27 Best Places to Visit and Things to Do in Chattanooga, Tennessee

The city of Chattanooga has something for all kinds of travelers. After all, it is known for its versatile vibe complete with the cultural appeal, commercial culture, and historical backdrop. That is why the best things to do in Chattanooga are highly sought after across the entire county of the United States of America. So, whatever your heart fancies, we are certain Chattanooga will have something for you.

Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park

The Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park is a historical site that preserves the structures of two major battles that took place as a part of the American Civil War. These two wars were called the Battle of Chickamauga and Chattanooga Siege. The Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park stands as a testament to all those brave souls who stood up for their country and their nationality.

Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park 35601538066.jpg
By Gloria Bell, CC BY 2.0, Link

Address: 3370 Lafayette Rd, Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742, United States | Timing: 8:30 am to 5:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/wbAAivAymuSTeWh78 | Phone Number: +17068669241

Riverboat Cruise

The Southern Belle River Boats came into conception with a simple vision. That was to provide all guests that come to the river with an unforgettable Chattanooga city experience. Oh, and how beautifully have they lived up to it! The team behind the River Boats now takes everyone across the river showing everyone the beauty of the river allowing people to form a different perspective on the city of Chattanooga. Through their entire experience, their dedication and perseverance to the river and the visitors always shine through.

The Southern Belle

Address: 201 Riverfront Parkway Pier 2, Chattanooga,TN 37402, United States | Timing: 09:00 am to 09:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/arohqJ5TJrkyGW2h9 | Phone Number: +1-4232664488

Chattanooga Whiskey

Chattanooga Whiskey boasts of a beautifully curated range of whiskey that has worn accolades and awards for its texture, quality, and taste. These include the Tennessee High Malt, the timeless 1816 Series, and a fun and innovative Experimental Series. Be sure to look out for the 1816 Series of whiskey. These have been known to play an instrumental role in the origins of Chattanooga Whiskey and consist of Reserve, Cask, Single Barrel, and a special limited edition 1816 Native that is a beer barrel finished series.

Chattanooga Whiskey Victory Party 27

Address: 890 Riverfront Pkwy, Chattanooga, TN 37402, United States | Timing: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://g.page/chattwhiskey?share | Phone Number: +14238034890

Go on award-winning Chattanooga Ghost Tours

Chattanooga Ghost Tours gives you a chance to choose your own adventures and sign up for ghostly adventures in the heart of Chattanooga. The ghost tours here have acclaimed accolades and awards for their sense of thrill, adventure, and downright creepy. The one to keep an eye out for is known as the Murder and Mayher walking ghost tour. Like the website advertisers, Chattanooga Ghost Tours are for those who are truly adventurous and enjoy partaking in paranormal investigation using a bunch of fancy equipment.

Address: 57 E 5th St, Chattanooga, TN 37402, United States | Timing: 8:15 pm to 10:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/nxu4M7eWxTQwqxhZA | Phone Number: +14238005998

Audubon Acres

If you are wondering what to do in Chattanooga, this is it. Audubon Acres. But what is Audubon Acres? Well, Audubon Acres is the home of a beautifully set up sanctuary that sits steadily among the sprawling, green landscape that sets the scene for the environmental society of Chattanooga Audubon Society.

Address: 900 N Sanctuary Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37421, United States | Timing: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/oRk1Hwdzt4J5h2hJ7 | Phone Number: +14238921499

Chattanooga Zoo

Chattanooga Zoo stands as a place that inspires to create meaningful connections between people and animals with awareness programs, preservation and conversation drives, and active engagement between one another. That is why the Chattanooga Zoo is driven to engage and inspire the members of the community to connect with, understand, and play an active role in the preservation of wildlife. They do this with innovative exhibits that allow people the chance to meaningfully interact with these animals along with a variety of other educational offerings and awareness programs.

Red Panda

Address: 301 N Holtzclaw Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37404, United States | Timing: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/Bct1EnVeBnxCU4MF7 | Phone Number: +14236971322

Have fun at JJ’s Bohemia

No trip to the city of Chattanooga is complete without a trip to JJ’s Bohemia. After all, JJ’s Bohemia is one of the characteristic Chattanooga attractions and one of the best things to do in Chattanooga TN. It is considered to be a rite of passage for all locals and as well as tourists that pass through the city of Chattanooga. And for good reason! JJ’s Bohemia is a leader in the city

JJ's Bohemia (Chattanooga, TN)

Address: 231 E M L King Blvd, Chattanooga, TN 37403, United States | Timing: 7:00 pm to 3:00 am | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/Q2sh5cgoUPzVgB5c7 | Phone Number: +14232661400

Bluff View Art District

The Bluff View Art District presents to you an experience like no other. Set amidst the heart of the city of Chattanooga, this family-owned and operated art district gives you the opportunity to settle into the historic paths that surround it. And the best part is that the Bluff View Art District collectively brings together a bunch of fun things to do in Chattanooga Tennessee.

You can choose from a variety of restaurants, plenty of gardens, a cozy coffee house, a bakery, a resplendent art gallery, a historic Bed & Breakfast, and a plethora of plazas and courtyards that double up as wedding destinations and allow you to kick back, unwind, relax and rejuvenate.

Sulpture by Russell Whiting

Address: 411 E 2nd St, Chattanooga, TN 37403, United States | Google Maps Location: https://g.page/BluffViewArtDistrict?share | Phone Number: +14233210235

Climb the Lookout Mountain

Lookout Mountain presents an experience that certainly lends itself a high position among the top things to do in Chattanooga Tennessee. After all, each visit here to the Lookout Mountain is filled with a sense of fun, frolic, and thrill that captures the captivating ambiance of the mountain and the enthralling escapade it provides to locals and tourists alike. All visitors to the Lookout Mountain get the opportunity to partake in unique, unorthodox activities that prove to be some of the most characteristic Chattanooga attractions.

These include leading features of the Lookout Mountain such as Ruby Falls, Rock City, Incline Railway, and several others. Each of these Lookout Mountain features lends an instrumental role in the development of Lookout Mountain as one of the best places to visit in Chattanooga. All of these Lookout Mountain features collectively come together to put forth the natural and historic beauty of this bountiful Lookout Mountain, of course, with the breathtaking Tennessee Valley right by its side.

Point Lookout, Lookout Mountain, TN.jpg
By Jfleon11, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link

Address: Chattanooga, TN 37402, United States | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/GS1LSJ4NHzDPCfjj9

Tennessee Aquarium

Tennessee Aquarium was set up with a simple mission that is ‘to connect people with nature and empower them to make informed decisions about water and wildlife’. That is precisely why the two state of the art buildings of the Tennessee Aquarium give all guests a chance to trace the journey of water from the mountains to the sea.

The Tennessee Aquarium gives them the opportunity to explore these waters and interact with the ever so inquisitive animals that live in their resplendent backyards along with, of course, the adorable animals that survive and thrive in these accommodating circumstances.

TN Aquarium 01.jpg
By Ɱ, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link

Address: 1 Broad St, Chattanooga, TN 37402, United States | Timing: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/pQcpSZiBQhyQE5GV6 | Phone Number: +14232650695

Take a walk over the Walnut Street Bridge

The Walnut Street Bridge is a historical bridge that has stood over time. The bridge was established in the year 1891 with accessible and accommodating amenities that include free parking, handicapped access, outdoor attraction, and space for pets. Ever since the inception of the bridge, the bridge has stood proudly as the longest pedestrian bridge in the entire world. But it is so much more than that. The Walnut Street Bridge goes beyond the realms of just a pedestrian bridge to provide a destination for connection, collaboration, and community.

Walnut Street Bridge.jpg
By Zack Johnston  at the English-language Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

Address: 1 Walnut St, Chattanooga, TN 37403, United States | Timing: 24/7 | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/6Caa6dwFEUnMT6DaA | Phone Number: +14236436096

Ruby Falls

The magnificent Ruby Falls stands proudly as the tallest and deepest underground waterfall in the entire landscape of the United States of America. Scenic and breath-taking, Ruby Falls is available to the public and is frequented by tourists and locals alike who come to Ruby Falls to marvel at the beautiful landscape that stretches out into the horizon at Ruby Falls.

And as magnificent as Ruby Falls is, it is surprising to note that Ruby Falls was actually discovered purely by accident! Yep, that is correct. It was the year 1928 when Leo Lambert came across the grand Ruby Falls while he was exploring through Lookout Mountain in the city of Chattanooga, Tennessee. Ever since that time passed, Ruby Falls has stood as a place of national importance and local pride.

Ruby falls 0229.jpg
By Ronincmc, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link

Address: Chattanooga, TN 37409, United States | Timing: 8:00 am to 8:00 pm Eastern Time | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/pmBCRRSXfURCTAEM9 | Phone Number: +1-4238212544

Racoon Mountain Caverns

Raccoon Mountain Caverns and Campground comes as a strong recommendation from locals as well as tourists for its immeasurable amenities that are of the highest quality. These include the highest-rated cave system, a mesmerizing collection of gemstones, and a bustling space for camping set amidst some of the most spectacular sights you will come across.

Raccoon Mountain Caverns.jpg
By Jeff Gunn, CC BY 2.0, Link

Address: 319 W Hills Dr, Chattanooga, TN 37419, United States | Timing: 09:00 am to 05:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://g.page/RaccoonMountainCampground?share | Phone Number: +14238219403

Go Rock Climbing

The city of Chattanooga provides some of the best terrains for rock climbing. That is, in large part, due to the abundance of sandstone found across the city. It makes it far more accessible for adventure junkies to go on an adventure while rock climbing. To top it up, the sandstone is also made with stellar quality and offers ease of accessibility during climbing.

All of that comes together to lend an integral role in the development of Chattanooga as somewhat of a paradise for all those who enjoy rock climbing. Some of the best rock-climbing terrains here include Stone Fort (Little Rock City), Super Mario (V4), The Sternum (V5), Tennessee Thong (V7), and others.

Benji sending Super Mario Extension at LRC/Stone Fort

Beautiful landscape of Tennessee Riverpark

The Chattanooga Riverwalk is one of the best Chattanooga attractions in the city, and for good reason. After all, the Riverwalk consists of an intricately collected system of parks and connected open spaces that stretch across 12 miles or about 19 kilometers across the landscape of Tennessee and its subsequent rivers. Collectively put across its neighboring areas, the rivers, and the beach alongside the rivers, this bountiful Riverwalk.

Sculptures -- Tennessee Riverpark Chattanooga (TN) September 2011

Address: 4301 Amnicola Hwy, Chattanooga, TN 37402, United States | Timing: 6:00 am to 11:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/y5nji1MA64asZH3GA | Phone Number: +14232095370

Chattanooga Choo Choo

The Chattanooga Choo Choo is a monumental railroad facility that has been preserved across the passing of time as a historical structure that keeps a record of the years that have passed. After all, the Chattanooga Choo Choo can trace its roots back to as early as the very beginning of the twentieth century. In the time that has passed, the Chattanooga Choo Choo has now earned a reputation for itself and been transformed into a bustling corner for those who prefer embarking upon timeless experiences.

Chattanooga choo choo.jpg
By wilbanks, CC BY-SA 2.0, Link

Address: 1400 Market St, Chattanooga, TN 37402, United States | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/aV85KeyYYyDtQtYcA | Phone Number: +14232665000

Chattanooga National Cemetery

The Chattanooga National Cemetery is serious talk. After all, it is a United States National Cemetery that enjoys monumental importance across the state of Tennessee. Located in the heart of the city of Chattanooga, the Chattanooga National Cemetery is not only historical and cultural but also breathtaking. All 120.9 acres come together to present a resting home and burial ground for all members of the armed forces that are in line with the terms of eligibility.

Chattanooga National Cemetery 1.jpg
By Workman, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link

Address: 1200 Bailey Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37404, United States | Timing: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/FSE6VVT4gv2HQ3QM6 | Phone Number: +14238556590

Creative Discovery Museum

The Creative Discovery Museum is a renowned museum for children based out of the heart of the city of Chattanooga. It offers a plethora of different immersive exhibits, hands-on activities, and several different methods of play. The most popular options are RiverPlay, Rooftop Fun Factory, Winter Wonders, Excavation Station, and several others.

Creative Discovery Museum.jpg
By Acdixon, CC0, Link

Address: 321 Chestnut St, Chattanooga, TN 37402, United States | Timing: 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/ZcCrmK2F8D217cZcA | Phone Number: +14237562738

Hunter Museum of American Art

The Hunter Museum of American Art allows for the preservation and presentation of art and creativity in the sense that they foster and provide for personal growth along with positive community change especially in the realm of art. Ever since its inception, the art museum has stood proudly as a place where diverse audiences get the opportunity to partake in active dialogue about the significance, meaning, and necessity of American art.

That is especially reflected in the museum’s mission and values as described on the website – ‘The Hunter Museum of American Art collects, preserves, and presents American art and connects the community through inspiring educational and visitor-focused experiences for all.’

Hunter Museum of American Art.jpg
By jay, CC BY 2.0, Link

Address: 10 Bluff View Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37403, United States | Timing: 10:00 am to 8:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://g.page/HunterMuseum?share | Phone Number: +14232670968

Warehouse Row

Warehouse Row presents an experience that is just as intriguing, inviting, and instrumental as the name suggests. Ever since its inception, it has become one of the most characteristic Chattanooga attractions. After all, it represents the cultural significance, commercial appeal, and vibrant history of the city of Chattanooga.

Warehouse Row - 764 P St..JPG
By R&sbwn, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

Address: 1110 Market St, Chattanooga, TN 37402, United States | Timing: 9:00 am to 11:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/Ahx9zC2f8K5kpUZE8 | Phone Number: +14232671111

Explore the trendy Northshore

Northshore in Chattanooga, Tennessee, is a trendy and hip destination where you get the opportunity to shop, live, eat, and play. Here, all visitors come across a variety of breathtaking sights, inspiring shops, restaurants, and hospitable services that make your experience at Tennessee entirely complete.

Chattanooga

Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center

The Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center is a bustling environmental learning hub and nature center that gives all its visitors the chance to kick back and reconnect with the beauty of nature. And if you are wondering what to do in Chattanooga, this is exactly it. If you enjoy being in the lap of nature, we are certain you will enjoy this experience for a lifetime.

View of dawn redwoods at Reflection Riding.jpg
By Chattanooga2018, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link

Address: 400 Garden Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37419, United States | Timing: 24X7 | Google Maps Location: https://g.page/ReflectionRiding?share | Phone Number: +14238211160

Sunday Special Chattanooga Market

Every Sunday, plenty of tourists as well as locals head to the ever so bustling Sunday Special Chattanooga Market for a special experience of the ever so popular Chattanooga sun. At the Chattanooga Market, all visitors are greeted by a beautiful sight that features an enormous collection of producers only. This collection is so big that the Chattanooga Market is known to be the region’s largest producer-only public market. Oh, and what a market it is! Here in Chattanooga Market, you will come across all sorts of things – from healthy, fresh produce to locally produced arts and everything in between.

ChattanoogaMarketProduce.png
By Cjthomas, CC BY 3.0, Link

Address: 1829 Reggie White Blvd, Chattanooga, TN 37408, United States | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/KHH4qwfWumcHh6pf8 | Phone Number: +14236482496

Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum

The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum offers visitors the opportunity to take a ‘train ride through time’. It provides you with a rich historical experience that is filled with a lot of interaction and engagement. As the team put it, ‘The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum is so much more than entertainment… it is your chance to experience the sights and sounds of yesteryear!’

SOU4501.jpg
By TVSRR, Link

Address: 4119 Cromwell Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37421, United States | Timing: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm (Saturday, Sunday) | Google Maps Location: https://g.page/tvrail?share | Phone Number: +14238948028

Lookout Mountain Incline Railway

A trip to Lookout Mountain is only complete with an escapade through its Incline Railway. But there is little justice we can do for the experience through a description. So, we’ll let the picture do all the talking.

Lookout Mountain Incline Railway.jpg
By Lmcorle, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

Address: 3917 St Elmo Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37409, United States | Timing: 9:00 am to 6:20 pm | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/iqqWJkeh9xKKmttV9 | Phone Number: +14238214224

Coolidge Park

Set amidst the North Shore of the city of Chattanooga, Coolidge Park overlooks the beautiful Tennessee River and provides the backdrop for a surreal escapade or an enthralling evening. Here, all visitors can partake in its various features such as an interactive waterfall, a military memorial, and an antique carousel that is over 100 old. Other activities and destinations you should look out for include the terrain for rock climbing, the neighboring Walnut Street Bridge, and the vast number of open sprawling green spaces that surround the climbing area.

Coolidge Park in the Northshore District with the Walnut Street Bridge in backgound, Chattanooga, Tennessee

Address: 150 River St, Chattanooga, TN 37405, United States | Timing: 7:00 am to 11:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/f9C5BN8HmhkgSLZe9 | Phone Number: +14236436311

Tremont Tavern

And finally, the one we have all been waiting for – Tremont Tavern! The one thing that really stands out about this Chattanooga attraction is the rich history that holds the truth behind one of the cultural restaurants in the city. Dustin Choate was unhappy with how corporate America worked and on seeing a vacant building, saw the opportunity to fulfill his dreams. The small pub that opened in December 2006 has doubled in size over the years. Gradually, it transitioned from a veiled bistro into one of the finest restaurants that has won plentiful accolades and honors.

Address: 1203 Hixson Pike, Chattanooga, TN 37405, United States | Timing: 11:30 am to 9:30 pm | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/2XdzS48fcm4448k68 | Phone Number: +14232661996

And there you have it – a cohesive list that captures the essence of the city of Chattanooga and the spirit of the state of Tennessee. We are certain that all these adventures and escapades will come together and play a leading role in creating an unforgettable experience for you in the United States of America. So, remember to bookmark your favorites and add them to your Chattanooga Tennessee things to do list.