Rock City in Chattanooga, TN

UPDATE: Check out our new 2023 Best Cities to Live in the U.S. list.

#4. Chattanooga

Chattanooga is fun to say and even more fun to visit. East Tennessee’s riverfront city is home to a plethora of nationally ranked tourist attractions, restaurants, shopping and an art district that rivals that any metro cities’. As an added bonus, Chattanooga’s free electric shuttle service means visitors can park once and forgo pricey hourly lots.

Separated by the Tennessee River, the city’s north and south shores are connected by the world’s longest pedestrian bridge – a popular attraction for kids, runners and canines alike. Miles of riverfront walking and biking trails also await outdoor enthusiasts.

For less than one day’s admission to a major theme park, visitors can explore all Chattanooga has to offer. Triple pack tickets mean discount admission to the Tennessee Aquarium, IMAX 3D Theater and River Gorge Explorer Cruise, with additional price breaks available for the Children’s Discovery Museum. Also within walking distance, The Hunter Museum of American Art offers free admission the first Sunday of each month. There are even more museums in Chattanooga and more discounts to be had.

The Chattanooga Lookouts, a minor league baseball team that plays at AT&T Field, routinely offers discount tickets and special offers like kids-eat-free days.

For less than $4, train enthusiasts come aboard at Chattanooga’s Model Railroad Museum, located in the historic Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel. The model railroad exhibit is one of the world’s largest and includes more than 3,000 feet of track. 

Finally, a trip to East Tennessee isn’t complete without a drive up Lookout Mountain to take in the beautiful Chattanooga Valley. Visitors also can experience the mile-long Incline Railway, cavernous Ruby Falls and famous Rock City. Package discounts are available for all three Lookout Mountain attractions.

Hotels/Cabins: 23

Restaurants: 248

Other Attractions: Chattanooga Ducks, Ghost Tours, Chattanooga History Center, Chattanooga Zoo, Raccoon Mountain Caverns, Sir Goony’s Family Fun Center

Sources: www.chattanoogafun.com, www.yelp.com.

Explore other cities like Chattanooga that are family friendly and feature historical attractions:

Jasper, AL

Anderson, SC

Danville, VA

Cheyene, WA

See where Chattanooga ranks on our other lists:

Top 10 Downtowns

Top 10 Farmers Markets

10 Great Hiking Trails

Top 10 Beer Cities

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