Edwards Point in Chattanooga TN
Photo Credit: Josh Ness

Things to Do in Chattanooga

Outdoor adventure and music await in the gorgeously scenic Chattanooga.

Featured in this Article:

Ruby Falls
Rock City
Outdoor Chattanooga
High Point Climbing & Fitness
Tennessee Aquarium
Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park
Hunter Museum of American Art
Charles H. Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center
Songbirds Guitar & Pop Culture Museum
Chattanooga Choo Choo
Creative Discovery Museum
Bolt Farm Treehouse
Booker T. Washington State Park
Lookout Winery
Paddle the Ocoee
Rock Climbing at Sunset Rock

 

Chattanooga has made a name for itself as a city where outdoor adventures are some of the best and free things to do in Chattanooga. From exploring fantastical gardens to feeling like a bird as you swoop and sweep above the hilltops that hug this burgeoning city, browse below for a full list of things to do in Chattanooga either as a solo traveler, if you're a traveling couple or visiting with friends and family.

Ruby Falls

  • Located 1,120 feet underground it is the largest and deepest publicly accessible waterfall in the U.S.

  • Discovered in 1928 by Leo Lambert.

  • Includes a guided cave tour sharing the story behind its discovery and naming.

  • Features ZipStream Aerial adventure (700-ft. roundtrip zipline) and a 40-ft. climbing tower with five routes.

  • Ruby Falls is a must-see on your Chattanooga vacation.

Rock City

  • At Rock City, you can see views of seven states from Lover’s Leap.

  • Visit High Falls and Fairyland Caverns.

  • Wander with gnome guides through caves.

  • Walk a 180-ft. suspension bridge with views of Chattanooga Valley.

  • A photogenic stop for Chattanooga getaways.

Outdoor Chattanooga

High Point Climbing & Fitness

  • High Point Climbing & Fitness has 30,000 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor climbing, including transparent outdoor wall facing downtown Chattanooga.

  • Options for all skill levels including bouldering and beginner-friendly climbs.

  • Additional amenities include yoga, weights, and cardio rooms.

  • Great addition to your vacation in Chattanooga.

Tennessee Aquarium

  • Travel under the sea without needing a swimsuit at the Tennessee Aquarium's two buildings: River Journey and Ocean Journey.

  • Explore marine and river ecosystems from Tennessee and beyond.

  • Features otters, seahorses, exotic plants, octopi, and more.

  • Includes expert-led programs with penguins, butterflies, alligators.

  • A favorite for any Chattanooga getaway.

Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park

 

  • Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park tells the story of the Civil War’s Battle Above the Clouds (Nov. 1863).

  • Chickamauga Battlefield is the largest part of the park.

  • U.S.'s first military park, dedicated in 1895.

  • Explore battlefields, forests, monuments, and urban landscapes.

  • History lovers will enjoy this spot for Chattanooga travel.

Hunter Museum of American Art

  • The Hunter Museum of American Art overlooks the Tennessee River on an 80-foot bluff.

  • Displays American art from the Colonial period to present day.

  • Features sculpture, photography, paintings, and mixed media.

  • Perfect to include in your Chattanooga itinerary.

Charles H Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center

  • Learn about the first Medal of Honor recipient and 3,500+ heroes at this heritage center.

  • Features over 6,000 artifacts including uniforms, firearms, scrapbooks, and dioramas.

  • Highlights values of patriotism, courage, and sacrifice.

  • A powerful stop on your Chattanooga TN vacation.

Songbirds Guitar & Pop Culture Museum

  • Songbirds Guitar & Pop Culture Museum offers interactive exhibits tracing the guitar’s role in music history.

  • Located in Chattanooga’s Southside District.

  • Offers concerts, masterclasses and lessons.

  • Supports music education — every $100 raised provides a child with a guitar and 10 weeks of lessons.

  • Don’t miss this gem during your vacation in Chattanooga, TN.

Chattanooga Choo Choo

 

  • The Chattanooga Choo Choo is a former train station turned destination hub, which was established in 1909.

  • Features hotel stays in restored train cars, shopping, dining and rose gardens.

  • Lively atmosphere and historic charm.

  • An iconic stop for any Chattanooga weekend trip.

Creative Discovery Museum

  • Family-friendly museum with exhibits on science, art and culture.

  • Features rooftop fun zone, arts studio and water play area.

  • Includes a dinosaur dig experience.

  • Ideal for interactive, educational play.

  • A top pick for Chattanooga visiting places.

Bolt Farm Treehouse

Photo Credit: @lynseyseades
  • Adults-only luxury retreat with scenic mountain views.

  • Bolt Farm Treehouse offers in-room massages, private chef experiences and mountaintop campfires.

  • Access to 2.5 miles of nature trails and Tennessee Valley Railroad scenic rides.

  • A dreamy end to a weekend trip to Chattanooga.

Booker T. Washington State Park

Lookout Winery

Photo Credit: @lookoutwinery
  • Grab a group of friends, turn off your phones and head out to Lookout Winery for handcrafted wine made from California grapes.

  • Gourmet wood-fired pizzas using Italian ingredients.

  • Views of three-state mountain region and Tennessee River at Nickajack Lake.

  • Ideal for unplugged gatherings with friends.

Paddle the Ocoee

Photo Credit: Jeff Adkins/Journal Communications
  • Get set for an adrenaline-pumping adventure on the Ocoee River, which has whitewater rafting adventures for all skill levels.

  • Full 23-mile route available through Ocoee Scenic River State Park.

  • Also offers canoeing, fishing, hiking and nature photography.

Rock Climbing at Sunset Rock

Photo Credit: @tennesseebavarian
  • Located on the western side of Lookout Mountain, Sunset Rock boasts some of Tennessee's premier traditional climbing spots.

  • Historic Civil War vantage point during the Civil War's Battle of Chattanooga.

  • Suitable for beginners and experienced climbers.

Keep planning your Chattanooga trip with these ideas and itineraries: 

Plan Your Getaway to Chattanooga

Chattanooga Comes to Life with Live Music

Where to Chow Down in Chattanooga

History Buffs: Here's Your Chattanooga Itinerary

Plan Your Perfect Day Trip from Chattanooga

Places in this article

Romantic getaways in Tennessee

Escape from the everyday and unwind on a romance-filled weekend retreat.

Read More