Things to do

20 Best Things To Do In Chattanooga, Tennessee

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Chattanooga boasts an impressive landscape with a rich history and diverse culture. The city provides different levels of enjoyment for all kinds of visitors.

From the adventures on Lookout Mountain to the quiet walks along the picturesque Riverwalk, there are many things you can experience here. Read on to learn the list of 20 things to do in Chattanooga Tennessee:

1. Check Out The Tennessee Aquarium

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Being among the few freshwater aquariums globally, Chattanooga's Tennessee Aquarium is said to be the largest of its kind. It has two main buildings - River Journey and Ocean Journey.

From the Appalachian forest to the coral reef and animals such as river otters, alligators, sharks, and lots of colorful tropical fishes visitors can absorb all at once. Hence, this aquarium is one of the best things to do in Tennessee because of its educative exhibits, conservation efforts, and friendly interaction with the animals.

2. Stroll Around Walnut Street Bridge

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The Walnut Street Bridge is one of the longest bridges that is situated over the Tennessee River. This bridge has been constructed to allow only foot traffic over it.

Both the local people and the tourists appreciate the structure, due to its beautiful appearance while gazing over the city and the river. It joins the central business district of Chattanooga to the North Shore, an area filled with parks, shops, and Chattanooga Tennessee restaurants.

3. Witness The Beauty Of Ruby Falls

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Chattanooga Tennessee Ruby Falls is one of the few naturally formed underground waterfalls located deep inside a limestone cave system. You access the waterfall by a narrow guided tour which passes through some interesting passages with rock formations.

Here, the visitors plunge more than 1,100 feet inside the mountain to view the mesmerizing falls which are enhanced further by artificial lighting.

4. Discover The Charm Of The Read House Hotel

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The Read House Hotel in Chattanooga, Tennessee, is an elegant hotel situated on historical grounds. It is famous for its style and for the fact that it retains the historical character of the building after major reconstruction.

Its Southern architecture is enhanced by Art Deco features, which are most pronounced in the impressive hall. Guests will find luxury restaurants within the premises and also, a few minutes away, some of the most known attractions in the city of Chattanooga.

5. Tour Around Coolidge Park

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Coolidge Park is a typical city park that is located on the Tennessee River in Chattanooga City, Tennessee. It has a tastefully done antique carousel which has been refurbished, an expansive open polygonal area, and an endearing water splash park.

Besides, the park links the famous pedestrian bridge called the Walnut Street Bridge, which allows seeing the river and the city views. For the residents and visitors, Coolidge Park ranks among the most beautiful places where one can walk, cycle, or spend a whole day admiring the river.

6. Engage At Creative Discovery Museum

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The Creative Discovery Museum is a stunning and stimulating children's museum through which children learn through interactive play. It contains special cases of Science, Art Music, and Technology to allow the children to express their imaginations and curiosities.

Among the many attractions, a water play zone, a kid's garden located upstairs, an area for kids to be inventors and a sound studio can be found. This museum also provides classes, seminars, and holiday-related activities, making it one of the great things to do in Chattanooga with kids.

7. Go For Seeing At The Bluff View Art District

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Bluff View Art District is a lively preserve found in the region of Chattanooga, Tennessee. This place is famous because of its incredible views, old-time buildings, and a great number of art galleries including, the Hunter Museum of American Art.

Tourists can take leisuŠµ in strolls through beautifully manicured gardens, interesting shops, and different types of food establishments while immersed in the artistic spirit of the area. In addition to that, the Riverwalk which is located adjacent to the area offers walking paths within the region.

8. Experience Live Shows At Tivoli Theatre

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Tivoli Theatre is a renowned historic motion picture hall built with a rich, extravagant Italian Renaissance style. The theater on the other hand has beautiful architectural elements.

It was designed to host silent movies and vaudeville performers but, over time, the Tivoli has changed and has shown many kinds of films. The Tivoli Theatre is a tribute to the theater culture of Chicago and the history of the cinema in its best days.

9. Visit Chattanooga Zoo With Family

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One of the fun things to do in Chattanooga should include visiting the Chattanooga Zoo. This is an opportunity to communicate with more than five hundred animals regardless of the country they come from.

Some remarkable displays include the Himalayan Passage, where you will find red pandas and snow leopards, or the Gombe Forest where several species of monkeys can be viewed. The zoo also has various sessions that include; animal encounters and education directed toward the guests.

10. Wander Through The Hunter Museum Of American Art

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The Hunter Museum of American Art is found in the city of Chattanooga, Tennessee. It is notable for its expansive collection which contains American artworks that are dated over three golden decades of American history.

The museum features a modern design structure in combination with an old-looking building that contains important works from contemporary, modern, and traditional periods of art. The gathering consists of easel works, sculptures, and ornamental crafts done by especially famous American artists.

11. Dine At The Lovely Chattanooga Choo Choo

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The Chattanooga Choo Choo has the remarkable distinction of being both a hotel and entertainment complex. It is associated with the period of its greatest significance when it provided the city with superior rail service.

In the present time, they have train cars that are older and have been made into sleeping quarters. They have an array of stores, eating houses, and places for social events as well. In general, there are fine beautiful gardens a model railroad museum, and even live music events for visitors.

12. Shop Local From Chattanooga Market

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Chattanooga Market is an outdoor covered market that authenticates the history, art, and eateries of Chattanooga, Tennessee. This is a seasonal market that consists of various stands providing fresh produce like fruits, locally made cultural foods, and music.

It supports local entrepreneurship and encourages social interaction among its customers. Such characteristics explain why the market is frequented by both residents and visitors.

13. Ride The Serene Incline Railway

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Chattanooga Tennessee Inclined Railways is an old-but-gold method of climbing up Lookout Mountain. Due to the views of the surrounding area, it has earned the title of one of the steepest passenger railways in the entire world.

The system consists of two cars that move on parallel tracks and operate at the same time. Here, visitors can also find some attractions at the top such as hiking routes and the Lookout Mountain Deck.

14. Visit The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum

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Chattanooga Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum focuses mainly on collecting and showing historical artifacts related to this region's railways. The museum features a great stock of old trains and rail cars that are still in working condition.

Apart from that, a train ride on the scenic routes on restored railway lines allows visitors to travel back in time to the golden days of the rail trains. Additionally, the museum supports several activities, such as holiday events with costume parades or educational activities, throughout the year.

15. Journey Through Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park

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The Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park is the initial military park in the USA.

The park has many historical markers, monuments, and preserved sceneries that pay homage to the bravery exhibited by the warriors and the various aspects of warfare.

There are many trails for guests to walk along, ranger activities to take part in, and visitor centers to see inside the park.

16. Enjoy A Game At AT&T Field

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AT&T Field is known primarily as the venue of the Chattanooga Lookouts, a Minor League Baseball team. It can seat around 6,382 spectators in its spacious confines which also offer a splendid view of the mountains that encircle it.

The site is also well known for its various features including, luxury suites, a picnic area, and a large concourse, which together enhance the experience of spectators.

This field goes beyond just being a baseball park and is also used for other events, such as concerts and other community events enhancing the Chattanooga fun at another level.

17. Stop By The Bessie Smith Cultural Center

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The Bessie Smith Cultural Center is a lively facility focused on the safeguarding and affirmation of the African American culture and history.

The center houses a museum that shows various pictures, memorabilia, and other materials about African Americans' history in fields including but not limited to, music, arts, and civil rights.

Plus, the center also hosts cultural events, educational programs, and performances that promote understanding and interaction with African American culture and history.

18. Host A Picnic At Renaissance Park

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Renaissance Park is enhanced by the presence of green lawns, walking paths, and beautiful water bodies, ideal for resting and engaging in outdoor activities.

It has multiple sports facilities within it such as basketball courts and playgrounds suitable for families and people keen on fitness. In addition, this park also includes plenty of events, concerts, and festivals which increase its significance further as a center of culture in the city.

19. Learn About Vintage Collection At Coker Museum - Honest Charley

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Located in the city of Chattanooga Tennessee, The Coker Museum is an automobile museum that presents the history and the love of driving cars in the aspect of Honest Charley, a famous automotive figure.

Charley Coker who is a successful race car driver and businessman too opened this museum. Their collection consists of typical cars, hot rods, and many other things that show the changing trends of automotive technology and design through the years.

20. Have Fun At Coolidge Park Antique Carousel

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Being one of the well-known attractions in Coolidge Park, the Antique Carousel is famous for its gorgeously crafted hand-carved horses.

The carousel runs seasonally and provides an enjoyable ride for both the children and the adults. Besides the carousel, the park itself contains several amusement enablers including a large fountain, spacious picnic spots, and connecting walking paths.