Memphis might be the land of the Delta blues that an old song talks about, but travelers feel anything but blue when they visit. Walking in Memphis means seeing where some rock-and-roll legends lived and sang. It means standing in places where ground-breaking historical events happened. It means lip-smacking barbecues and cold beer in snazzy speakeasies. It means enjoying the many things to do on Beale Street. And it means making memories that will last a lifetime, whether you’re traveling solo, with your significant other, your best friends, or your family. Want to know about the best things to do in Memphis, Tennessee? Then read on.
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Graceland
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No visit to Memphis would be complete without a trip to the world’s most famous rock-and-roll residence. Elvis Presley bought the Colonial Revival-style mansion—built in 1939—for just over $100,000 in 1957. Designated a National Historic Landmark, Graceland today is owned by Elvis Presley’s daughter, Lisa Marie. In fact, she often visits the mansion and usually spends Christmas here with her family. It’s the second most-visited residence in the USA after the White House, so going on a VIP Graceland Mansion Tour is an excellent idea. Skip the long lines and you’ll see not only the King of Rock-and-Roll’s collections of gold records, elaborate costumes, and classic cars. You’ll also get to enter his custom jet and be one of the select few to marvel at the exclusive VIP-only exhibit.
Sun Studio
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The home of Sun Records, this Union Avenue studio was instrumental in the rise of the then-unknown Elvis Presley. Other music legends also recorded here in the 1950s, including Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, B.B. King. In the 1980s to the 21st century, Sun Studio has also attracted popular musicians such as U2, Bonnie Raitt, and John Mellencamp. It achieved the National Historic Landmark designation in 2003 and is today one of the city’s top attractions. Posing for a selfie with the iconic Shure 55 microphone, said to have been used by Elvis himself, ranks among the most popular and best things to do in Memphis, Tennessee. And to delve deeper into the city’s musical legacy, join a music history bus tour. In addition to Sun Studio, you’ll also see Stax Studio and the early homes of Johnny Cash and B.B. King.
National Civil Rights Museum
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From Selma and Chicago to Boston and Atlanta, the fight for civil rights burned in many cities across the nation in the mid-20th century. Memphis was no exception. However, tragedy struck on April 4, 1988, when a sniper shot and killed civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. as he was standing on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Downtown Memphis. Today, the motel houses the National Civil Rights Museum, where the exhibitions cover not only King’s life and death but also other highlights of the struggle for equality. Slavery’s global impact, Rosa Parks and the Montgomery Bus Boycott, and the Black Power movement are just some of the important topics that the museum tackles.
Beale Street
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Called America’s Most Iconic Street, this nearly 3-km stretch in the downtown area is replete with culture and history. There’s no shortage of things to do on Beale Street in Memphis. You can shop for novelty items at A. Schwab’s, the city’s oldest store, watch acrobatic stunts by the Beale Street Flippers, and dine on sumptuous Southern cuisine while being serenaded by top-notch blues, soul, or rock-and-roll musicians in atmospheric clubs, bars, and cafes. The area is best explored on foot and the Beale Street Guided Walking Tour lets you do just that. Learn about talented jazz and blues musicians such as Louis Armstrong, Memphis Minnie, and many others who played here. See and hear for yourself the music that influenced Congress to declare Beale Street the official Home of the Blues.
Memphis Zoo
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Once ranked as the top zoo in the USA, it’s one of the city’s most popular family-friendly attractions and hosts many things to do in Memphis for kids. You can take your young ones to say hello to the resident giant pandas Ya Ya and Le Le, go on nocturnal adventures at Owl Prowl, or even take part in a guided moonlight safari in Zoo Snooze. The Memphis Zoo occupies 31 hectares in Midtown Memphis and shelters more than 3,500 animals, representing species great and small from different habitats. Also remarkable is the zoo’s landscaping, which features various trees, rock formations, gardens, fountains, and waterfalls.
Mud Island
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Situated in the heart of the Mississippi River, Mud Island is actually a tiny peninsula. It’s a great place to visit if you’re looking for free things to do in Memphis. At its southern tip is Mud Island River Park, where you can see a hydraulic scale model of the lower Mississippi River. The Amphitheatre here has hosted concerts by the biggest names in pop music, although free shows are occasionally offered. If you head to Harbor Town in Mud Island’s northern portion, you’ll reach the picturesque Mississippi River Trail. It’s a popular spot for scenic strolls or jogs. Fancy staying in the lap of luxury somewhere close? The Sheraton Memphis Downtown fits the bill. Less than half a mile away, this 4-star hotel offers huge rooms and suites with fantastic views of the skyline.
Overton Park
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This vast public park in Midtown Memphis spans 138 hectares and represents some of the city’s best natural and cultural aspects. In addition to Memphis Zoo, it’s also home to the Old Forest Arboretum, the Memphis College of Art, and the Brooks Museum of Art. In the wide-open spaces of the Greensward, it isn’t unusual to see people playing soccer or frisbee, having picnics, flying kites, or just chilling in the sun. Bring Fido with you on your Memphis holiday and let him socialize with other canines in the Overton Bark dog park. And if you’re in the mood for live music, you can catch a free concert at the open-air Levitt Shell theater. This is where Elvis Presley staged his first paid concert, in July 1954.
Orpheum Theatre
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Opened in 1928 on the site of the Grand Opera House—which a fire gutted in 1923—the Orpheum Theatre stands out as one of downtown’s gems. It’s on the National Register of Historic Places and renovations throughout the years have preserved or restored its dazzling details and fixtures. Today, the theatre hosts world-renowned Broadway plays and musicals, concerts, movies, and more. You can check out the Sidewalk of Stars just outside the building, which honors not only movie and music celebrities but also historical figures such as Helen Keller and Harry Houdini. And if you’re the stalwart kind, you might not mind catching a glimpse of the Orpheum’s reputed ghosts.
Memphis Pyramid
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Since Memphis was named after the capital of ancient Egypt, perhaps it isn’t that surprising to find a pyramid here too. But the Memphis Pyramid houses no pharaoh’s tomb. Instead, this towering riverside structure serves as a popular retail and entertainment destination. It features not only a Bass Pro Shops megastore selling all kinds of outdoor recreation stuff, but also an archery range, a bowling alley, and shops and restaurants. The country’s tallest free-standing elevator will take you to the observation deck at the top. Relishing panoramic views of the city and the river from more than 300 feet is one of the best things to do in Memphis, Tennessee.
Shelby Farms Park
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Spanning 1,800 hectares, this urban park is among the largest in the USA. If you’re looking for things to do in Memphis with kids, you won’t be disappointed here. You can go ride a rowboat in the lake, play disc golf, enjoy fun horseback rides, and watch bison grazing. Shelby Farms Park is likewise home to the award-winning Woodland Discovery Playground and one of the coolest places in summer, the Water Play Sprayground. There’s also plenty here in the way of free things to do in Memphis. For example, there are no fees to fish at the park (though a valid Tennessee fishing license is a must). In addition, there are plenty of paved and unpaved trails where you can go hiking or biking for free amidst the beauty of nature.
Just So You Know:
- The twice-daily march of five mallard ducks at the Peabody Hotel is a tradition that goes back to the 1930s. The ducks waddle along a red carpet to and from the hotel fountain in the morning and late afternoon, herded by a duck master. Honorary duck masters have included celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey and Kevin Bacon.
- More than 400 songs mention Memphis in their lyrics.
- Memphis enjoys the moniker “Hollywood South.” The People vs. Larry Flint, Cast Away, and The Open Road are some of the major movies filmed here.
- Remember the roaring lion at the start of all the old MGM movies? That was Volney, who lived at the Memphis Zoo until he died in 1944.
- Famous people born in Memphis include Lisa Marie Presley, Morgan Freeman, and Justin Timberlake.
Where to Stay:
- ⭐⭐⭐ Talbot Heirs Guesthouse – Just a few hundred meters from bustling Beale Street, this hotel features tastefully appointed guest rooms, family-friendly amenities such as kids’ TV channels and board games, and complimentary treats. A full kitchen means you can whip up delicious dishes on the cheap. Also, there are spaces aplenty inside and outside for relaxing.
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐ The Guest House at Graceland – This stately resort hotel, partly owned by Priscilla Presley and Lisa Marie Presley, is just steps away from Graceland Mansion. Some of the stylish rooms overlook the outdoor pool or the lovely courtyard. There are a fitness center and comfortable lounge areas for relaxing or socializing. Southern comfort food reigns at the Delta’s Kitchen restaurant, though great meals and drinks are also available at EP’s Bar & Grill.
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ River Inn of Harbor Town – A luxurious stay is what you can expect in this riverside boutique hotel. A glass of champagne welcomes each guest while an exceptional turndown service helps send them off to blissful sleep. Each European-inspired room features a four-poster bed and modern features like flat-screen TVs. With special touches like chocolate truffles and delectable rooftop meals, service here is truly par excellence.
Get Some Culture:
- Center for Southern Folklore – Located on Main Street, this cultural center offers a host of free things to do in Memphis. Established in 1972 by Judy Peiser and William Ferris, it offers exhibits, film screenings, shows, and tours free of charge.
- Private Civil War Day Trip – Get an in-depth look at important Civil War sites not too far from Memphis. You can walk the battlefields of Shiloh and Corinth at the Shiloh National Military Park. And stop at La Grance, where the upper crust of Memphis built their stately antebellum homes high above the Wolf River.
Grab A Bite:
- Arcade Restaurant – Launched in 1919 by Greek immigrant Speros Zepatos, it’s the city’s oldest restaurant. Today, the fourth generation of Zepatos makes sure guests enjoy every dish they order. From Eggs Redneck for breakfast to Catfish Filets for dinner, each meal is a delicious pleasure in this historic landmark.
- Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous – A fixture of the downtown area since 1948, it serves up some of the best Memphis-style pork barbecue ribs on this side of town. The children of founder Charlie Vergos still run the joint, a favorite among celebrities and regular folks alike.
