A last-minute, spontaneous Chattanooga road trip? Sign me up! There is a time and a place for detailed itineraries and planning ahead, but for one weekend let's throw all of that out and allow me to be your guide for a river city adventure the whole family will enjoy. Head on into Chattanooga for some scenery on the water, indoor attractions, natural wonders, amazing overlooks, a unique stay, and a lovely waterfront restaurant, all in one jam-packed weekend.
For a successful, spur-of-the-moment adventure it's helpful to have a spot filled with fun things to do that are all close by. That way you can make the most of the time you have without traveling long distances. That is exactly what you will find in Chattanooga, Tennessee, so I created this interactive map for you to use so you can customize it however you would like. So with your map in hand let's start this road trip, shall we?
1. Chattanooga Ducks
Chattanooga Ducks is a unique way to start off your day in this river city. Hop aboard an authentic WWII amphibious duck boat for a tour that starts on land and ends in the water, showcasing the landmarks around town *and* sights from the Tennessee River. The guides are funny and offer a local perspective on all the fun things to do during your time in the city. This will give you some ideas for some spontaneity on this road trip, or head on over to our next must-see stop.
2. Coolidge Park
After riding around, it is time to stretch your legs a bit. Down the road is one of the best urban parks in the city: Coolidge Park. Go for a walk along the scenic river or find some shade for a lovely picnic in the park. If you have little kids with you, make sure you take advantage of the fountain that doubles as a splash pad -- and the carousel! This is also just a great spot to rest and relax before continuing your day of fun.
3. The Tennessee Aquarium
You will want to dedicate a good chunk of your time to visit the Tennessee Aquarium. This is simply one of those most-see stops in Chattanooga where you can see dozens of aquatic creatures and so much more. The theme of the aquarium is to follow the path of a raindrop from the mountains to the sea. Along the journey, you will have up-close encounters with many exotic sea creatures and rare aquatic critters.
4. Treetop Hideaway at Ruby Falls
Leave the busy city behind and head straight for Lookout Mountain for a unique stay that offers a beautiful wooded retreat with a few luxurious tricks up its sleeve. The Treetop Hideaway at Ruby Falls offers three stunning treehouses tucked away deep within the mountain. You will feel miles away from the city below and be surrounded by the glorious mountain forest we know and love here in Tennessee. These treehouses are a “spare no expensive” kind of stay with hidden passageways and history woven into the decor that tells a story of the area. If you want to sleep soundly in the trees before another fun-filled day in Chattanooga, this is the stop for you.
5. Ruby Falls
After a good night's sleep, the treehouse isn't the only place containing hidden passageways. The very mountain has a cave system right under your feet that hides one of the best natural wonders in Tennessee! Ruby Falls is the tallest underground waterfall available to the public in the country and is awe-inspiring to see. Head on over to the castle on Lookout Mountain and take the elevator underground to bear witness to this incredible sight. Along the way, you will also get the chance to explore an active and interesting cave where the waterfall is the grand finale.
6. Sunset Rock
One of the best views on the mountain is found at Sunset Rock. The parking lot is limited to only a few cars so it can be difficult to find a spot. We were able to secure a space the second time we went and were blown away by the scenery. After a short walk down a couple stairs, you will be treated to unobstructed views right on the cliff top. Being high up you can see for miles and as the name suggests, this is a great spot for sunset.
7. Scottie's On The River
All of this exploration will really work up an appetite, so to feed your hunger head back into the city to find Scottie's On The River. As the name suggests, you will be dining right along the water with both open-air options and indoor seating. The seafood is fresh and delicious and an excellent way to end a road trip in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
The beauty of a Chattanooga road trip is found in the city itself. There is so much to see and do that you can easily spend a weekend having loads of spontaneous fun. This trip only scratches the service so let us know what are some of your favorite spots in Chattanooga. Make sure you have everything you need with our master packing list for road trips.
For another great Chattanooga excursion head on out on the Nickajack to kayak to a bat cave during sunset!
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