The 12 Best Things to Do in Chattanooga (2024)

Tucked alongside the banks of the Tennessee River in the southeastern corner of the state, Chattanooga is a former industrial and railroad town that's transformed into a must-visit destination packed with green spaces, museums, restaurants, and concert venues. From the sprawling Tennessee Riverwalk multi-use greenway to the expansive caverns and dramatic summits of Lookout Mountain, the city is ideal for outdoor lovers, who can cycle, hike, cycle, and paddle here year-round. Those who prefer the indoors also have lots to choose from, ranging from art galleries and museums to a world-class aquarium. From the works of Jasper Johns and Elizabeth Catlett at the Hunter Museum of American Art to the tumbling underground Ruby Falls, here are 12 of Chattanooga's can't-miss attractions.

01of 12

Visit the Hunter Museum of American Art

The 12 Best Things to Do in Chattanooga (1)

Address

10 Bluff View Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37403, USA

Phone+1 423-267-0968

Housed in three distinct buildings (including a striking classical revival mansion) on a cliff overlooking the Tennessee River, the Hunter Museum of American Art holds an impressive collection of decorative arts, paintings, sculptures, and mixed media pieces from the 17th century to today. Permanent collections include American impressionism, Hudson River School, and contemporary art from Ansel Adams, Jasper Johns, Elizabeth Catlett, Andy Warhol, and Loïs Mailou Jones. Don't miss the outdoor sculpture gardens, which offer sweeping views of the river below.

02of 12

Explore Water Ecosystems at the Tennessee Aquarium

The 12 Best Things to Do in Chattanooga (2)

Address

1 Broad St, Chattanooga, TN 37402, USA

Phone+1 423-265-0695

One of the world's largest freshwater aquariums, the Chattanooga Aquarium is a can't-miss attraction. Located along the banks of the Tennessee River downtown, the museum is two aquariums in one. Start your visit in the River Journey building, dedicated to river ecosystems from the Appalachian Cove Forest to the Tennessee River and home to turtles, alligators, river otters, and more. The second building, Ocean Journey, features interactive stingray exhibits and aquatic creatures ranging from colorful reef fish to playful penguins and imposing jellyfish. The aquarium also has an IMAX theatre, which offers daily 3D screenings of films on marine animals and global wildlife.

03of 12

Stroll through the Bluff View Arts District

The 12 Best Things to Do in Chattanooga (3)

Address

411 E 2nd St, Chattanooga, TN 37403, USA

Phone+1 423-321-0235

Compact at just one and a half blocks and situated on a rocky bluff high above downtown, the historic Bluff View Arts District is packed with coffee shops, restaurants, art galleries, gardens, and more. Grab a coffee from Rembrandt's Coffee House and some sweet bread or a pretzel roll from Bluff View Bakery to stroll through the River Gallery Sculpture and enjoy sweeping views of the city, Tennessee River, and Walnut Street Bridge below. Then stop by the nearby Hunter Museum of American Art or the River Gallery, which features rotating exhibits from local and national artists.

04of 12

Walk Across the Walnut Street Bridge

The 12 Best Things to Do in Chattanooga (4)

Address

1 Walnut St, Chattanooga, TN 37403, USA

Phone+1 423-643-6311

Several massive bridges span the width of the Tennessee River along the northern edge of downtown Chattanooga. Still, the Walnut Street Bridge is the only one dedicated solely to pedestrians. Built in 1891, the iconic blue iron and wooden structure is one of the world's longest pedestrian bridges and connects downtown to the city's North Shore neighborhood. Pedal or stroll after a visit to nearby points of interest like the Hunter Museum of American Art and the Tennessee Aquarium, and then connect to the 13-mile Chattanooga Riverwalk multi-use path for a longer ride or walk.

Continue to 5 of 12 below.

05of 12

Play at Coolidge Park

The 12 Best Things to Do in Chattanooga (5)

Address

150 River St, Chattanooga, TN 37405, USA

Phone+1 423-643-6311

Walk or cycle across the Walnut Street Bridge from downtown to the city's North Shore and this waterfront park, part of the Tennessee Riverwalk greenway. Picnic in the expansive grassy meadows, try your hand at rock climbing, splash in the water fountains on a hot day, or take a ride on the restored 100-year-old carousel. The park regularly hosts special events like concerts and music festivals and is located near several shops, restaurants, and galleries.

06of 12

Visit Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park

The 12 Best Things to Do in Chattanooga (6)

Address

110 Point Park Rd, Lookout Mountain, TN 37350, USA

Phone+1 706-866-9241

The site of an important Civil War battle, today, the nearly 10,000-acre Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park is one of the city's largest green spaces. Hike, cycle, or ride a horse along almost 80 miles of trails dotted with historic cannons, monuments, homes, and scenic vistas. Canoe or kayak in West Chickamauga and Lookout Creeks, or rock climb at Sunset Rock on the western bluff of Lookout Mountain and Eagles Nest on the northern lower slope of Lookout Mountain. Explore exhibits dedicated to the Civil War era and the 1863 Campaign for Chattanooga at the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center in Fort Oglethorpe, GA, which also screens a 26-minute orientation film.

07of 12

Play at Rock City Gardens

The 12 Best Things to Do in Chattanooga (7)

Address

1400 Patten Rd, Lookout Mountain, GA 30750, USA

Phone+1 706-820-2531

Rocky City is one of Chattanooga's most breathtaking outdoor spaces. Perched atop Lookout Mountain, the gardens include the 4,100 Enchanted Trail, which winds through caverns, rock formations, wildflowers, and a cascading 100-foot waterfall. Don't miss Lover's Leap, where you can see up to seven states on a clear day. Other highlights include a 180-foot suspension bridge, gardens with seven art installations and 400 native plants, and Fairyland Caverns, sculptures depicting scenes from classic fairy tales. Timed tickets are required for entry, and Rock City has on-site dining and shopping.

08of 12

Tour the Caverns at Ruby Falls

The 12 Best Things to Do in Chattanooga (8)

Address

Ruby Falls, Chattanooga, TN 37409, USA

Signs for Ruby Falls are plastered along roads throughout the area, and for a good reason: it's the country's tallest and deepest cave waterfall open to the public. Buy a ticket to take a glass-front elevator ride down 260 feet to the thundering falls, where you'll receive a guided tour of the ancient limestone caverns and shimmering pools below. Tour schedules vary by season, and tickets sell out quickly, so plan ahead. Want to stay above ground? Soar through 700 feet of tree canopy above Lookout mountain with a zip-lining tour or scale a 40-foot climbing tower, with routes available for all levels.

Continue to 9 of 12 below.

09of 12

Ride the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway

The 12 Best Things to Do in Chattanooga (9)

Address

3917 St Elmo Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37409-1239, USA

Phone+1 423-821-4224

Take a ride on the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway for the city's best views. With a nearly 73 percent grade, the one-mile track is one of the steepest passenger railways in the world. The trek to the top last fifteen minutes and rewards with panoramic vistas of the Chattanooga Valleyfrom an observation tower at the summit of Lookout Mountain. The summit also has a small gift shop that sells souvenirs and snacks.

10of 12

Check Out the Chattanooga Choo Choo

The 12 Best Things to Do in Chattanooga (10)

Address

92 Choo Choo Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37408, USA

Phone+1 423-266-5000

Immortalized in the Glenn Miller Orchestra's song of the same name, the Chattanooga Choo Choo is one of the city's most iconic buildings. The ornate brick facade was originally a hotel and then transformed into a railway station, with more than 50 trains passing through daily in its heyday. Now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the property is now a multi-use complex with two music venues, a comedy club, a distillery, shops, restaurants, and bars. Spend the night in one of the preserved Pullman Train Cars or traditional hotel rooms, or stroll through the 2-acre gardens, with manicured lawns, yard games like Jenga and corn hole, and rocking chairs.

11of 12

Learn at the Creative Discovery Museum

The 12 Best Things to Do in Chattanooga (11)

Address

321 Chestnut St, Chattanooga, TN 37402, USA

Phone+1 423-756-2738

Little travelers can enjoy animal meet-and-greets, story times, science demonstrations, and more at this downtown children's museum. The perfect rainy or hot day activity, the museum has interactive activities ranging from digging for dinosaur bones to jamming with musical instruments in a music studio, splashing in an outdoor water feature, or learning about vegetables and herbs in the scenic rooftop garden.

12of 12

Tour Raccoon Mountain Caverns

The 12 Best Things to Do in Chattanooga (12)

Address

319 W Hills Dr, Chattanooga, TN 37419, USA

Phone+1 423-821-9403

Raccoon Mountain is one of the most geologically active caverns in the South, just a 15-minute drive from downtown Chattanooga. Take a walking tour of the more than 5-mile cavern network to learn the cave's history, spot wildlife like bats and salamanders, and see ancient fossils and formations like soda straws and stalagmites up close. The caverns also offer a more challenging cave expedition tour, plus other activities like go-kart rides and panning for gemstones.

The 12 Best Things to Do in Chattanooga (2024)

FAQs

Is Chattanooga famous for anything? ›

We're home to the nation's first and largest military park, the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park; Ross's Landing on the riverfront, a Cherokee removal site now memorialized by The Passage; a digital and electronic map displaying the battle of Lookout Mountain at Battles for Chattanooga; the National ...

Is Chattanooga, TN worth visiting? ›

We've been named by Lonely Planet as the "Best in the U.S." and "10 U.S. destinations you need to see."

What is the most walkable part of Chattanooga? ›

Downtown

Downtown is the most walkable neighborhood in Chattanooga, with a Walk Score of 69. Known for its vibrant city life, residents and visitors alike can explore the area and take advantage of its walkable layout. Notable attractions include the Tennessee Aquarium and the Chattanooga Riverwalk.

How long does it take to go through Ruby Falls in Chattanooga? ›

Most guests spend 2-3 hours at Ruby Falls. Comfortable shoes are suggested.

What food is Chattanooga known for? ›

The traditional dishes – okra, collard greens, cornbread, black-eyed peas, and fried meat dishes – were all introduced by other cultures. People from around the world have made Chattanooga home and introduced the community to their beautiful heritage through music, festivals, art, and food.

Is it safe to walk around downtown Chattanooga? ›

Chattanooga's downtown is fundamentally safe — for almost all of the people, almost all of the time. But in the neighborhoods where guns — especially illegal guns — proliferate, and among those Wamp characterized as "a dangerous criminal element," people are not safe.

What 5 states can you see from Chattanooga? ›

The marker at the summit of Lookout Mountain claims seven states may be viewed from the site. From the "Rock City" point, a marker claims that seven U.S. states can be seen: Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama.

What makes Chattanooga special? ›

Nestled along the scenic Tennessee River and with world-class attractions like Lookout Mountain and the Hunter Museum of American Art, plenty of great Civil War era history to explore, and great breweries, distilleries, and restaurants for the inner foodie in you, you'll never run out of incredible things to do in ...

What is the best side of Chattanooga? ›

Northshore is the eclectic, vibrant face of Chattanooga. With its parks, local shops, and an array of restaurants, it's ideal for those who enjoy a pedestrian-friendly lifestyle and a strong sense of community.

What areas to stay away from in Chattanooga? ›

Chattanooga's total crime rate is 7,101 per 100,000 people. There is a 1 in 14 chance of being a victim of a crime in Chattanooga. What are some of the worst areas of Chattanooga? Some of the most dangerous areas in Chattanooga include Glenwood, Highland Park, and Alton Park.

How many miles is the Riverwalk in Chattanooga? ›

Spanning 16.1 miles along the southern banks of the Tennessee River, with additional legs stretching into Chattanooga and beyond, the paved path lets you immerse yourself in nature, culture, and cuisine all in one family-friendly adventure.

Is the cave walk at Ruby Falls difficult? ›

It's not a hard walk but it is pretty nonstop. You should know because it's a guided tour that there are few places to stop and rest - both because they have a schedule of getting people in and out and because they have almost no physical place for you to sit.

Do you have to pay for Lookout Mountain? ›

Entrance fees are ONLY required to access Point Park, on Lookout Mountain. Access to ALL other park units is FREE.

Can you go to Ruby Falls without a tour? ›

Can you visit Ruby Falls or Rock City without a paid tour?” A tour is required at Ruby Falls but it is well worth it. The guide will explain the history of Ruby Falls while hiking to the falls. The trail is narrow in some places so you have to wait in certain places for a returning group can pass.

What is important about Chattanooga? ›

The Battles for Chattanooga (November 23 to November 25, 1863) were a series of battles in which Union forces routed Confederate troops in Tennessee at the battles of Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge during the American Civil War (1861-65).

Why do people go to Chattanooga? ›

Renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, vibrant cultural scene, and healthy economy, Chattanooga, Tennessee, offers a unique blend of Southern charm and modern living. It's no wonder you're daydreaming about it.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Rev. Leonie Wyman

Last Updated:

Views: 5686

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (79 voted)

Reviews: 94% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Rev. Leonie Wyman

Birthday: 1993-07-01

Address: Suite 763 6272 Lang Bypass, New Xochitlport, VT 72704-3308

Phone: +22014484519944

Job: Banking Officer

Hobby: Sailing, Gaming, Basketball, Calligraphy, Mycology, Astronomy, Juggling

Introduction: My name is Rev. Leonie Wyman, I am a colorful, tasty, splendid, fair, witty, gorgeous, splendid person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.