What Things to Do in Chattanooga?

Chattanooga is a small city situated on the beautiful Tennessee River and nestled in between both the Cumberland Plateau and Appalachian Mountains. Not only is Chattanooga a picturesque destination, but it is bursting with exciting attractions, outdoor adventures, and historical must-sees. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or planning an extended stay, here’s a list of the top things to do in Chattanooga TN.

1. Visit the Chattanooga Choo Choo

The Chattanooga Choo Choo is one of the most famous attractions located in the heart of the city. Originally a train station, the terminal has been restored and renovated to feature restaurants, entertainment, attractions, and accommodations. Step back in time and explore its Victorian era charm by visiting its museum and its original staterooms. It’s home to the newly renovated Comedy Catch and Songbirds music club, as well as an array of shops and boutiques, bars, and eateries. Stay overnight in one of their authentic train cars or stay in a contemporary hotel room in one of their historic buildings.

2. Tour the Tennessee Aquarium

The Tennessee Aquarium is the world’s largest freshwater aquarium located in the heart of downtown Chattanooga. Get up close to some of the world’s most fascinating creatures living here, such as sea otters, sharks, jellyfish, stingrays, and butterflies, and explore their IMAX 3D theatre. Inside discover two buildings full of wildlife, focusing on both salt and fresh water creatures, and be sure to visit the “Peg Leg” Pirate ship for an interactive adventure fit for all ages. The aquarium is available for public or private trips and even catering options for group events.

3. Lookout Mountain Attractions

Lookout Mountain boasts spectacular mountain scenery, lush greenery, and thrilling attractions all worth exploring. Stop by Rock City Gardens and take in more than 19 acres of beautiful gardens and trails with sights like honeycomb shaped rock formations and panoramic views of Chattanooga Valley and Lookout Mountain. Another popular attraction is Ruby Falls, a 145-foot waterfall inside the side of Lookout Mountain that you can walk through or take a guided tour and learn about its history along the way,

4. Adventure through the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum

Take a journey back in time by riding an authentic train on an excursion that takes you back more than 100 years ago on the North Chattanooga loop through Missionary Ridge Tunnel. Sit back and enjoy either a short 20-minute ride or treat yourself to a full day trip to Summerville before it returns back to downtown Chattanooga. While you are there, explore their exhibits offering three miles of viewable railroad with various types of locomotives as well as stationary engines to inspect. Visitors can also take part in themed events like murder mysteries, beer tasting weekends, and holiday rides.

5. Incline Railway on Lookout Mountain

For a thrilling adventure in Chattanooga, be sure to hop on board The Incline Railway located in Lookout Mountain. Be the first to experience their refurbished Asa Packer locomotive while being transported up 95 feet above St. Elmo Valley to a breath-taking view of Lookout Mountain’s valley. This railway features one of America’s steepest passenger railways with a grade of up to 72%. While on board take in spectacular views of Lookout mountain while they jam out to the adventures soundtrack while en route to Point Park

6. Explore Chattanooga’s Craft Brewery Scene

Chattanooga has seen tremendous growth among its craft brewery scene offering both tour & tastings and craft beer education classes as well as an array of beers to choose from. Visit some of the cities local favourites like Big Frog Brewery for their array of classic style brews such as Kolsch and Heffeweisen; Odd Story Brewing Company specializing in Hoppy Ales & British Style Beers; Moccasin Bend Brewing Company for their unique brews like Pub Ale; Hovering Dog Brewery it their Belgian Style Ales & Pale Ales; Witch Pickings Brewery focusing on experimental styles & Belgian inspired Ales; Jackalope Brewing focusing on unfiltered Ales & Wheat Beers; Heaven & Ale Brewing for their diverse selection ranging from Beligian styles, west coast ales and lagers; Terminal Brewhouse a great gathering place with live music & craft beer; Flying Squirrel Bar specializing in Barrels Aged Sour Ales; Chattanooga Brewing Co., where they brew traditional German styles & Farmhouse ales; Hutton & Smith brewpub located downtown brewing eco-friendly craft beers such as IPAs & Beef Porter; Naked River Brewing Co., with their array of IPAs & Lagers; Young Pine Brewery with an adventure style tap “room” serving up IPAs & Stouts; Tennessee Stillhouse serving classic styles beers such as Milk Stouts; Frios Fresh beer garden offering light lagers & Radlers.

The best way to try out some of these breweries is on a craft brewery walking tour. GetYourGuide offer Chattanooga: Craft Brewery Walking and Beer Tasting Tour, which offers tastings at four different breweries with ample opportunity for education about the brewing process with knowledgeable local guides on hand. An experience like this provides beer enthusiasts with the opportunity to sample a variety of styles from the comfort of their own private walking tour group – perfect for those looking for things to do in Chattanooga TN!

7. Enjoy Walnut Street Bridge & Coolidge Park

The beautiful Walnut Street Bridge spans over the Tennessee River Valley connecting downtown Chattanooga with North Shore. This 2,370 foot long pedestrian bridge cuts through Tennesse Riverpark stopping over Coolidge Park at it’s midpoint with beautiful landscaped lawns, interactive water fountains, lighted pathways perfect for evening strolls, and plenty of outdoor activities like paddle boating and playgrounds for children and animals (of the four legged variety) alike.

8. Experience Outdoor Activities

Take advantage of all Choo Choo City has to offer by exploring its extensive trails and parks like Enterprise South Nature Park where you can take take a walking tour through extensive forested trails or rent a canoe or kayak at Riverfront Parkway to paddle along the Tennessee River as you spot historic landmarks along your way such as Lookout Mountain and Soldier’s & Sailors Memorial Bridge located at Ross’ Landing Park. Not only does Chattanooga offer activities like hiking, kayaking and cycling but you can also explore popular natural attractions like Signal Point Park or take part in various festivals located throughout Downtown for a one-of-a-kind experience never to be forgotten.

9. Check Out Local Events at Miller Plaza

Miller Plaza is an outdoor event space that hosts festivals and concerts throughout the year that feature county fair vibes with arts & craft vendors, food stalls, picnic tables, kid activities, and Local brews from some of Chattanooga’s own award winning breweries! Don’t miss out on their popular summer concert series featuring local & internationally renowned bands right at their (not so) secret outdoor pub at Miller Plaza called The Pulse Bar & Venue that houses live music events every Wednesday night all summer long!

10. Visit Southside Historical District

Last but certainly not least be sure not to miss out while exploring downtown..the Southside Historical District! Here you’ll find old Victorian houses & row houses that were built in the late1800s that give you that feeling of stepping back into time..after grabbing your morning coffee or breakfast tacos from breakfast burrito restaurant or vegan eatery for a change (Sugar Shack!) take your pick from one of Southside’s multiple boutiques along Main Street featuring vintage finds indicative of Chattanooga’s frontier roots!

The city of Chattanooga has no shortage of unique experiences that provides endless opportunities for endless hours of fun or romantic getaways for couples looking for something new! Whether you’re into adventure sports, nightlife activities, or simply looking to explore museums and galleries..Chattanooga TN has something for everyone! So why not book your tickets Chattanooga: Craft Brewery Walking and Beer Tasting Tour ? With its booming craft brewery scene, delicious cuisine featuring flavors both familiar & surprising, delicious brews and easy access to outdoor activities..Chattanooga has something special waiting just around every corner!