Having the luxury of living in a city like Chattanooga also comes with the curse of someone always wanting to come visit you. I mean who wouldn't want to come see North America's first National Park City? Not to mention our ever growing culinary scene. While folks who live elsewhere might worry about how to entertain out-of-towners, the biggest problem you'll face is figuring out how to squeeze all the must-do activities into their visit.

2. Show Off the Views

It’s called the Scenic City for a reason, so show your guests just how apt that name is. Head to the top of Lookout Mountain to soak in the infamous 7 States View at Rock City or head to one of the easy-to-get-to overlooks like Sunset Rock, Signal Point, and Stringer’s Ridge. Want more of a challenge? Hike to the Snooper's Rock overlook at Prentice Cooper State Forest for a view well worth the trek. 

3. Enjoy a Classy Cocktail

Impress your visitors with an evening at one of Chattanooga’s most spectacular bars. Sit down at Paloma Bar de Tapas, Whiskey Thief, or any of our other rooftop bars for dramatic views of downtown. Sip on something while you enjoy the modish ambiance at Unknown Caller or head for the open, lively atmosphere and fantastic house cocktails at No Hard Feelings. Discover hidden speakeasies like The Company and The Vault for a one-of-a-kind experience with beautiful drinks and delicious menu offerings. 

4. Have Fun with the Kids

The great thing about Chattanooga’s kid-friendly activities is that they’re equally fun for adults. Take the kiddos to marvel at the Tennessee Aquarium, to scale the rock walls at High Point, and to experience all the fun at the Chattanooga Zoo. Needing more inspo? Take a peek at our Free Things to Do and Things to Do with Kids guides. 

5. Take on the Walking Bridge Trifecta

Everyone who visits Chattanooga knows to check out the Walnut Street Bridge (reopening September/October 2026!), but the best way to experience the scenery of North Chattanooga and the Tennessee River is to explore all three of the walkable bridges. Walk Veteran’s Bridge for a unique perspective of Northshore and Maclellan’s Island, then head downhill to the Walnut Street Pedestrian Bridge for a classic Chattanooga experience amidst the lively goings-on. Finally, stroll across the Market Street Bridge for a great view of Coolidge and Renaissance Parks.

6. Go on a River Tour

There’s hardly a more scenic way to experience downtown Chattanooga and the beautiful Tennessee River than on a guided boat tour. Book a ride on the amphibious Chattanooga Ducks, or take a slightly more luxurious excursion on the Southern Belle Riverboat. You can also rent a boat and go on your private excursion! 

7. Sample the Local Beer

If your visitors are craft beer lovers, they’ve certainly come to the right place. Take them on the full tour of Chattanooga’s up-and-coming brewery scene: Hutton & Smith,  Oddstory, Chattanooga Brewing Company, WanderLinger Brewing Co., and… that’s probably enough beer for one trip.

8. Catch a Free Show

Finding free music in Chattanooga is almost too easy. Nightfall is a free concert series in Miller Park that happens every Friday in the Summer (May through July).  Riverfront nights, another free concert series, happens by the river on Saturday evenings May through September. Looking for more live music? Find all concerts and live music events in Chattanooga here.

9. Run or Watch a Trail Race

There are few things more “Chattanooga” than trail running. Show your guests a good time by signing your group up for one of Wild Trails races or events. If your group isn’t necessarily into running, cheering or volunteering at a trail run is arguably an even more fun way to experience a race.

10. Visit all the Different Neighborhoods

Each corner of this city has its own claim to fame, and all of them are worth showing off to your visiting friends or family. Do some shopping in fun and funky Northshore, admire beautiful homes and winding streets in Riverview and sip craft beer on MLK. Enjoy a night out on the Southside or in West Village, and spend a casual, family-friendly afternoon in St. Elmo.

11. Go for a Paddle

Show those out-of-towners what Chattanooga is all about by taking them paddling on the Tennessee River. Rent stand-up paddleboards at L2 Outside in Coolidge Park for a beautiful-yet-urban adventure, or head into the exquisitely scenic river gorge for kayak rentals from River Drifters. Book with Chattanooga Guided Adventures for guided kayak tours at the Chickamauga Dam or the Nickajack Bat Cave at Sunset. 

12. Dine at a Great Restaurant

Delicious local food is a no-brainer when you have guests. Whether you're looking for Award-Winning Restaurants or Outdoor Dining, we have a little bit of everything. For something low key check out State of Confusion, Taco Mamacita, or Pickle Barrel. For an upscale experience we'd suggest Little Coyote, Calliope, or Zaya 1943 Korean Steakhouse. No matter where you end up, the drinks will be cold and the food will be spectacular. You can find more dining options here. 

Be sure to save room for dessert and enjoy a scoop or two of hand-crafted ice cream from one of Clumpies Ice Cream Co.'s scoop shops. Looking for a nightcap? Elsie's Daughter has a late night happy hour from 9 PM to 11 PM plus delicious house-made desserts. SideTrack also offers house-made desserts that are to die for! 

13. Explore the Riverwalk

This unique car-free path stretches 15.1 miles from St. Elmo to the Chickamauga Dam and is a great way to get outside and experience some of Chattanooga’s best scenery near downtown. Take your guests for a walk or a run, or rent bikes from Chattanooga’s bike-share program to explore the Riverwalk’s many miles.

14. Go to the Markets

Visit one or several of the local markets for crafts, produce, live music, food, and more while your visitors are in town. There’s the Chattanooga River Market on Saturdays and Chattanooga Market on Sundays most of the year. The Sunday market has a different theme every weekend! On Wednesdays there is the Erlanger Market at Erlanger Hospital as well as the Main Street Farmer's Market. There is also the newly added Foundries District Market on Thursdays over by the new Erlanger Park. Plus plenty of others, check the events calendar to see what's happening during your stay!

Plus if you're having visitors during the holidays, your guests will adore the Holiday Market that pops up at the Convention Center each weekend in December as well as the Collegedale's German inspired Christmas Market, Christkindlmarket, during the holiday season.