If you’re new to town, you’re in for a treat. And even if you’re a long-time local, there’s plenty more to explore.

Touristy Stuff

See Rock City

At one point barns all the way from Chattanooga to Michigan were painted with the mysterious command for passers-by to “SEE ROCK CITY.” No elaboration was needed, nor could one be provided — this place defies description. Time to go see for yourself.

The Incline Rail

You’d think, “How interesting could a ten-minute train ride be?”, but this is actually a hoot. However steep you think a train could get, this gets steeper. At the top of the mountain, walk over to Point Park for some beautiful views, and after you descend, make sure to grab a bite at Mojo Burrito right across the street.

Ruby Falls

There’s no doubt about it: Ruby Falls is extremely kitschy. But it’s pretty neat to see an underground waterfall, and it’s hard to beat a cave if you’re looking for shelter for a rainy-day activity.

The Lookouts

This extremely laid-back stadium is a pleasure to visit. You can stroll up right before the game and grab a great seat at an affordable price. The sun sets behind the mountains in front of you during the game, and at the end of the game kids are welcomed onto the field to run the bases.

The Drive-In

Our nearest drive-in is a short hop away in northern Georgia. Surrounded by rolling hills and blinking lightning bugs, this is a pretty great way to watch a film.

Outdoorsy Stuff

Paddle boarding

BYO or rent a paddle board from L2, and head out onto the beautiful Tennessee River! You can launch right from downtown, and it’s a short paddle to go explore Maclellan Island, an 18-acre wildlife preserve that’s home to a rookery of great blue herons.

Climbing

Chattanooga is a major destination for world-class outdoor climbing. When the weather isn’t cooperating, you can check out the massive High Point gym downtown, or the beloved bouldering gym TBA in St. Elmo.

Biking

Biking around town is a breeze with Bike Chattanooga. Be sure to check out the Tennessee Riverwalk, a 16-mile pedestrian path that runs along the river from Chickamauga Dam (a great place to watch osprey, herons, cormorants, and bald eagles), through downtown, and down to St. Elmo (where there are great places to grab a sip and a bite). There’s also an abundance of mountain bike trail systems within a stone’s throw of downtown.

Hiking

There’s a plethora of trails to explore right around the city, or if you’re willing to go a little farther afield, you can check out the amazing trails and special educational hikes at South Cumberland State Park, or see the tallest waterfall this side of the Mississippi at Fall Creek Falls.

Reflection Riding

Reflection Riding is a special place with a lot to offer: beautiful trails, canoeing, a “Level IV” arboretum, sales of sustainably propagated native plants, rescued “animal ambassadors” who educate about protecting native wildlife, and a program to help save the endangered red wolf.

Artsy Stuff

The Hunter Museum

With an extensive permanent collection of American art, a breathtaking bluff view of the Tennessee River, and exciting visiting exhibitions, this museum is a great place to spend an afternoon. During the summer, concerts are hosted outside on the bluff, and in the winter, monthly chamber music concerts are held in the museum’s main hall. Walk over to the nearby Bluff View Art District to check out some fascinating galleries, the outdoor sculpture garden, and neat restaurants.

Outdoor Live Music

From late spring through late fall, you’d have to go out of your way to avoid live outdoor music in Chattanooga. Take your pick: Levitt AMP (Thursdays), Nightfall (Fridays), Riverfront Nights (Saturdays), Riverbend (mid-June), Moon River (mid-September), Fireside (October), and more.

The Tivoli

From Bob Dylan to Eddie Izzard to the ballet, it’s hard to guess who might be performing at the Tivoli on any given night, but it’s definitely worth a look.