
Beaches & Waterfront Activities in Chattanooga, Tennessee, United States
1. Riverwalk at Chattanooga
A beautiful riverside walkway with stunning views of the Tennessee River, perfect for strolls or picnics.
- Nighttime Atmosphere: Illuminated by thousands of lights, creating a romantic and peaceful ambiance.
- Variety of Restaurants: Offers numerous dining options along the walkway for food lovers.
- Accessibility: wheelchair-friendly and stroller accessible, making it suitable for all ages.
2. Chickamauga Lake
A large lake offering boating, fishing, and watersports, with a peaceful atmosphere and beautiful views.
- Boat Rentals: Rentals available for boats, jet skis, and pontoons for a fun day on the water.
- Fishing Opportunities: Abundant fishing opportunities for bass, catfish, and crappie.
- Campgrounds: Surrounded by campgrounds for those wanting to extend their stay.
3. Tennessee Aquarium
A world-class aquarium showcasing marine life from around the world, with interactive exhibits and educational programs.
- Animal Encounters: Offers animal encounters, including penguins, sea otters, and sharks.
- Conservation Efforts: Dedicated to the conservation and research of aquatic species.
- Unique Exhibits: Features exhibits like the River Journey and Ocean Journey, offering a diverse view of aquatic life.
4. Reflection Riding Arboretum & Botanical Garden
A beautiful botanical garden with a waterfront area, featuring diverse plant species and walking trails.
- Seasonal Beauty: Beautiful year-round, but especially stunning during the spring and fall seasons.
- Butterfly Garden: Home to a butterfly garden filled with colorful and fragrant flowers.
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs for both adults and children.
5. Tennessee River Gorge
A stunning natural wonder with steep cliffs, lush greenery, and breathtaking views of the Tennessee River.
- Scenic Views: Offers some of the most beautiful and scenic views in Chattanooga.
- Hiking Trails: Has numerous hiking trails for different skill levels.
- Wildlife Sightings: Provides opportunities to spot wildlife like eagles, osprey, and herons.
6. Stringfield Ridge Park
A park with a stunning waterfront view of the Tennessee River, offering hiking trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds.
- Scenic Hikes: Offers scenic hikes with beautiful views of the river.
- Family-Friendly Amenities: Features playgrounds, picnic areas, and a dog park for families and pets.
- Accessible Trails: Has accessible trails for wheelchairs and strollers.
7. Chattanooga Whiskey Distillery
A waterfront distillery offering tours, tastings, and a unique Tennessee whiskey experience.
- Tours & Tastings: Offers tours and tastings of their award-winning whiskeys.
- Historic Building: Located in a historic building, offering a glimpse into the region's history.
- Gift Shop: Has a gift shop selling whiskey-infused products and souvenirs.
8. Tennessee RiverPark
A park along the Tennessee River offering walking trails, picnic areas, and beautiful views of the river.
- Scenic Walking Trails: Features scenic walking trails with stunning views of the river.
- Festivals & Events: Hosts various festivals and events throughout the year.
- Restaurants & Shops: Surrounded by restaurants, shops, and other attractions.
9. Moccasin Bend National Archeological District
A historical site with a waterfront view of the Tennessee River, featuring Native American archaeology and artifacts.
- Native American History: Showcases over 10,000 years of Native American history.
- Archaeological Artifacts: Displays numerous archaeological artifacts found at the site.
- Self-Guided Tour: Offers a self-guided tour with informative signs and maps.
10. Walnut Street Bridge
A historic pedestrian bridge offering stunning views of the Tennessee River, downtown Chattanooga, and the surrounding mountains.
- Historic Landmark: One of the world's longest pedestrian bridges and a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark.
- Scenic Views: Offers breathtaking views of downtown Chattanooga, the Tennessee River, and the surrounding mountains.
- Pedestrian & Bike Friendly: Designed for pedestrians and cyclists, making it a great option for active travelers.
11. Coolidge Park
A waterfront park with a carousel, picnic areas, and beautiful views of the Tennessee River.
- Carousel Ride: Features a vintage carousel ride for kids and adults alike.
- Scenic Views: Offers beautiful views of the Tennessee River and the Walnut Street Bridge.
- Family-Friendly Amenities: Features picnic areas, playgrounds, and other family-friendly amenities.
12. Chattanooga Maritime Museum
A waterfront museum dedicated to the history of navigation, boating, and marine life on the Tennessee River.
- Marine Exhibits: Showcases various marine exhibits, including boats and engines.
- Historical Artifacts: Displays historical artifacts related to the Tennessee River and boating.
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs for both adults and children.
13. Tennessee Aquatic Botanical Garden
A waterfront garden featuring aquatic plants from around the world, with a focus on conservation and education.
- Conservation Efforts: Dedicated to the conservation of aquatic plants and their ecosystems.
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs for both adults and children.
- Unique Plant Species: Features unique plant species from around the world, many of which are not commonly seen in gardens.
14. Chattanooga Rowing Club
A waterfront club offering rowing lessons, boat rentals, and regattas on the Tennessee River.
- Rowing Lessons: Offers rowing lessons for beginners and experienced rowers alike.
- Boat Rentals: Rentals available for rowboats, kayaks, and canoes.
- Regattas & Events: Hosts regattas and other events throughout the year.
15. Tennessee River Kayak & Canoe Expeditions
A waterfront company offering guided kayak and canoe tours on the Tennessee River.
- Guided Tours: Offers guided tours for both kayaks and canoes.
- Scenic Views: Provides stunning views of the Tennessee River, downtown Chattanooga, and the surrounding mountains.
- Expert Guides: Employs expert guides with extensive knowledge of the area's history and wildlife.