Things to Do in Memphis

Things To Do

Memphis, Tennessee, is known as the "Home of the Blues & the Birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll." It’s one of the largest cities in America, offering attractions & activities, family fun, music & nightlife, outdoor activities, and many more things to do in Memphis. These are some of the reasons why vacationers visit this place and fall in love with all the charm it offers. It is one of the most amazing cities to explore in Tennessee. No matter what you are looking for, Memphis is one of the best places in the USA that offers something to everyone, be it anything. The city meets all your travel requirements, from authentic, diverse, and influential music to outdoor activities, great food, sightseeing, and fun things to do in Memphis. So, what else are you looking for? Just plan your travel accordingly and have a great time in the city. 

Memphis, being one of the most happening cities in America, welcomes thousands of vacationers every year to experience the best of musical events, explore Graceland - home to rock ‘n’ roll king Elvis Presley, and also indulge in several other activities in Memphis. So, if you are also planning to experience this amazing city along with your loved ones or family, then you must plan to visit the place right before its peak season, i.e., April–May and October–November. During these months, the crowds are less in the city and the accommodation and transportation are cheaper. However, visiting the city in its peak season, i.e., June to September, can be a little expensive in your pocket. Still, eventually, you can also enjoy the city's real charm during the peak season. So, plan your trip accordingly and have a great time with your family and friends in the city. If you are planning to visit for the very first time and are confused about what to do in Memphis, then here is the list of amazing things to experience in Memphis. Just plan your vacations accordingly. 

Memphis Travel Guide

Destination Info
  • IATA Code MEM
  • Airport Name Memphis International Airport
  • Airport Address 2491 Winchester Rd, Memphis, TN 38116, United States
  • No. of Runways 4
  • Airport Enquiry No. +1 901-922-8000
  • Official Site https://flymemphis.com/
  • Country Code +1
  • Currency USD
  • Ideal Duration 2-3 Days
  • Visa Required Not Required for Domestic Traveller
  • Best Time to Visit September to October
  • Airline Serving American Airlines, Qatar Airways, British Airways, KLM, Lufthansa, Air France
  • Attractions Graceland, Memphis Zoo, National Civil Rights Museum, Shelby Farms Park

Things To Do

  • 1 Graceland
    Graceland

    On your visit to Memphis, don’t forget to visit the very popular Graceland, which is the home of Elvis Presley, the King of Rock 'n' Roll. This mansion was built when the actor or singer was at his career’s peak. When you visit here, you can explore an amazing car collection of Elvis and other exhibits that represent his life, career, tastes, and preferences of the actor. It is certainly a wonderful experience that you must have. While exploring the house, you will be able to see the gold records displayed in his trophy room, the king's famous jungle room, and the pink Cadillac, and you can even walk through his customized private jet. As this mansion is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was declared a National Historic Landmark, a visit to this place is a must-have experience. It is the second-most visited home in the United States, just behind the White House. 

  • 2 Stax Museum of American Soul Music
    Stax Museum of American Soul Music

    Located in Memphis, Tennessee - The Stax Museum of American Soul Music is one of the amazing attractions in the city, which offers a special tribute to the artists who have recorded there ever, including American soul legends. As it is the sole place of music, vacationers can explore all the special tributes displayed here, such as the interactive exhibits, films, stage costumes, musical instruments, vintage recording equipment used at Stax, and records. Each of these things available at the museum awestruck vacationers and compels them to revisit. If you are a music lover, visiting this place is bliss and will take you back to the era of 50’s. It will certainly be a wonderful experience for you, so don’t miss visiting here as it is a dreamland for all music lovers. 

  • 3 Beale Street
    Beale Street

    To experience the vibrant nightlife of Beale Street, Memphis is widely popular for its live music, restaurants, and bars. It is a hub of trendy blues and soul music. It is located at a distance of approximately 1.8 miles. This is one of the most iconic streets of America as it offers ultimate dining experiences, bar & lounge experiences, live music & events, a movie theatre, several shopping options, and a wonderful, lively experience. It is one of the best places where vacationers can experience the history of blues music. Thus, it becomes more special for music lovers. It is one of the best things to do in Memphis, so just plan to visit here along with your loved ones and have a great time. 

  • 4 Memphis Botanic Garden
    Memphis Botanic Garden

    Spread over 96 acres of land, Memphis Botanic Garden is further divided into 30 specialty gardens that enable vacationers to learn more about the botanical world. The garden allows visitors to understand deeply about the amazing botanical world and compels them to attend events and seminars hosted by the garden each year. Memphis's educational and horticulture programs compel vacationers for a wonderful experience. On your visit to this garden, vacationers will get the opportunity to understand more about the spring season and its charm, the autumn season and its blooming nature, learn workshops at the garden, and volunteer for young kids there. Such activities engage young ones as well as adults, and they offer a wonderful experience to visitors. So, if you are interested in plants and flowering, it is one of the best activities in Memphis. 

  • 5 Mississippi River Park
    Mississippi River Park

    If adventure is your cup of tea, visiting Mississippi River Park is a must. Here, vacationers can immerse themselves in endless adventures, from hardwood forests to the sandy shores of the Mississippi River. You will experience enjoying three lakes. Here, visitors can also get the opportunity to experience the four hiking trails and two recreational areas, along with experiencing hiking, biking, kayaking, cooking, exploring historic sites, and lots more activities to do in Memphis. So, if you want some adventure on your trip, then Memphis is the right place for you as it also offers you the opportunity to take a boat, kayak, canoe, and bicycle on rent and enjoy the vacation to the fullest. It is one of the best experiences that one can ever have. 

  • 6 Memphis Rock n Soul Museum
    Memphis Rock n Soul Museum

    In the city of music, you will find several attractions with great music. Hence there is one more museum where you can learn about 70’s music and its global influence. The museum is open daily from 10:00 am - to 5:00 pm. The museum also offers a complete story about Memphis. On your visit to this museum, you will come to know a lot about the birth of rock and soul music, based on one created by the Smithsonian Institution in 2000. The museum allows visitors to understand everything about the creation of such music, which overcame racial and socio-economic barriers to make the music that has taken music to another level and created history for the country. A visit to this place will certainly impress music lovers, so just come and have a wonderful experience there. 

  • 7 Memphis Zoo
    Memphis Zoo

    If you are visiting Memphis with your family, then visiting Memphis Zoo is a must. The Zoo of Memphis awestruck vacationers with its more than 3500 animals and diverse species. Here, visitors can see African elephants, 38 species of wild cats, Grauer's gorillas, Louisiana Pinesnakes, Animals of the night including Lua the hand-raised two-toed sloth, Grogu the aardvark, Komodo dragons, tropical bird house, and lots more animals and species. So, a visit to Memphis Zoo will certainly be remarkable as the zoo has something for everyone, from adults to kids. Here, visitors can also indulge in the special event to see how a butterfly emerges from its cocoon. Isn’t it interesting? Of course, it is, so just book the tickets in advance and don’t miss visiting here for a remarkable experience. 

  • 8 Duck March at The Peabody Memphis
    Duck March at The Peabody Memphis

    If you are interested in exploring and experiencing some fun things to do in Memphis, then attend the very popular Duck March at Peabody Memphis. The world-famous Peabody Duck March takes place daily at 11 am and 5 pm in the Grand Lobby of the South's Grand Hotel. To attend this march, it is advised to reach there at least 30 minutes before to secure a good place to see the march and enjoy Duckmaster's presentation. It will certainly be one of the wonderful experiences in the city. This old tradition was started as a drunken prank in 1933. Since then, it has gained so much popularity across the globe that visitors visiting Memphis always remember to attend such an amazing experience, so you can also plan for it. 

  • 9 Eat Barbecue
    Eat Barbecue

    Like music, Memphis BBQ is also very popular and is one of the best things to do in Memphis. So, on your visit to Memphis, you can forget to take a bath, but you can’t forget to enjoy BBQ all over the city. The city is flooded with amazing joints where you can enjoy BBQ food and experience. You can enjoy the delicious food delicacies of BBQ at every turn of the city. Some very popular BBQ places you must visit include Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous, Hog Wild, Bain BBQ, A&R Bar-B-Q, Ballhoggerz, and many more. Each of these BBQs will offer a marvelous and mouth-watering experience. So, don’t forget to experience the same. Music and Food are the two main pillars of the city that make it one of the best places to visit in America, so don’t forget it; just go and enjoy the same to the fullest. 

  • 10 Hernando de Soto Bridge Lights
    Hernando de Soto Bridge Lights

    If you are fond of lighting and its amazing charm, visiting Hernando de Soto Bridge is a must-have. The LED installation on Big River Crossing launched in 2016, has expanded dramatically by adding a connected LED lighting system. The presentation of the light is so awesome that it has turned out to be the leader in lighting. The LEDs can also create hundreds of possible light distribution patterns and configurations that offer static displays or fluid, and animated color shows that commence every hour after sundown on Big River Crossing and the Hernando de Soto Bridge. The bridge's lighting is operated through the cloud-based architectural lighting system, which never fails to perform. The LED installation, managed remotely, offers an impressive experience to onlookers. It is one of the best things to do in Memphis, so just plan for it. 

Memphis Monthly Temperature

MonthJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Low 33°F37°F45°F53°F63°F72°F74°F74°F68°F55°F43°F38°F
High 50°F55°F64°F74°F82°F90°F92°F91°F87°F76°F62°F54°F

FAQs About Things to Do in Memphis

1 What are the most famous things to do in Memphis?

On your visit to Memphis, vacationers must visit the very popular Elvis Presley's Graceland and Stax Museum of American Soul Music. You must try to visit the Hernando de Soto Bridge to experience the unexpected lighting experience, the duck march, Mississippi River Park, Memphis Zoo for diverse activities, etc. The blend of these experiences in Memphis City offers you the ultimate experience and joy on your Memphis tour. So, plan your travel to this awesome city for an unforgettable trip with your loved ones. 

2 How do you spend a day in Memphis, Tennessee?

If you are visiting Memphis for a day, then you must try to cover the three most popular things to do in Memphis, including a visit to Graceland, Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum, Beale Street, and if you have time, then visit Mississippi River Park. And lastly try to enjoy the BBQ food at famous restaurants in the city. The blend of these experiences will make your Memphis trip a wonderful experience for you. So, just go for it. 

3 How far is Graceland to Beale Street?

Graceland and Beale Street are some of the best places to visit in Memphis, and if you are visiting Memphis for 1 day and want to cover these places, then yes, you can do it. The total distance between Graceland and Beale Street is 8 miles, and you can cover this distance in just 11 minutes. As Beale Street is one of the famous places to visit in the city, there are many hotels, and you can easily book any of these hotels during its low season. 

4 What is the best time to visit Memphis?

The peak season of the city begins from June to September, and during this time, the city remains very crowded, and all the accommodations and transportation are available at higher prices. However, if you plan to visit Memphis during its off-season, it runs through April–May and October–November. During these seasons, accommodation and transportation are available at budget-friendly prices so that you can enjoy it to the fullest.