If you’ve been searching for things to do in Chattanooga, you probably already have a long list of places you want to visit. But it’s the small details, like where to park, how to get around without driving, and where to eat that'll help you experience Chattanooga like a true local.

Getting Around on Foot

A walkable city makes experiencing its sights, sounds, and attractions even better, and in Chattanooga, many of the most lively areas are easy to explore without a car. Neighborhoods like the Southside, Northshore, City Center, and the Bluff View Art District are also highly walkable, each with its own mix of cafés, galleries, and local shops. 

 

Chattanooga Parking Tips

The city offers a $25 Weekend Parking Pass that lasts from Friday at 6 p.m. through Monday at 6 a.m. It works for most metered street parking, CARTA lots, and public garages, and it’s an easy way to save time and money if you plan to do a lot of exploring. Check out this interactive parking map to find the perfect spot!

 

Free Downtown Electric Shuttle

For convenient travel across town, CARTA’s free downtown shuttle runs from the Chattanooga Choo Choo to the Tennessee Aquarium, stopping every block in between. It runs every 10 minutes, with operating hours as follows:

  • Monday through Friday: 6:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. 
  • Saturdays: 9:30 am to 11:00 p.m.
  • Sundays: 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. 

Also, check out the Northshore Shuttle and St. Elmo Incline Shuttle, both of which provide free access to (and from) City Center and make convenient stops along the way—just ask the driver.

 

Bikes and Scooters

Bikes and scooters are also a great (and eco-friendly) way to explore Chattanooga’s most unique corners at your own pace. As of 2025, both options are only $1.00 to unlock and range from $0.20 to $0.35 per minute to ride. Just keep in mind that if you’re visiting in the summer, Chattanooga can get pretty warm and humid, so bring some water and sun protection if you plan to spend the day out exploring! You can learn more about the city’s weather here.

 

How to Eat Like a Chattanooga Local

For breakfast, head to Aretha Frankenstein’s, famous for its pancakes that are nearly an inch thick! It might also be the only spot in town where you can pair them with an ice-cold beer. For something a bit quicker, Niedlov’s Bakery and Cafe and Mean Mug are both great options for fueling up before a day of exploring.

For lunch, try the tacos at Taqueria Jalisco; they are authentic, tasty, and wallet-friendly. Or for some of the best Southern fried chicken, head to Champy’s, which has been serving locals for over 40 years!

For dinner, Public House is an excellent choice for a relaxed sit-down meal that focuses on fresh, high-quality ingredients without feeling overly formal. Calliope is a solid pick if you’re in the mood for hyper-creative Middle Eastern recipes that change with the seasons. And if you’re traveling with kids, you can never go wrong with Lupi’s Pizza Pies, one of Chattanooga’s best pizza joints.

 

Tips for Enjoying Unique Chattanooga Attractions

For a great view of the city, Rock City and Ruby Falls are perfect for photo ops, especially as the sun goes down. Similarly, Sunset Rock is a great place to enjoy the sunset (it's in the name after all!) and one of the best hikes in the city.

If you plan to visit the Tennessee Aquarium but want to skip the crowds, go right when it opens or after 3:00 p.m.—those times tend to be quieter and make for a more mellow experience. And if you’re thinking about museums, the Hunter Museum of American Art is free to visit on Throwback Thursdays (the first Thursday of every month), from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m! Also, the Creative Discovery Museum usually offers discounted tickets in the last hour before closing and hosts free family nights once a month.

Chattanooga also has plenty of gorgeous swimming holes and waterfalls, perfect for cooling off. And did you know you can also find several nationally and state-protected landscapes, including Point Park Battlefield and Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park. Both sites offer scenic views, walking trails, and regular educational programs, including historical reenactments.

For something fun and a little out of the ordinary, drive by the Spaceship House on Signal Mountain! It’s definitely one of the most unique buildings in the area, and yes, it looks like a UFO.

One final tip: If you’re on social media, check hashtags and neighborhood pages while you’re here! Pop-ups, food trucks, live music nights, and other fun activities will often appear in your feed. Also, stay tuned to our official events page to discover year-round happenings around Chattanooga!