The first I visited Chattanooga was only supposed to be for three days. But I discovered so much to do and met so many great locals I decided to stay an extra week! Since that time I have been to Chattanooga at least once a year.
It’s a beautiful city. Vibrant and active. Lots of art, culture, and history to explore. It’s a place I enjoy visiting because of the opportunities for outdoor fun and photography.
Here are 33 of my favorite travel photos I have captured in Chattanooga, Tennessee over the years.
One of the first places I ever explored in Chattanooga was the Tennessee Aquarium where I saw this huge turtle swimming by!
The Tennessee Aquarium is spread across two building with dozens of enormous tanks.
The first time I ever saw a real road runner was at The Chattanooga Zoo! I feel Looney Tunes might’ve misled me.
My favorite place to visit in Chattanooga is also one of my favorite to photograph: the Walnut Street Bridge.
Seriously how can this bridge be this beautiful on an overcast day?
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Sunset view from the Hunter Museum of American Art is pretty spectacular looking over the Walnut Street Bridge and Tennessee River.
This narrow and artistic alleyway is one of hidden wonders of the NorthShore neighborhood.
Watch your feet while walking around the NorthShore! You’ll find some dance moves in the sidewalk and an opportunity to bust a move.
The historic Coolidge Park Antique Carousel is one of those things you have to visit in Chattanooga.
The only thing better than the service at Clumpies Ice Cream Company is the ice cream!
Speaking of ice cream this wonderful creation came from Julie Darling Donuts.
The brunch at Food Works on the NorthShore was also pretty good.
On Sunday mornings head over to the Chattanooga Market for a little bit of everything.
Hop on a train at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum for an exciting ride and good food.
The train is pretty awesome.
It’s an old train but it’s still very comfortable inside.
If you want something more thrilling try a guided tour with Advanced Sports Innovation in their really cool Swincars!
The Fuller Gun Collection at Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park was pretty impressive. This is just one of six alcoves.
If you arrive early at the national military park you’ll probably see lots and lots of deer.
Autumn is a great time to visit the national military park.
For a more relaxing afternoon go for a tour on the Tennessee River on the Southern Belle Riverboat.
The riverboat travels down the river to the bend and back up to the Walnut Street Bridge.
You can also spend the time cozy inside with a great view from a table.
You can also enjoy the view on the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway.
It’s steeper than it looks. Wait, did I get that backwards? I don’t think so.
Ochs Observatory has a fantastic view of the Tennessee River and downtown Chattanooga. One time I watched a summer thunderstorm move across the horizon.
Point Park has some pretty amazing views overlooking downtown Chattanooga.
Sunset Rock is one of the best places to watch sunset.
While on Lookout Mountain be sure to visit Rock City and go for a hike in the narrow formations.
Or enjoy lunch with a spectacular view.
Or find the waterfall on the side of the mountain.
Further down Lookout Mountain is a hang gliding school. You can watch hang gliders cutting through the air above you.
It also happens to be my favorite place to watch sunsets in Chattanooga.
