Best Things to Do in Chattanooga, Tennessee

A trip to the Tennessee Aquarium is a wonderful way to spend a morning or afternoon with the family. Visitors can observe car-sized catfish, freshwater stingrays, electrifying jellyfish, gigantic arapaima, and playful otters across two buildings showcasing more than 320 species found around Chattanooga. An IMAX theater on site provides a great way to wind down after exploring the exhibitions. Tickets are required for entry.

Located on East Second Street in a historic downtown neighborhood, the Bluff View Art District stretches over one and a half blocks and offers breathtaking views of the Tennessee River, the downtown area, and the Walnut Street Bridge. Visitors can explore art galleries, courtyards, restaurants, and gardens, or stop at one of the many coffee shops for a latte and a baked treat.

Hidden inside an underground limestone cave on Scenic Highway at Lookout Mountain, Ruby Falls is a 145-foot waterfall surrounded by impressive stalagmites and stalactites. The falls are located at the end of the cave's main corridor, fed by natural springs. For a quieter experience, a weekday morning visit is recommended over weekends. Tickets are required for entry.

Chattanooga's oldest wildlife sanctuary, Audubon Acres, encompasses more than four miles of hiking and walking trails, home to hundreds of plant and animal species. A visit to the adjacent Maclellan Island, an 18.8-acre wildlife sanctuary accessible by boat only, makes for a well-rounded day in nature.

• Explore Audubon Acres
• Explore Maclellan Island

With the Tennessee River running right through the city, a riverboat cruise is a natural and memorable way to experience Chattanooga from the water. Multiple cruise companies offer tours during the day and at sunset, with some including a meal, a history lesson, or dancing depending on the tour selected.

Located on North Holzclaw Avenue in Warner Park, the 13-acre Chattanooga Zoo features several exhibits, including the Himalayan Passage, home to the world's largest indoor red panda exhibit alongside snow leopards and Hanuman langurs. Visitors can also watch chimpanzees and attend animal demonstrations. Tickets are required for entry.

Chattanooga's first legal distillery, which opened in 2015, is part museum and part tasting lab, using rye, corn, and barley to craft some of the finest local whiskey. Daily guided and solo tours are available, and bottles of high-malt whiskey and bourbon are available to purchase after your visit.

Available from late March through early October, the cave kayak tours at Nickajack Lake offer a beginner-friendly 3-mile paddle through stunning cave environments. No prior kayaking experience is required, and every tour is led by a professional guide who shares fascinating facts about the caves and local wildlife, including sandhill cranes and bats.

Home to the country's largest hang-gliding school, Chattanooga offers one of the most accessible and memorable hang-gliding experiences in the United States near Lookout Mountain. Professional hang-gliders provide thorough instruction before takeoff, ensuring a safe experience for first-timers and thrill-seekers alike.

Stretching 16.1 miles along the southern banks of the Tennessee River, the Chattanooga Riverwalk is a free activity for the whole family, lined with nature, art installations, restaurants, and cafes. The route passes the Bluff View Art District and the Tennessee Aquarium and can be explored on foot or by bike.

For those new to climbing, Rocktown on Lookout Mountain is one of the quieter bouldering areas in Chattanooga, featuring more than 500 established problems spread across a large area. Come prepared with chalk, comfortable clothing, and climbing shoes, and note that there are no restroom facilities on site.

North Chick's Blue Hole is a natural swimming area featuring cool turquoise water surrounded by rocks and lush greenery, complete with a rope swing and jumping rocks. The water is very deep in areas, so caution is advised. Other nearby swimming areas include Foster Falls, Lula Lake, and Desoto Falls.

The Big Daddy Loop is a 10-mile trail on Lookout Mountain made up of seven trails, each offering different views and scenery, with an elevation gain of around 1,401 feet. Taking four to five hours to complete, it is considered one of Chattanooga's most challenging hikes and is best suited to experienced hikers.

Located just outside Chattanooga, Raccoon Mountain Caverns offers a cave system spanning over 5.5 miles of natural formations, open to the public seven days a week. Visitors can also pan for gemstones, relax by the campfire, go-kart, or enjoy views of Lookout and Raccoon Mountain. Tickets are required for tours.

A free and beloved waterfront park on the city's North Shore, Coolidge Park features open green spaces, pleasant views of the Tennessee River, and a historic 100-year-old carousel. The park is accessible via the Tennessee Riverwalk, and the Walnut Street Bridge, which borders the park, is recognized as one of the largest pedestrian bridges in the world.

The ChattaBrew Tour gives craft beer enthusiasts a behind-the-scenes experience at four Chattanooga breweries, with tour tickets covering a pint at every stop. The four-hour tour includes tastings, a look at the craft behind each beer, and the opportunity to purchase a growler or six-pack to take home. Private tours are also available.

Home to Corky Coker's personal collection of more than 100 vintage vehicles, including cars, trucks, motorcycles, buses, and airplanes, the Coker Museum is one of Chattanooga's most distinctive hidden gems. Open Tuesday through Saturday, tickets are required for entry.

Chattanooga's rolling rural landscapes and nearby valleys are perfectly suited to a day of cycling, with plenty of bike rental options available across the city. Whether you prefer a leisurely ride or a more challenging route, exploring Chattanooga by bike is a wonderful way to take in the scenery while getting some exercise.