We’ve all been there: Someone’s trying to give you directions by describing 10 lefts, 20 rights, and a jumble of cardinal directions. Isn’t it easier to just point out a landmark?

That’s exactly what we’re doing. We have 13 of the most recognizable Chattanooga landmarks — from the Walnut Street Bridge to the Incline Railway. Not only are these local icons easy to remember, but they’ll also get you where you need to go in a jiffy.

Walnut Street Bridge
Address: 1 Walnut St.
Nearby: Coolidge Park, Maclellan Island, Hunter Museum of American Art

It’s one of the longest pedestrian bridges in the world. The Walnut Street Bridge, built in 1890, connects downtown and North Chattanooga. It’s the state’s oldest non-military highway bridge still in use today, and it's expected to reopen in September after renovations.

Incline Railway
Address: 3917 St. Elmo Ave.
Nearby: Naughty Cat Cafe, Goodman Coffee Roasters, Mr. T's Pizza & Ice Cream

Noted as “America’s Most Amazing Mile,” the Incline Railway’s first ride departed in 1887. The incline still operates daily, taking trips from lower St. Elmo to Lookout Mountain.

Sunset over a grassy field with vibrant red abstract sculptures. The sky features dramatic clouds, adding a serene yet dynamic atmosphere. — Think of the Sculpture Fields at Montague Park as an outdoor museum. | Photo provided by Chattanooga Tourism Co.

Sculpture Fields at Montague Park
Address: 1800 Polk St.
Nearby: ClearStory Arts, Oddstory Brewing Co., Chattanooga National Cemetery

This 33-acre public park is filled with 50+ larger-than-life art sculptures from around the world and is in the works to become our very own "Central Park" in the future.

See the aquarium's glass peaks light up with different colors when the sun sets. | Photo by @stevenbeardenphoto

The Tennessee Aquarium
Address: 1 Broad St.
Nearby: Ross's Landing, Chattanooga Green, Puckett's Restaurant, National Medal of Honor Heritage Center

The aquarium’s two iconic buildings have glass peaks that stand out in the city’s skyline. Since its opening in 1992, the private, not-for-profit organization has played a significant role in the city’s economic development.

Lookout Mountain
Address: 1720 S. Scenic Hwy.
Nearby: Ruby Falls, Rock City, Incline Railway

If you ever get confused about what mountain is which, remember Lookout Mountain has a distinctive point and slope. The landmark has endless historical significance, including a major Civil War battle. Fun fact: Johnny Cash even crooned about the natural feature.

Get in on the early stages of what could be a new Civic Center District. | Photo by Chattanooga Tourism Co.

The Dome Building
Address: 736 Georgia Ave.
Nearby: Memorial Auditorium, Flatiron Heights, Old Stone Church Tower

This Romanesque Revival-style building acts as one of the Scenic City's defining skyline buildings. Built in 1892 as the tallest building of its time, you'll notice features like gilded, copper cupola above the six-story turret on the southwest corner.

The Passage is a great (and free) way to beat the heat during the warmer months. | Photo via Chattanooga Tourism Co.

The Passage
Address: 100 Riverfront Pkwy.
Nearby: Ross's Landing, Tennessee Aquarium, Tennessee River

The Passage is a stairway waterfall that flows down toward the Tennessee River. It serves as a memorial to the Trail of Tears + a public art project celebrating Cherokee history and culture.

Tyler Perry's "Six Triple Eight" was almost solely filmed inside the Chattanooga Choo Choo. | Photo by NOOGAtoday

The Chattanooga Choo Choo/Terminal Station
Address: 92 Choo Choo Ave.
Nearby: Station Street, Chattanooga Whiskey, The Signal

Terminal Station was the first train station to connect the north to the south, but as the years went on and railway services began to decline, the station was destined to be demolished in the early 1970s.

The station was saved by local businessmen who were inspired by the song “The Chattanooga Choo Choo.” It was then redeveloped and renamed The Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel in 1973. Fun fact: The hotel underwent renovation + rebranding again in 2023.

In four days, Coolidge Park will be covered in Easter eggs for kids to find. | Photo by @drewbeach_

Coolidge Park/Carousel
Address: 150 River St.
Nearby: Renaissance Park, Chattanooga Theatre Centre, Philip Grimes Outdoor Chattanooga Center

One of Chattanooga’s most beloved parks is located in the heart of NorthShore + along the Tennessee River. It’s known for its restored antique carousel that was originally built in 1894.

While exploring Rock City's trails, try to spot all the gnomes and brave the swinging bridge. | Photo via Rock City

Rock City
Address: 1400 Patten Rd.
Nearby: Chanticlear Inn Bed & Breakfast, Lookout Mountain Club, Ruby Falls

This landmark is 1,700 ft above sea level and has a 100-ft waterfall that flows down Lookout Mountain. Barns with phrases such as “See Rock City” painted on the side used to serve as a major form of advertising, but they are more about history and nostalgia today.

Point Park
Address: 110 Point Park Blvd.
Nearby: Cravens House, Battles for Chattanooga Museum, Incline Gifts

Atop Lookout Mountain, Point Park is a part of the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park. It’s the site of the Civil War battle, commonly called “The Battle Above The Clouds.”

The historic Fireman's Fountain in Fountain Square has been dedicated to several firefighters throughout the city's history since it was erected. | Photo by NOOGAtoday

Fireman’s Memorial Fountain
Address: Georgia Avenue
Nearby: Universal Joint, Hamilton County Courthouse, Culture Coffee Co.

This historic landmark was built in 1888 following an incident known as the "Bee Hive" fire that took the lives of two Chattanooga firefighters, Henry Iler and W.M. Peak. Bonus: See which animal species guarded the fountain in the 1900s.

The W Road
Address: W Road, Signal Mountain
Nearby: Walden's Ridge Park, Hawthorne at the W, Signal Mountain Senior Living

Suggested by reader Don P., this road is historically known for being a Union supply line from Nashville to Chattanooga during the Civil War. Now, you might hear its new reputation of being the road that is often closed.

What did we miss? If you know a landmark that’s not on the list, let us know.