Chattanooga, a city in southeastern Tennessee, is set along the Tennessee River in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Its trolleylike Incline Railway scales steep Lookout Mountain before reaching Ruby Falls waterfall and Rock City, featuring sweeping views, sandstone formations and gardens. Point Park, also atop Lookout, marks the site of a Civil War battle now honored at the Battles for Chattanooga Museum.
Fun On The Water
Visit River Gorge Excursions for boat rentals of all sizes!
Explore the historic Southern Belle Cruise Ship! Sunset tours also available.
Ranked #2 in water tours in Chattanooga! Check out these unique duck tours!
Kid-Friendly To-Do’s
Visit Ruby Falls and journey deep inside historic Lookout Mountain to see the tallest and deepest underground cave waterfall open to the public in the United States! Descend 260 feet by glass-front elevator* to see ancient cave formations along the cavern trail to the thundering waterfall.
At Reflection Riding, they believe that education is the key first step towards conservation, preservation, and a better understanding of the world. Take the kids here for an immersive learning experience in nature.
Unearth the curiosities of the world through play, exhibits and hands-on activities at the Creative Discovery Museum!
Top Free Things To Do
The Walnut Street Bridge is Tennessee’s oldest non-military highway bridge still in use today, restored and revitalized as a pedestrian bridge and linear park.
Fresh Produce. Local Art. Live Music & Events. Get the local flavor at The Chattanooga Market.
Visit Prentice Cooper State Forest for some refreshing time in nature! Situated on the Tennessee River, you can expect tons of activities for the outdoor man and woman.
Outdoor Seating
Chattanooga is peppered with restaurants to fit any whim! Here are a few fan favorites with outdoor seating:
- Brewhaus Bar: Chattanooga’s only German-American gastropub, Brewhaus pairs classics like schnitzel, egg noodles, and brats with German-inspired beer and wines. Brewhaus is best enjoyed on the covered porch overlooking Coolidge Park or the sunny outdoor patio.
- Taco Mamacita: TM is a casual taco fusion joint on the Northshore. Try house-made nachos, enchiladas, or Peruvian chicken. The dishes are made with local ingredients and pair well with a hand-mixed margarita. Enjoy your meal on the low-key patio that always attracts a crowd.
- Pickle Barrel: An excellent place to go for burgers, sandwiches, and, of course, enormous fried pickles. The second story patio feels like a tree house in the middle of downtown and is the perfect place to people watch.
- Flying Squirrel: The Flying Squirrel is an award-winning establishment in the thriving Southside neighborhood. Their house-made, locally sourced dinners and drinks are as well designed as the custom building. Enjoy duck fries and a cocktail or linger over weekend brunch on the comfortable modern terrace.
Fishing Fun
Chattanooga is surrounded by beautiful rivers and lakes, providing endless opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and fishing. Some popular fishing destinations in the area include:
- Scenic City Fishing Charters: A visit to Chattanooga can’t really be complete without a day on the water with family or friends. Scenic City Fishing Charters will make sure your vacation fishing excursion is full of exciting moments.
- Lake Chickamauga: The Chickamauga Dam might be considered the great divide of Chattanooga. Separating two major reservoirs: Chickamauga & Nickajack which is south of the Chickamauga dam. Right above the dam you’ll find a quaint park with a roped-off portion for swimming and more kayaks than you can count. You’d be happy to know that Chickamauga Lake is a bass fisherman’s dream due to the cooler water in the summer and the currents of the river.
History-Lovers
- Tennessee Valley Railroad: This is not your typical train adventure. With over 24 unique train experiences, you will not run out of things to do and see.
- Creative Discovery Museum: Unearth the curiosities of the world through play, immersive exhibits, and hands-on activities at one of Chattanooga’s most playful museums!
- Hunter Museum of American Art: With a permanent collection and a variety of ever-changing visiting collections, you will continually have a taste of culture no matter which day you visit.