Chattanooga Tours: Enjoy Culture With a Side of Southern Charm
Travelers usually come to Chattanooga for outdoor adventures and the aquarium, but this mountain town has way more to see. Scenic trails, historic sites and delicious food are just a few ways to immerse in local culture. To find some activities, check out these Chattanooga tours and start exploring.
Chattanooga Tours: Different Options for Adults and Families
Southern Belle Riverboat
The Tennessee River cuts through the city, making this a perfect place to enjoy Chattanooga riverboat cruises. Plus, Southern Belle Riverboat hosts sightseeing and sunset cruises year-round. Each last about 1.5 hours.
During the day, guests can take the sights cruise. They have access to an open-air deck and live narration where they learn about the area. Closer to dusk, Southern Belle Riverboat departs for its sunset cruises. This option comes with photo ops and wine. Both offer meal add-ons and other perks for an additional cost, so everyone can customize their trip.
Trolley Pub Chattanooga
Great for visitors over the age of 21, Trolley Pub Chattanooga combines sightseeing with beverages. Each tour last two hours, and this is a good option for special occasions and team-building.
Individual tickets are available for smaller groups, and this option allows riders to meet new people. Those with groups can book a private tour. Each one stops at five spots in downtown Chattanooga, which may include bars, breweries and pubs.
Experience Chattanooga Guided Hiking
Want to venture into the great outdoors? Experience Chattanooga hosts guided hiking tours that include transportation, professional photography, snacks and refreshments.
This options ranks among the top Chattanooga tours for its hiking locations and personalized service. Each tour is private and led by the company’s owners. In addition, hikes range in distance, location and difficulty. Examples include mountain views, lakes and waterfall, and Tennessee River Gorge.
Ghost Tours
Those interested in history and supernatural occurrences can’t miss the city’s ghost tours. Chattanooga Ghost Tours Inc. hosts walking tours that rank among the best ghost tours in the U.S.
These tours are led by locals with ghost-hunting and/or acting experience, so each tour has its own flair. The company offers three options. Murder and Mayhem welcomes all ages to explore significant sites and hear fun stories. The UTC/Cemetery ghost hunt suits ages 18 and older and includes ghost-hunting equipment. The third option combines both for a sample of ghosts and history.
Tennessee Valley Railroad
For scenery and a memorable trip, take a ride on the Tennessee Valley Railroad. Visitors have access to multiple train rides that explore Chattanooga and Hiwassee.
Tour options range from short rides of 60 minutes roundtrip up to five hours. Example themes include Missionary Ridge Local – the most popular – dinner on the diner, Copperhill and Hiwassee loop. In addition, Tennessee Valley Railroad welcomes everyone to enjoy seasonal rides such as North Pole and Christmas dinner.
Chattanooga Ducks
Chattanooga Ducks is one of the most popular Chattanooga tours for families. Each tour occurs on a renovated WWII-style duck boat. These boats are special because they travel on land and in water.
Tours last about an hour and start at some of the city’s top landmarks. Then guides head into the Tennessee River where they enjoy scenic views of Maclellan Island and the nearby riverfront.
Chatt Taste Food Tour
Want to sample the city’s food scene? Book a tour with Chatt Taste. This local operator pairs food with the small-town Southern hospitality that guests love.
Chatt Taste Food Tour has five activities for food lovers. Those interested in local history enjoy the downtown, MLK and southside tours. For something more niche, try the mural or vegan tour. Other options may include desserts with drinks and farm-to-table. Each visits up to four local restaurants.
Visiting with family? Read about fun attractions in Chattanooga. Then find a spacious vacation home in Chattanooga.