Dive into Adventure: Tennessee Aquarium Awaits!
If you live around Chattanooga and you’ve never been to the Tennessee Aquarium, fix that. If you’re visiting, put it at the top of the list — it’s the best thing downtown, full stop.
Two buildings, one river
The Aquarium is really two aquariums in one. The River Journey building follows water from the Appalachian mountains down to the sea — otters, alligators, sturgeon, and one of the best freshwater collections anywhere. Then you cross the plaza to the Ocean Journey building for penguins, sharks, jellyfish, and the butterfly garden, which is the sleeper hit of the whole place. Everybody talks about the sharks; everybody remembers the butterflies.
What it costs and how to do it right
Admission runs about $40 for adults and $30 for kids 4–17 (3 and under are free) — check tnaqua.org for current prices. Buy your tickets online ahead of time. They do timed entry now, and walk-up tickets on a Saturday will cost you an hour in line. Get there when they open and do the River Journey first while the crowds are still parking. Plan on 2–3 hours, more if you read every sign like I do.
Local tips
- Parking in the Aquarium lot is about $14. The free downtown shuttle exists if you’d rather not pay it.
- There’s a combo ticket with Rock City if you’re doing both in one day — it’s a good deal and they’re six miles apart.
- The IMAX theater next door is separate admission, but worth it on a rainy day.
- Stingray Bay lets you touch the rays. Kids lose their minds over it, in a good way.
1 Broad St, right on the riverfront. You can’t miss it — just follow the families.