Things to Do

Iconic overlook of Chattanooga and the Tennessee River from Lookout Mountain

Short 0.5-mile hike to a dramatic overlook of the Tennessee River Gorge

2.9-mile one-way hike from Signal Point to one of the best viewpoints in the area

92-acre urban wilderness with 7 miles of trails, just 10 minutes from downtown

60+ miles of mountain biking singletrack from beginner to expert

25+ miles of beginner-friendly mountain biking and hiking trails

Popular swimming holes and blue holes, best in summer

Sandy beach swimming on Chickamauga Lake with picnic areas and boat ramps

Kayak and paddleboard rentals from L2 Outside and River Canyon Kayaks

Indoor climbing gym with bouldering and top-rope for all levels

NYT Top 50 restaurant, James Beard semifinalist. Seasonal Mediterranean-Middle Eastern.

Upscale Italian with house-made pasta and wood-fired dishes

Longstanding fine-dining with contemporary American cuisine

Farm-to-table butcher shop and restaurant by Chef Erik Niel

French technique meets Southern soul. Oysters, pasta, shareable plates.

Widely considered Chattanooga's best brewery. Two locations, full food menu.

Rock-themed beers with geology puns. 20 beers on tap.

The city's oldest brewery. German-style ales and lagers.

Local roastery with hopped cold brew and outdoor patio

10-time Best Local Coffee winner in the Bluff View Art District

One of the largest American art collections in the nation. Stunning blufftop setting.

Extensive collection of rare and vintage guitars with free entry

Interactive vintage train rides through scenic landscapes

Celebrating African American heritage for 30+ years

Walkable district with gardens, galleries, cafes, and historic B&Bs

Industrial-chic warehouse concert venue hosting touring national acts

Mid-sized concert venue (~500 capacity) inside Five Wits Brewing

1921 historic "Jewel of the South" on the National Historic Registry

13,000+ animals across two buildings. Penguins, sharks, otters, and more.

Deepest underground waterfall open to the public (1,120 ft below ground)

Iconic mountaintop attraction with rock formations and 7-state views

Steepest passenger railway in the world with panoramic views

Hands-on children's museum with STEM Zone and interactive exhibits

Water play fountain, antique carousel, ice cream at Clumpies

Giraffes, chimpanzees, jaguars, red pandas, snow leopards

Sightseeing, lunch, and dinner cruises on the Tennessee River

Oldest and largest Civil War battlefield park with trails and monuments

Rooftop bar atop The Edwin Hotel. 100+ whiskeys with panoramic views.

Hidden speakeasy in The Kinley Hotel with art-deco aesthetic and craft cocktails

Chattanooga's dedicated stand-up comedy club with local and touring acts

Eclectic live music bar and neighborhood hangout

Curated arcade bar with classic and modern games. Next door to JJ's.

25 luxury bowling lanes, laser tag, full arcade, restaurant and bar

Dive bar staple since 1982 in an 1893 Flatiron building

Nightlife strip: Gate 11 Distillery, Whiskey Cowgirl, Westbound, Reagan's Retro

Historic taproom that doubles as one of the best small-stage live music venues

AA baseball (Reds affiliate). Games April-September at AT&T Field.

MLS NEXT Pro soccer at Finley Stadium with a passionate local fanbase

Southern Conference athletics: football, basketball, wrestling at Finley & McKenzie Arena

Public 18-hole par 72 on the banks of the Tennessee River

Bob Cupp-designed course, former PGA Tour host

Adult rec leagues: kickball, softball, volleyball, flag football and more

317-acre nature preserve with wildlife, native plants, and Lookout Creek paddling

Upscale shopping in a restored 1800s warehouse. Embellish, Hemline, Onward Reserve.

Eclectic independently owned shops, boutiques, and galleries

Sunday market (April-December) with 300+ vendors, food, and live music

Year-round Wednesday market with local produce, honey, and artisan goods

24,000 sqft with 100+ antique vendors. One of the most popular vintage stops.

Antique, vintage, industrial, and architectural finds

Cluster of antique shops with vintage collectibles, retro furniture, jewelry

Class III-IV rapids on the 1996 Olympic whitewater course

3,500 acres with 1,000-ft deep canyons, waterfalls, and 90+ miles of trails

Tennessee's largest state park with a 256-foot waterfall and 56+ miles of trails

Free waterfall hike, great for swimming and rock climbing

Tour America's oldest registered distillery in charming Lynchburg

43-mile National Scenic Byway through Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests

729-foot cascading waterfall, tallest in the Southeast