Chattanooga, Tennessee, has recently been named one of the top spots to visit in the US by Lonely Planet and in the world by the New York Times. When you start looking at all there is to do in this vibrant, riverfront city in southeastern Tennessee, it’s easy to see why! Chattanooga has the perfect balance between natural beauty and cultural attractions. The city sits in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, with many opportunities to hike, river raft, and more right outside the city. The Tennessee River flows right through the center of town, and it has been shaped around this beautiful waterway, with parks and bridges designed to take advantage of the views of the river. The city’s downtown has been revitalized in recent years and has many new restaurants and breweries, but it still has a down-home feel and plenty of Southern charm. Travelers planning to spend some time here will find amazing accommodation options, from cabins to hotels by the river. While you’ll definitely want to explore the city’s nightlife options, here are some ideas for alternative things to do at night in Chattanooga.
1. Enjoy a romantic stroll in the Tennessee Riverpark
Both during the day and at night, the Tennessee Riverpark is a beautiful spot to take in the Chattanooga River’s beauty. The Riverpark stretches 13 miles (20 km) along the shores of the river and is paved the entire way. This makes it ideal for running, biking, rollerblading, and of course, simply walking. Many people start along the river walk by the aquarium downtown and there are many access points so your journey can be as long or short as you want. The path passes by many cool spots like the historic Walnut Street Bridge, Hunter Museum of American Art, Bluff View Sculpture garden, and lots of cool neighborhoods and homes. There are also food and drink options along the Riverpark, whether you desire ice cream, dinner, or drinks looking over the sunset. It is lighted and patrolled by security at all hours, making it a great spot for a nighttime outing. If you’re craving for some coffee, there are some great coffee shops nearby.
Tennessee Riverpark
Address: 4301 Amnicola Highway Chattanooga, TN 37402
Website: Tennessee Riverpark
Opening hours: 6am - 11pm
Price: 0 USD
2. Go an a cruise on the Southern Belle Riverboat
One of the best ways to see Chattanooga’s pretty skyline by night is from the water; experience these breathtaking views aboard the Southern Belle Riverboat. The fleet has two historic boats which embark on multiple tours daily. For the best evening views, choose the sunset cruise which takes place on the open-air third deck. Another nighttime option is the lively dinner cruise, which includes a meal, live music, and pilothouse tours.
Southern Belle Riverboat
Address: 1620, 151 Riverfront Pkwy, Chattanooga, TN 37402
Website: Southern Belle Riverboat
Opening hours: 9am - 9pm
Price: 29.95 - 48.95 USD
3. Go for a comedy night at the Comedy Catch at The Choo Choo
Curious about Chattanooga’s nightlife? Spend the evening laughing at the Comedy Catch, located in the historic Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel. This comedy club attracts hilarious comedians who have performed nationally. You may have even seen them on television on Comedy Central, HBO, Netflix, and more. Don’t worry about eating beforehand: the Comedy Catch has a full menu and bar available during every show in an adjacent dining venue.
The Comedy Catch
Address: 1400 Market Street, Chattanooga, TN 37408
Website: The Comedy Catch
Opening hours: 6pm - 12am
Price: 18 USD
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4. Try out rock climbing at High Point Climbing Gym
This incredible rock climbing center was called “the country’s coolest gym” by Climbing Magazine in 2015. Whether you are a rock climbing fanatic or just looking for a fun evening activity, you must check this spot out! It has over 30,000 square feet (2787 square meters) of climbing inside and outside! The exterior climbing walls overlook a busy street with views of the river beyond. Inside, there are climbing areas for everyone from children at the Kid Zone to two beginner walls, to bouldering areas. There is also a special training area for advanced climbers. This is a great option if you’re looking for things to do in Chattanooga at night since they’re open until 10 pm.
High Point Climbing Gym
Address: 219 Broad Street, Chattanooga, TN 37402
Website: High Point Climbing Gym
Opening hours: 10am - 10pm
Price: 17.50 USD
5. Enjoy a haunted adventure with Chattanooga Ghost Tours
Don’t know what to do in Chattanooga at night? Spend a spooky evening on a ghost tour, which are top-rated in the country! Lead by acclaimed storytellers, you will be led to some of the city’s most haunted sights and learn about their dark pasts. Some tours include themes, like the Holiday Spirits tour where you stop at two pubs along the way. The most popular is the Murder and Mayhem tour, which stops and ends at a shop that is a visit in itself and has a haunted, steampunk theme. Prepare to be a little spooked and have tons of fun!
Chattanooga Ghost Tours
Address: 57 E 5th St, Chattanooga, TN 37402
Website: Chattanooga Ghost Tours
Opening hours: 8pm - 11pm
Price: 17.95 USD
6. Take a stroll around the Walnut Street Bridge
Another pretty spot for an evening stroll is the Walnut Street Bridge. It dates back to 1891 and bears significance for being the first non-military bridge to span the Chattanooga, and for being the world’s longest pedestrian bridge. After years of disuse and decline, the Walnut Street Bridge was revitalized in the late 1980s and reopened as a linear park across the river. The bridge connects the north shore of the river, where you can find beautiful Coolidge Park and Renaissance Park, with the bustling downtown on the southern side of the river, including the Tennessee Aquarium and Bluff View Art District.
Walnut Street Bridge
Address: 1 Walnut Street, Chattanooga, TN 37403
Website: Walnut Street Bridge
Opening hours: 12am - 12am
Price: 0 USD
7. Explore the guitar collections at Songbirds
Part museum, part live concert venue, Songbirds is a must to add to any Chattanooga itinerary! Songbirds Guitar Museum has hundreds of guitars in their collection, ranging from acoustic to electric and spanning the 1920s to the 1970s. Exhibits place the guitars in pop-culture vignettes alongside relevant items of the same time period to provide context to the instruments. This is a great spot to spend an evening learning all about guitars and the history of music in general. If seeing the guitars inspires you to jam out to some live music, there are also two stages on site at the music venue where you can catch a show.
Songbirds Guitar Museum
Address: 35 Station Street, Chattanooga, TN 37408
Website: Songbirds Guitar Museum
Opening hours: 10am - 8pm
Price: 12 USD
8. Watch a film at Tennessee Aquarium IMAX 3D Theater
One of the reasons to love Chattanooga is the existence of Tennessee Aquarium. It is one of the country’s top public aquariums, with over 12,000 animals from 800 species. The aquarium also has an amazing IMAX theater which shows stunning movies about the oceanic and natural world. However, you don’t have to build time at the IMAX into your day at the aquarium. The IMAX has evening shows so it is the perfect way to end your day touring the aquarium exhibits.
Tennessee Aquarium IMAX 3D Theater
Address: 201 Chestnut St, Chattanooga, TN 37402
Website: Tennessee Aquarium IMAX 3D Theater
Opening hours: 10am - 10pm
Price: 11.95 USD
9. Plan a picnic at the Coolidge Park
Looking for things to do at night in Chattanooga? There is no other relaxing way to spend a nice evening here than by picnicking in Coolidge Park. This verdant space is located on the city’s North Shore, overlooking the skyline of downtown and the Walnut Street Bridge. The park has much more than just pretty gardens and trees; there is a pavilion, an interactive fountain, and the Outdoor Chattanooga Center. There is also an antique carousel dating to 1894, with authentic historical touches like a calliope band organ, gold leaf benches, and 52 animals to ride on! Coolidge Park is close to many delicious restaurants, so you can bring your own picnic or pick up takeout nearby.
Coolidge Park
Address: 150 River Street, Chattanooga, TN 37405
Website: Coolidge Park
Opening hours: 8am - 11pm
Price: 0 USD
Have a whole night of fun in Chattanooga
Chattanooga is full of interesting cultural attractions, like the Tennessee Aquarium and Hunter Museum of American Art. It’s also close to many outdoor activities, like the underground waterfall at Ruby Falls, gardens of Rock City, and Lookout Mountain, where you can hike or take an incline railway to the top. However, most art museums and natural spots are best explored during the day, leaving the evening without plans. In Chattanooga, it’s clear that the fun doesn’t stop just because the sun sets! Whether you want to see a museum, stroll through a park, or take in a movie, there are a lot of things to do at night in Chattanooga.