9 Inexpensive Things to do in Chattanooga This Summer

July 17, 2024

Chattanooga is flush with abundant natural beauty and an equally welcoming community.  A small budget goes a long way in the Scenic City with these tips, and who isn’t on a budget these days!  Along with the most popular must-see attractions, Ruby Falls on Lookout Mountain and the Tennessee Aquarium, there are plenty of free and inexpensive things to do in Chattanooga this summer to round out your trip.

Whether you’re looking to enjoy free live music and art, or spend as much time outdoors as possible, use this list to plan a budget-friendly, fun-filled visit to Chattanooga!

1. Walnut Street Bridge

Cost: Free, + parking $4-$9

The scenic Walnut Street Bridge, affectionately known as “the walking bride” spans the Tennessee River, connecting Downtown Chattanooga to the North Shore.  Completed in 1891, the bridge has been a focal point during the best and worst parts of Chattanooga’s history. It is the oldest and largest surviving truss bridge in the South, and one of the longest pedestrian bridges in the world.

This pedestrian-only, dog-friendly bridge gives birds-eye views of Maclellan Island, the charming riverfront, Coolidge Park, Lookout Mountain and sunsets that will absolutely take your breath away. Following a multi-year restoration project completed in 1992, the 2,376 foot-long bridge opened for pedestrian traffic after being closed to vehicles for several decades.

The downtown side of the bridge lies next to the Hunter Museum of American Art and the North Shore side leads to vibrant Coolidge Park and a myriad of fantastic local shops and restaurants along a one-of-a-kind sidewalk featuring numbered footprints showing how to do famous dance moves. Consider renting a Bike Chattanooga bicycle for a brisk ride across the bridge if you are short on time.

Stop and reflect at the Ed Johnson Memorial on the downtown side of the bridge. Learn how Ed Johnson and his attorneys changed the course of justice in the United States. Ed Johnson’s unjust death in 1906 on the Walnut Street Bridge at the hands of Chattanoogans ignoring US Supreme Court decision caused outrage around the country. The Supreme Court held their first and only criminal trial, finding a handful of the perpetrators guilty, and setting a precedent for federal oversight of local civil rights issues, which remains influential to this day.

Two Bonus Money Saving Tips for Parking: Parking is cheaper on the Northshore side of the bridge. If you combine a visit to Coolidge Park with a walk on the bridge, you’ll only have to pay to park once!  Or, even better, skip parking all together and catch the FREE Carta electric shuttle.The Downtown Route,  Northshore Route and St Elmo Route run daily, Monday – Saturday, except a handful of holidays.  The shuttle is 100% free and convenient!

2. Sculpture Fields at Montague Park

Cost: Free, and parking is free

Montague Park is a sprawling 33-acre outdoor art museum with sculptures from artists all around the world. Admission is free! The public art park includes well-kept walking paths, over 40 sculptures, and great community events such as yoga classes in the park. You can even use the free guided Otocast tour to hear an explanation of the inspiration behind each sculpture from the sculptor themselves. This is a dog-friendly park, so bring your leashed pup for extra fun.  Open daily, dawn to dusk.

3. Coolidge Park

Cost: Free, + parking, $1 to ride the carousel

Located under the Walnut Street Bridge, Coolidge Park is a popular sunny day destination in Chattanooga. Coolidge Park features an interactive water play fountain, an antique carousel from 1894 (it’s only $1 to ride), and waterfront access that is perfect for a picnic in the park. Unfortunately, Coolidge is not dog-friendly, but humans of all ages will find fun and relaxation here! The park also offers free grilling stations and picnic tables which makes it the perfect place to gather with friends and family, cook some delicious food, and run and play in the wide-open green space. Coolidge Park is also the venue for amazing annual events such as Moon River Festival and Pops on the River.

4. Nightfall

Cost: Free, + parking

Chattanooga’s free summer concert series runs Friday nights late May through August, downtown at Miller Plaza. Local bands open the show at 7:00 pm followed by nationally touring headliners at 8:00 pm. Spread out on Miller Park’s grass with a quilt or bring your lawn chairs and enjoy a fun evening. This is like a block party on steroids! Kids will get a kick out of the family-friendly activities and adults can check out the selection of ice-cold local brews available for purchase and you won’t be hungry thanks to plenty of food trucks.

 5. Raccoon Mountain

Cost: Free

Raccoon Mountain is a popular destination for scenic drives, mountain biking, and boating. It took eight years for Tennessee Valley Authority to complete the reservoir, which is TVA’s largest hydroelectric facility. The area around the 107-billion gallon, 528 acre lake, is a state-designated wildlife observation area home to a large wintering population of bald eagles.  In the visitor center, you can learn about the history of TVA, see maps of the Tennessee River and tributaries that allow TVA to provide power and protect natural resources.  The overlook at the visitor center offers a spectacular view of the river gorge, and nearby Laurel Point offers access to nearly 30 miles of biking and hiking trails on the dam reservation.

6. Chattanooga Market

Cost: Free, + parking

The Chattanooga Market takes place at the First Tennessee Pavilion every Sunday April-December. From 10 am-2 pm the pavilion fills up with local farmers, vendors, and food trucks. Whether you’re looking to connect with makers of handmade goods, eat a delicious lunch, or support Chattanooga’s local farmers, the Chattanooga Market is sure to please this summer

Bonus money saving tip:  The cheapest parking is nearby at the Finley Stadium/First Tennessee Pavilion campus for $1/hour.

7. Tennessee Riverpark

Cost: Free

With over 150 acres of beautiful land, playgrounds, and public art, the Riverpark is one of Chattanooga’s most well-loved attractions. The star of the park is the 13-mile greenway stretching from Chattanooga’s northend at the TVA dam to Chattanooga’s Southside at St. Elmo. The Riverwalk greenway is perfect for biking, running, jogging, and casual strolling. Along the way, you’ll find park amenities such as restrooms, bike repair stations, fishing piers, kayak and canoe launches, playground, picnic tables, art, and breathtaking views.

8. Blue Hole

Cost: Free

Chattanooga has twice been named “Best Town Ever” by ​Outside Magazine​. Just a 20-minute drive from downtown Chattanooga, the North Chickamauga Blue Hole is a local favorite swimming hole! The Blue Hole is a phenomenal way to cool off from a hot summer day in Chattanooga. From the parking lot, it’s less than a 1-mile hike to get to the much-loved spot featuring boulders of varying sizes, perfect for jumping into the clear creek-fed water below. Directions and additional details

9.  Chattanooga Lookouts

Cost: $4-$11 per ticket, + parking

Take me out to the ballgame, take me out with the crowd…

Baseball is America’s pastime! The Chattanooga Lookouts are the Double-A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds. Tickets to watch the Lookouts play are a bargain, ranging $6-$11. Wacky weekly promotions and scheduled post-game fireworks make going to the ballpark even more fun. After the game, kids are invited to run the bases with the team.  Plans are underway for the construction of a new ballpark within a new large sports, entertainment, retail, and housing development on Chattanooga’s Southside, just a few minutes from Ruby Falls. The new ballpark is slated to be open before the 1926 season.  Until then, enjoy a fun summer evening at AT&T field with the Lookouts and 6,000 baseball fans.

Bonus money saving tip: Game day parking is just $5 at the Chestnut and 3rd Street garage.

For more information on Chattanooga’s dining, shopping, and lodging options, and other fun activities check out the Ruby Falls plan your visit​ page.

Ruby Falls budget bonus: Ruby Falls offers free parking and complimentary shaded outdoor kennels for guests traveling with pets to use while they visit the park.  The four large kennels are available first come, first serve.  Just ask for a kennel lock at the Hospitality Center when you arrive. Fresh water is provided in each kennel, and guests are welcome to bring a bed or whatever else will keep your pet comfortable.

It’s surprisingly easy to visit Chattanooga without spending a fortune and you won’t have to sacrifice making new memories to stay within your budget.  Watch for our upcoming article featuring a weekend family itinerary for under $500.  See you soon and have fun!