Have you visited the city of Chattanooga in Tennessee before? It’s located on the banks of the Tennessee River, in a valley surrounded by incredible scenery. In this southern city, you will find cleanliness, affordable prices, tours, hikes, and many activities perfect for tourists. Don’t miss out on new outdoor adventures, historical and cultural sites, and fun for the whole family. In this article we recommend 12 fun things to do in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to make your experience the best.

Photo by Kelly

Walk Tennessee Riverwalk Paths

If you love to hike while enjoying nature, you’re in the perfect place. Spend a day filled with fresh air and family fun on Chattanooga’s beautiful and diverse Riverwalk. Along the south bank of the Tennessee River, the trail allows you to immerse yourself in nature, culture, and food. With so many restaurants, activities, and plenty of things to do in Chattanooga, Tennessee, you can have a fabulous day and explore the Riverwalk any season. Don’t miss your picnic by the river or a full tour of the trail’s abundant attractions.

Photo by Kelly

Explore Lookout Mountain Trails

Discover the best hiking trails on Lookout Mountain and explore other fun things to do in Chattanooga, Tennessee. You can do other activities such as biking, trail running, or exploring the great outdoors. Consider some trails with historic sites or venture into the natural areas surrounding Lookout Mountain that are perfect for hikers of all levels. Point Park and Sunset Rock, for example, are ideal spots to observe the local scenery such as the Georgia and North Carolina mountains, Watts Bar Towers, Chickamauga Dam, the city of Chattanooga and the Tennessee River, among other important sites.

Photo by Kelly

Visit Ruby Falls Cavern Tour

Ruby Falls was accidentally discovered in 1928 in the depths of Lookout Mountain, in Chattanooga, and opened to the public as an attraction in 1929. Today, Ruby Falls welcomes tourists worldwide to enjoy cave adventures, spectacular views of the Cumberland Plateau, sliding zip lines, luxury treehouse accommodations, and special events. Options include a guided Cave Walk to the waterfall, where you’ll get an overview of the cave while listening to a recording. Also, you can choose the Specialty Tours led by senior guides, with fewer participants and a more relaxed pace.

Photo by Mikhael Mayim

Paddle the Tennessee River

The Tennessee River is the center of Chattanooga, so many people cross one of its four bridges several times. The best way to tour its parks, restaurants, and recreational sites is to paddle its waters. Gain an unforgettable kayaking experience on the majestic Tennessee River in an approximately three-hour excursion. Photo by Kelly

Discover Hunter Art Museum

If you are an art lover and you’re looking for cultural things to do in Chattanooga, Tennessee, you can’t miss the Hunter Museum of American Art. Its collections include diverse works that represent different artistic movements. For example, you can appreciate works from the 19th century, American impressionism, the Ashcan School, modernism, and post-World War II modern and contemporary art.

Ride the Incline Railway

Among Chattanooga’s attractions, it’s important to mention the Incline Railway. Ride one of its streetcar-style cars and travel from the historic Saint Elmo neighborhood to the top of Lookout Mountain. It is considered the world’s steepest railroad at 72.7 degrees and was built in 1895. It is approximately one mile long and the average travel time is 10 minutes. Incline Railway is known as “America’s Most Amazing Mile”. This National Historic Site is an icon of Mechanical Engineering. For more than a century thousands of tourists have visited it, witnessing the wonderful views of mountains and valleys.

Photo by Emanuel Haas

Visit Tennessee Aquarium Exhibits

If you are traveling with children, visiting the Tennessee Aquarium is one of the top things to do in Chattanooga with the family. It is located on the banks of the Tennessee River and has two main buildings: the Freshwater Aquarium and the Saltwater Aquarium. In both you can enjoy incredible exhibits with marine animals, plants and crafts with ocean elements. In addition, you can enjoy the Butterfly Garden located at the top of the Saltwater building, where you will see a spectacle of butterflies flying all over the place.

Photo by Chad Madden

Take a Chattanooga Trolley Tour

If you want to resume your trip, choose the Chattanooga trolley bus with free stops during your tour of the city. You can plan your itinerary and get off at some of the 11 stops to explore the area of your choice. In the meantime, a guide informs you about important facts about the city. Through the panoramic windows of the Trolley you can enjoy the wonderful views of the city.

Hike at North Chick Blue Hole

One of the top tourist destinations in Chattanooga is North Chickamauga Creek Gorge, better known as North Chick Blue Hole. Here you’ll find one of the state’s most popular swimming holes, ideal for relaxing. Cool off in the crystal clear, cold water and take a big leap into the depths of the hole. Also, we recommend you bring a blanket for a picnic while enjoying nature.

Photo by Ashlyn Ciara

Attend Nightfall Music Events

From the beginning of May until the end of August, the free Nightfall concert series is held. Every Friday Nightfall offers a varied program of musical entertainment for all tastes. Don’t miss this great event in the company of your family and friends, and enjoy good live music, delicious food and a refreshing drink. In Nightfall you will find a program of musical genres performed by national and international artists of the highest level.

Photo by Mark Angelo Sampan

Visit Songbirds Music Museum

At the Songbirds Guitar & Pop Culture Museum in Chattanooga, Tennessee, you can see antique guitars that belonged to important artists such as Dolly Parton, Chuck Berry, Judy Lynn, and others. Enjoy a musical and pop culture experience with exhibits and a guided tour of Chattanooga’s great musical history.

Photo by Pixabay

Explore Tennessee River Gorge

Among the top things to do in Chattanooga is discovering one of the Southeast’s most unique natural treasures: the Tennessee River Gorge. It is the only major river canyon that borders Chattanooga and is the fourth largest river canyon east of the Mississippi. Here you will see habitats for over a thousand varieties of plants such as ferns, trees, and flowers, and a rich wildlife population. Enjoy many rare or endangered species, such as the mountain scutellaria, and birds like the osprey and bald eagle.

Photo by Kelly
Also, you can head to some points of interest such as Williams Island, Tennessee River Blueway or Pot Point Cabin. On its numerous trails such as Signal Mountain, Raccoon Mountain or within the Prentice Cooper State Forest, you can take a hike or a bike ride. In addition, if you choose traditional activities, at Tennessee Wall you can climb, hunt, fish, sail, or swim.

Celebrate Chattanooga Festivals

In Chattanooga, Tennessee, you won’t have time to get bored, with plenty of things to do that cater to all interests. Every year the city celebrates exciting festivals and events where you will find many entertainment options for all tastes. Discover the perfect mix of music and a variety of gastronomic offerings at one of its festivals:

• Soddy Daisy Pie Festival: Enjoy a day filled with delicious homemade pies, live music, and fun activities for the whole family.
• Scenic City Fall Festival: Enjoy horseback riding, the artist shows, delicious food, live music, a bounce house, and pumpkin painting.
• Chattanooga Taco Festival: Enjoy a variety of homemade tacos, many arts and crafts vendors, food trucks, a petting zoo, pony rides, and much more.
• Battle of the Food Trucks Festival: Discover more than 175 craft and commercial vendors, more than 30 food trucks, a petting zoo, pony rides, games, and entertainment.

Photo by micheile henderson

• Chattanooga Burger Week: If you’re a burger lover, you will enjoy the offerings of participating restaurants.
• Chattanooga Margarita Festival: Head to the First Horizon Pavilion as Chattanooga’s favorite restaurants compete for the title of Best Margarita in town. Purchase your Sample Passport, which includes 10 mini margaritas, and enjoy music by local DJs.
• Bacon & Barrel Food and Whiskey Festival: Bacon & Barrel ticket includes unlimited samples of emblematic bacon dishes and 12 whiskey samples, live music, fun photo sessions, and more.
• Chattanooga Summer Cocktail Festival: This is the hottest summer festival, featuring seasonal cocktails and tasty eats. Admission includes 12 fun summer cocktails, plus access to all the fun and entertainment.

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