All the must-see spots to explore when you only have one day to spend in downtown Chattanooga.
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When friends or family first visit, this is the tour of downtown Chattanooga that I guide them on. This is perfect if you only have a day to explore downtown and want to see all the highlights. Chattanooga isn’t called the “Scenic City” for nothing. Here’s a great way to enjoy a lot of what downtown has to offer, at low-cost, and really enjoy the sights.
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Purchase a downloadable Google Map with all the stops listed in this post so you’re ready to explore downtown!
Where to Begin
You can begin your day in one of a few places. This day tour of downtown is designed in a circle so you can choose the starting point of your preference. I typically start by parking in the Bluff View Art District where you can walk into Rembrandt’s to enjoy a coffee and breakfast before getting started. But you can also park down by Coolidge Park or Renaissance Park as well. The choice is yours.
If you start at the Bluff View Art District, like I normally do, be sure to walk through the district. There’s hidden alley ways between the buildings and a beautiful overlook and sculpture garden on the backside. Once you’re ready to start heading out further, walk towards the Hunter Museum. Also be sure to check out the river overlook beside the museum. It has one of the best views of the Walnut Street Walking Bridge. Head down to the bridge below by walking across what used to be the glass bridge. It has since been replaced with metal, but still has some see-through qualities, which is what made the glass bridge the attraction that it once was.
The Walnut Street Walking Bridge
From whichever starting point you choose, the Walnut Street Walking Bridge will be next on the list for your trek. This popular Chattanooga landmark used to be a vehicle bridge for nearly 90 years. It’s also one of the oldest truss bridges in Tennessee that is still in use today. In 1993 it opened up to foot traffic and has been well-known amongst locals and visitors alike ever since. The bridge connects the main part of downtown Chattanooga with the Northshore area. It meets on Walnut Street beside the Hunter Art Museum downtown and right above Coolidge Park on the other end.
Purchase a downloadable Google Map with all the stops listed in this post so you’re ready to explore downtown!
Northshore Parks
Northshore has two main parks that connect and offer plenty to enjoy and see. Both have parking lots if you want to utilize them, and they’re both really close to the Walnut Street Walking Bridge. To learn more about what these two parks have to do and tips for your visit at this stop, click HERE.
Before or after your park visit, be sure to walk along Northshore on Frazier Avenue. There’s many shops, restaurants, and treats to enjoy. Also, Renaissance Park is across the street from some great restaurants such as Edley’s Bar-B-Que and Food Works. There’s also Mean Mug Coffee and multiple shops here if you want to take a stroll through this area before heading back on the loop of our downtown tour.
Market Street Bridge
Heading back across the Tennessee River, take the Market Street Bridge. This is a main traffic bridge into the heart of downtown Chattanooga, but there’s still wide sidewalks on either side of the road. This bridge offers similar views to that from the Walnut Street Bridge, it’s even blue too. But it still has a different feel to it, literally. You can feel the traffic driving by as the bridge sways a little. If you’re scared of heights or moving bridges, you may want to skip this one. Otherwise, I don’t believe it’s too dramatic of a movement and is well worth the experience.
The Tennessee Aquarium
The end of Market Street Bridge will take you right by the Tennessee Aquarium. There’s walking paths and unique displays all around the outside of the aquarium to enjoy. So if you have the time, I would suggest checking this out too.
The Scramble
The Scramble is a new interactive art installation off of 1st Street. You can climb over the installation or take the steps beside it. It leads back up to the start of the Walnut Street Walking Bridge. The Scramble was designed out of local stone and inspired by the love of climbing that many Chattanoogans share. But it doesn’t just look pretty, it serves a purpose as a drainage system as well. If you listen closely, you can hear the water running inside the blocks.
Purchase a downloadable Google Map with all the stops listed in this post so you’re ready to explore downtown!
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, there’s so much to see and do in downtown Chattanooga. But if you only have a day or an afternoon, this is the loop tour I would suggest taking. It will show you most of the main sights and you’ll be able to enjoy beautiful views of the Tennessee River and surrounding mountains as well. For a video tour, click HERE.
What about you? Have you done a trip similar to this in downtown Chattanooga? What’s you favorite way to spend time downtown? What are your must-see or must-visit locations? Let me know in the comments below. Until next time, enjoy Exploring Chatt.
Explore Even More in Downtown Chattanooga:
- Mostly Free Activities in Chattanooga
- Must-See Chattanooga Sculpture Park
- Paddle the River in Downtown Chattanooga
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I have done that loop. A must see for me is the walking bridge. It’s great to walk and see the river. 🙂
Yes! The walking bridge seems to be the main attraction, which I can see why!