Best Things to Do in Chattanooga Tennessee (2025)

Are you looking to find all the best things to do in Chattanooga, Tennessee? I’m here to help you out!

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If you’re planning a trip, let me help you find all the best things to do in Chattanooga, Tennessee!

I was born and raised in Nashville, so Chattanooga has always been a frequent weekend getaway spot. It’s only about a two-and-a-half-hour drive so I’ve even done a day trip before.

Chattanooga is great any time of year, but if you’re looking for the best time to go I would suggest fall. The weather is absolutely perfect for doing all of the more outdoorsy activities. When the leaves are starting to change color it makes for the most amazing views of the mountains as well.

Chattanooga is also honestly perfect for any kind of traveling. I’ve done two solo trips there and both times had a great time doing all the fun things they have to offer and even made new friends. I’ve also gone with my boyfriend and there are so many great fun and romantic things to do as a couple. They’ve got plenty of activities kids would love as well. So no matter who you’re taking with you – it’s the perfect place!

This post is all about the best things to do in Chattanooga, Tennessee!

Best Things to Do in Chattanooga, Tennessee

1.) Ride The Incline Railway

There’s no better way to start off your trip than by taking the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway up Lookout Mountain. It is one of the steepest passenger railways in the entire world. The breathtaking views are absolutely unreal.

2.) Visit Ruby Falls

Once you make it up to the top of Lookout Mountain, you have to check out Ruby Falls. Ruby Falls is one of my favorite things to do in Chattanooga and I’ve gone back several times.

Ruby Falls is the tallest underground waterfall that is open to the public in the United States. You’ll get to see the 145-foot waterfall illuminated by colorful lights!

When you first get there you’ll enter to scan your tickets and can explore the gift shop or grab some food before you enter. Once it’s your time to enter you’ll descend down 260 feet under the mountain in a glass elevator. You’ll take a journey guided by your tour guide who will teach you a lot of the history behind Ruby Falls and Lookout Mountain as well as teach you more about the cave adventures and the structures you’ll see.

Like I said – this is one of my favorite things to do in Chattanooga, so I highly recommend checking it out!

3.) Explore Rock City

Another thing I love to do whenever I visit Chattanooga is visit the Rock City Gardens. Rock City literally feels like you’re in a fairytale. Rock City is similar to a botanical garden. You’ll follow pathways that wind through incredible rock formations with tons of greenery and unique flowers and plants in their beautiful gardens. There’s even a suspension bridge you can walk across. Oh and you gave to check out Fat Man’s Squeeze, a tiny little opening between rocks!

Rock City is famous for a specific spot where you’ll have some incredible panoramic views that span so far you can actually see 7 different states from it. You can take a photo right there on the famous lover’s leap!

Another cool part of Rock City is the Magic Fairyland Caverns and Mother’s Goose Village. The Magic Fairyland Caverns depict scenes from classic fairytales while the Mother’s Goose Village has amazing displays of all the childhood stories we grew up hearing.

It truly feels magical exploring Rock City!

4.) See the Views from the Walnut Street Pedestrian Bridge

Walnut Street Bridge is one of the longest pedestrian bridges in the world and connects downtown Chattanooga to the North Shore. It has the best views of the scenic city of Chattanooga and the Tennessee River. Make sure to hang out in Coolidge Park after your stroll across this long bridge to enjoy more scenic views with plenty of green space!

5.) Visit the Tennesee Aquarium

Right on the Chattanooga riverfront, you’ll find the Tennessee Aquarium – one of the top-rated aquariums in the US. It’s perfect for anyone – kids and adults will love it.

I love Chattanooga so much and I hope you will too after checking out all these best things to do in Chattanooga.

They have exhibits from both freshwater and ocean life. You’ll be able to see otters, sharks, penguins, giant catfish and so much more.

While you’re there you can also check out their IMAX theatre. There are always a couple of different showings to choose from throughout the day so check it out if you’re planning your trip!

6.) Check Out the Bluff View Art District

If you love to check out beautiful art then visiting the Bluff View Art District will be perfect for you. It’s located right by the river so as you take your stroll you’ll have beautiful views! There are tons of art galleries and amazing cafes, so come hungry as well!

The Hunter Museum of American Art is a definite must-see and make sure to grab a pastry at Rembrandt’s Coffee House while you’re out and about!

7.) See the Chattanooga Choo Choo

There’s so much to experience with the Chattanooga Choo Choo! First of all, if you’re a history lover you’ll get the chance to learn quite a bit of information dating back to the 1800s.

There are also plenty of dining and entertainment spots (some with live music!) to choose from.

Heads up! Very close by is my all-time favorite restaurant in Chattanooga – STIR. They not only have a great oyster bar, but their made-from-scratch food is AMAZING and always so fresh.

Their cocktails are unreal. Not only do they use some of the best liquors with fresh ingredients – but they also pour every cocktail over artisanal ice that they literally freeze, cut, and shape by hand. My personal favorite cocktail is the STIR old-fashioned!

The food is amazing and if you’re a solo traveler sit at the bar! It’s beautiful and every time I’ve gone alone I always have made new friends.

8.) Take a Hike at Cloudland Canyon

View of Cloudland Canyon State Park south of Lookout Mountain, Georgia near Chattanooga, Tennessee.

If you’re up for taking a little drive outside of Chattanooga, Cloudland Canyon will be a great place for you. You’ll see huge canyons, caves, waterfalls, creeks, and all kinds of beautiful scenery. There are even some fun camping options there if you want to stay for a night.

9.) Take a Riverboat Cruise Down the Tennessee River

When I vacation there’s nothing more I love than being near water. Since Chattanooga has a beautiful river that flows through it, I definitely recommend taking a riverboat cruise! Hop aboard the Southern Belle and you can do a sightseeing cruise for lunch or dinner. Check out their website to scope out all the different cruises they offer!

10.) Creative Discovery Museum

This museum is the perfect spot if you are traveling with family and young kids! There are several exhibits focusing on science, music, and art!

11.) Visit The Chattanooga Zoo

If you love a trip to the zoo, make sure to stop by the Chattanooga Zoo. They typically have several activities throughout the day so make sure to check their schedule to see what events are going on and when.

Needless to say, Chattanooga is full of so many things to do and outdoor adventures. It is full of so much natural beauty. It’s such a great city so I hope you enjoy it as much as I always do!