19 Best Things to Do in Chattanooga

A trip to the Tennessee Aquarium is the perfect way to spend the morning or afternoon with your family. Visitors can watch in amazement as car-sized catfish, freshwater stingrays, electrifying jellyfish, gigantic arapaima, and playful otters enjoy their habitats. The aquarium focuses on all of the wildlife you can find on top and beneath the ocean’s surface, showcasing the more than 320 species that can be found around Chattanooga. It’s two buildings in size, which means there's lots to learn and experience. Once you’re all exhausted from wandering the exhibitions, you can catch an IMAX film at the aquarium’s theater.

There are few things more impressive than a 145-foot waterfall, especially when it’s hidden inside an underground limestone cave! Ruby Falls is located on Scenic Highway at Lookout Mountain, and visitors can ooh and ahh at the stalagmites and stalactites. You’ll find the falls at the end of the cave’s main corridor and the water flowing through the stream and falls come from natural springs. If you’re looking to avoid the crowds, try to visit Ruby Falls on a weekday morning and not a weekend. Tickets are required for entry.

Animal lovers absolutely must swing by the Audubon Acres and Maclellan Island. This wildlife sanctuary is Chattanooga’s oldest, and encompasses more than four miles of hiking and walking trails that are home to hundreds of plant and animal species. In addition to Audubon Acres, a trip to Maclellan Island will perfectly round out your day. This 18.8-acre island can be accessed by boat only and is also considered a wildlife sanctuary.

The 13-acre Chattanooga Zoo is located on North Holzclaw Avenue in Warner Park. At the zoo, visitors can explore several exhibits, including the Himalayan Passage. This wildly spectacular display showcases the world’s largest indoor red panda exhibit, along with gorgeous snow leopards and Hanuman langurs, a species of primate from Asia. In addition to red pandas and snow leopards, you can watch chimpanzees interact with each other and attend demonstrations to learn more about some of your favorite animals. Tickets are required for entry and proceeds go to educating children and caring for the vulnerable wildlife that it houses.

Those visiting Chattanooga between late March and early October should definitely consider exploring the caves by kayak. You don’t have to have arms of steel or previous kayaking experience to have fun on one of these tours, as it’s only a 3-mile, easy paddle. On these beginner-friendly ecotours, you’ll see the sandhill cranes and bats that live at Nickajack Lake. Every tour is led by a professional tour guide who will pepper the trip with interesting facts about the caves and wildlife.

Taking the time to explore the city by-foot is a great way to get some low-impact exercise in between treating yourself to the delicious local treats and sips. Chattanooga’s Riverwalk is 16.1 miles long and extends along the Southern banks of the Tennessee River. The Riverwalk is lined with nature, art installations, and even some restaurants and cafes, which will come in handy if you work up a bit of an appetite. There are several access points for the Riverwalk and it can even be conquered by bike if you prefer cycling over walking. The Chattanooga Riverwalk is a free activity that can be enjoyed by the whole family and along the route, you’ll find the Bluff View Art District and Tennessee Aquarium.

A trip to Coolidge Park won’t cost you a penny -- when on vacation, it’s nice to balance out paid activities with some free ones so that your credit card bill isn’t terrifying upon returning home. Coolidge Park is located on River Street on the city’s North Shore, and is a very popular waterfront park that boasts pleasant views of the Tennessee River, open spaces, and a large pedestrian bridge. Walnut Street Bridge is actually known to be the largest pedestrian bridge in the world. Coolidge Park can be accessed by the Tennessee Riverwalk, the greenway that runs along the river that can be traveled by foot or bike. Aside from the pedestrian bridge, what sets Coolidge Park apart from others in the area is its historic, 100-year-old carousel. Children can hop on one of the horses or tigers for a photo opportunity after playing in the interactive water fountain and climbing area.

If kayaking or river-boating isn’t your thing, consider experiencing the Tennessee River by paddleboard. Paddling from downtown to Suck Creek Road is an incredibly memorable experience that will take up a good portion of your day, so be sure to plan accordingly. This route will take you under some of Chattanooga’s bridges, around the historic Moccasim Bend, and to the beginning of the Tennessee River Gorge. This paddleboarding adventure isn’t short on gorgeous scenery but before hopping on your paddleboard, lather up with sunscreen and fill up a water bottle for the journey.

There are tons of places where one can rent a bike for the day when visiting Chattanooga. The rolling rural landscapes of the city’s nearby valleys are perfectly suited for long bike rides. This is a wonderful way to take in the scenery while getting a bit of exercise.

Traveling to Chattanooga? Book a room at one of our affordable, pet-friendly hotels.