How to Spend a Perfect Saturday in Chattanooga?

As a metropolitan city on the rise, Chattanooga, Tennessee, has become quite the hotspot in recent years, with dozens of attractions and restaurants that now call it home. Perhaps you’ve been considering a day trip and want to know how to spend a perfect Saturday in Chattanooga. If that’s the case, you’ve come to the right place! In this guide, we’ll discuss how to get around the city, some of the best attractions and restaurants, and how to bring it all together for the perfect day trip.

Getting Around

Chattanooga is known for having an extensive public transportation system with both rail and bus options. The first step for a successful day is to determine your preferred method of getting around the city.

The easiest and most efficient way to get around Chattanooga is by riding the bus or trolley, which both operate from 5:45am-11:00pm seven days a week. A single ride costs $1.50 and an all-day pass costs $4.50, with reduced fares for children, seniors, and persons with disabilities. The passes can be purchased inside the buses and trolleys, or via the free “Chattanooga Public Transportation App” available at the App Store or Google Play.

If you prefer to drive your own vehicle, several designated parking garages are also available downtown. They cost $7 per day and can be easily found at Park Chattanooga.

Attractions

Chattanooga is home to dozens of attractions, but if you’re looking to make the most of your Saturday, here are just a few suggestions:

• Lookout Mountain & Rock City – Lookout Mountain and Rock City are must-sees in Chattanooga. Located just 6 miles from downtown, Lookout Mountain is home to breathtaking views from Lover’s Leap Overlook and Ruby Falls, both of which will fill your day with picturesque vistas of the Tennessee Valley. Rock City Gardens, located near the top of Lookout Mountain, offers more than 14 acres of breathtaking views, walking trails, and gardens for exploration.

• Tennessee Aquarium – The Tennessee Aquarium is one of Chattanooga’s most beloved attractions, featuring thousands of aquatic animals from around the world. It is consistently ranked one of the top aquariums in the US and its grounds also include an IMAX theater and a butterfly garden.

• Hunter Museum of American Art – The Hunter Museum of American Art offers a breathtaking view of the Tennessee River Gorge as well as an extensive art collection focusing on American art from the colonial period to present day. It also hosts special exhibitions throughout the year.

• Creative Discovery Museum – This family-friendly museum offers interactive exhibitions for children that allow them to explore dinosaurs and dig for fossils, explore Musical Alley and create unique works of art in the Clay Studio. It is part of the organization ArtsBuild which creates art centers in underserved communities.

Restaurants

It’s no surprise that Chattanooga has become quite the culinary destination over the past few years. From classic southern cooking joints to innovative bars and bistros, there’s something for everyone. Here are just a few recommendations:

• Terminal Brewhouse – Terminal Brewhouse is a trendy pub located near downtown that features an extensive craft beer selection as well as a variety of snacks and bites. They also host live music events throughout the year.

• Slick’s Burgers – Slick’s Burgers is a beloved local eatery that specializes in classic American burgers with ingredients sourced from local farms. They also serve fresh-cut fries and homemade pies for dessert.

• Hennen’s Restaurant – Hennen’s Restaurant is considered one of Chattanooga’s premier restaurants, serving upscale American fare with international influences. It has earned multiple awards throughout its 20-year existence.

• Monster Sushi & Ramen – Monster Sushi & Ramen is located near Lookout Mountain and offers both sushi and ramen bowls made with fresh ingredients that are sure to satisfy your craving for Japanese food.

Putting it All Together

So, now that you have some idea of what to do and where to go in Chattanooga on a Saturday, let’s go over how you can bring it all together for the best possible day adventure.

Begin your day by purchasing an all-day transportation pass through the “Chattanooga Public Transportation App” or by stopping inside one of the buses or trolleys where discounts may be available. Then, head over to Lookout Mountain & Rock City who can wind around—spending as much time as you please taking in all of their natural beauty—followed by Tennessee Aquarium for lunchtime. Be sure to take advantage of their aquarium cafe for some truly unique culinary delights! Then, move on to Hunters Museum of American Art for some cultural exploration before ending your day with dinner at one of the topnotch restaurants mentioned above.

No matter what your chosen route may be, a day trip to Chattanooga promises to be an exciting adventure filled with incredible sites and delicious food that can be tailored to fit anyone’s needs. So grab your friends and make a plan—it’s time to explore Chattanooga!