25 Fun Chattanooga Date Ideas for 2025

Looking for Chattanooga date ideas to impress that special someone? From a bustling food scene to scenic mountains and an up-and-coming urbanscape, this city makes the ideal backdrop for your personal love story. There are so many things to do in Chattanooga for couples such as hiking, museums, wineries and so much more. 

Spice up your monotonous date night routine, or impress your new crush by planning a thoughtful first date. There are many fun Chattanooga date ideas for every occasion and every season of love. Follow along for an exciting list full of Chattanooga date ideas.

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• Chattanooga Date Ideas for Foodies
• Romantic Date Night Ideas in Chattanooga
• Fun Date Ideas in Chattanooga
• Free or Cheap Date Ideas in Chattanooga
• Indoor Date Ideas in Chattanooga

Chattanooga Date Ideas for Foodies

1. Take a Cooking Class

Explore cooking classes in Chattanooga and find the perfect date for a hungry foodie couple. Each hands-on cooking class is taught by a five-star professional chef in an engaging educational experience. Master new skills in the kitchen while having a blast with your date. Cook your way through a multi-course menu featuring an appetizer, entrée and dessert. Choose from many different culinary themes, from hand-rolled sushi to Spanish tapas — there is an experience for every couple. This Chattanooga date idea is ideal for the foodie couple, so find cooking classes near you today. 

2. Indulge With a Private Chef Meal

Splash out and spoil your date. Explore private chefs in Chattanooga and book a luxurious experience sure to convey your affection to your date. A private chef meal is a top-of-the-line culinary experience meant for special occasions and meaningful anniversaries. The private chef not only handles all shopping and food preparations, but they also clean up, leaving you and your date to enjoy a gourmet meal and each other's company in an intimate private setting. Dine your way through a lavish three-course menu consisting of an intriguing appetizer, a satisfying entrée and a delightful dessert all from the comfort of your own home. Explore private chefs near you and have the exceptional date night experience you deserve with this Chattanooga date idea. 

3. Go on a Food Tour

Interested in an all-inclusive food tour of the city? This is the perfect Chattanooga date idea for you. Discover food tours in Chattanooga and explore all the best eateries in the city. Sip fresh beer at local breweries, check out seasonal produce and local vendors at farmers markets and explore top-rated restaurants in the area. Start your tour with a coffee and pastry from a local bakery and end with a gourmet dessert. A food tour is a flexible, fun and filling Chattanooga date idea. From barbecue to bakeries, there is something for everyone on a food tour, so discover food tours near you and book an unforgettable date. 

4. Splurge at St John's Restaurant 

Looking for a swanky Chattanooga date idea to woo your date? Try St John’s Restaurant for an upscale dining experience. This restaurant was once a condemned hotel and brothel that was saved and restored by a historical architecture preservationist. Enjoy a carefully curated menu of upscale American fare with a classic French flair such as seared duck breast confit or beef tartare. Indulge in a decadent dinner surrounded by rich Chattanooga history at St John’s Restaurant. This Chattanooga date idea will leave your date feeling hopelessly in love. 

5. Grab Brunch at Niedlov's Bakery 

Start your date bright and early with brunch at Niedlov’s Bakery. This Chattanooga date idea is known by locals as the best brunch spot in the city. This bakery is renowned for its homemade bread utilizing whole grains and natural leavening. The quaint and cute café features bakery classics such as buttery chocolate croissants, sticky sweet cinnamon rolls and housemade scones. Experience a brunch you won’t forget with this Chattanooga date idea.

Romantic Date Night Ideas in Chattanooga

6. Cruise the River 

There’s nothing more romantic than a sunset cruise on a historical riverboat. On The Southern Belle Riverboat, you can book a daytime sightseeing cruise or a charming sunset cruise, complete with atmospheric music and beautiful scenic views. Enjoy a full bar, live music, snacks and a novelty gift shop aboard this quaint vessel. This Chattanooga date idea is picture-perfect for a date you won't forget. 

7. Dance the Night Away  

Sweep your dance partner off their feet with this Chattanooga date idea. Take a dance class with Dance Tonight Chattanooga and get to know your partner to the rhythm of their favorite music.  Swing, sway and sashay with salsa, swing and ballroom dance classes perfect for beginners. This lively and welcoming community is perfect for an exciting date night.

8. Ride in a Horse-Drawn Carriage 

This Chattanooga date idea gives your date the royal treatment with a horse-drawn carriage ride. Cruise the streets of Downtown with Chattanooga Carriage Company. This private romantic ride is the ideal start or end to a date. Take a carriage ride to an upscale dinner or to grab a craft cocktail at the local speakeasy. The driver is a knowledgeable local who can provide you with interesting historical facts about the downtown area in a lively tour, or you can opt for a silent ride, enjoying your time in the open-air carriage with your partner. 

9. Book Unique Overnight Lodging 

Pull out all the stops and book a repurposed train car for a once-in-a-lifetime sleeping experience at the historic Hotel Chalet. The Hotel Chalet is located on the grounds of the famous Chattanooga Choo Choo train station. There are multiple dining options available as well as local excursions close by. Have a romantic night away in this quaint hotel full of vintage charm and modern amenities with this Chattanooga date idea.

10. Sip Wine at Look Out Winery 

Wine and romance go hand in hand at the Look Out Winery. Spend the day strolling through the vineyard with your lover sipping a glass of locally produced wine and snacking on charcuterie. This scenic Chattanooga date idea is one of many summer date ideas in the city. Look Out Winery offers beautiful views of the mountainous Tennessee countryside and an intriguing menu of coal-fired pizzas, housemade desserts and an extensive wine list. Look Out Winery is the ideal Chattanooga date idea for wine lovers. 

Fun Date Ideas in Chattanooga

11. Explore Rock City 

Go on an outdoor adventure at Rock City This Chattanooga date idea is perfect for nature lovers. Enjoy the beauty of Mother Nature and breathe in the fresh air of the Appalachian countryside in this popular outdoor destination. Rock City features massive natural rock formations and extensive gardens showcasing the naturally occurring flora and fauna in the area. With various dining options and guided tours, this Chattanooga date idea will allow you and your partner to reconnect with nature at Rock City.

12. Discover West Village 

West Village is an upscale urban escape in the heart of Chattanooga. This ritzy neighborhood is ideal for a night on the town with luxury shopping and plenty of dining options. Check out local dining gems like Old Gilman Grill or Bridgemans Chophouse for a standout fine dining experience. If you're looking for a casual dining option, try a gourmet hot dog at Alimentari Café and Market or grab brunch at Innside Restaurant. West Village often hosts street markets that feature local vendors and their unique handmade wares. Stay the night at the Westin and enjoy stunning views and luxury accommodations. This Chattanooga date idea is ideal for lovers looking for a special weekend away. 

13. Visit the Tennessee Aquarium 

The Tennessee Aquarium is a major attraction and a perfect Chattanooga date idea venue for nature lovers. Explore the wonders of natural marine wildlife with your partner by your side. Discover many different exciting species housed at the aquarium such as penguins, otters, sharks and turtles. Learn about local conservation efforts to protect Tennessee marine wildlife and how you can help. Catch an educational film at the IMAX theater or grab a cute trinket at the gift shop to remember the date by. 

14. Drink up at a Distillery 

Tennessee is the land of moonshine and hard liquor. Take your date to visit a local distillery and make many good memories you may or may not remember. Explore Gate 11 Distillery, where they distill craft liquors in small batches with utmost care. Sample from housemade gin, vodka, whiskey, rum and even absinthe on this boozy Chattanooga date idea. Gate 11 Distillery also offers a stand-out craft cocktail menu and often hosts live music events. With live music playing and craft drinks flowing, this Chattanooga date idea is sure to be a rip-roaring good time. 

15. Go on a Kayak Tour 

Answer the call of the wild and embark on a kayak tour. Explore the rich local wildlife and scenic views by paddling down the Tennessee River. Take a guided sunset tour of Bat Cave or kayak through the Chattanooga dam lock with an excursion from Chattanooga Guided Adventures. Spend some time on the water cooling off and relaxing while kayaking around with your date. This Chattanooga date idea is fun and spontaneous and makes for a perfect romantic adventure. 

Free or Cheap Date Ideas in Chattanooga

16. Volunteer Together 

Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community. Volunteering as a couple is an opportunity to explore each other's shared values and build a strong foundation for your relationship. Explore volunteering opportunities on Chattanooga.gov. There are many great options to choose from such as The Tennessee Aquarium, The McKamey Animal Care and Adoption Center, Community Kitchen and so many more. Spend time together helping others with this Chattanooga date idea. 

17. Take a Hike 

Relish the beauty of the Appalachian mountains as you explore the local trails and parks of Chattanooga. Hike the Raccoon Mountain Reservoir Loop for breathtaking views or traverse the Guild Trail to hike across Glenn Falls natural waterfalls. If you are looking for fall date ideas, few things beat a scenic hike amidst the vibrant fall foliage and cool autumn air.

18. Cruise on Bikes 

Get in some leg-pumping exercise with this Chattanooga date idea. Discover bike-friendly trails around the city on Outdoor Chattanooga and plan a romantic outing with your date. Explore top-rated trails such as Chickamauga Battlefield, Moccasin Bend, Racoon Mountain and Enterprise South. Take a leisurely ride around town or embark on a challenging uphill ride on rocky terrain; the choice is yours. Chattanooga offers the perfect bike ride for every couple.

19. Play Outdoors at Cloudland Canyon State Park 

Discover a new sport together at Cloudland Canyon State Park. Disc golf is available for only $4 a person and is an exciting way to get some fresh air and movement in on your date. Disc golf is played by throwing a flying disc into a target for points. This low-impact game is fun for athletes and desk jockeys alike. If disc golf isn't for you, Cloudland Canyon offers many fun activities such as fishing, horseback riding, geocaching and cave tours. This Chattanooga date idea is a day full of outdoor fun in the sun. 

20. Watch a Free Movie 

Snuggle up with your date for a romantic night at the movies. Every summer, the Music and Movies series kicks off in Miller Plaza, where you can enjoy free movies and live music in the balmy evenings. Bring a big comfortable blanket to lounge on, a cooler for chilled drinks and a picnic basket of tasty snacks to enjoy during the movie. The movie series runs from the end of May to early August and is the perfect way to spend the dog days of summer. This Chattanooga date idea is romantic and sweet, the perfect summer date idea. 

Indoor Date Ideas in Chattanooga

21. Enjoy an Online Culinary Experience

Date ideas in Chattanooga don’t always require going out. For the perfect stay at home date idea, explore one of the many online culinary experiences available. Learn to create your new favorite dishes together in a live, interactive online cooking class led by a world-class chef.

If wine is more your style, virtual wine tastings with expert sommeliers expand your palate and teach you the perfect food and wine pairings. For cocktail lovers, take an online mixology class and learn to shake and stir your way to the perfect old-fashioned or White Russian.

22. Explore the Towing Museum 

Stray off the beaten path with this quirky date idea in Chattanooga. The International Towing and Recovery Museum is a local gem full of interesting stories and towing memorabilia. Explore vintage tow trucks and throwback rigging equipment. Peruse the Towing Hall of Fame and pay your respects at the wall of the fallen. Watch an informative movie on the history of towing and stock up on tow truck memorabilia at the museum's gift shop. Impress your date with your creativity with this out-of-the-box date idea in Chattanooga. 

23. Peruse Art at Hunter Museum

Slip into the world of fine art with this Chattanooga date idea. Explore breathtaking artistic pieces at Hunter Museum. Browse the gallery's extensive collection and foster a deep appreciation for the arts. Hunter Museum regularly hosts art performance pieces and concerts for a creative date with your partner. Wander the halls of the museum with your sweetheart and bond over beautiful art. Discover the museum's eclectic shop and browse for the perfect memorabilia to remember your artsy date by. 

24. Go Axe Throwing  

Get your adrenaline pumping in an axe-throwing session at Choo Choo Axe Throwing. This unique axe-throwing event space boasts rustic Jack Daniels décor, fire pits and barbecue grills. This Chattanooga date idea has both inside and outside throwing lanes with a spacious patio and outdoor kitchen. Choo Choo Axe Throwing also offers bonus activities such as karaoke, pool tables, corn hole games and throwing darts. Give this Chattanooga date idea a go and impress your love interest with your accurate aim. 

25. Play Away at the Arcade 

Looking for fun things to do in Chattanooga for couples? You can never go wrong with a classic arcade date. Spare Time offers a large arcade room, luxury bowling lanes and state-of-the-art laser tag. Grab a quick meal of nachos or pizza at the restaurant or enjoy the full-service bar that is open late for adult parties and dates. End this date in Chattanooga by splitting the jumbo Spare Time Sundae topped with hot fudge, waffle cone pieces and marshmallows. 

Date night is a time-honored tradition proven to increase happiness and contentment in romantic relationships. Explore these date ideas in Chattanooga to make your partner feel treasured and loved. Escape from the hustle and bustle of the day-to-day and make some time for the most important person in your life. 

Discover all the exciting and fun date ideas in Chattanooga this year and make it one to remember. From wineries to arcades, there is a romantic experience in the city for every couple. For even more ways to explore Chattanooga and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.