Memphis TennesseeATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Memphis, Tennessee.
1. Graceland
HOME OF ELVIS PRESLEY
Graceland, Elvis Presley's iconic mansion, offers visitors a glimpse into the life of the King of Rock 'n' Roll with displays of his custom jets and personal collections. The 13.8-acre estate is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has been declared a National Historic Landmark. As the second-most visited home in the United States after the White House, Graceland continues to attract music fans from around the world.
2. Sun Studio
BIRTHPLACE OF ROCK 'N' ROLL
Sun Studio is a legendary recording facility where music pioneers like Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash launched their careers, making it a true rock and roll landmark. Visitors can enjoy guided tours through music history featuring rare artifacts and photos of famous musicians. The studio offers guests the unique opportunity to stand in the actual recording space used by numerous music legends.
3. National Civil Rights Museum - Lorraine Motel
CIVIL RIGHTS HISTORY PRESERVED
The National Civil Rights Museum, located at the Lorraine Motel where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, traces the journey of the civil rights movement through comprehensive historical exhibits. Visitors can explore displays that highlight MLK's legacy and offer a reflective journey through African American history. The museum provides powerful insight into the struggle for equality and the ongoing pursuit of civil rights in America.
4. Beale Street
HISTORIC ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT
Beale Street stands as Memphis' iconic entertainment district, known worldwide for its rich blues heritage and vibrant nightlife. The historic street features numerous live music venues, restaurants, and shops that celebrate the city's musical legacy. Visitors can immerse themselves in the lively atmosphere while enjoying authentic Memphis blues, delicious southern cuisine, and the district's colorful neon signs.
5. Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum
MUSIC HERITAGE EXHIBITION
The Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum is a Smithsonian Institution exhibition that showcases the birth and evolution of rock and soul music in Memphis. The museum tells the compelling story of musical pioneers who overcame racial and socioeconomic barriers to create revolutionary sounds. Visitors can enjoy a self-guided tour with personal headsets, interactive jukeboxes, and dance-friendly exhibits spanning different musical eras.
6. Memphis Zoo
WILDLIFE AND CONSERVATION
The Memphis Zoo houses over 3,500 animals representing more than 500 different species in naturalistic habitats across its expansive grounds. Visitors can explore popular exhibits including Giant Pandas, African lions, polar bears, and numerous other exotic and native wildlife. The zoo combines entertainment with education, offering conservation programs and special events throughout the year to engage guests of all ages.
7. Stax Museum of American Soul Music
SOUL MUSIC LEGACY
The Stax Museum of American Soul Music sits on the original site of the legendary Stax Records, which launched the careers of Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, and many other soul icons. Its interactive exhibits and extensive memorabilia collection tell the uniquely Memphis story of this influential record label that shaped American music. Visitors can explore the authentic recreation of Studio A and see Isaac Hayes' gold-plated Cadillac among other treasures from the soul music era.
8. Shelby Farms Park
URBAN OUTDOOR RECREATION
Shelby Farms Park spans an impressive 4,500 acres, making it one of the largest urban parks in the United States. The expansive green space features over 40 miles of trails, 20 fishing lakes, and the popular 10.65-mile Shelby Farms Greenline for cycling and walking. Visitors can enjoy various outdoor activities from hiking and paddleboating to zip-lining and encountering the park's resident bison herd.
9. The Peabody Memphis
HISTORIC LUXURY HOTEL
The Peabody Memphis is a historic luxury hotel famous worldwide for its charming tradition of the Peabody Ducks, who march daily along a red carpet to the lobby fountain. This elegant landmark has been a Memphis institution for nearly 90 years, combining Southern hospitality with refined accommodations. Visitors can witness the famous Duck March twice daily or enjoy the hotel's upscale dining, shopping, and rooftop views of downtown Memphis.
10. Old Dominick Distillery
CRAFT SPIRITS EXPERIENCE
Old Dominick Distillery offers visitors an immersive experience in Memphis' craft spirits scene with tours of their downtown production facility. Guests can learn about the distilling process from grain to glass while sampling a variety of handcrafted whiskeys, vodkas, and other spirits. The historic building houses not only production facilities but also a tasting room and cocktail bar where visitors can enjoy artisanal drinks in a sophisticated atmosphere.
11. Memphis Botanic Garden
URBAN BOTANICAL SANCTUARY
The Memphis Botanic Garden encompasses 96 acres of horticultural beauty with 31 specialty gardens, including the renowned Japanese Garden of Tranquility and the My Big Backyard children's garden. Visitors can wander through seasonal displays, woodland trails, and themed gardens that showcase both native and exotic plant collections. The garden hosts popular events throughout the year, including outdoor concerts, plant sales, and educational workshops for garden enthusiasts.
12. FedEx Forum
PREMIER SPORTS ARENA
FedEx Forum serves as the downtown home of the NBA's Memphis Grizzlies and hosts numerous sporting events, concerts, and entertainment shows throughout the year. The modern arena features state-of-the-art facilities and excellent sightlines, creating an energetic atmosphere for basketball games and other performances. Located near Beale Street, visitors can easily combine a game or concert with Memphis' famous dining and nightlife options.
13. Slave Haven - Burkle Estate Museum
UNDERGROUND RAILROAD HISTORY
The Slave Haven-Burkle Estate Museum offers guided tours of a historic antebellum home that served as a way station on the Underground Railroad. Visitors can explore hidden passages, trap doors, and secret cellars where enslaved people were sheltered while escaping to freedom in the North. The museum provides powerful insight into the struggle for emancipation while preserving an important piece of African American history.
14. Central BBQ
ICONIC MEMPHIS BARBECUE
Central BBQ stands as one of Memphis' most beloved barbecue institutions, famous for its slow-smoked ribs, pulled pork, and signature dry rub. The restaurant's multiple locations serve authentic Memphis-style barbecue in a casual, welcoming atmosphere that attracts both locals and tourists. Visitors can sample award-winning meats and Southern sides while experiencing the city's proud culinary tradition that has made Memphis a destination for food lovers.
15. Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid
OUTDOOR RETAIL EXPERIENCE
Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid transformed Memphis' iconic pyramid-shaped arena into a massive outdoor retail experience and tourist attraction. The 32-story structure houses not only extensive shopping areas but also an indoor cypress swamp, bowling alley, archery range, and the Big Cypress Lodge hotel. Visitors can ride the nation's tallest freestanding elevator to the observation deck for panoramic views of the Mississippi River and downtown Memphis.