15 Best Things to Do in Chattanooga

Chattanooga is a breathtakingly beautiful city in Southern Tennessee that’s been labeled as one of the top places to visit in the United States because of its hilltop adventures and mellow charm. With so many places to explore and fun activities to take part in, not a single moment of dullness passes by when visiting the beautiful Chattanooga.

Chattanooga has it all embedded in its glorious city, from remarkable bridges and aquariums to spectacular waterfalls and astounding mountains. When you are traveling through Chattanooga, there are endless exciting ventures to dive in. Let’s go through the best 15 pursuits to partake in Chattanooga.

1. Take a Breath of Fresh Air on the Walnut Street Bridge

The ‘Walnut Street Bridge’ was built in 1890, and it was the first walkway to connect Chattanooga with the Northside of Tennessee. If you want to experience the Chattanooga River with a striking view of the north and south shores, taking a stroll on this wooden bridge would be the best idea. 

The Walnut Street Bridge is considered a famous landmark because of its long 2,376 feet pathway, which is wide enough for bicycling. So if you are into cycling, this is going to be one pleasurable affair, guaranteed. Also, the guitarists and singers on the sides highlight the fun all the way more, putting you in a cheerful mood.

2. Have a Look at the Lookout Mountain’s Rock City Garden

Chattanooga is packed with the sublime natural beauties, and the Lookout Mountain is proof of this. This mountain flaunts the marvelous views of the Tennessee Valley. You can trek through the easygoing paths to the top where you get enlightened with the rich Civil-War history of the area. 

The best thing about visiting this place is that it offers three entertainment sources along the way. The ‘Rock City Garden’ is one of them, emerging on the top list of the most attractive tourist destinations in Chattanooga. Crested on top of the mountain and connected with a 180-feet bridge is an out-of-this-world view of a waterfall. You’ll be able to see seven different states of America from this point, where you can look out 120 miles away with a cup of hot cocoa in your hand. 

3. Delve Into the Beauty of Ruby Falls

The Lookout Mountain also encases the ‘Ruby Falls’ in its vast space. This fall is one of the most alluring tourist destinations of all time. Ruby Falls is located 1,120 feet below the mountain’s surface in a cave, and it is said to be the tallest and deepest underground waterfall in the United States that is open to the public.

Ruby Falls is a must-see spot of Chattanooga with its fascinating cave and wondrous waterfall. You have to book a guided tour in advance to see the spectacular beauty of Ruby Falls, so don’t forget to do that before you plan for this trip.

Related: Best Free Things to Do in Chattanooga

4. Take a Memorable Trip to the Lookout Mountain by Incline Railway

Although the best route to the Lookout Mountain is by car, you can make it even more memorable by taking the Incline Railway. The ‘Lookout Mountain Incline Railway’ takes the tourists up the mountain through the steepest parts and gives an experience to never forget about.

Even though the price is a little too much for the short trip, we still recommend that you give it a go, as visitors particularly love the view of Lookout Mountain from the Incline Railway.

5. Get the Mysterious Murder and Mayhem Ghost Tour

If you enjoy learning about the history of a place by hearing entertaining ghost stories, then the ‘Murder and Mayhem Haunted House Tour’ is just the place to be. You need to contact your trip advisor for getting this fun, chilly experience that is an hour and forty minutes long.

The haunted house tour is a small tour activity with a maximum of 25 visitors, so you spend the most comfortable time there. You can get your pictures taken by your tour guide and enjoy the level best time there with your family and friends. You are sure to get out of this place with a ton of stories to share with others.

6. Go Tandem Skydiving

If you are looking for a way to get a dose of some healthy adrenaline rush on your visit to Chattanooga, tandem diving might be the best way to do it magnificently. Even if you have never gone skydiving before and are ready to turn your dream come true, the Chattanooga Sky Company will easily guide you through the whole experience. They teach you the necessary know-how and accompany their professional instructors with you for the most secure and overwhelming adventure of your life.

It is also a great way to take in the exquisite beauty of Chattanooga from a whole new angle. You will get to see all the amazing greenery and mountains, including the Lookout Mountain, and Sequatchie Valley.

7. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride

If jumping off a plane is not down your alley, engage in a grand hot air balloon half-day tour that is offered by the Chattanooga Balloon Company. This will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience if you choose to take this flight. Moreover, the experience will give you goosebumps with the exotic sights you will see all over Chattanooga from many miles high.

8. Visit the Extraordinary Sequatchie Valley

The ‘Sequatchie Valley’ is a beautiful narrow valley situated in Southeast Tennessee. Here, you can experience the flavorful cultured small-town charm with lots of breathtaking sightseeing and historical sights. 

This valley is also travelers’ favorite place to visit in Chattanooga because of its loving and welcoming people. Add in the joys of unique, small shopping places, and local food shops, you will definitely fall in love with this extraordinary valley.

9. Spend Your Weekend at the Chattanooga Market

You need to spend a weekend at the Chattanooga market if you are a fan of open-air and spacious vendor markets. You will find all kinds of things selling there from farmer’s items and self-care supplies to ardent hand-made objects. Per the rules of the Chattanooga market, all items that are sold on the vendors are hand-crafted by the people selling them. 

You can also enjoy the on-site dining experience with live music, and cultural festivities and activities when you visit this surprisingly sensational Chattanooga market. 

10. River and Ocean Journeys with the Tennessee Aquarium

The ‘Tennessee Aquarium’ is located in Chattanooga’s downtown riverfront. This aquarium consists of two buildings: the first one is a freshwater aquarium, which is the largest in the world, while the other one is a saltwater aquarium. 

This aquarium holds a special place in Tennessee popular sightseeing because of the diverse range of sea creatures you can find there. The Tennessee aquarium shows all the freshwater and saltwater animals in their natural habitat, enlightening and immersing you in such a way about them that you can spend a full day at the place without a problem. 

If you are bringing kids along with you on the Chattanooga tour, this is one trip you don’t want to miss. The kids will get to have some serious fun and learning time at the Tennessee Aquarium, surrounded by the frisky penguins, and beautiful butterflies. You will also see some of the rare and dazzling coral reefs, turtles, sharks, and plenty of distinctive schools of fish.

11. Stop by the Bluff View Art District

If you visit Chattanooga, you need to stop by the ‘Bluff View Art District.’ Spend a full day at the place appreciating the Victorian and Italian influenced architectures. This district offers you the best historic hotels, art galleries, coffee houses, restaurants, and a lot more. It is also exceedingly famous for its great bakeries and pretty sculpture gardens.

The Chattanooga Bluff View Art Distinct is set atop stone cliffs that give a stunning view into the river below. From the clifftop, you can see the natural wonder Chattanooga is overflowing with, and get a splendid view of the Walnut Street Bridge and Tennessee River. 

12. Explore the Raccoon Mountain

This place is recommended by all the visitors that have been to the ‘Raccoon Mountain.’ However, for this one, you will have to drive just right outside the city. But even with the extra effort, it will be worth it as the trip will be one to remember for a very long time.

At the ‘Raccoon Mountain,’ you can explore miles of mapped caves and pan for gemstones. It is a perfect family tour destination where you can engage in cave expeditions all day. The place also offers rental cabins services to enjoy the astounding views of Lookout and Raccoon mountains while relaxing by a campfire. 

13. Swing by the Greenway Farms Dog Park

You can’t possibly forget about spending some quality time with your pet dogs when you are on tour, right? The ‘Greenway Farms Dog Park’ is an exceptionally beautiful dog park that encourages you to participate in playful activities with your dogs without a worry in the world.

The Greenway Farms Dog Park allows your dogs to play, run, and even swim in a safe environment. The spectacular mountain views and water fountain only add to the allure of the park.

14. Take a Historic Chattanooga Segway Tour

If you want to get the highlights of Chattanooga city in a short time, then taking a historic ‘Chattanooga Segway Tour’ is the best way to do it. You can learn about the history of all the famous Chattanooga spots, gliding through on the Segway with your tour guide.

You will make six stops on the way visiting and learning about the popular key attractions of Chattanooga, including the Tennessee Aquarium and Chattanooga ChooChoo. Finally, you will make the last stop back at the bike station with a ton load of information about the city. 

15. Spend a Day at the Chattanooga ChooChoo

The ‘Chattanooga ChooChoo’ has a rich history from the early 1900s. Initially, it was a train station, but with time it evolved and now has multiple entertainment venues. It was recently remodeled as a historical complex and hotel where you can book an apartment and have your meals in fine restaurants. 

There are tons of other activities that you can engage in during days and nights. In the daytime, you can visit the ‘Sweetly Southern’ gift shop, which is the oldest and largest shop in the town. Here you can shop for historical souvenirs, hand-painted glass adorns, jewelry, clothing, and keepsakes. You can also visit the ‘Songbirds Guitar Museum’ that has a huge collection of historical instruments and live music sessions. You can also hang around the ‘Glenn Miller Gardens,’ which is a two-acre garden where you can smell the alluring fragrance of roses and relax.

In the night time, you can end your day with some light exploring on the ‘Station Street.’ You can enjoy delicious foods and cocktails, and party. Also, a great source of entertainment that highlights the nightlife is ‘The Comedy Catch’ show. This place is for an excellent laugh-out-loud comedy experience with delectable food and a full bar during the show.

Now that you know the best 15 things to do in Chattanooga, you can enjoy and treat yourself to a trip full of adventures and fun. Appreciate the rich history of Chattanooga by visiting phenomenal historic places and experience Mother Nature at its best with the overflowing and awe-inspiring beauty that this city is packed in. 

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