Categories: Things to Do

9 Awesome Things to Do in Chattanooga

← Back to ‘Discover the Best Things to Do, Everywhere’

A beautiful city set on the Tennessee River at foot of the Appalachian Mountains, Chattanooga is a hidden gem among Southern cities. With a state forest and a national forest within easy striking distance, a mountain with stunning views out over Southern Tennessee and a rich Civil War history, there’s a good mix of things to do in Chattanooga. 

Maybe you’re on a road trip through the South or maybe you’re just looking for a new getaway over a long weekend, Chattanooga is likely to be a pleasant surprise.

By Karen Culp

1. Lookout Mountain and Ruby Falls

Lookout mountain sits on the Tennessee-Georgia border and “looks out” over Chattanooga and the otherwise flat Southern Tennessee. As you might imagine, the views, especially at sunset or sunrise, are nothing short of spectacular. Going in the fall is an especially good time as you dodge the heat and catch the trees changing colors — a lookout point in the truest sense. Oh, and the hike up the mountain is beautiful to discover waterfalls and sandstone formations. This is our winner for outdoor enthusiasts.

By Rob Hainer

Ruby Falls is a waterfall inside of Lookout Mountain that plunges 145 feet from an opening in the cave down to a pool below. The cave is often lit with purple lights that beam down the water, giving an appearance of an extraterrestrial happening. It’s quite a spectacular scene and a can’t-miss for all Chattanooga visitors. If you’re not up for the hike, the Incline Railway is a tram car that takes passengers straight to the top of the mountain and makes for a fun activity for transport enthusiasts nature-lovers alike.

By Ritu Manoj Jethani

2. Explore the Tennessee River

We recommend two different ways to do this. The first is to get the adrenaline going with some white water rafting. Be ready for bumps along the way and maybe the occasional flip over. This is an absolute blast for those looking for the more adventurous side of the river. The second way is to hop on a boat at sunset and cruise the river. You can have dinner and a couple of drinks as night falls over Chattanooga.

By Kenneth Sponsler

3. Creative Discovery Museum

If you’re visiting with young kids, the Creative Discovery Museum is a must-see. It’s sort of an art and science combined museum packed with interactive exhibits designed for kids to get hands-on while learning.

By Chubykin Arkady

4. Bluff View Art District

Chattanooga has a strong arts community and the best way to experience it is on foot in the Arts District. You can hop from one handicraft store to the next and explore what local artists have to offer. The neighborhood also offers some excellent restaurants, so grabbing lunch or dinner after some art exploring is highly recommended. If the Arts District itself isn’t enough, you can always hit the Hunter Museum of American Art and discover its featured Modernism and American Impressionism pieces. The museum itself is art, set in a 1904 classical revival mansion designed by the son of President James A. Garfield.

By Ritu Manoj Jethani

5. Climb at The Block

The Block is a rock climbing center located in downtown that features both indoor and outdoor rock climbing walls. You can take a beginner’s course, or, if you know your way up a wall, tackle some of the more challenging 60-foot walls the center has available.

By RiverCity

6. Raccoon Mountains Caverns

Chattanooga can get pretty hot and sticky in the summer and one of the most interesting ways to cool down is to explore the caves at Raccoon Mountain. With over five miles of caves to wander through, you can essentially enter another world.

By gracious_tiger

7. The Chattanooga National Cemetery

Chattanooga is rich with Civil War history, and no list of things to do in Chattanooga would be complete without a trip to the Chattanooga National Cemetery. Initially established as a place to bury fallen Union soldiers after the battle of Chattanooga in November 1863, the cemetery is home to multiple Medal of Honor recipients and even foreign prisoners of war from WWII. From the cemetery itself, you can see the sites of the Civil War battles of Missionary Ridge, Lookout Mountain, and Chattanooga. A walk through the cemetery at sunset is a powerful experience.

By Nagel Photography

8. The Walnut Street Bridge

Simple and beautiful, a stroll across the Walnut Street Bridge is a must. And for those with an eye for photography, the design of this pedestrian bridge sets up for some awesome shots.

By Sean Pavone

9. Hike Audubon Acres

With miles of hiking trails and excellent kayaking and swimming spots, Audubon Acres is an excellent way to get out and get some fresh air.  

By RootsRated
5.0
01
Share this post now:
Alistair Thompson

Alistair is a journalist by trade currently learning the ropes in Medellin, Colombia. Although the football to futbol transition is off to a rough start, the rest of the equation is balancing out well. If he wasn't an AllTheRooms content writer, he would almost certainly be neck-deep in the Medellin reggaeton scene.

Share
Published by
Alistair Thompson

Recent Posts

How to Plan a Family Vacation

The following is a sponsored post. You have been working hard and finally saved up enough for a nice vacation…

5 years ago

Glamping in Ontario Canada

Ontario may be thought of as the province with Toronto in it, but the 6-god metropolis sitting in the south…

5 years ago

Best Places for a Luxury Couples Getaway

Destination plays a very big role in your romantic getaway. With the right setting, it’s easy to enjoy your partner’s…

5 years ago

The Best Salsa Dancing Cities in the US

Maybe you’ve recently visited a Latino country and have the salsa-bug, or you might have started learning salsa and Latin-style…

5 years ago

Home From Home: The Vacation Home Landscape in Boulder

Boulder lies at the base of the Rocky Mountains and is known as one of the best places to stay…

5 years ago

Vacation Rentals Without Fees: How to Rent Directly From the Owner

Are you looking to rent a vacation home but want to avoid fees from some of the world’s top platforms?…

5 years ago