Senior communication major Nathan Webb has spent the summer 2026 semester as a student writer in the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Division of Communications and Marketing. He is a 2022 graduate of John Overton High School in Nashville.
One of his summer assignments was to go on a walking tour of attractions, restaurants and things to do near campus for students new to UTC—especially those without cars. Here are some of his suggestions.
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Every August, as the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga begins a new academic year, more students without a reliable mode of transportation move on campus.
UTC is located in an area of Chattanooga featuring plenty of places and activities within a reasonable walking distance for students. As a student who has lived on campus for several years, my friends and I have explored the city to find things to get into.
Here are 10 sites and activities that UTC students can walk to from campus and check out with their friends.
Coolidge Park photo by Angela Foster
Coolidge Park (150 River St.)
Located about a mile and a half north of West Campus, Coolidge Park has been a staple of Chattanooga’s North Shore since 1999. Students will have to cross either the Market Street Bridge, the Veterans Memorial Bridge, or the soon-to-be-reopened Walnut Street Bridge to get there.
With its riverfront walking path, wide open green space, antique carousel and interactive fountains, Coolidge Park is one of Chattanooga’s most lively and inviting outdoor spots. My friends and I have walked there from campus several times to throw a football and hang out. On any given day, you’ll see people picnicking by the river, strolling along the trail or cooling off in the fountains.
Coolidge Park is surrounded by plenty of North Shore shops, restaurants and dessert spots, such as Taco Mamacita, Totto Sushi & Grill, Chipotle and Clumpies Ice Cream. So, if anyone needs a quick bite, treat or refresher after visiting the park, it’s not hard to find one.
Front entrance of the Tennessee Aquarium
Tennessee Aquarium and IMAX Theater (201 Chestnut St.)
A mile from campus, the Tennessee Aquarium sits on the riverfront in downtown Chattanooga.
The aquarium has two buildings: River Journey, home to otters, alligators and turtles, and Ocean Journey, where visitors can see sharks, stingrays, penguins, lemurs and a variety of large fish.
The aquarium’s IMAX 3D movie theater offers its own entertainment. The theater shows the latest releases, as well as documentaries and films about aquatic life and nature.
If you are at all interested in marine biology, aquatics, nature or watching new movies, all of that can be found about a 20-minute walk away.
Hunter Museum of American Art
Hunter Museum of American Art (10 Bluff View Ave.)
One of the most popular sites in Chattanooga is the Hunter Museum of American Art, located about half a mile from campus.
The Hunter Museum houses nearly 3,000 works of art spanning American history, from early 19th-century works to post-World War II art. The museum showcases a variety of art, including sculptures, paintings, photography and decorative art, among other collections. The museum also offers various events and programs, such as fiber arts and printmaking workshops.
The view of the Tennessee River from the balcony of the Hunter Museum is breathtaking, especially at sunset, and is followed by a clear path into downtown Chattanooga. The Hunter Museum offers plenty of entertaining and educational options for students to explore.
Classic Arcade Pinball Museum
Classic Arcade Pinball Museum (409 Broad St.)
If you are into arcade games and retro vibes, then check out the Classic Arcade Pinball Museum on Broad Street.
Chattanooga’s only fully retro arcade is about half a mile away from West Campus. The museum includes 43 playable pinball machines and 21 arcade machines. The $20 admission wristband gives customers unlimited access to all arcade games in the museum and lets them come and go as they please throughout the day.
For any student looking for a quick and easy way to play games with friends or enjoy ’80s and ’90s nostalgia, the Classic Arcade Pinball Museum is a great, close-to-campus destination.
Universal Joint
Universal Joint (532 Lookout St.)
A fun UTC student hangout close to campus is Universal Joint. Located less than half a mile from campus, Universal Joint offers a variety of entree options, including burgers, sandwiches, tacos, salads and more. It is also a nice place to catch sporting events on their televisions, and their patio offers a decent view into downtown Chattanooga.
Those aren’t the only reasons that Universal Joint deserves a shout-out. Wednesday nights offer team trivia games, where students can band together to win cash prizes and Universal Joint gifts. Thursday nights feature Mario Kart tournaments on a big screen TV, where students and other players can compete.
Culture Coffee
Culture Coffee (610 Georgia Ave.)
Located directly across the street from Universal Joint is Culture Coffee. It is quiet and great for studying, meeting up to chat with friends or just chilling out. They offer a variety of caffeinated beverages, including seasonal options, as well as desserts and pastries, such as cookies, muffins, danishes, cinnamon rolls and scones.
About a year ago, I met up with several classmates at Culture Coffee to work on our group project. Before that, I had never heard of this coffee shop. However, after a handful of study sessions with that group, I came away thinking it was a solid study spot for anyone who might need it. It also helps that it is within walking distance from campus.
Chattanooga Public Library Downtown Branch
Chattanooga Public Library Downtown Branch (1001 Broad St.)
Speaking of nice study spots, what better study spot than a cozy municipal library? Less than a mile away, the downtown branch of the Chattanooga Public Library can provide that.
The Chattanooga Public Library has a wide variety of books for anyone with a library card to check out. There are multiple areas throughout the building where people can hide away to read, study or get work done.
One of the cooler aspects of the library is the 12,000-square-foot makerspace on the 4th floor. The makerspace offers plenty of different technology and media for anyone who needs to scratch their creative itch, including a 3D printer, a vinyl plotter, button makers, laminators, a photography studio and a fiber arts studio. More information about the makerspace can be found on the Chattanooga Public Library’s website.
UTC students and staff can access library materials with their UTC IDs. So if any of the aforementioned aspects of the Chattanooga Public Library sound interesting or fun, it’s all easy to access.
Ignis Glass Studio
Ignis Glass Studio (401 Broad St.)
About half a mile away from West Campus is Ignis Glass Studio. Ignis is a glass-blowing studio where customers can design and blow their own glass ornaments, paperweights, bowls or vases. A professional glassblower will be there to walk guests through the process and assist you. Your new glass possession will be available for pickup the next day.
Ignis also has a gift shop where customers can buy premade glass items and collections.
While it may not be the cheapest or most traditional experience, Ignis could be a unique activity for any UTC student interested in art, or even for anyone who wants to experiment. The ornaments could also spice up anyone’s dorm or apartment.
Choo Choo sign above the Hotel Chalet at The Choo Choo
Hotel Chalet at The Choo Choo (92 Choo Choo Ave.)
About a mile off campus is the historic Hotel Chalet at The Choo Choo, often referred to as the Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel. What opened as a train terminal station in 1909 became preserved by the city of Chattanooga and eventually renovated by Chattanooga-based investors in the 1980s. Now, it is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions and offers plenty to explore at the station.
The Choo Choo has multiple stores and shops, as well as restaurants and coffee shops. They also host many events and concerts and open an ice-skating rink during late fall and early winter.
UTC students walk across a Tennessee Riverwalk bridge
Tennessee Riverwalk
Getting to the Tennessee Riverwalk trail is less than half a mile away from campus. Starting from the UTC ARC, you can access the trail by crossing East 4th Street and Riverside Drive.
From there, the Riverwalk can guide you to different areas of downtown Chattanooga, including the Veterans Memorial Bridge or the Walnut Street Bridge. It is also a convenient way to reach many locations on this list, such as the Hunter Museum of American Art and the Tennessee Aquarium.
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