Set along the charming Tennessee River outlining Georgia in the foothills of breath-taking Appalachian Mountains, Chattanooga is a scenic city in southeastern Tennessee. It’s home to numerous outstanding museums, such as the Houston Museum-Decorative Arts and the Hunter Museum of Art. If you are an art lover and history buff, you should not miss visiting Bluff View Art District which is a well-maintained historic site. You can find here plenty of galleries, attractive cafes, stylish boutique shops, and fine restaurants. Chattanooga features an incredible blend of scenic nature with miles of hiking trails, rich history, captivating riverfront, shopping venues, exciting events, thriving arts scene, and the 13-mile (20.9 kilometers) Tennessee Riverwalk adorned with beautiful parks, riverboats, popular attractions, and restaurants. So, this beautiful city in Tennessee has got a lot of fun-filled activities for you to enjoy your holidays to the fullest. And, if you are wondering which activities you should not miss enjoying when in Chattanooga, think no further. Whether you’re going on a couples’ getaway or a family holiday, read on to learn about some exciting things to do in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
1. Go on a tourist excursion at Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum
Get to know more about Chattanooga when you visit one of its most popular attractions: Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum. This heritage railway displays historic steam locomotives and railroad equipment that may also be used in the future. The railroad museum still operates to this day, giving visitors a more in-depth look into the so-called golden age of railroads. If you can’t get enough of trains, pay a visit to Lookout Mountain Incline Railway or even book a stay at the Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel, a former railway station.
Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum
Address: 4119 Cromwell Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37421, United States
Website: Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum
Opening hours: Wed - Fri: 9am - 1:30pm; Sat - Sun: 9am - 3:30pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
2. Have a few drinks at Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
When you want to unwind or spend a nice evening chatting with friends and loved ones, one of best Chattanooga spots for such an occasion is Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery on Market Street. Don’t be fooled by the “experimental” on its name, the products here are backed by generations and generations of distillery experience. Besides the classic Chattanooga Whiskey, this trendy hangout spot serves creative cocktails and offers on-site tours with tastings. Don’t pass up on the chance to taste one of the best whiskeys in the country and schedule your visit soon!
Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery
Address: 1439 Market Street, Chattanooga, TN 37402, United States
Website: Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery
Opening hours: Mon: 11am - 9pm; Tue; 12pm - 9pm; Wed - Sat: 11am - 9pm; Sun: 11am - 6pm
3. Discover Bessie Smith Cultural Center
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Bessie Smith Cultural Center on Tuesday, March 2, 2021
Bessie Smith Cultural Center is a history museum in Chattanooga that celebrates the African-American culture, with a focus on civil rights, jazz, and famous local figures such as its namesake. Bessie Smith was a popular blues diva in the 1920s and grew up in this scenic city. The organization aims to preserve and educate the people about the contribution of African Americans not only to Chattanooga but to the country. The cultural center often hosts workshops, art classes, festivals, and programs for the performing arts.
Bessie Smith Cultural Center
Address: 200 E M L King Blvd, Chattanooga, TN 37403, United States
Website: Bessie Smith Cultural Center
Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 10am - 5pm; Sat: 10am - 3pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
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4. Take a flight with the Chattanooga Balloon Company
Editor’s note: establishment is permanently closed
Watching the panoramic views of Chattanooga from the top is one of the breath-taking experiences which you should not miss when holidaying in Chattanooga. Go for mesmerizing hot air ballooning experience and glide comfortably in the air. The Chattanooga Balloon Company here offers you exciting rides which are about one mile (1.6 kilometers) long and, following the spectacular Tennessee River Valley, they take you as far as 10 miles (16.09 kilometers).
Chattanooga Balloon Company
Address: 7658 Lee Highway, Meeting Location Only Reservations Required, Chattanooga, TN 37363, United States
Website: Chattanooga Balloon Company
Price: 200 USD
5. Talk with aquatic animals at Tennessee Aquarium
Situated on the banks of River Chattanooga and located along Broad Street in the outstanding downtown area, Tennessee Aquarium is a wonderful Chattanooga attraction and one of the top aquariums in the USA. As the largest freshwater aquarium, it features two buildings, namely River Journey comprising global and local freshwater marine animals and Ocean Journey housing critters fascinating Gulf of Mexico to the South Pole. This aquarium is home to penguins, turtles, otters, sharks, colorful frogs, and several fishes. You get a closer look at the fascinating marine inhabitants. Also, you can pet various species of stingray. From the aquarium, you can explore Tennessee Riverwalk easily.
Tennessee Aquarium
Address: 1 Broad Street, Chattanooga, TN 37402, USA
Website: Tennessee Aquarium
Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 21 - 43 USD
6. See some artistic work in the Gallery 1401
Are you an art lover? If yes, you should definitely visit Gallery 1401 during your excursion in Chattanooga. Watch a variety of art styles and trends featured here. You can find over 40 artists on display that also include some internationally renowned artists. You are sure to appreciate classic works, realism, multimedia art, photography exhibits, and sculptures which are exhibited here.
Gallery 1401
Address: 1478 Market Street, Chattanooga TN 37402
Website: Gallery 1401
Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 11am - 5pm, Sat: 11am - 4pm (Mon by appointment)
Price: 10 - 1000 USD
7. Unwind in Coolidge Park
Experience tranquility by visiting refreshing Coolidge Park. This waterfront park features a 100-year old, restored carousel, an outstanding interactive play fountain, plenty of open space, pavilion, and Outdoor Chattanooga Center. Spend some pleasant time in this wonderful park when touring through Chattanooga. Also, Coolidge Park hosts many festivals, concerts, fundraisers, and special events, so attend your choice of festival, concert, or any event which is held during your time here. If you can’t get enough of beautiful parks, visit Renaissance Park on the same street or Tennessee Riverpark on Amnicola Highway too!
Coolidge Park
Address: 150 River St, Chattanooga, TN 37405, USA
Website: Coolidge Park
Opening hours: 7am - 11pm (daily)
Price: 1 USD
8. Jump out of a plane with the Chattanooga Skydiving Company
Do not miss the thrilling experience of skydiving when holidaying in Chattanooga. The Chattanooga Skydiving Company gifts you a breath-taking skydiving experience. Leap from a plane safely strapped to an instructor. Watch Sequatchie Valley, Tennessee River Gorge, and Lookout Mountain as you jump out of the plane in the sky.
Chattanooga Skydiving Company
Address: Chattanooga Skydiving Company 300 Airport Rd, Jasper, TN 37347, USA
Website: Chattanooga Skydiving Company
Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 229 - 448 USD
9. Bring your kids to the Creative Discovery Museum
Just some steps away from the fabulous Tennessee Aquarium and in the heart of busy downtown Chattanooga, Creative Discovery Museum is one of the awesome attractions in this Southern city to visit with your kids. It’s popular for being one of the leading children’s museums in the US. It houses art, field science, and music areas, a temporary exhibit space, water-themed zone known as RiverPlay, an inventor’s workshop, educational programs, and a rooftop exhibit. Your kids would be glad to explore various outstanding, out-of-box things here. If you’re traveling with the little ones, head to this wonderful attraction on Chestnut St., Chattanooga.
Creative Discovery Museum
Address: Creative Discovery Museum, 321 Chestnut Street, Chattanooga, TN 37402
Website: Creative Discovery Museum
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 2 - 15 USD
10. Explore Raccoon Mountain
Visit Tennessee’s most popular cave and premier RV park & campground by visiting Raccoon Mountain Caverns & Campground. Situated in the outskirts of Chattanooga, Tennessee. Gaze at the spectacular views of Lookout Mountain and jaw-dropping Raccoon Mountain. Relax by a campfire here with your family or group of friends. Discover some real semi-precious gemstones here. Explore the incredible cave system. Adventure awaits you, so make sure you spend considerable time here.
Raccoon Mountain Caverns & Campground
Address: 319 W Hills Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37419, USA
Website: Raccoon Mountain Caverns & Campground
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 29 - 45 USD per night stay
11. Take a stroll down the Walnut Street Bridge
Do not miss to have a stroll on sprawling 724 meters (791.77 yards) Walnut Street Bridge, which connects the northern and southern sides of Chattanooga. It was constructed in 1890 and is well-known for being the longest pedestrian bridge on the globe. Capture beautiful views of the river and surroundings as you explore the bridge. Another interesting fact is that it’s the first non-military bridge existing on the Tennessee River.
Walnut Street Bridge
Address: 1 Walnut St, Chattanooga, TN 37403, USA
Website: Walnut Street Bridge
Opening hours: 24/7
Price: Free
12. Go shopping at Chattanooga Market
Are you a shopaholic? If yes, you should not miss visiting the fascinating Chattanooga Market, which is popular for being the biggest producer of arts and crafts as well as a farmers market. It is open for you every Sunday from April to December. More than 300 vendors are here to sell their items and more than 6,000 visitors visit it every weekend. You can find new event theme being featured here every weekend. The featured themes range from Oktoberfest celebrations to Bluegrass music days as well as Holiday Market and celebrity chef cooking competitions. Have a great time shopping your favorite things here.
Chattanooga Market
Address: 1829 Reggie White Blvd, Chattanooga, TN 37408, USA
Website: Chattanooga Market
Opening hours: Sun: 11am - 4pm
13. Discover animals at the Chattanooga Zoo
Are you an animal lover or vacationing in Chattanooga with your kids? If yes, you should not definitely visit Chattanooga Zoo, which is one of the city’s downtown attractions. It is home to amazing animals, such as leopards, Komodo dragons, meerkats, and other small and big wild animals. Attend animal shows, keeper talks, and other family and fun events hosted here. Your kids would be glad to get a close look of fabulous animals.
Skip the Line: Chattanooga Zoo Admission Ticket
Duration: 3 to 4 hours
Have a fun-filled vacation in Chattanooga, Tennessee
Now that you know about some of the exciting things to do in Chattanooga, Tennessee, make sure you add this vibrant destination to your travel bucket list. Enjoy every moment of your holidays in Chattanooga and if you want to explore more attractions in and around the city, consider The International Towing & Recovery Museum, Moccasin Bend National Archeological District, Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park, Montague Park, Maclellan Island, and Fairyland Caverns, too. Plan your trip soon!
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