirky photo ops around every corner.

With views that stretch across seven states, it’s kitschy, fabulous, and totally Instagram-worthy.

➞ Note: We spend just over an hour at Rock City and got a great preview of all the things, but it’s worth planning for extra time or a second visit to really enjoy.

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Ruby Falls

There are over 7,000 caves in Chattanooga and Ruby Falls is one of the showstoppers. It’s home to the deepest commercial cave and the tallest underground waterfall open to the public. The guided tour takes you 1,120 feet below the surface of Lookout Mountain to a thundering 145-foot waterfall (it’s totally worth the half-mile walk each way!).The cave itself is still active, so expect a few drips along the way.

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Cocktail Making Class

If you’ve ever wanted to shake (or stir) cocktails like a pro, the mixology class with Chatt Taste is a must. Led by an expert mixologist, you’ll craft creative drinks using fresh, local ingredients while picking up insider tips along the way.

In my class, we made two cocktails—an Apple Cider Bourbon Smash and a Vanilla Chai White Russian (the latter was my favorite!). It’s the perfect mix of fun, learning, and plenty of sipping.

➞ Note: Chatt Taste also offers food tours through Chattanooga’s Southside, MLK, and Downtown neighborhoods.

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Tennessee Aquarium

The Tennessee Aquarium takes you on a journey from the mountains to the sea, with two separate buildings to explore: River Journey for freshwater habitats (think otters, alligators, and giant catfish) and Ocean Journey for saltwater wonders like penguins, stingrays, sharks, and a walk-through butterfly garden.

I especially loved all the different turtles and the striking artwork made from ocean plastics by Washed Ashore, a nonprofit turning pollution into powerful art.

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Lookout Mountain Incline

The Lookout Mountain Incline Railway isn’t called “America’s Most Amazing Mile” for nothing—it’s the steepest passenger railway in the world, with a 72.7% grade. The ride itself is quick but thrilling, with panoramic views of the valley that I found was best enjoyed from the back seats going up and the front coming down.

After your ride, swing by Clumpies Ice Cream Co. at the Lower Station—I sampled the chai latte but couldn’t resist the espresso chocolate chunk (because, chocolate).

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Sculpture Fields

Sculpture Fields is a 33-acre sculpture park on Chattanooga’s Southside—the largest in the Southeast—where art and nature collide. With more than 70 world-class, large-scale sculptures set against the backdrop of Lookout Mountain, it’s the perfect spot for a walk, picnic, or even yoga under the open sky. Best part? It’s free, dog-friendly, and open dawn to dusk.

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Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery

Opened in 2014, Chattanooga Whiskey was the first distillery in Chattanooga in over a century, and the tour walks you through the whole process before ending with a tasting of six whiskeys. My favorite? The Intergalactic Comet Crusher—described as “like having your brains smashed out by a bag of lemons dipped in 42-karat gold.” Oddly enough, I was into it. 

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Bessie Smith Cultural Center

The Bessie Smith Cultural Center celebrates the city’s rich Black heritage and the life of Bessie Smith, Chattanooga’s own “Empress of the Blues.” Founded in 1982 by a group of visionary leaders, the museum showcases African American contributions to the community through art, education, research, and performance.

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Chattanooga Restaurants to Eat At

2nd American Restaurant

Housed in a historic early 20th-century brick building, 2nd American is a modern love letter to the classic Sunday family dinner. Chef Daniel Lindley draws on childhood meals, where every entrée came with a big bowl of mashed potatoes to share (yep—you’ll get one at your table!).

We sampled a bit of everything, but the standouts were the tomato pie with Kenny’s Farmhouse fromage blanc and the scallops with crab, okra, cherry tomatoes, cornbread crumble, and corn gravy.

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Main Street Meats

Part butcher shop, part restaurant, the Main Street Meats menu leans into locally sourced meats—think house-made salami, rustic pâté, and smoky sausages with a Southern twist.

I went for the local beef burger (ground fresh daily) and it was perfect. But the real surprise? The pork rinds that literally melt in your mouth and the potato salad, which might just be the BEST I’ve ever had (imagine mashed potato meets potato salad with bacon and dijon).

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Wooden City Chattanooga

Dinner at Wooden City Chattanooga is the perfect mix of creative cocktails, wood-fired comfort food, and warm hospitality right in the heart of downtown. We started with the house-cured salmon toast with beet relish and egg mousse—and it was as pretty as it was delicious. I also loved the summer greens salad with watermelon, cucumber and feta, but  the wood-fired bone marrow stole the show. The pizzas looked incredible too, and I’m already planning to go back to try one.

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STIR

STIR is a sleek spot at the historic Chattanooga Choo Choo Terminal Station, blending modern vibes with a touch of history. Their cocktails are next-level, made with artisanal ice and local ingredients, and the seafood is just as impressive. I loved the whipped feta starter, and my seared tuna over pineapple fried rice with asparagus was a standout. 

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1885 Grill 

Set in the charming St. Elmo neighborhood, 1885 Grill serves up Southern coastal favorites with plenty of local flair. The chicken wings are their claim to fame—double fried, tossed in Carolina Gold BBQ sauce, and good enough to have at least a dozen trophies by the bar proving it. 

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Niedlov’s Cafe & Bakery

Niedlov’s has been Chattanooga’s go-to artisan bakery since 2002, known for hand-crafted breads made with organic flours and no shortcuts. The space feels warm and local, with everything made fresh daily. I went for the avocado toast with local eggs (of course!) and it was one of the best I’ve had anywhere. Don’t miss the scruffin (so good!) or the vibrant artwork on the patio.

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Milk & Honey

Milk & Honey is a hip, casual spot for breakfast or brunch, serving coffee, pastries, gelato, and all the classics, seven days a week. I went for the avocado toast with tomato jam, caramelized onions, arugula, and sunny-side-up eggs on sourdough. But, the cinnamon roll, made with soft brioche and cream cheese icing, looked irresistible.

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Little Coyote

Little Coyota is a St. Elmo BBQ hotspot where house-made tortillas, slow-smoked meats, and bold cocktails come together in a fiery, flavorful celebration of Chef Erik Niel’s Texas roots.

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Easy Bistro & Bar

Easy Bistro is a chic French-inspired bistro in a renovated bottling plant, serving seasonal Southern-French fare, a nationally recognized wine and cocktail program, and fresh seafood from all three coasts.

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Cocktail & Wine Bars

Company (Kinley Hotel)

Tucked behind a secret bookshelf in the Kinley Hotel lobby, Company is a speakeasy-style retreat with low lights, small tables, and a private, cozy vibe. The cocktails are inventive and made with care, and the whole hidden entrance experience feels like you’ve stumbled upon a well-kept secret in Chattanooga. 

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Whiskey Thief

Whiskey Thief at The Edwin Hotel is Chattanooga’s only rooftop bar, and trust me—you’ll want to grab a seat here. With sweeping city views and over 100 whiskeys on the menu, it’s the perfect spot to sip something smooth while soaking in the skyline.

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HOME Bar

HOME Bar is all about comfort, camaraderie, and Southern hospitality, with exposed brick, warm lighting, and a cozy vibe that instantly makes you feel at ease. The menu is simple but expertly executed—I had my first-ever gimlet here, and it was delicious. Also, you’ll want to check out the cool artwork on display, many made by one of the owners.

50/50 Wine Bar

50/50 Wine Bar is the perfect spot when you’re in the mood to sip something smooth. Located inside the historic Chattanooga Choo Choo on Station Street, it’s got cozy couches and a patio that’s perfect for people-watching. Their menu leans into wines, martinis, and shareable bites like local cheese and dessert boards.

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Chattanooga Tours

If you have some extra time, try one of these great tours.

• Downtown Chattanooga Food Tour: Led by the same team behind the cocktail-making class at Chatt Taste, this small-group guided tour lets you sample the best of Chattanooga’s food scene across three curated itineraries—West Village, Electric Bike Lunch, or Art and Southern Cuisine.
• Chickamauga Dam Lock Kayak Tour by Chattanooga: Paddle through the impressive Chickamauga Dam lock on this three-hour guided kayak tour, where you’ll experience the thrill of slowly descending 50 feet before returning to the Tennessee River.

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