Things to Do in Chattanooga: Ultimate Guide for Each Season

Southeastern Tennessee has a charming city that offers incredible nature, lots of activities for all ages, and a rising food scene. 

Chattanooga is a true bucket list destination in Tennessee. Although it isn’t usually the first place that comes to mind when you think of Tennessee, this outdoor haven is worth adding to your Tennessee itinerary.

I didn’t believe much existed outside the musical world of Nashville until I attended the Women in Travel Summit, which was hosted in Chattanooga. I realized – as I sang loudly to my road trip playlist while I traversed the freeway in search of adventure – that Tennessee is more than just the city that sings. 

Knoxville, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Chattanooga each offer a unique experience. I loved exploring whimsical fairytale getaways nestled in the forests outside Knoxville (the Ancient Lore Village), discovering monumental ships perched in quirky towns (the Titanic Museum), and searching for Horcruxes in dim Tennessee caves (the Lost Sea Adventure).

But one Tennessee city captured my heart in a unique way. Chattanooga challenged my preconceived notions about this southern state by showing me the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains and the landscapes that surround it, and sending kind locals to greet me everywhere I went. The food scene was spectacular and the scenic nature, that I didn’t know existed before visiting, kept me entranced. 

Chattanooga is a place of endless adventure and this detailed guide to the best things to do in Chattanooga will help you plan an incredible trip, no matter the season. Read more to discover my favorite activities in Chattanooga for all ages, with recommendations for seasonal events!

14 Things to Do in Chattanooga (Year-Round Activities)

Downtown Chattanooga Trolley Tour

One of my favorite things to do when visiting a new city is to join a guided tour around the city’s popular hotspots. This is a great way to get an overview of the city, especially if you don’t do much research beforehand, and meet a local guide who can give you recommendations for restaurants and hidden gems.

The downtown Chattanooga trolley tour is a one-hour city tour on a picturesque historic trolley. You’ll start at the historic Chattanooga Choo Choo and embark on a journey to the city’s popular spots like Coolidge Park and the Tennessee River Front. Your local guide will share some insights about the city’s history and provide recommendations for what to add to your Chattanooga itinerary. 

If you want a more comedic city tour experience, I also recommend the Redneck Comedy Bus Tour. This goofy two-hour adventure is new to Chattanooga (but is VERY popular in Nashville and Pigeon Forge) and highlights the local experience through laughable storytelling.

Tennessee Aquarium (One of the BEST in the US!)

When I asked every local what the best thing to do in Chattanooga was, the answer was always the same: Tennessee Aquarium. 

Known as one of the best aquariums in the US, the Tennessee Aquarium (also referred to as the Chattanooga Aquarium) has two incredible main exhibits. The River Journey showcases fish and wildlife species found in the Tennessee River and in rivers around the world. The Ocean Journey showcases a variety of fish and sharks, penguins, and other species. 

Fun for all ages, the Tennessee Aquarium is one place you must add to your Chattanooga Itinerary. If you want to meet some of the resident wildlife, I also recommend booking a Deeper Dives tour where you learn about care and conservation and feed the fish!

Chattanooga Bike Rental

I love exploring a new city on foot, but renting a city bike and pedaling from place to place is a thrilling and convenient way to see more in less time. 

Chattanooga has a complex network of city bikes that allows locals and travelers to get around easily and affordably. You can purchase a bike pass online or at the bike kiosks. Like most cycle networks around major US cities, Chattanooga city bikes are pay-per-minute. Standard bikes cost $1 to unlock, then an additional $0.20 per minute to use. E-bikes and scooters have the same unlock fee, but cost $0.30 and $0.35, respectively. 

Some of the best places to explore in Chattanooga by bike are the Walnut Street Bridge, a recently remodeled pedestrian bridge, and Coolidge Park, one of the coolest places to hang out in the city (pun intended).

Chattanooga Food Tour

Chattanooga has a rapidly rising food scene that entrances hungry travelers from around the world. 

The best way to indulge in the best restaurants in Chattanooga is to join a food tour. Chatt Taste Tours, a woman-owned culinary tour in downtown Chattanooga, offers a variety of food tours, one of my personal favorite things to do in Chattanooga.  

The ChattaBrunch food tour is a dynamic brunch experience where travelers can devour breakfast favorites in the Southside like sweet crêpes and local cheeses. Similarly, the Southside food tour showcases lunchtime favorites in the same area as the brunch tour. You’ll visit family-owned restaurants and food trucks in Chattanooga and learn about the city’s culinary landscape. Sticking around downtown? Chatt Taste’s Downtown food tour is a delectable journey around downtown’s best eats.

Mixology Class

Flavor science was not a subject I knew existed until I discovered Chatt Taste Tour’s Mixology Class. As an engineer, I’m always fascinated by anything involving experimentation. This mixology class is an immersive experience where you can learn how to make craft cocktails in an unprecedented setting: a train car at the Chattanooga Choo Choo. Note: this activity is only available for travelers ages 21+.

Kayaking Tour

The Tennessee River weaves its way around Chattanooga, a dynamic serpent that provides a scenic setting for many outdoor adventures. Kayaking is among the best outdoor adventure activities in Chattanooga. 

While at the Women in Travel Summit, I met with Outdoor Chattanooga, an organization that connects locals and travelers with the nature surrounding the city, to learn about the busy calendar of activities they offer for all ages. Outdoor Chattanooga offers a variety of kayak experiences including an intro to whitewater rafting course and guided kayak tours. If you’d prefer to stay on land, they also offer bike events and caving tours. View the Outdoor Chattanooga calendar for event info!

Chattanooga Guided Adventures is another great local company that offers kayaking adventures.

The Nickajack Bat Cave kayak tour is a unique experience where you can paddle and witness gray bats feeding at dusk. This evening tour is perfect in the summertime, an adventure that could perfectly precede dinner downtown.

The Chickamauga Dam kayak tour is one of Chattanooga’s most unique kayak experiences. You’ll travel through the Chickamauga Dam, descending to the Tennessee River through with the water that leaves the dam. Explore Chattanooga and the nature surrounding it by kayak for a truly epic adventure!

Horseback Ride at Hidden Hills Farm

There’s nothing more soothing than hearing the clop-clop-clop of a horse’s hooves while you saunter through forestry terrain. No matter the destination, horseback riding always makes it on my itineraries (including my Chattanooga itinerary!). 

My search for local horseback riding near Chattanooga led me to a small family-owned farm called Hidden Hills Farm. I booked the one-hour trail ride and loved every second of it. Riding casually on a horse named General through the dense forest nearby was a memorable experience – one I’d recommend for riders of all skill levels!

Visit the Chattanooga Choo Choo

The Chattanooga Choo Choo is a lively event space with a collection of incredible restaurants, bars, and even a unique boutique hotel with rooms built in historic train cars (Hotel Chalet). 

The moment I stepped into this elegant cultural complex, I was mesmerized by the towering central dome ceiling, which was reminiscent of the architecturally distinct domes all over basilicas in Italy (though it’s actually modeled after the National Park Bank in New York City). Frothy Monkey cafe, Wanderlinger restaurant, and STIR restaurant are among the many eateries that call the Chattanooga Choo Choo home. 

The Chattanooga Choo Choo also has a historic train parked right in the courtyard, the perfect photo opportunity for solo travelers, couples or families!

Caving at Raccoon Mountain Caverns

Beneath the city of Chattanooga lies a detailed network of caves that can be explored through various caving expeditions. Raccoon Mountain Caverns is a collection of caves located just ten minutes from Chattanooga. 

Adventurous travelers can choose between a guided walking tour or a deep dive expedition through less accessible parts of the cave. The guided walking tour is a ~50 minute walking tour through the well-lit part of Raccoon Mountain Caverns. Beyond that is the Cave Expedition – headlamp included – that will require you to squeeze through narrow passageways while discovering unique cave formations. 

Claustrophobic travelers might prefer the walking tour. Fearless travelers will LOVE the cave expedition!

Explore Rock City

Though not technically in Chattanooga, Rock City is one of those unique places you have to see to believe. Located about 15 minutes from downtown Chattanooga just south across the Tennessee-Georgia border, Rock City is an intricate collection of hiking trails through monumental rock formations. 

Originally known as “Fairyland”, this family-friendly hiker’s paradise has whimsical motifs scattered all around each hiking trail. Keep an eye out for gnomes and make sure to visit Fairyland Caverns, a glowing subterranean cave decorated with fables and fantasy!

See Ruby Falls and Discover Lookout Mountain

Chattanooga is home to the tallest underground waterfall. Ruby Falls is a 145-foot (~45 meters) waterfall that sits nearly 1,120 feet below the surface. On guided cave walks, travelers can visit this monumental natural feature. 

Ruby Falls also offers a variety of other tours including lantern cave walks (one ghost edition!), geology tours, and history tours. For families with young kinds, the junior caver tour is a special interactive experience offered on Wednesdays. 

Above the surface, Lookout Mountain also offers a variety of other adventure activities. Ziplining and climbing are thrill-seeking activities offered spring through late fall (March to November). Lookout Mountain Tower and Blue Heron Overlook are great viewpoints of the Tennessee River. Ruby Falls Castle Cafe is a scenic place to grab a bite. Lastly, you can also stay in a whimsical treehouse on Lookout Mountain for a unique getaway!

If there’s one thing that makes it onto your Chattanooga itinerary, let it be the Ruby Falls cave tour and a visit to the overlooks on Lookout Mountain!

Hang Glide over Lookout Mountain

This detailed list of things to do in Chattanooga would be incomplete without an adventurous hang gliding experience over Lookout Mountain. We’ve discovered the caves beneath Chattanooga and wandered the streets of downtown, we might as well explore from the skies!

Lookout Mountain Flight Park is an adrenaline junkie’s paradise. Tandem hang gliding experiences will take you to new heights, providing unparalleled views of the landscapes below.

Visit a Local Museum

Rainy days in Chattanooga are the perfect opportunity to explore one of the city’s local museums! 

The Hunter Museum of American Art contains an impressive collection of American art, specifically works from the Southeast. The Coker Museum is a warehouse of vintage vehicles sure to impress any car fanatic, young or old. The Creative Discovery Museum is an interactive children’s museum (perfect for energetic little ones). Lastly, the Bessie Smith Cultural Center is a celebration of African American History and culture that has shaped Chattanooga and the state of Tennessee. 

There are so many incredible museums in Chattanooga!

Lip-Sync Your Heart Out at The Playlist Bar

I discovered a lot of unique things to do in Chattanooga, but my favorite hidden gem is The Playlist, a lively bar and restaurant where you can lip-sync your heart out. Tables line a central stage where daring travelers can lip-sync to their favorite song. 

Right after you order your dinner, your server will likely take to the stage to lip-sync their favorite ballad. I performed Mamma Mia while the crowd clapped and danced to my performance! The Playlist is such a fun experience, kids are welcome too!

Seasonal Events in Chattanooga

Spring Events in Chattanooga

Spring is one of the best times to visit Chattanooga. Temperatures rise from the 50s to the 70s from March to May, scenic waterfalls flow strongly, and the city awakens along with the vibrant blooms that decorate it.

There are a lot of spring events in Chattanooga. You can take a beginner gardening workshop at Crabtree Farms to learn how to grow your own vegetables, or find advanced classes like beekeeping and sourdough baking. Creative travelers will enjoy attending the Scenic Stitches creative festival that occurs at the end of February. 

In early April, foodies will enjoy Chattanooga Burger Week, a city-wide festival and competition for the best burger in Chattanooga. Lastly, spring is when many of Chattanooga’s local markets revive. Visit the Chattanooga River Market on Saturdays and the general Chattanooga Market on Sundays. 

Summer Events in Chattanooga

Summer in Chattanooga is the perfect time to enjoy sunny weather while discovering the city’s many outdoor activities. Outdoor Chattanooga hosts a variety of adventure events like beginner whitewater kayaking and biking groups. My favorite summer activity hosted by Outdoor Chattanooga is the Full Moon Sunset Kayak – an evening under the moonlight exploring the Tennessee River by kayak. 

Also hosted by Outdoor Chattanooga are the free Summer Skate Nights, an after-dinner themed revelry on roller skates. 

Thrill seekers will enjoy whitewater rafting on the Ocoee River, the river rollercoaster that is perfect for ages 12+. I loved spending a weekend at Adventures Unlimited, the only rafting company on the Ocoee River that has cabin rentals, tent camping, and a full-service bar and restaurant. To learn more about my incredible whitewater rafting experience, read my Ocoee Rafting Guide.

Summer is also the perfect season for hiking and biking. I spent lots of time exploring the local trails and my favorite trail was Edward’s Point, a ~4.4 mile (total) hike to a scenic Tennessee River overlook.

Fall Events in Chattanooga

Fall is my favorite season. So naturally, I’d recommend fall as one of the best times to visit Chattanooga. You don’t even need to leave the city to see fall colors! Around late October, leaves turn vibrant orange, washing the surrounding landscape in hues of gold. 

To get in the spooky spirit, I recommend booking a Walking Ghost Tour. You’ll discover the haunted side of Chattanooga. For less-scary festive Halloween fun, the Wizard-themed Tea and Train Ride at Grand Junction Station is an entrancing way to experience a Chattanooga train tradition. Adults will also enjoy Drink and Discover: Mad Science, an adults-only Halloween event ironically hosted at the city’s children’s museum. 

For music fans, early October welcomes the 3 Sisters Bluegrass Festival, a multi-day live music event on Chattanooga’s scenic riverfront.

Winter Events in Chattanooga

During the winter season, Chattanooga glows with colorful Christmas lights. Winter in Chattanooga is considered the quiet season, a handful of months with limited tourists, reduced accommodation prices and a distinctly local vibe as the city prepares for the upcoming tourist seasons. 

Rock City sets up a spectacular array of Christmas lights during their Holiday Lights festival that illuminates the scenic trails with a warm glow. 

Chattanooga also has its very own holiday train ride, the North Pole Limited, that is a heartwarming experience for all ages. Journey to the North Pole with hot cocoa, cookies and an appearance by Santa. 

The winter season doesn’t have to put an end to Chattanooga’s outdoor activities. Winter hiking is very popular when snow dots the landscapes, creating serene picturesque views with waterfalls encircled by icicles. Bundle up and check trail conditions before hiking!

Best Time to Visit Chattanooga

Chattanooga is an incredible year round destination. The best time to visit Chattanooga is in early summer or fall. May welcomes warmer temperatures – but not yet scorching heat – making it the perfect season for travelers who want to spend time outdoors. Late October is one of the most picturesque times in Chattanooga, when leaves turn a glowing orange and the weather cools. Outdoor activities are still possible during the fall season. 

No matter when you visit, you’ll find a detailed list of amazing things to do in Chattanooga! This Tennessee city is always a hive of activity.

Where to Stay in Chattanooga

BEST BUDGET

The Crash Pad Hostel

The Crash Pad Hostel is the best affordable place to stay in Chattanooga. This hostel offers shared dorms and private rooms, and a cozy common area for social travelers to mingle. 

BEST MID-RANGE

The Waymark

Located in the heart of downtown Chattanooga, The Waymark is an elegant and modern hotel steps away from popular activities in the city. 

MOST UNIQUE

Hotel Chalet

Chattanooga is home to one of the most unique boutique hotels in the US…a hotel with rooms in historic train cars. Hotel Chalet in the Chattanooga Choo Choo is a special experience for travelers who love curated luxury and uncommon getaways. 

Why Chattanooga? My Honest Thoughts About this Tennessee Gem

I’ll be honest, I didn’t know that Tennessee had much to explore beyond Nashville and Knoxville. But after my solo road trip from Knoxville to Chattanooga, a time of surprising exploration and scenic discovery, I realized that Tennessee is much more than the city of songs and the college town 180 miles away. 

Chattanooga – with its incredible list of unique things to do, scenic nature, and kind locals – was truly a bucket list destination with southern charm. I loved everything about my visit to Chattanooga and I would encourage other travelers who plan to visit Tennessee to go beyond the ordinary!

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