Chattanooga is the best — and the rest of the country is starting to notice. More people are moving to the Scenic City, and in 2025, national and regional publications praised our city for its outdoor adventure, culture, and food. Here’s some of the recognition Chattanooga earned:
National Park City Foundation | First National Park City in North America
“Chattanooga has been transformed over the past decades, from one of the most polluted cities in the United States in the 1970s to an unrivalled outdoor destination and biodiversity hotspot.”
Outside Magazine | 9 Beautiful Mountain Towns in the Southeast | No. 2
“The lush hardwood forests of the surrounding mountains hold expansive sandstone cliffs and boulders, making Chattanooga a hotbed of rock climbing, while recent years have brought an explosion of mountain-bike trail development.”
U.S. News | Best Underrated Travel Destinations in the U.S. | No. 4
“Chattanooga has truly earned its nickname as the ‘Scenic City’...travelers of all types could spend days enjoying Chattanooga’s diverse array of attractions.”
Travel + Leisure | 20 Best Places to Visit in Tennessee | No. 5
“Between outdoor activities and cultural sights, you’ll want to fill up on fried chicken and tamales at Champy’s and wash them down with cocktails at The Rosecomb.”
Southern Living | The South’s Best Cities of 2025 | No. 8
“A paradise for lovers of the outdoors, Scenic City is made for hikers, bikers, and kayakers. But even if you’re not the active type, Chattanooga’s aquarium and art museum, growing food scene, and gorgeous riverfront will win you over.”
We’ve shared the accolades — now it’s your turn. What’s your favorite thing about Chattanooga? Let us know.
