There's no bad time to visit Dayton. If you're hoping to avoid tourists, plan your trip during the fall from late August through November. With local children back in school, you can enjoy crowd-free recreation, attractions, and dining throughout the region. You can also experience the season's colorful foliage and harvest-themed festivals. Be sure to pack layered clothing, however, as autumn in Tennessee can feel quite chilly, especially in the evenings.
Winters in Dayton are cold with increased chances of rain. While a wintertime getaway in Tennessee isn't ideal, visitors can enjoy various holiday events. If the weather is nice, for instance, you might take a drive down to Chattanooga to board the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum's North Pole Limited Christmas train ride.
Spring in Dayton is lovely with moderate weather and budding flora galore. With temperatures slowly heating up, spring provides the perfect opportunity for exploring outdoor areas like Point Park or Laurel-Snow State Natural Area. Just be sure to pack an umbrella, as Dayton sees an average of 55 inches of rain per year.
Summer is peak tourist season across eastern Tennessee, and while you're more likely to encounter lines at local attractions, Dayton doesn't experience the influx of tourists like nearby Chattanooga. Even so, summertime hotel rates in Dayton are higher than they are in the off-season, which is something to keep in mind when planning your trip.
Seniors, military service members, government employees, and AAA members can save on room rates throughout eastern Tennessee. Simply book your preferred special rate when making your reservation and present proof of eligibility at check-in.
Best Western Dayton is a conveniently located hotel offering special rates to military families. Situated on Rhea County Highway, this pet-friendly property features an indoor pool, express check-in and check-out, a business center, and a complimentary breakfast buffet. Relax in your comfortable guest room featuring everything you need to enjoy your stay, including a mini fridge, a microwave, free Wi-Fi, a coffee maker, a desk, and a hair dryer.
Military and government personnel can also book special rates at Holiday Inn Express Dayton. This highly rated accommodation features event facilities, a business center, a gift shop, an indoor pool, a fitness center, and a fireplace in the lobby. And don't forget to enjoy your free breakfast buffet each morning. Guest rooms include 32-inch flat-screen TVs, cable programming, microwaves, mini fridges, Wi-Fi, hair dryers, desks, and complimentary toiletries.
AAA members can enjoy discounted rates at Days Inn by Wyndham Athens. Located near Tennessee Wesleyan College, this hotel offers a complimentary continental breakfast, an outdoor seasonal pool, free Wi-Fi access, and ample parking. Guest rooms include flat-screen TVs with cable programming, coffee makers, shower/tub combinations, hair dryers, and free toiletries. Extra rollaway beds are available upon request.
The area around Dayton offers a number of midrange hotels priced to give you plenty of value for your dollar.
Sleep Inn & Suites near Swinging Bridge Park is a great option for family getaways. The hotel offers a business center, a 24-hour front desk, a fitness center, a gift shop, and a complimentary full breakfast. The comfortable guest rooms feature 42-inch flat-screen TVs, cable entertainment, work desks, ironing facilities, complimentary Wi-Fi, mini fridges, and microwaves.
Situated near Regional Park about 20 miles from Dayton, Comfort Inn Athens is a customer favorite serving up a delicious breakfast buffet each morning. Featured amenities include a spa tub, a ballroom, free Wi-Fi, a business center, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Guest rooms feature plasma TVs with cable programming, coffee makers, ironing facilities, and phones with free local calls.
Quality Inn near Cleveland State Community College is an affordable highway accommodation offering pet-friendly rooms and an outdoor pool. Enjoy a tasty breakfast, free Wi-Fi access, and business services. Each room features premium bedding, a coffee maker, a hair dryer, a mini fridge, a microwave, and modern decor.
When visiting Dayton, Tennessee, be sure to check out the free museum at the Rhea County Museum at the local courthouse. Open Monday through Friday, the museum features exhibits, news clippings, and photographs of the famous Scopes Trial. The restored villa-style courthouse itself was built in 1891 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1977, making it a must-see attraction for architecture buffs.
If you're looking for a place to walk, fish, or picnic, head to Swinging Bridge Park. The pedestrian-only park features a paved walking trail, a playground, beautiful wildflowers, and plenty of wildlife, making it a great spot for families.
With so much to explore in this part of eastern Tennessee, Dayton serves as the ideal home base for experiencing nature and tasting the local cuisine. Whatever your itinerary includes, research your options carefully so you can find the perfect hotel that meets both your needs and budget. While you may need to look outside Dayton to find the right hotel, the area is brimming with options.
Below are reviews of the city of Dayton, TN from an actual visitor's perspective.
Country roads and good people.
Everything! Several excellent restaurants; Carrabelles, Screen Door, Jacob Myers and Monkey Town Brewing Company! Awesome little town!
Close to where I needed to be.