Whether your in-laws are visiting, or friends from college, if you have guests coming to visit, you want to show them a good time. What you do will depend on lots of factors, like your guests’ activity levels, interests, whether children will be involved, and even the season of the year. Here are our top 7 picks, where there is something for everybody:

1. Enjoy a “tourist” day – There are a few big landmarks that everyone who visits Chattanooga should check out. Some of them, like Rock City, have been advertised on barns for so long that anyone who has driven on the interstate is curious. Others, like the Incline Railroad, are unusual and fun. Make sure to hit these major sites:

• Rock City
• Ruby Falls
• The Incline
• The Chattanooga Choo Choo
• The Aquarium

2.Tour downtown – From the Northshore to the Southside, downtown Chattanooga has a lot to see! If the thought of walking from one end of town to the other is a bit daunting, use the electric shuttles. Highlights to be sure

Just one of the many beautiful sights to see in Nooga!

and see:

• The Northshore for some cool little shops, and don’t forget to check out the dance steps embedded in the sidewalk.
• The Renaissance Arts District, to take in the sculpture garden, and to smell the wonderful aroma of roasting coffee at Rembrandt’s.
• The Southside, for all of the funky art galleries and the awesome public sculpture on display.
• The central section of downtown, where you can stroll around on the Aquarium Plaza, walk across the Walnut Street Bridge, and take a rest in Miller Plaza.

3. Spend a day at the park – or visit several parks. Chattanooga has a bunch of excellent parks and greenspaces where you can play, picnic, and generally enjoy life. Read this post to learn where our favorite parks are, and why they are our favorites.

4. Get out in the wilderness – Whether you like to kayak, mountain climb, trail ride, hike, hang glide, swim, or stroll at a leisurely pace, there are plenty of outdoor activities in Chattanooga. From the Ocoee to the Tennessee River, there are opportunities to have fun on the water, and from Shell Mound Park to the Cherokee National Forest, this area has abundant camping spots.

5. Take in a show –  As with the parks and outdoor activities, when it comes to entertainment, there’s something for everyone in Chattanooga. Hamilton Place, Northgate, and downtown, and East Ridge all have good movie theaters, showing the latest and greatest films. If you are in the mood for something a little bigger, the IMAX theater downtown is the place to go. For live entertainment, check out:

• Chattanooga Theater Center always has something interesting to offer
• Track 29 features live music
• Rhythm and Brews downtown has local and national musical acts
• During the summer, from May until September, the Nightfall Music Series presents free Friday night concerts at Miller Plaza
• In August and September, the Riverfront Nights series offers free concerts at Ross’s Landing

6. Enjoy a sporting event – Baseball, soccer, football, and basketball teams play in Chattanooga, so there is almost always some game to go to. Finley Stadium, on the Southside, AT&T Field downtown, and Mckinzie Arena at UTC are all modern, comfortable venues where you can enjoy some popcorn and hot dog while you cheer for your team.

7. Do some shopping – In every neighborhood and section of Chattanooga, there are unique, interesting shops. Gifts, clothing, doggie accessories, antiques, and so much more can be found in St. Elmo, in Hixson, on Cherry Street, in Brainerd, at the malls. From art galleries to department stores, Chattanooga is a shopper’s delight.

Bonus: Be sure to go out to eat! Alleia, Public House, St. Johns, the Southern Star, the Fork and Pie, 212 Market, and Niko’s are just a few of the fantastic eateries downtown. There are several local food trucks where you can get great grub on the go. Chattanooga isn’t exactly a food mecca (yet) but we are well on our way!