When it comes to things to do, Chattanooga rivals other towns throughout the Southeast. Numerous famed attractions, a vibrant network of museums and art hubs, and a burgeoning nightlife scene all work to attract visitors and increase the quality of life for area residents.

For art lovers, the Scenic City is a mecca. The Bluff View Art District, which overlooks the Tennessee River, is a local favorite and is home to several renowned museums including the Hunter Museum of American Art, quaint galleries, and tasty restaurants.

Performance art can be enjoyed at several locations throughout the city such as the Tivoli Theatre, Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Auditorium, Walker Theatre, and the Chattanooga Theatre Centre, while organizations such as the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera and the Chattanooga Ballet perform at various venues around town.

Other areas of town – such as the Southside – are also a hotbed for art, and numerous local organizations and nonprofits work to establish and maintain public outdoor displays. The city even has a 33-acre international sculpture park, Sculpture Fields at Montague Park.

These artistic offerings are complemented by a handful of iconic attractions that are perfect for individuals, couples, and families alike. Ruby Falls, America’s largest commercial underground waterfall, can be found on Lookout Mountain which is also home to Rock City. Here, guests can get a glimpse of seven states at once at one of the area’s premier vantage points. Also making a stop on Lookout Mountain is the Incline Railway, which is one of the steepest passenger railways in the world with a track that reaches a 72.7% grade.

In addition, the Tennessee Aquarium, located on the city’s riverfront, boasts the largest collection of freshwater turtles in North America, and rounding out the list of classic attractions are the Chattanooga Zoo, Creative Discovery Museum, International Towing Museum, Southern Belle Riverboat, and Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum. Other amusement options can be found around the city and cover everything from escape rooms and ghost tours to arcades and axe throwing.

For those looking for something to do after the sun sets, Chattanooga has a myriad of options. Several cocktails bars, breweries, and distilleries dot the city, and tennis, golf, and country clubs offer even more entertainment. Concerts and comedy shows can also be found at venues such as the Tivoli Theatre, The Signal, and Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Auditorium.

Local favorite Station Street also offers a few places to bust a move in what is Chattanooga’s only open container area. These engaging offerings are carried one step further with a great lineup of seasonal and yearly events which range from concert series to holiday parties.

Regardless of if you’re looking for some family fun or a night on the town with friends, Chattanooga has the spot for you.

Did You Know?

The Hunter Museum of American Art is comprised of three separate buildings spanning 100 years of architecture. The first building was erected in 1904, the second in 1975, and the third in 2005.