Exploring the Tennessee Aquarium
The Tennessee Aquarium is consistently ranked as one of the best aquariums in the country. Located on the banks of the Tennessee River in the heart of downtown, it features two distinct buildings: the River Journey and the Ocean Journey. These buildings take visitors on a global tour through freshwater and saltwater environments. Whether you’re staying overnight or planning a longer visit, there’s no shortage of nearby activities within an easy drive.
Basecamp Tip
Just a 17-minute drive from the park. We recommend using BestParking Chattanooga to find a spot that fits your plans. The Aquarium offers dedicated on-site RV parking, following the "Bus/RV" signage on arrival.
The Two-Building Experience
Your ticket includes access to both massive glass-peaked buildings, each offering a completely different environment:
- River Journey (Freshwater): Follow the path of a single drop of water from the Appalachian mountains into the Tennessee River. Meet Appalachian trout, playful river otters, and "River Giants" from across the globe.
- Ocean Journey (Saltwater): Dive into the deep blue. Walk through a shark-filled reef, explore the butterfly garden, and see the penguin colony.
Key Highlights:
- Appalachian Cove Forest: An indoor mountain forest with free-flying birds and playful otters.
- The Secret Reef: A massive saltwater tank where sharks, stingrays, and thousands of colorful fish swim above you.
- Tropical Butterfly Garden: Walk among hundreds of exotic butterflies in a lush, humid greenhouse.
Dining & The Riverfront
The Aquarium sits at the heart of the walkable Riverfront District, putting you within reach of the best things to do in downtown Chattanooga.
- Eat Nearby: View Real-Time Dining Availability to book a table at local favorites within walking distance
- Explore: Stroll through Ross’s Landing.
Location & Getting There
The Tennessee Aquarium is the anchor of the Downtown Riverfront District, located directly on the banks of the Tennessee River.
Address:
1 Broad Street
Chattanooga, TN 37402
Pro-Tip for Motorcoaches + RVs
Navigating a large motorcoach or trailer into downtown Chattanooga can be intimidating, but the Aquarium area is surprisingly accessible. We recommend the primary surface lot on the south side of Riverfront Parkway, located directly beneath the Olgiati Bridge. This lot is specifically designed to accommodate oversized vehicles and RVs. For smaller rigs or vans, the CARTA North Garage on Broad Street is another reliable option. Both locations put you within a short, easy walk of the Aquarium entrance.
Know Before You Go
- Timed Entry: The Aquarium uses a timed-entry system. We strongly recommend booking tickets online before you leave the park to ensure your preferred time slot. Get Tickets →
- Time: Plan for at least 2 to 3 hours to see both buildings comfortably.
- RV Friendly: Oversized parking is available in the official Aquarium surface lots.
- Accessibility: Both buildings are fully ADA accessible via elevators and ramps.
Traveling with Pets?
While the Aquarium is an indoor experience for humans only, its location is perfect for travelers with dogs. The surrounding Ross’s Landing and the Tennessee Riverwalk offer miles of paved paths with water stations.
Note: While most of the Riverwalk is pet-friendly, some specific areas or nearby attractions like the Aquarium have different regulations. We recommend visiting in the morning so you can return to the park before the heat of the day.
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