Top 25 Attractions and Activities in Chattanooga, TN

Chattanooga has been recognized as one of the premier destinations to explore in the United States, which is well-deserved.

This southern city in Tennessee harmonizes outdoor activities with a relaxed atmosphere, ensuring that every traveler can find pursuits that align with their interests. The scenic riverfront, rolling mountains, rich history, diverse dining options, and vibrant arts scene await your exploration.

Let us examine the recommended activities in Chattanooga:

1. Ride the River

It is difficult to visit Chattanooga without experiencing the river! It contributes significantly to the city’s character and stunning landscapes.

There is a wide array of options available for viewing the Tennessee River Gorge.

Visitors can charter a yacht, rent a solar-powered party boat designed for group enjoyment, take a guided speedboat tour, go rafting, and more.

While deciding may be challenging, finding a recreational company to facilitate your aquatic adventure is effortless, as numerous options are available to cater to every visitor’s requirements.

2. Take a City Tour

A valuable approach to commencing any city visit is acquiring a brief overview of the area from a knowledgeable professional.

Chattanooga offers numerous options, whether you prefer joining a group led by a skilled tour guide or seek a more personalized experience with a local resident.

Depending on your preferences, diverse modes of transportation are available, including walking tours, bus excursions, or even Segway rides around the city!

3. Take a Ghost Tour

For those who prefer a bit more thrill and perhaps a touch of the eerie, consider participating in a ghost tour.

Chattanooga Ghost Tours Inc. offers experiences that have been recognized among the Top 10 ghost tours in the United States.

Participants may indeed engage with and witness apparitions during the excursion through the city’s downtown area.

In addition to the downtown tour suitable for both adults and children, other excursions take participants to a reputed haunted cemetery and tavern.

4. Go to a Whiskey Tasting

When visiting Tennessee, a tour of the oldest registered distillery in the United States is a must.

Jack Daniels produces all of their Tennessee whiskey on-site, providing an authentic experience.

Various tours are available, all led by experts who share intriguing stories while you savor some of the finest Tennessee whiskey globally.

5. Head to the Chattanooga Zoo

Ideal for families with children, or those who cherish a beautiful atmosphere, the Chattanooga Zoo is often referred to as the “Best Little Zoo.” It strives to create genuine connections between visitors and the animals, rather than merely allowing them to observe creatures behind glass barriers.

Housing over 300 animals across more than 200 species, it includes a considerable number of endangered species.

Furthermore, the admission rates are remarkably affordable, with adult tickets priced at just $10 and children’s tickets at $7, making it one of the most economical zoos in the entire country.

6. Hike Audubon Acres

If you prefer to escape the urban environment and immerse yourself in nature conveniently, Audubon Acres is an excellent choice.

Offering over five miles of hiking trails along 130 acres adjacent to the South Chickamauga Creek, it ensures a relatively easy experience.

The small visitor center features an archaeological museum, along with historic sites significant to the Trail of Tears.

Moreover, summer visitors can enjoy activities such as canoeing, kayaking, and swimming in the creek.

7. Stroll Through the Art District

For a delightful glimpse into a charming Chattanooga neighborhood, the Art District is easily accessible from downtown.

Here, you can discover not only visual art but also exceptional restaurants and scenic vistas.

Overlooking the river, this quaint area features local crafts shops, delectable treats, and a cozy bed and breakfast.

A visit to this compact neighborhood is undoubtedly worthwhile, even if just for a leisurely morning, lunch, or evening stroll before dining at one of the district’s inviting restaurants.

8. Walk the River

For those who prefer walking alongside the river rather than on it, the Tennessee Riverpark presents an ideal opportunity.

As one of the city’s premier green spaces, it boasts 10 miles of picturesque waterfront.

Visitors can utilize the piers for fishing or observe boats as they navigate in and out from the boat ramp.

Additionally, the park is home to outdoor artworks and a marsh area suitable for birdwatching.

The park concludes within downtown Chattanooga, providing a scenic trail extending to the Chickamauga Dam.

9. Visit the Tennessee Aquarium

This may come as a surprise, but Tennessee is home to the world’s largest freshwater aquarium, the Tennessee Aquarium.

Established just over two decades ago, this attraction features separate sections for freshwater and saltwater exhibits.

It is undeniably one of the city’s most popular sites, showcasing a diverse array of captivating sea creatures expected from a leading aquarium.

10. Climb Lookout Mountain

Similar to the river, Lookout Mountain is an essential destination when visiting Chattanooga, as it prominently overlooks the city and partially separates Tennessee from Georgia.

The 4,100-foot walking trail features stunning landscaping and offers breathtaking views of the city and its surrounding areas, including the river.

This site also lies within the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, allowing for an enriching experience of Civil War history during your visit.

This location promises the most picturesque Instagram moments throughout your whole trip to Chattanooga!

11. See Ruby Falls

Situated within Lookout Mountain, Ruby Falls presents a captivating underground experience.

The site features both the waterfall and the cave itself, recognized as the deepest commercial cave in the United States and home to the largest underground waterfall at a remarkable height of 145 feet.

Guided tours are available, allowing you to explore Ruby Falls comprehensively.

Additionally, various events occur throughout the year, providing opportunities to attend special activities during your visit.

12. Walk Walnut Street Bridge

Chattanooga proudly claims the title of hosting the longest pedestrian bridge in the world.

Walnut Street Bridge, initially slated for demolition, connects the southern and northern regions of the city—a significant achievement considering the racial segregation that once characterized these areas.

In the late 1970s, the bridge was closed to vehicular traffic and has since transformed into an excellent pedestrian pathway, offering magnificent views and hosting exciting events, such as an annual wine tasting and a country music festival.

Additionally, it holds the distinction of being the first non-military bridge spanning the Tennessee River.

13. Go Climbing in the City

When considering rock climbing, one typically envisions scaling mountains or cliffs in natural settings. However, Chattanooga offers a modern attraction that provides the thrill of climbing in a convenient urban environment. High Point Climbing and Fitness is a facility featuring both indoor and outdoor climbing walls that reach heights of 60 feet.

This establishment ranks among the largest fitness centers in the nation, accommodating climbers of all skill levels.

If uncertain about your abilities, classes are available to help you learn the techniques and build confidence.

14. Explore Raccoon Mountain

This adventure requires a short drive from the city center, but it’s well worth the experience. Raccoon Mountain Caverns contains over five miles of mapped cave systems, with ongoing exploration leading to new discoveries.

Visitors can also enjoy go-kart racing or simply relax in a tranquil environment.

15. Play Ball

There are few better summer activities than attending a baseball game.

Even in a city without a major league team, the Chattanooga Lookouts—a minor league team affiliated with the Minnesota Twins—offer an enjoyable experience at AT&T Field.

While attending a minor league game may raise questions about the advantages compared to major leagues, there are many benefits to consider.

With smaller crowds, lower ticket prices, and proximity to the action, fans can enjoy a personalized experience during the game.

16. Zip Down Lookout Mountain

If you are visiting Lookout Mountain or Ruby Falls, consider stopping by Ruby Falls ZIPStream Aerial Adventures.

This exhilarating experience includes not just ziplining through the trees but also navigating through in-air obstacle courses that require climbing, traversing nets, bridges, and tunnels.

This activity serves as an exciting option for families, corporate retreats, or team-building exercises!

17. Create and Discover at This Museum

The Creative Discovery Museum is an ideal destination for elementary school-aged learners.

This venue is designed to encourage children to learn through play, with numerous activities available, including art lessons, science experiments, and music sessions.

All activities are engaging and purposeful, allowing both you and your child to enjoy the learning experience together.

18. Visit Chattanooga National Cemetery

If you prefer a more contemplative experience compared to the joyful activities at the Creative Discovery Museum, a visit to the Chattanooga National Cemetery may be more appealing.

Established in 1863 and spreading over 120 acres, it is the largest national cemetery in the state and is notable for housing three distinct Civil War battle sites: Missionary Ridge, Lookout Mountain, and Chattanooga.

19. Jump Out of a Plane

Returning to adrenaline-inducing activities, if you have always harbored a desire to skydive but lacked the courage, this may be your chance.

The Chattanooga Skydiving Company provides a remarkable tandem skydiving experience, where participants are securely strapped to an instructor before leaping from the aircraft.

This breathtaking experience allows you to view the Tennessee River Gorge, Lookout Mountain, and Sequatchie Valley from an unrivaled vantage point—the open sky. Although the takeoff site is approximately half an hour from downtown, rest assured that you are in skilled hands, as this family-run business has been instructing skydivers since 1960.

20. See Some Art

While exploring the Bluff View Art District, a visit to the Hunter Museum of American Art is a must.

Founded in 1952, the museum is housed in a classical revival mansion built in 1904, designed by the son of U.S. President James A. Garfield.

The museum prominently features works from the Hudson River School, displaying genres such as modernism and American impressionism.

Beyond the galleries, which have undergone two expansions, numerous educational programs are available for those interested.

21. Smell the Roses

If your interests lean more towards horticulture rather than animals or visual art, consider visiting the Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center, where diverse plant species and wildlife thrive.

Many of the plants seen here are native to the Southeastern United States.

The location features 14 miles of trails, a boardwalk suitable for spotting blue herons, a butterfly garden, children’s play areas, canoeing opportunities, and even a library.

22. See Some More Art

Returning to the art scene, Gallery 1401, located in the Southside neighborhood, showcases a vast array of artistic styles and movements.

Featuring the works of over 40 artists, many of whom possess international acclaim, visitors can appreciate classical, impressionistic, and realistic works, among others.

The gallery is also home to various artistic mediums beyond traditional painting, such as multimedia art, sculptures, hand-blown glass, and photography exhibitions.

23. See Some Trains

The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum has operated for nearly 50 years and is part of the National Railway Historical Society.

Featuring a reconstructed rail line, the museum offers daily rides that are both educational and enjoyable.

24. Shop at Chattanooga Market

Visiting local farmers markets can provide invaluable insights into the culture of the area you are exploring.

The Chattanooga Market is an open-air pavilion filled with vendors offering not only market goods but also arts and crafts.

With 300 vendors and thousands of attendees each weekend, you can rest assured that every item is locally created, grown, or crafted in accordance with market regulations.

25. Take Flight

If skydiving is not your preference, consider enjoying an aerial view of the city from the comfort of a hot air balloon.

The Chattanooga Balloon Company offers rides that extend a mile in distance, taking guests over the beautiful Tennessee River Valley.