25 Free & Cheap Things to do in Chattanooga, Tennessee
*Updated May 2020*
What’s better than discovering a hidden gem? That is exactly how I feel about Chattanooga, Tennessee. (Call me biased since I graduated from UTC, but seriously I love this city) This underrated Tennessee town has so much to offer and there are plenty of free and cheap things to do in Chattanooga.
Outdoor enthusiasts will love this area for the hiking, biking, and rock climbing opportunities. Foodies will appreciate the booming food scene on the Northshore. Chattanooga was even included on the NY Times list of “52 Places to Go in 2018” So hello, what are you waiting for?!
Chattanooga is a fairly affordable place to visit (which makes it GREAT for a great weekend getaway!). But if you want to stretch your budget further (and come on who isn’t), check out my list of 25 free and cheap things to do in Chattanooga.
If you want a longer trip, consider heading to Lynchburg. Just an hour and a half from Chattanooga will get you to the famous Jack Daniel’s Distillery. Or consider heading to Nashville or Atlanta, which are both only 2 hours from Chatt.
Ok, let’s dive in. Here are the best free and cheap things to do in Chattanooga, Tennessee!
25 Free & Cheap Things to do in Chattanooga, Tennessee
The Freebies:
1. Walk across the Walnut Street Bridge
Make sure you do this at least once! This pedestrian-only bridge offers gorgeous views of the Tennessee River and Coolidge Park. Since the bridge connects the Bluff View Art District and Northshore, there are plenty of delicious food options on both sides. Spoiler Alert: a bunch of these are mentioned in the “on the cheap” section below!
2. Throw a Frisbee in Coolidge Park
Or enjoy a picnic, play soccer, read a book, blow bubbles. The possibilities are endless (just don’t bring your dog- for whatever reason this is a dog-free park). Coolidge Park is situated under the Walnut Street Bridge. It offers a large green space adjacent to the Tennessee River. For just $1 you can take a ride on the park’s antique carousel. And in the summer you can enjoy the free movie nights under the stars.
3. Go for a Run Along the Riverwalk
Chattanooga is a very active city. Get in on the action with a run along the scenic Riverwalk Greenway. Stretching 13 miles along the Tennessee River, this paved trail is perfect for runners, walkers, and bikers.
4. Soak up the View at Sunset Rock
This Lookout Mountain hike is basically a rite-of-passage for Chattanoogans. From the viewpoint, soak up the gorgeous scenery this region is famous for. Just a head’s up, parking can be challenging during peak times (use the Cravens House parking lot if necessary).
5. Enjoy Some Art at the Hunter Museum of American Art
I mean could it really be an arts district without an art museum? A 20th Century mansion is just one of the three buildings that house the Hunter Museum’s art collection. Although admission is $20 for adults, children (17 and under) are always free. Also, free admission is offered to everyone on the first Thursday of the month from 4-8pm.
6. Go for a swim at The Blue Hole
Be prepared for some hot days in the ‘noog. One of the best ways to cool off is by swimming in a natural pool. Just 20 minutes outside of downtown you will find a collection of swimming holes at the North Chickamauga Creek Gorge. You can even add in a hike if you want. But luckily, you will reach The Blue Hole less than a mile from the parking lot.
7. Explore the Chickamauga Battlefield
Ok if you want to get technical this is not in Chattanooga (is about 20 minutes from downtown in Ft. Oglethorpe, Georgia). But military history buffs, should not miss this Civil War battlefield. Entrance is always free to this National Military Park.
8. Dance the Night Away at a Free Music Festival
You read that right: a FREE music festival. Friday nights from May-August bring a lawn chair to Miller Plaza and enjoy some live music. Pets and kids are welcome! Oh, and you can enjoy a beer and some local food offerings. The lineup can be found here.
11. Check out a Historic Hotel
A 20th Century train terminal was transformed into the Historic Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel in 1973. Anyone else singing that old song in their head? Presidents Woodrow Wilson, FDR, and Teddy Roosevelt all traveled through here when it operated as a terminal. One night here will set you back about $140, but you can explore the lobby and grounds for free. Make sure you check out the renovated train cars. You can actually reserve a room in one of these restored sleeper cars (how cool is that?!)
10. Admire the Sculptures in the Bluff View Art District
In addition to the River Gallery Sculpture Garden, you will find public art scattered throughout the Art District. One of my favorites is Deborah Butterfield’s “Boreal”. You will find this horse-like sculpture right outside the Hunter Museum. Before touching the piece, try to decide what it’s made from (you might be surprised!)
11. Enjoy the Atmosphere at the Chattanooga Market
From April-December you spend your Sunday afternoon “window-shopping” at the First Tennessee Pavilion. Booths are full of bread, produce, and crafts. Ok, so this could easily fall on the “cheap list” because there are so many tempting treats here! (Be on the lookout for some awesome food carts like Lupi’s Pizza and Good Dog).
12. Cheer on the IronMan Athletes
Chattanooga first hosted this crazy remarkable event in 2014. Since then, thousands of athletes have swum 2.4 miles in the Tennessee River, biked 116 miles through Tennessee and Georgia, and run 26.2 miles in the Scenic City. The race is generally held in September so be sure to cheer on the competitors if you are in town. (The Walnut Street Bridge is a great spot to watch the swimming portion). And if you are super-human consider signing up for the event!
13. Ride Down Cardboard Hill
Have you ever wanted to go sledding in the summer? Cardboard Hill in Renaissance Park offers the next best thing. Scattered around this grassy hill you will probably find pieces of cardboard boxes. Grab one and join the other sledders at the top of the hill. By the way- Renaissance Park is in the NorthShore very close to Coolidge Park. But this park is dog-friendly (unlike Coolidge).
14. Take a Picture of the Spaceship House
In the market for a new house? Head up to Signal Mountain and check out the Spaceship House. This quirky residence was built in the 70s for $250,000. Drive-by 1408 Palisades Road for a quick pic or browse rental sites for a listing. It has occasionally been seen on VRBO and HomeAway.
15. Go for a Stroll through Downtown
Downtown Chattanooga was seriously revitalized during the past 20 years. Check out the Tennessee Aquarium (or at least admire the impressive building), do some rock climbing, and eat some delicious Southern food (like Maple Street Biscuit Company or Big River Grille). To keep this free, just take a walk and make your way to Ross’s Landing for a nice grassy area with a view.
On the Cheap:
Alright now that we’ve covered the freebies, let’s look at the cheap things to do in Chattanooga!
16. Take a Hike at Lula Lake
This land trust is a popular hiking spot on Lookout Mountain. The land is protected, so public access is very limited. Check the website for “open gate days” so you can plan your hiking trip. You’ll have to make a reservation in advance to visit and it costs $15 per car.
17. Relax on the Patio at Rembrandt’s
Located in one of the Bluff View Art District’s historic homes, this coffee house is the perfect spot to study or catch up with friends. For $5 or less, you can enjoy a perfectly brewed cup on the spacious patio. You can also enjoy a larger meal from their breakfast or lunch menu. Afterward, check out the Sculpture Garden, Hunter Museum, or make your way across the Walnut Street Bridge.
18. Try Some World Famous Pancakes
Aretha Frankenstein‘s serves up killer breakfast deals out of a small historic home. Be prepared to wait if you want some pancakes or “Waffles of Insane Greatness.” But hey, Rachel Ray thinks the waffles are worth it!
19. Look at Fish with your College Student
The Tennessee Aquarium is one of the top attractions in the city. And it probably deserves the love. The exhibits are split between two buildings and offer a look at river and ocean aquatic life. Unfortunately, this high-quality aquarium comes with the high price tag of $30 per adult. But college students, faculty, and staff receive half off admission during the month of February. And as an added bonus- the discount applies to everyone in the party.
20. Enjoy Gourmet Hot Dogs and Fries
Good Dog is my favorite restaurant in Chattanooga. Seriously, they catered my wedding rehearsal dinner. You will find this funky spot in the Northshore and on a sunny day you could easily take your meal down to Coolidge Park. Make sure you get an order of the Belgian style frites with a side of frite saus. And ask about the secret dipping sauce. One of the friendly staff members can easily whip it up.
21. Shop for Used Books at McKay’s
This Southeastern chain has the best collection of used media I have ever seen. Anytime I am in town I will browse the shelves of books, DVDs, board games, and CDs. You could even bring a few old books with you and see if you can get some trade-in credit for them.
22. Stuff Your Face with Delicious Mexican Food
Ok, I did go to college in Chattanooga, so I was always on the lookout for cheap eats. But since I have moved out of the South I realized that this type of Mexican food is hard to come by! If you want a no-frills meal for under $15, check out Amigo. Enjoy endless chips and salsa, cheap frozen margs, and the delicacy known as melted queso dip.
23. Treat Yourself to a Waffle Cone at Clumpies
Get ready for the overwhelming smell of fresh waffle cones as soon as you step inside this ice cream shop. They are almost impossible to resist. Enjoy a handcrafted scoop in the Northshore shop after your delicious good dog. (Ok if you need a break between the two, do some boutique shopping at nearby Blue Skies).
24. Cheer on the Local Team
For as low as $6 (or $4 for kids) you can catch a Lookout’s game. Name a more classic summer activity than a baseball game! The minor league stadium is located downtown so it is really easy to get to from the major hotels.
25. Eat Cake at Any Time of the Day at City Cafe
Yes, you might be surrounded by hungry college kids. But this 24-hour diner offers some great deals. Watch the rotating cake case and order a huge slice for about $7.
Alright, that is my complete list of free and cheap things to do in Chattanooga! Let me know if you check any of these out or if you have any suggestions for other cheap things to do in Chattanooga. Have fun in the ‘noog!
If you are looking for more, check out this post:
48 Hours in Chattanooga: The Ultimate Weekend Guide
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