15 Top Tourist Attractions in Memphis, TN

While country music fans visit Nashville, fans of blues and rock 'n' roll flock to Memphis. These influential music forms originated here, and there are many places to celebrate their roots. Awaiting your visit are: Iconic Beale Street, star-studded Sun Studios, and Elvis Presley's Graceland estate.

Foodies are drawn to this city. Plan to sample as much Memphis barbecue as you can, in between visiting attractions like the Rock 'n' Soul Museum and STAX Museum of American Soul. While downtown, catch the Peabody ducks as they make their march down the red carpet at the Peabody Hotel–a favorite attraction for nearly 90 years.

Memphis is also known for its rich history, especially the connection it has with slavery and the civil rights movement. Highlights of the city's involvement in African American history include the Slave Haven–Burkle Estate Museum and the National Civil Rights Museum, which features the Lorraine Motel, where Dr. King was assassinated.

Discover the best places to visit with our list of the top tourist attractions and things to do in Memphis.

Graceland: Home of Elvis Presley

Highlights: Tour the luxurious home of Elvis with its artifacts, memorabilia, and cars

Graceland is the former estate of music legend Elvis Presley and is the ultimate pilgrimage for fans of the King of Rock 'n' Roll. Elvis purchased the 14-acre property in 1957. Tourists come to tour his former home, view memorabilia, and visit his tomb in the Meditation Garden.

Tours of the mansion include most of the house, from the elegant foyer and living room where Elvis entertained celebrities to the Jungle Room, with shag carpets and Polynesian décor. The Trophy Building, designed to tell the story of Elvis's personal life, displays Priscilla's wedding dress, flashy suits worn by the singer on stage, jewelry, awards, and Lisa Marie's childhood toys.

Tour the office of Elvis's father Vernon, where the star's personal business was conducted, as well as the restored Racquetball Building. A separate structure features a collection of cars, including his 1955 pink Cadillac, a 1956 purple Cadillac convertible, and the red MG he drove in Blue Hawaii.

Visit Elvis's two airplanes, where you can step aboard his lavish 1958 Convair 880 to admire gold-plated seatbelts and leather-covered tables. Admission options are available, including a deluxe package with accommodation at the Guest House at Graceland, a fun Elvis-themed place to stay that's widely regarded as one of the best hotels in Memphis.

Address: 3717 Elvis Presley Boulevard, Memphis, Tennessee

See the "Birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll" at Sun Studio

Highlights: Historic studio where greats such as Elvis and Johnny Cash recorded their hits

A visit to Sun Studio in Memphis is a nostalgic experience. This is the recording facility where Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, B.B. King, and Roy Orbison began their careers. The studio itself is still used by recording artists, with more recent recordings made by artists such as John Mellencamp. It's a fascinating look into the recording process. A free shuttle service is available from Graceland and the Rock 'n' Soul Museum.

Address: 706 Union Ave, Memphis, Tennessee

National Civil Rights Museum–Lorraine Motel

Highlights: Motel where Martin Luther King was killed, with museum, exhibits, and artifacts

A short distance south of Beale Street is the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968. The building is now occupied by the National Civil Rights Museum, which traces the history of civil rights in the US. Its centerpiece is the hotel room and balcony on which King was killed, marked by a white wreath.

This thought-provoking museum includes excellent interactive displays, as well as artifacts from events such as the Montgomery bus boycott. More than 250 artifacts and 40 films help to tell the story of five centuries of history. Learn about the early days of slavery, the Civil War, and its aftermath, and restrictions on African Americans during the days of Jim Crow.

Address: 450 Mulberry Street, Memphis, Tennessee

Listen for the Sound of Music on Beale Street

Highlights: Famous street with music attractions, theaters, and related shopping and souvenirs

A stroll down Beale Street, nicknamed the "Home of the Blues," is one of the first places to visit in Memphis. You'll find iconic attractions such as the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum. WC Handy's House is now a museum honoring the "Father of the Blues," who composed Memphis Blues and St. Louis Blues. It's also home to the A. Schwab dry goods store, founded in 1876.

This corridor is where Riley King earned the title Beale Street Blues Boy, aka B.B. King. You'll find many fun things to do such as visiting the Memphis Music Hall of Fame. See its exhibits of local music legends, instruments, memorabilia, and rare recordings.

Be sure to check the historic Orpheum Theatre for performances and shows during your Memphis visit. Built in 1928, the theater features a well-preserved interior and original Wurlitzer organ.

Address: Beale Street, Memphis, Tennessee

Watch a Parade at the Historic Peabody Memphis Hotel

Highlights: Luxury hotel with famous fountain and resident ducks

Memphis is all about entertainment, from the home of the blues on Beale Street to the Soundstage at Graceland. In a category of its own, however, is the famous Peabody Duck March at The Peabody Memphis.

The red carpet rolls out from the elevator to the fountain that graces the lobby. A crowd gathers to watch the ceremony but first, the official in the red jacket festooned with gold braid and epaulets anoints the scene with a speech. A crescendo of majestic music signals the start of a spectacle dating back 90 years in a hotel that opened in 1869.

The performers live on the roof of the hotel in a $200,000 enclosure made of marble and glass. They have their own private fountain, and sleep in a miniature replica of the hotel. Twice a day (at 11am and 5pm), they make the trek from their penthouse digs to the lobby and back again.

Address: 149 Union Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee

See Giant Pandas at the Memphis Zoo

Highlights: Family attraction with pandas, butterflies, animal experiences, and guided tours

Established in 1906, the Memphis Zoo is home to more than 3,500 animals representing 500 species. It is one of only four zoos in the country to house giant pandas.

Other popular inhabitants include polar bears, sea lions, black bears, bald eagles, and ravens in a naturalistic environment called the Northwest Passage. Cat Country includes predators and prey, such as lions, tigers, cheetahs, and antelopes.

Other habitats feature family favorites such as elephants, giraffes, penguins, primates including the adorable bonobo, and a farm animal exhibit. A must-see is Butterflies: In Living Color, open seasonally from Memorial Day through October. Enjoy food concessions, rides, gift shops, and a discovery center. Guided tours and behind-the-scenes encounters are also available.

Address: 2000 Prentiss Place, Memphis, Tennessee

Visit "Soulsville" at Stax Museum of American Soul Music

Highlights: Museum with replica recording studio, instruments, costumes, and tours

The Stax Museum of American Soul Music, one of only a handful of museums worldwide dedicated to soul music, is an exact replica of the original Stax Records studio. The museum features "everything soul," including detailed exhibits relating to the stars, the music, and its history. You can see 2,500 artifacts, such as instruments and costumes.

Other highlights are a century-old Mississippi Delta church used to display soul's roots in gospel music, and the Soul Train TV show dance floor.

Soulsville is the neighborhood where the museum is located. Among its most celebrated stars are Aretha Franklin and Memphis Slim. In addition to the Stax Museum, the Soulsville Foundation operates the Stax Music Academy and Soulsville Charter School for aspiring singers and musicians.

Address: 926 E. McLemore Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee

Rock Your Spirit at Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum

Highlights: State-of-the-art museum with music and audio tours, memorabilia, and instruments

Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum was created by the Smithsonian Institution to highlight musical pioneers from the 1930s to the 1970s. Explore seven entertaining galleries, each with a digital audio tour that features 100 songs.

Exhibits include costumes worn by music stars and more than 30 instruments. The museum's galleries interpret early years of music in Memphis, Sun Records, soul music, rural music and culture, and the disco era.

A visit to this museum is included in the "Backstage Pass" savings bundle when you tour other popular music attractions such as Graceland, Sun Studio, and Stax Museum.

Address: 191 Beale Street, Memphis, Tennessee

Shelby Farms Park

Highlights: Huge green space with family outdoor adventures, 20 lakes, and a dog park

Shelby Farms Park occupies 4,500 acres–five times the size of New York's Central Park. The park is full of things to do for kids, adults, and dogs. Kids' activities include the Woodland Discovery Playground and Water Play Sprayground.

Experience the Treetop Adventure Course of net bridges, rope ladders, "Tarzan Swings," and ziplines. Adventure seekers will enjoy Laser Tag and paintball games. Paddleboat and kayak rentals are offered, so you can tour some of the 20 lakes. Hop on a rented bike to explore 40 miles of trails, many of which are paved. Take a guided ride on horseback.

Dogs are welcome to join you on a leash or run free in the Outback Off-Leash Dog Park. Enjoy a picnic and outdoor games, including an 18-hole disc golf course. The park has a good restaurant with patio seating overlooking Hyde Lake, plus multiple food trucks.

Address: 6903 Great View Drive North, Memphis, Tennessee

Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum, Burkle Estate

Highlights: Historic home used to help escaped slaves reach the Underground Railroad

The Burkle Estate was built near the Mississippi River in 1849 by German immigrant Jacob Burkle. It was the home of the Memphis Stockyards during the era when Memphis was the state's largest slave-trading city.

His neighbors who owned slaves were unaware that Burkle constructed cellars and secret passages beneath his simple-looking home. These areas were designed as a safe haven for escaped slaves.

Today, you can explore this history at the Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum at the Burkle Estate. During the tour, learn about the message system used to communicate between escapees and Underground Railway operators.

Discover how they traveled from one point to the next, and get a feel for the slave culture of the Deep South. Most importantly, learn about the conditions endured by people who were desperately trying to gain freedom.

Address: 826 North Second Street, Memphis, Tennessee

See a Baseball Game at AutoZone Park

Highlights: Multi-use sports venue offering fun family tours and picnics

AutoZone Park is a 10,000-seat minor league baseball stadium that is home to the Memphis Redbirds baseball team and Memphis 901 FC, an American professional soccer team. The stadium is located downtown, not far from Beale Street, so it can be easily seen if you're doing a tour of the entertainment district and historic downtown.

The ballpark has hit it out of the park with accolades over the years. In 2009, it was honored by Baseball America as Minor League Ballpark of the Year. You and your group can arrange a tour or your own special event. If you fancy going for a picnic, head for the Family Leisure Picnic Pavilion on the east side. The stadium is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Address: 200 Union Avenue, Memphis Tennessee

Walk in Beauty at Memphis Botanic Garden

Highlights: Koi fish feeding, huge grounds to explore, unique gardens, and a concert venue

Located on 96 acres, the Memphis Botanic Garden features more than 20 separate gardens, many of which can be accessed by trails from the visitor center. The Tennessee Bicentennial Iris Garden, with its iris goddess sculpture emerging from a reflecting pool, is where it all got started. No surprise, this is a popular setting for garden weddings, with flowers blooming from spring into the summer.

In the area called The Lowlands, find the Delta and Pollinator Gardens, next to the Delta House and Living Gazebo. The Japanese Garden of Tranquility with its Red Drum Bridge and Moongazing Pavilion is especially striking during the fall, when maple leaves turn crimson. Ask staff about purchasing food for the multi-colored koi fish in the Asian garden pond.

Eleven acres of this spectacular complex are set aside for entertainment functions. During the most recent concert series, Sheryl Crow was among the stars performing at Radians Amphitheater.

Address: 750 Cherry Road, Memphis, Tennessee

FedEx Forum

Highlights: Large sports arena also used for concerts, comedians, and conventions

The FedEx Forum is an 18,000-seat arena that is the home of the NBA's Memphis Grizzlies basketball team and the Memphis Tigers men's basketball team. Other events staged at the forum include wrestling, boxing, professional bull riders, comedians, and entertainers.

The forum occupies more than 800,000 square feet on 14 acres in the downtown area. Seats are comfortable, and the venue is a winner no matter where you are seated. Inside and out, you're in the heart of the entertainment district, with the forum located on Beale Street.

Enjoy the buffet and don't worry about parking, which can be found at the complex. Gossett Motors operates a five-tier parking garage with 1,500 parking spots at the forum.

Address: 191 Beale Street, Memphis, Tennessee

Marvel at the Crystal Shrine Grotto

Highlights: Unique caverns with religious symbols and colorful crystals

Driving into the Memphis Memorial Cemetery, you could never imagine what awaits you beyond the reflecting pool and three-tiered fountain.

Across the stone bridges of this non-denominational cemetery that dates back nearly a century is the most unusual feature of the park: the crystal shrine grotto. Dug into a cavern, the grotto was produced by Mexican artist Dionicio Rodriguez.

Inspired by Biblical references, this creation features quartz crystals embedded in cement, Christian tableaus, and quotes with piped-in music to interpret the artist's vision.

Outside the grotto entrance is the 15-foot-tall Abrahams Oak, also created by the artist. People come not just to mourn but to celebrate–proms, graduations, weddings, and a sunrise service at Easter are held here.

5668 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee

Children's Museum of Memphis

Highlights: Fun for the whole family with hands-on exhibits and activities, a carousel, and art

The Children's Museum of Memphis (CMOM) is a godsend for traveling parents and features numerous things to do, including hands-on displays to keep young ones entertained. Highlights include a fun cityscape with kid-sized businesses, including an auto mechanic shop and dentist office, as well as an interactive model of Times Square and a giant Light-Bright wall.

Kids can also sit in a flight simulator and a real airplane cockpit, explore the Mississippi River, climb through the arteries of a giant heart, and ride a bicycle on Mars. Other highlights include a ride on the 1909 Dentzel Grand Carousel, a big-top circus experience, painting and sculpting in the art studio, and fun special events. Snack outlets are available, and picnic space is provided.

Address: 2525 Central Ave, Memphis, Tennessee

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best shopping areas in Memphis?

While some of the best shopping can be enjoyed in the downtown area around Beale Street – especially if you're looking for souvenirs and music-related items – there are other areas of Memphis that are also popular among shoppers. Head to South Main street for an eclectic mix of galleries and clothes stores, while revitalized Overton Square is great for boutique stores and women's fashions and accessories. Be sure to visit the iconic Memphis Pyramid, which is now home to a huge Bass Pro Shop.

What are the best ways to get around in Memphis?

Memphis has a reliable and easy-to-use public transit system. The Memphis Area Transit Authority offers numerous buses around the city, plus a great trolley system that uses vintage cars across its network, adding immensely to the fun quotient. Buses and trolleys serve most major attractions, with affordable rates and regular services.

Alternatively, the Memphis Hop bus service is worth considering and visits most major attractions, including Graceland. And three of the city's largest attractions – Graceland, Sun Studio, and Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Studio – operate a free shuttle service that runs between them all day long, seven days a week.

Memphis, TN - Climate Chart

The best time to visit Memphis is spring and autumn. Spring in Memphis is an extremely pleasant season, with the months of March, April, and May seeing median daytime temperatures starting in the low 70s and reaching the low 80s by season's end. Rainfall levels are usually quite tolerable in March and April, too, with only around eight or nine days of rain experienced.

As for the fall months of September, October, and November, you can expect things to drop from those summer highs in the 80s to cooler days with still-pleasant daytime temperatures in the high 60s and low 70s. Optimal sunshine helps, with usually only a handful of rainy days expected in this otherwise dry season.

What of Memphis's summer weather? Well, June, July, and August all experience very similar daytime temperatures of between 88 to 92 degrees, with minimal notable difference regardless of the month. Summertime in Memphis is also quite humid, particularly in June and July, which are also relatively wet months.

While winters in Memphis are relatively short, temperatures during the months of December, January, and February can at times feel quite frigid. In fact, in January, while you may be lucky to see temperatures occasionally reaching 60 degrees, lows averaging in the 40s and even high 30s do occur.

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Tennessee Vacation Ideas: Visitors are often surprised to find there's no end of fun things to do in Tennessee. Outdoor adventurers should head for the beautiful Gatlinburg and Smoky Mountains area, popular for its numerous hiking and biking trails and family attractions. The country music capital of Nashville is another great destination and features the iconic Music Row with its museums and star attractions, as well as the famous Grand Ole Opry.