Best Things To Do in Chattanooga, Tennessee

Are you looking for what to do in Chattanooga?

  • Tennessee Aquarium: Take a tour into the world’s largest freshwater aquarium where you get to see around 9000 marine creatures.
  • Lookout Mountain KOA/Chattanooga West: One of the best places to visit in Chattanooga where you get to experience hiking in an adventure trip through the native Appalachian forest.
  • Ruby Falls: One of the popular spots in the Lookout Mountain where you get to explore caves and see some of the beautiful formations of the nature.
  • Rock City: Visit this majestic botanical garden which is considered as one of the popular attraction of Chattanooga.
  • Incline Railway of the Lookout Mountain: It is one of the most fun things to do in Chattanooga TN. The trolley car takes you on a ride through the beautiful scenery of the Lookout Mountain.
  • Walnut Street Bridge: Visit this oldest non-military highway that connects the downtown region of the city with the North Shore. It is one of the best places to see the waterfront of Chattanooga.
  • Creative Discovery Museum: This is one of the places where you get the chance to try some creative things to do in Chattanooga.
  • Raccoon Mountain Caverns: Take a tour insider these caverns to see unique formations like stalactites, stalagmites, soda straws, rimstone pools, flowstone, draperies, natural bridges and so on.

Below we have a list of things to do in Chattanooga and the places where you want to spend the best moments of your trip. At the same time, the city offers you the best neighborhoods to explore and new foods to try.

This list should help you in deciding and prioritizing what you should plan on your Chattanooga getaway. Find a mix of must-see tourist spots, underrated local hangouts, and maybe even a few new experiences you can try out.

Make the most of your trip to Chattanooga with confidence.

Tourist Attractions in Chattanooga

Here is the list of things to do in Chattanooga and tourist attractions in city.

  1. Tennessee Aquarium

    4.7 (1152 Votes)
    Tennessee Aquarium

    Aquarium

    Tennessee aquarium chattanooga is the largest freshwater aquarium of the world which houses more than 9000 creatures. Public chattanooga aquariumlocatedon the banks of the Tennessee River in Chattanooga. This glass pyramid aquarium in Tennessee hovering over the riverside lets you take a tour of the entire Tennessee River ecosystem, starting from Appalachia to its end m...Read more
  2. Ruby Falls

    4.5 (1119 Votes)
    Ruby Falls

    Water Body

    Discover the majestic beauty of Chattanooga. Located within the Lookout Mountain, this thundering 145-foot waterfall with its sheer beauty has offered a thrilling experience for visitors for over eighty years. It is said to be America’s deepest commercial cave and is said to be the largest underground waterfall. As you reach near the waterfall, the tour guides will take you into the caver...Read more
  3. Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel

    4.2 (1036 Votes)
    Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel

    Hotel, Museum, Garden, Food And Drinks

    Opened in 1909, this Terminal Station turned Downtown Inn is a historical place to pay a visit. The inn includes hotel with contemporary rooms and suites, Victorian sleeper cars with train theme decoration for accommodation. Above that, throughout the property you have free Wi-Fi access as well. The list doesn’t end here. The complex includes outdoor pools, courtyard with gardens and a mo...Read more
  4. Walnut Street Bridge

    Bridge, Walking Area

    Built between 1884 and 1923, Walnut Street Bridge is considered as one of the excellent examples of the Phoenix wrought-iron truss bridge connecting the Downtown Chattanooga with the North Shore. Till date this oldest non-military highway is said to be the longest pedestrian bridge in the world. Down the line many changes have been made to the structure of the bridge to turn it into a pedestria...Read more
  5. Incline Railway Of The Lookout Mountain

    Entertainment, Train Ride

    Wondering what is the most fun thing to do in Chattanooga? Aboard the incline’s trolley-style cars and take a tour through the scenic beauty of the historic Lookout Mountain, the surrounding mountains and valleys from the windows of the train as the trolley car running on the 72.7% grade of track takes you in the cloud. Yes! The track is that steep and is said to be the steepest passenger...Read more
  6. Chattanooga Zoo

    4.4 (612 Votes)
    Chattanooga Zoo

    Zoo

    Do you wish to go for wildlife adventure? Come to the ‘wildest place’ of Chattanooga named Chattanooga Zoo where you can enjoy unlimited fun at a great price. The zoo lets you go up close with some of the rare animals like red pandas, jaguars, snow leopard and many more. It houses nearly 300 animals belonging to 130 different species. You get the chance to observe the behavior of al...Read more
  7. Rock City Gardens

    4.7 (650 Votes)
    Rock City Gardens

    Garden, View Point

    Rock city gardens located right at the top of the Lookout Mountain. ‘Created by God and enchanted by the man’, this is how this incomparable geological and botanical wonder is often defined. The chattanooga rock city amazes visitors with its picturesque scenic beauty to experience a memorable adventure along a natural trail. The massive ancient caverns and boulde...Read more
  8. Southern Belle Riverboat Cruise

    Water Body, Waterfront, Food And Drinks, Entertainment

    One of the best attractions of Chattanooga, Southern Belle Riverboat takes you on a cruise trip along the Tennessee River and at the same time lets you enjoy cozy lunch or dinner on the boat. Along with the lunch, you get live narration and pilot house tours. If you are going for the Dinner Cruise, you get to enjoy music and dance along with the delicious dinner. The organizer serves cruises re...Read more
  9. Lake Winnepesaukah

    4.3 (249 Votes)
    Lake Winnepesaukah

    Amusement Park, Entertainment, Lake

    Lake Winnepesaukah Chattanooga also known as Lake Winnie. A great place to spend weekend afternoon with kids! Filled with many ‘wow’ factors, Lake winnepesaukah amusement park has been entertaining visitors of all ages for nearly 90 years. It houses nearly 40 riders designed in a way to provide entertainment for an entire family. Lake winnipesaukee theme park is so po...Read more
  10. Moon Pie General Store

    4.4 (532 Votes)
    Moon Pie General Store

    Specialty Shop

    Want to reminiscence your past memories? Come to MoonPie General Store where its retro look will make you feel nostalgic. It’s friendly ambience will remind your childhood days. The toys, candies, retro gifts and souvenirs are so beautiful that you will hardly be able to resist yourself from buying it. Make sure you take few pictures in the shop with the beautiful décor as the back...Read more
  11. Chattanooga National Cemetery

    Cemetery

    This 120 acre largest cemetery of Tennessee was built as a military cemetery in 1863. It was built to honor the Union soldiers who were killed during the battles around Chattanooga. It is said to be one of the very few cemeteries where you can view three civil war battles sites-Missionary Ridge, Lookout Mountain and Chattanooga. Besides, the cemetery also has distinctive monuments. One of them ...Read more
  12. River Gorge Explorer

    4.4 (348 Votes)
    River Gorge Explorer

    Outdoors, Cruise

    River Gorge Explorer offer cruise trip on a sleek boat into the scenic Tennessee River Gorge from the Chattanooga riverfront. Guided by an Aquarium naturalist, the high-tech vessel will take you for a 2 hour trip where you will come across wildlife and historical sites along the way. The angled seats of the boat let you sit comfortably in a climate controlled cabin and enjoy the outside view th...Read more
  13. International Towing And Recovery Museum

    Museum, Specialty Museum

    It is one of the most unique museums that offer information for everyone. The museum showcases the historical facts related to the towing and recovery. It houses two trucks and towing equipment dating back to 1916. Another than this, the collection also includes age old equipments that were built by Vulcan, Weaver and Holmes. Other section of the museum is dedicated to the Hall of Fame where in...Read more
  14. Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center

    Outdoors, Trail, Park, Hiking Trail

    Nestled at the foot of historic Lookout Mountain, this beautiful center covers an area of about 317 acres of land and house nearly 150 classified trees. Moreover, the stunning scenery around the center, botanical gardens and the miles of trails make the place more special for nature buffs. The trail is very popular among the hikers who wish to hike through the nature. The main aim behind the es...Read more
  15. Tivoli Theatre

    4.7 (208 Votes)
    Tivoli Theatre

    Entertainment, Performance, Theatre

    The center of Chattanooga’s cultural life is how Tivoli Theatre is often defined. From being a community showplace in 1920s to a theater in the 21st century, the Tivoli Theater has traveled a long way to mark its presence in the city. It hosts innumerable number of entertainment shows and cultural events. It has been home to the Symphony and Opera Association of the city. At the same time...Read more

Chattanooga
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  • tell me about the Songsbirds Guitar and Pop Culture Museum how long is it to walk thru it

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  • where can i contact hotair ballon in Chattanoga?

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    • I think you should contact the Chattanooga Balloon Company directly at their contact number (423) 443-7994 for all queries.

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  • car museum

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    • I suppose you are inquiring about the Coker Museum in Chattanooga. It is located at the following address: 1309 Chestnut St, Chattanooga, TN 37402, United States. 

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  • Is there a tourist train that leaves from Chattanooga?

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    • There are Tennessee Valley Railroad's vintage train rides and a couple of these start from Chattanooga as well. But, these rides are seasonal and it would be better to check the official website for more details. 

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  • Places to go for elderly and disabled individuals who cannot walk long distances and my be on walkers in Chatanooga

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    • Here are a few things to do in Chattanooga that I know to be wheelchair accessible:

      - Tennessee Aquarium

      - Hunter Museum of Art

      - Rock City atop the Lookout Mountain

      - Walnut Street Bridge

      Being elderly or disabled, if you find it too difficult to cover long distances, I would suggest renting a wheelchair that will allow you to visit these attractions in Chattanooga. 

       

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  • is lake Winnie open on labor day?

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    • Lake Winnepesaukah is currently closed for the public. To get more updates, you should visit the official website of the amusement park. 

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    • is lake Winnie open on labor day?

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  • i read somewhere on wednesday night from 4-7 there is an area in downtown where people sell their handmade items and there is music. do you know where?

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    • The place where handmade items are sold is Chattanooga Market at W Main Street and Chestnut Street. But, it is arranged every Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm. There is the Main Street Farmers Market at the same address hosted every Wednesday from 4 pm to 6 pm. But, it only sells fresh produce and not handmade items. 

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  • Is ther a railroad museum in the area

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    • Yes, there is a Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum located on Cromwell Road. 

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  • What would excite a 65yr. couple the second week in May? Can't do runnng and dwalking is limited. Also want a hotel from Wyndham hotels.

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    • While it depends entirely upon the interest of the couple, some good options you can consider include taking a cruise on the Southern Belle, a downstream tour of the Tennessee River, Lookout Mountain Incline Railway, Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, Chattanooga Symphony and Opera,  Hunter Museum of American Art, and Point Park. 

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  • Are any of the attractions handicap friendly? Is there a place to rent a scooter or motorized cart for the handicap?

    Answer Report Abuse
    • Following are the attractions in Chattanooga that are handicap friendly - Tennessee Aquarium, Creative Discovery Museum, Hunter Museum of American Art, Rock City Gardens (partially handicap friendly), Tennessee Riverpark, and Hamilton Place Mall. To know from where you may rent a scooter or motorized car, I suggest you ask the locals as they would be the best source of information. 

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