27 Best & Fun Things To Do In Chattanooga (Tennessee)

Chattanooga, Tennessee is a city that’s fun to say and even more fun to visit.

This southern gem is full of life and filled with a wonderful atmosphere.

If you’re looking for a city with plenty to do and see, you need to come to Chattanooga.

We’ve compiled a list detailing the best things to do in Chattanooga just for you.

1. City Tours

If you’re looking to have a blast in Chattanooga, Tennessee and want to learn some things along the way, going on a tour is a great idea.

For instance, while there are standard touring methods such as bus and on foot, there are also more left-field ones, like taking a Segway.

You’ll be able to see so many awesome attractions and hopefully connect with others along the way.

Address: 204 Walnut St, Chattanooga, TN 37403, USA

2. Tennessee Riverpark

Stretching for approximately 10 miles, Tennessee Riverpark is certainly one of Chattanooga’s most impressive features.

If you’re in looking for stuff to do in Chattanooga, a visit to Tennessee Riverpark should definitely be on your mind.

The park is open seven days a week, from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Address: 4301 Amnicola Hwy, Chattanooga, TN 37402, USA

3. Ghost Tour

You don’t have to actually believe in ghosts to have a great time on a ghost tour.

Chattanooga Ghost Tours is a company that takes visitors on tours of places around downtown Chattanooga that seem to have a ghostly presence.

Other places you can stop include a cemetery and a bar which is said to have more than just one kind of “spirits.”

If you’re looking to do something with friends or family that will have everyone shrieking in delight, you should go on these tours.

Address: 57 E 5th St, Chattanooga, TN 37402, USA

4. Lookout Mountain

Lookout Mountain earns its name by offering some of the absolute best scenery in all of Tennessee.

Besides the height and view, there are also things like the phenomenal Ruby Falls, which is a 145-foot waterfall, located in a cave.

Another waterfall can be sighted at Rock City.

5. Jack Daniels Tours

Chattanooga is also where Jack Daniels, possibly the most well-known whiskey brand resides.

If you want to see how this high-quality whiskey is made, you should go on a tour of their distillery.

Jack Daniels tours offer a comprehensive understanding of how they make their whiskey.

Tours at the Jack Daniels distillery are available every day from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

There are three tours available at varying prices: The Dry County Tour, The Flight of Jack Daniel’s Tour, and The Angel’s Share.

Address: 280 Lynchburg Hwy, Lynchburg, TN 37352, USA

6. Chattanooga Zoo

Chattanooga Zoo first opened in 1937.

Now, there are more than 140 different species, including monkeys, such as marmosets and big cats, such as bobcats.

The Chattanooga Zoo is open seven days a week, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tickets cost $10.95 for adults, $8.95 for seniors, and $7.95 for children, ages three to 12.

Admission is free for military personnel and veterans as well as children two and under.

Address: 301 N Holtzclaw Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37404, USA

7. Tennessee Aquarium

If you want to see how different sorts of fish and other creatures live, you need to come to Tennessee Aquarium.

You can see creatures such as stingray, sharks, and penguins.

This aquarium is open seven days a week, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Admission is $34.95 for adults and $21.95 for children age 3 to 12.

Address: 1 Broad St, Chattanooga, TN 37402, USA

8. Audubon Acres

Audubon Acres is a very popular hiking destination, not only for its achievable but still satisfying trails, but also for its gorgeous looks.

It’s a spectacular way for you to take in Chattanooga’s beauty.

You can come here to hike from Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 5 p.m.

It costs $6 for adults, $5 for seniors and students, and $3 for children, age 3 to 12.

Address: 900 N Sanctuary Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37421, USA

9. Walnut Street Bridge

You’d be nutty to go to Chattanooga, Tennessee and not check out the Walnut Street Bridge.

The Walnut Street Bridge boasts the record for the world’s longest pedestrian bridge.

With a length of 2,376 feet, it’s less than half a mile, making crossing it a manageable achievement.

Who would have thought so much fun could be had on a bridge?

Address: 1 Walnut St, Chattanooga, TN 37403, USA

10. Bluff View Art District

The Bluff View Art District is situated near downtown Chattanooga.

However, this clifftop area gives visitors some refuge away from the busier pace of those surroundings.

Instead, you can check out brilliant works at River Gallery, grab a bite to eat at Tony’s Pasta Shop & Trattoria.

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

11. Raccoon Mountain Caverns

Whether you’ve gone spelunking 100 times or no times, you can have a great time at Raccoon Mountain Caverns.

Raccoon Mountain Caverns provide visitors wth fascinating looks into the underground world of caves.

There are all kinds of tours you can take part in, including the Crystal Palace Tour and Wild Cave Expeditions.

Exotic animals, such as the Crystal Caverns Cave Spider, can be seen here.

Address: 319 W Hills Dr, Chattanooga, TN 37419, USA

12. Climbing Walls

Hearing about all of the peaks in Chattanooga might get you thinking a bit about mountain climbing.

It might sound like fun but also terrifying.

Thankfully, you can still satisfy your climbing urges while in Chattanooga, Tennessee without being worried about safety.

This can be done through using the climbing walls available at High Point Climbing and Fitness.

High Point Climbing and Fitness is opened from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. from Monday to Friday and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Tickets are $13.50 for adults and $11.50 for children 10 and younger and seniors.

Address: 219 Broad St, Chattanooga, TN 37402, USA

13. AT&T Field

Seeing the Chattanooga Lookouts play at AT&T Field is a greatly enjoyable and affordable experience.

Sitting back with a beer and/or hot dog and cheering on home runs and stolen bases is a great way to have fun.

You can really experience the best of the best in Chattanooga this way.

Address: 201 Power Alley, Chattanooga, TN 37402, USA

14. Creative Discovery Museum

Creative Discovery Museum has a mission “To inspire all children to explore, innovate, create, and play”.

This is emphasized by exhibits, such as “Dinosaur Train” and “Big Pond.”

Admission costs $14.95 for adults and children two and older, $11.95 for seniors, and $9.95 for military personnel.

Address: 321 Chestnut St, Chattanooga, TN 37402, USA

15. High Point ZIP Adventure

High Point ZIP Adventure is about going vertically as well as horizontally.

You’ll be navigating through the trees by using a multi-part obstacle course.

This means navigating through bridges and ladders, among other items.

Safety precautions are put in place so you can be sure that you’ll be in good shape during your Aerial Adventure.

Address: 1720 South Scenic Hwy Chattanooga, TN 37409, USA

16. Coolidge Park

Coolidge Park not only provides visitors with access to the Walnut Street Bridge but also a marvelous water fountain and plenty more recreational goodness.

Coolidge Park is 15 miles long, and every one of those miles is filled with things to do.

Those with young children will want to check out the carousel.

Plus, if you thought that you could avoid hearing about climbing at this place, know that there’s rock climbing available.

The park is open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Address: 150 River St, Chattanooga, TN 37405, USA

17. Chattanooga National Cemetery

Chattanooga National Cemetery started in 1863, as a burial place for Union soldiers during the American Civil War.

This area was also the host of several battles of the war, including the Battle of Chattanooga.

It has grown to hold tens of thousands of individuals over some 120 acres.

Chattanooga National Cemetery shows that “gone” doesn’t have to mean “forgotten.”

You can visit Chattanooga National Cemetery on weekdays, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Address: 1200 Bailey Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37404, USA

18. Hunter Museum of American Art

The Hunter Museum of American Art was first opened in 1952.

Today, there are exhibitions from artists such as Daud Akhriev, Milton Avery, and Jennifer Bartlett.

It’s $20 for general admission, $3 off for military personnel and veterans, $1 off for seniors, and free for children 17 and younger.

Address: 10 Bluff View Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37403, USA

19. Skydiving

Chattanooga Skydiving Company provides you with a one-of-a-kind experience.

Although skydiving can seem scary, businesses like this do everything they can to make sure visitors are safe.

It’s also a tandem skydiving experience, so you can have the comfort of knowing that you’ll be going down with an experienced instructor.

This is also one of the greatest activities for couples who are looking to do something exciting.

Address: 300 Airport Rd, Jasper, TN 37347, USA

20. Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center

The Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center includes all kinds of hiking opportunities, a chance to see animals such as red wolves, bald eagles, and butterflies, as well as plenty of great botanical features, including amazing trees.

There are 317 acres of wonder to explore.

You can also get out on the water at Lookout Creek by renting a canoe.

It’s open from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. from Tuesday to Friday and from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Admission is donation-based, with a requested donation of $10 for adults and $7 for children and seniors.

Address: 400 Garden Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37419, USA

21. Gallery 1401

Another great place to see art in Chattanooga, Tennessee is at Gallery 1401.

Opened in 1998, Gallery 1401 includes works from artists such as Jon Davenport, Henri Lepetit, and Eve Plumb.

The gallery is open from Tuesday to Friday from 11 p.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturday from 11 p.m. to 4 p.m.

It’s also available on Monday, by appointment.

Address: 1478 Market St, Chattanooga, TN 37402, USA

22. Southern Belle Riverboat Cruise

The Tennessee River is such an integral part of Chattanooga, and it would be a shame to let your trip happen without going on a Southern Belle Riverboat Cruise.

For 90 minutes, you get to cruise down the river, see amazing sights, and get a very deep look into Chattanooga.

Another amazing part of the experience is the ship itself.

This vessel was constructed in 1985 and continues to succeed at keeping hundreds of passengers afloat at a time.

Address: 151 Riverfront Pkwy, Chattanooga, TN 37402, USA

23. Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum

At Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, you can ride through vintage trains that are as mighty as they are historic.

There are all kinds of rides you can choose at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum.

These include the Hiwassee Loop, Dinner on the Dinner, and Wine Dinner Train.

Take a trip on one of these trains, and you’ll have a great journey into a bygone era.

Address: 4119 Cromwell Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37421, USA

24. Chattanooga Market

Chattanooga Market is where to go if you want to see just how much heart goes into providing people with food and other goods.

This market features hundreds of vendors who make all of their products themselves.

The market is open every April to December, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Address: 1829 Reggie White Blvd, Chattanooga, TN 37408, USA

25. Hot Air Balloon Ride

A hot air balloon ride, provided through the Chattanooga Balloon Company, can be a beautiful experience.

It’s the kind of aviation experience you can’t easily replicate.

These rides can bring you along the Tennessee River Valley, giving you one of the most spectacular views of one of the most spectacular regions.

26. Tennessee Stillhouse

This is another distillery, albeit one that operates on a smaller level than Jack Daniels.

However, when you try their whiskey, you’ll see that they’re huge in terms of flavor.

During tours of the distillery, you’ll get to see how the raw ingredients become the incredible whiskey.

Then, you can try it right on sight so you can really sense how flavorful it is.

Coming to this distillery can show you how a smaller distillery can still be enormous in terms of how appreciated it is.

Address: 1439 Market St, Chattanooga, TN 37402, USA

27. International Towing and Recovery Museum

International Towing and Recovery Museum provides a thorough look at the world of towing and how it’s evolved.

Among the pieces on display here are vintage tow trucks and related memorabilia.

It’s open from Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $9 for seniors and military personnel, $8.50 for AAA members, $6 for children age 6 to 14, and free for children five and younger.

Address: 3315 Broad St, Chattanooga, TN 37408, USA

Start Planning Your Trip To Chattanooga

Chattanooga is full of unique character and beauty.

You can find great things to do here, day and night, indoors and outdoors.

When you come to this southern city, you can look forward to sightseeing like never before, and all kinds of unforgettable points of interest.

Happy travels.