Family Activities Near Chattanooga
Only 30 minutes from Chattanooga. It's absolutely worth the drive!
Looking for things to do close to Chattanooga? Discover historic South Pittsburg, Tennessee, a charming river town nestled along the banks of the Tennessee River just a short drive from Chattanooga. Surrounded by natural beauty and filled with small-town charm, South Pittsburg offers outdoor recreation, local attractions, unique dining, and unforgettable entertainment.
Whether you're planning a day trip, family outing, weekend getaway, or date night, you'll find friendly faces, beautiful scenery, and authentic Tennessee hospitality around every corner. Experience the best of Small Town America and see why visitors return again and again.
Plenty to do in South Pittsburg, Tennessee
BIG BAD BREAKFAST
Enjoy Big Bad Breakfast staples such as custom-created meats, fresh biscuits and preserves, locally roasted coffee and some of the best cocktails you’ll find anywhere. We wear our “Big Bad” name as a badge of honor and take special pride in serving all your Southern favorites with the creativity and technique that only a skilled, world-renowned chef can bring to the table.
THE MAGIC BOX THEATER
Looking for unique things to do near Chattanooga? The Magic Box Theater offers unforgettable live entertainment just a short drive away in South Pittsburg, Tennessee. Enjoy interactive family comedy magic shows every Saturday at 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM, where audience participation, laughter, and astonishing magic create a one-of-a-kind exper
Looking for unique things to do near Chattanooga? The Magic Box Theater offers unforgettable live entertainment just a short drive away in South Pittsburg, Tennessee. Enjoy interactive family comedy magic shows every Saturday at 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM, where audience participation, laughter, and astonishing magic create a one-of-a-kind experience every time.
For adults seeking a fun night out, our Adults-Only Comedy & Magic Night takes place on the third Thursday of each month at 7:00 PM. Featuring sophisticated magic and clever comedy, it's designed to be funny—not filthy—and makes a perfect date night or evening with friends.
Whether you're planning a family outing, weekend adventure, or unique date night near Chattanooga, The Magic Box Theater delivers memorable entertainment unlike anything else in the region.
BACKROAD RELIC HUNTERS
BACKROAD RELIC HUNTERS
When you step through the doors of our shop, you will be astonished by the overwhelming amount of authentic artifacts we have collected here for your viewing. We have museum-quality displays of everything from small buttons and hooks from war uniforms to weapons, muskets, and cannons. We are very proud of what we have put together here at
When you step through the doors of our shop, you will be astonished by the overwhelming amount of authentic artifacts we have collected here for your viewing. We have museum-quality displays of everything from small buttons and hooks from war uniforms to weapons, muskets, and cannons. We are very proud of what we have put together here at Backroad Relic Hunters, and we look forward to meeting you and sharing a little bit of history through our collection.
LODGE MUSEUM
BACKROAD RELIC HUNTERS
Based in South Pittsburg, Tennessee, the Museum of Cast Iron takes visitors through the history of American cooking, using cast iron as an entry point. Learn how this incredible cookware is made, what it means to food culture, and what the future holds for those who love to cook authentically.
Unique, Historical and Haunted in South Pittsburg
Sasquatch Farm RV Park
Experience History and Nature at Nickajack Cave
Experience History and Nature at Nickajack Cave
Sasquatch Farm RV Park is a peaceful, mountain‑top escape in South Pittsburg, Tennessee, where long‑term guests, weekend campers, and cabin lovers all find room to breathe. Set on 130 acres of forest, bluffs, waterfalls, and lakes, our park blends true back‑to‑nature camping with thoughtful comforts like free Wi‑Fi, complimentary laundry
Sasquatch Farm RV Park is a peaceful, mountain‑top escape in South Pittsburg, Tennessee, where long‑term guests, weekend campers, and cabin lovers all find room to breathe. Set on 130 acres of forest, bluffs, waterfalls, and lakes, our park blends true back‑to‑nature camping with thoughtful comforts like free Wi‑Fi, complimentary laundry, and a friendly, hands‑on team that actually knows your name. We built Sasquatch Farm to feel like your own private hideaway rather than a crowded, paved‑over resort.
Experience History and Nature at Nickajack Cave
Experience History and Nature at Nickajack Cave
Experience History and Nature at Nickajack Cave
Historic Nickajack Cave, partially flooded by its namesake lake, is considered to be biologically one of the most important caves in Tennessee. This is primarily because of the thousands of gray bats that inhabit it from late April through early October, with peak numbers being in June and July. The gray bat, a medium-sized short-eared sp
Historic Nickajack Cave, partially flooded by its namesake lake, is considered to be biologically one of the most important caves in Tennessee. This is primarily because of the thousands of gray bats that inhabit it from late April through early October, with peak numbers being in June and July. The gray bat, a medium-sized short-eared species, is one of over a dozen in Tennessee and is listed as federally endangered.
During the time of year they roost in Nickajack Cave, which is also when they give birth to their young, they emerge each evening after sundown from the mouth of the cave to search for food in a continuous stream estimated to contain over 100,000 bats and lasting about 45 minutes. It is estimated they consume 274,000 pounds of insects a year. Although they prefer mayflies and stoneflies, they also eat mosquitoes, caddis flies, beetles, moths and other aquatic insects. In the fall, the bats move to cooler caves for hibernation.
Old South Pittsburg Paranormal Research Center
Experience History and Nature at Nickajack Cave
Old South Pittsburg Paranormal Research Center
The Old South Pittsburg Hospitalis considered by many to be one of the most haunted places in Tennessee. If you are interested in experiencing a haunted hospital firsthand or would like to indulge in overnight ghost hunting, this is the place to be. This particular structure is located at what many refer to as the “Foothill” of the South
The Old South Pittsburg Hospitalis considered by many to be one of the most haunted places in Tennessee. If you are interested in experiencing a haunted hospital firsthand or would like to indulge in overnight ghost hunting, this is the place to be. This particular structure is located at what many refer to as the “Foothill” of the South Pittsburg Mountain in the State of Tennessee. In the year of 1959, four medical professionals founded the facility and named it the “South Pittsburg Municipal Hospital” or “SPMH” for short. It consisted of a total of sixty eight thousand square feet and was designed to meet the medical care needs of the growing community. Many physical additions were constructed throughout the next several decades to the haunted hospital. Unfortunately, the Old South Pittsburg Hospital was closed in the year of 1998.
Family Fun in South Pittsburg, Tennessee
History & Mission
SOUTH PITTSBURG HERITAGE MUSEUM
History & Mission
Chencho’s is a vibrant Mexican restaurant nestled in the heart of Downtown South Pittsburg, Tennessee, where tradition and flavor come together to create an unforgettable dining experience. Renowned for their authentic Mexican cuisine, Chencho’s proudly serves dishes crafted by skilled cooks hailing from Oaxaca, Mexico—a region celebrated
Chencho’s is a vibrant Mexican restaurant nestled in the heart of Downtown South Pittsburg, Tennessee, where tradition and flavor come together to create an unforgettable dining experience. Renowned for their authentic Mexican cuisine, Chencho’s proudly serves dishes crafted by skilled cooks hailing from Oaxaca, Mexico—a region celebrated for its culinary excellence. Their specialty lies in homemade Mexican food, including freshly prepared corn tortillas and tamales by Maria Mares and a selection of Americano options featuring flour tortillas. Whether guests crave a taste of tradition or a fusion twist, Chencho’s offers a memorable journey of rich flavors and handmade quality.
SIP N GLOW
SOUTH PITTSBURG HERITAGE MUSEUM
History & Mission
Looking to relax and recharge during your visit? Stop by Sip N Glow Tanning, a locally owned wellness destination in South Pittsburg. Whether you're looking for a little self-care, red-light therapy, massage chair relaxation, or a refreshing nutrition drink, this community-focused business offers a welcoming atmosphere and a chance to unwind while exploring town.
SOUTH PITTSBURG HERITAGE MUSEUM
SOUTH PITTSBURG HERITAGE MUSEUM
SOUTH PITTSBURG HERITAGE MUSEUM
The museum features displays of hundreds of historic items of local importance. Old photographs of local people and buildings, an antique gas range made in South Pittsburg in the 1920s, cast iron cookware, also locally made, are all represented in our museum along with other locally made items. We have reseach materials also available fo
The museum features displays of hundreds of historic items of local importance. Old photographs of local people and buildings, an antique gas range made in South Pittsburg in the 1920s, cast iron cookware, also locally made, are all represented in our museum along with other locally made items. We have reseach materials also available for viewing.
Most items are either loaned or donated to our Society to help educate museum visitors of our city's rich history. We also have historic items displayed from some of our neighboring communities.
The museum is open to the public free of charge on Fridays and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon or by appointment on other days.