What to do and see in Chattanooga, Tennessee (TN): The Best Free Things to do

August 16, 2021 Jacquiline Delozier

The name "Chattanooga" comes from the Creek Indian word for "rock coming to a point." This refers to Lookout Mountain, one of the city's major attractions. Here visitors can explore extraordinary rock formations, see a roaring enclosed waterfall and travel by train to the top of the mountain for truly awesome vistas. Back down on the ground, don't miss the world's largest freshwater aquarium, the Tennessee Aquarium. History enthusiasts will love the city's museums dedicated to Civil War, Native American and 20th-century history. More than anything, Chattanooga is a scenic city, full of natural wonders waiting to be explored by foot, car, bike or train.
Restaurants in Chattanooga

1. Chattanooga National Cemetery

1200 Bailey Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37404-2805 +1 423-855-6590 http://www.cem.va.gov/CEMs/nchp/chattanooga.asp
Excellent
82%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 397 reviews

Chattanooga National Cemetery

Reviewed By ISC624 - Acworth, United States

A maliciously maintained National Cemetery, and the final resting place of a family member. There are several areas of historical interest in the cemetery, including the grave of Corporal Desmond Doss; awarded the MOH for his actions at Hacksaw Ridge.

26A Frazier Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37405-3931 +1 423-267-9214 [email protected] http://www.intowngallery.com
Excellent
79%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 28 reviews

In-Town Gallery

In-Town Gallery is a cooperative gallery of fine art and fine crafts by Chattanooga-area artists established in 1974. The gallery is located on the "Hip to Historical" North Shore. All safety precautions are in place regarding the COVID virus. Masks are required while in the gallery.

110 E Main St, Chattanooga, TN 37408-1211 +1 423-521-4707 http://www.hartgallerytn.com
Excellent
84%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 19 reviews

Hart Gallery Tennessee

Reviewed By michaelmE3420HY

During a recent visit we stay in Chattanooga we actually stayed an extra day just to get this into our plans since they were opened this day. I LOVE the mission statement of this organization. Amazing artwork created by local superstars with gifted talents. I only wish I had more money to get more art to help in any way I could. The employees were amazing and were preparing a lunch for the artists while we reviewed the art work. Special thanks to the ‘hat man’ as the kids love the art he prepared and now is displayed in their rooms. Keep up the great work and please stop in and help out some great individuals.

4. Enterprise South Nature Park

190 Still Hollow Loop, Chattanooga, TN 37416-1347 +1 423-209-5350 http://parks.hamiltontn.gov/
Excellent
85%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 60 reviews

Enterprise South Nature Park

Reviewed By Pismomomma - Chattanooga, United States

Thank you, Volkswagon, for this gorgeous nature preserve to enjoy! We hike, bike, and take visitors here all the time! The beauty is every-changing. This is a TREASURE BEYOND MEASURE!!!

5. Ross's Landing Park

Chattanooga, TN
Excellent
57%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 91 reviews

Ross's Landing Park

Walk over the world's longest pedestrian bridge

Reviewed By beatrive - Dortmund, Germany

One of Chattanooga's best spots to enjoy the riverfront. Just a few blocks from great food and lodging. There are always events going on to bring locals and tourists downtown.

400 E 2nd St, Chattanooga, TN 37403-1105 +1 423-265-5033 [email protected] http://www.river-gallery.com/
Excellent
70%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 92 reviews

River Gallery

Craft and art collections.

Reviewed By beatrive - Dortmund, Germany

Beautiful Gallery with many works of art for sale. We enjoyed the gardens and the Bliff view area as a whole. The apricot cookies were delicious at the coffee shop.

7. Bluff View Art District

412 E 2nd St, Chattanooga, TN 37403-1133 +1 423-265-5033 [email protected] http://www.bluffviewartdistrict.com/
Excellent
66%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 424 reviews

Bluff View Art District

Perched on the bluffs overlooking the Tennessee River, Bluff View Art District is widely known as Chattanooga's premier spot for quality dining and culinary delights made on site throughout the District's many kitchens, bakery and coffee roaster. Its location provides for a breathtaking destination in the heart of the city where locals and travelers alike may view equally stunning works of art, horticulture and architecture, all of which define the District's unique atmosphere.

Reviewed By glennmcf - Washington DC, United States

When visiting Chattanooga, you don’t want to miss this part of town, even if you only have one day. The Hunter museum is here and worth a visit but if the weather is nice, why not spend your time walking through the acres of art on the River Walk? Although the art displayed is privately owned it is publicly displayed for all to see for free. You can also pop into a wide variety of restaurants serving up delicious fare from artisan coffee to fine dining for dinner with a view of the river and the surrounding city. If you plan to spend a night or two, the Edwin Hotel is an amazing boutique hotel which boasts a huge collection of local only arts that would make any city envious.

8. Coolidge Park

1 River St, Chattanooga, TN 37402 +1 423-757-5152 http://www.chattanooga.gov/cpr/parks/coolidgepark.htm
Excellent
66%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 771 reviews

Coolidge Park

Named in honor of a World War II Medal of Honor recipient, this seven-acre park features a restored hand-carved carousel, pavilion and interactive play fountain.

Reviewed By Loren256 - Russellville, United States

Coolidge Park is a must for us every time we visit Chattanooga. Our 3 small dogs pout if they don't have a walk here. Despite a sign at the entrance (which we didn't notice at first), it is actually dog-friendly. We have often seen other people with their dogs. It's a beautiful park, has restrooms, splash pad (during hot weather), plenty of doggy-bags for cleaning up, and the park is immaculate. We always meet such nice people when we visit. And the view of the river is awesome. If you have children, they have an enclosed carousel, which is vintage and beautiful. Highly recommend it!

9. Walnut Street Bridge

Walnut Street, Chattanooga, TN 37403 +1 423-643-6096 http://www.tennesseerivervalleygeotourism.org/content/walnut-street-bridge-chattanooga-tenn/tenFA23EB4DAC27E55B3
Excellent
73%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,895 reviews

Walnut Street Bridge

One of the finest examples of the Phoenix wrought-iron truss bridges that were build between 1884 and 1923.

Reviewed By lisareneoakley - McDonald, United States

Walking across the Walnut Street Bridge is a must-do if you’re in Chattanooga! (Or bike ride across). The scenery is beautiful day or night. Plenty of room to bring kids, dogs, strollers, your own chair/there are benches to sit already. Great place for photos. Great place to watch the various activities of Chattanooga such as fireworks, arrival of Santa the day after Thanksgiving, pops in the park music. We always feel safe. And no matter which side you start from, you are rewarded with something exciting on the other side! ...downtown Chattanooga, the Riverwalk, the Hunter museum and Art Distric or the North Shore with Coolidge Park, the various quirky shops and restaurants. I love that bridge and you will too...many fun memories to be made there!

10. Chattanooga Market

1829 Carter St, Chattanooga, TN 37408-1018 http://chattanoogamarket.com/
Excellent
70%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 165 reviews

Chattanooga Market

Reviewed By 646murielr - Nashville, United States

If you get the chance the Chattanooga Market is a great place to spend the day - lots of vendors with homemade baked goods- homegrown flowers -veggies etc -artwork - jewelry- face painting for the kids- live music - soaps and candles - really good time to go is at Christmas time when a lot of the booths have holiday items available- during that time it’s held indoors????

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