Attractions and Places To See around Memphis - Top 20

Memphis is renowned as the "Home of the Blues" and the "Birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll." You can immerse yourself in this legacy at several key locations. Beale Street is a historic district filled with live music venues, restaurants, and shops where many blues and rock legends performed. For a deeper dive, visit the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, located on the original site of Stax Records, or the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum, which tells the story of music pioneers. Sun Studio is also a must-see, where artists like Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash began their careers.

The most significant site is the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel. This powerful museum is located at the very spot where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated and offers an immersive experience into the American Civil Rights Movement. Additionally, the Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum provides insight into the history of those escaping slavery.

Yes, Memphis offers several attractions suitable for families. The Memphis Zoo is an award-winning zoo with diverse habitats and over 3,500 animals. The Pink Palace Museum & Mansion (Museums of Science & History - MoSH) provides interactive exhibits on science and history, along with an IMAX theater and planetarium. Shelby Farms Park, one of the largest urban parks in the U.S., offers vast open spaces, trails, and lakes for various outdoor activities. Mud Island River Park also features a unique scale model of the Lower Mississippi River that children can walk alongside.

Memphis boasts several impressive natural features. The Mississippi River itself is a prominent feature, with riverfront parks and opportunities for riverboat cruises. Shelby Farms Park is a massive urban park with over 40 miles of trails, lakes, and open fields perfect for biking and hiking. Overton Park features a 126-acre forest and the Memphis Zoo. T.O. Fuller State Park, the only state park within city limits, offers hiking trails, including the Discovery Trail leading to the Chucalissa Indian Village exhibit. The Wolf River Greenway also provides miles of trails along the Wolf River.

Yes, Memphis and its surroundings offer a variety of hiking trails for different skill levels. For easy hikes, consider the Wolf River Blue and Yellow Trail Loop, the Wolf River Greenway, the Discovery Trail at T.O. Fuller State Park, the Old Forest Loop in Overton Park, or the Mississippi River Greenbelt Trail. You can find more details and routes in the guide to Easy hikes around Memphis.

Memphis provides diverse cycling opportunities. For road cycling, popular routes include the Mississippi River Trail and Meeman-Shelby Forest Loop, the Mississippi River Trail and Midtown Loop, or routes connecting Shelby Farms to Arlington or Herb Parsons Lake. You can explore these and other options in the guide to Road Cycling Routes around Memphis.

Absolutely. Mountain biking enthusiasts can find trails like the Tour de Wolf Trail, the Wolf River Trail System loop from Shelby Farms Park, or the Mountainbike loop from Temple Israel. Shelby Farms Park also offers a loop around Hyde Lake. More information on these routes is available in the guide to MTB Trails around Memphis.

The Mississippi River offers numerous scenic spots. Beale Street itself is close to the riverfront. Mud Island River Park provides unique views and a detailed scale model of the Lower Mississippi. The Mississippi River Greenbelt Park, stretching along Mud Island, offers walking trails with excellent river vistas. For a truly immersive experience, the Big River Crossing is a pedestrian bridge over the Mississippi, providing panoramic views and connecting to trails on both sides.

Spring (March to May) and Fall (September to November) generally offer the most pleasant weather for outdoor activities in Memphis, with mild temperatures and lower humidity. Summers can be very hot and humid, while winters are typically mild but can have occasional cold snaps. Always check the local forecast before planning your outdoor excursions.

Beyond the music and civil rights sites, Memphis has several unique historical landmarks. Graceland, the former home of Elvis Presley, is a major attraction. The Memphis Pyramid, once an arena, now houses a Bass Pro Shops, offering a unique retail and entertainment experience. The Peabody Memphis hotel is famous for its daily march of the Peabody Ducks in its lobby. You can also explore Victorian Village, an enclave of 19th-century mansions, or visit Elmwood Cemetery, a historic arboretum and the city's oldest active cemetery.

Memphis offers a rich array of cultural institutions. In addition to the music museums, you can visit the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, a prominent art institution. The C.H. Nash Museum at the Chucalissa Archaeological Site preserves a prehistoric Native American mound complex. The Cotton Museum at the Memphis Cotton Exchange details the history of the cotton industry and its profound impact on the South. The Orpheum Theater and Walk of Fame is a historic venue that hosts a variety of performances.

Yes, several attractions in Memphis are noted for their accessibility. The National Civil Rights Museum is designed to be wheelchair accessible, providing an inclusive experience for all visitors. The Blues Hall of Fame Memphis is also wheelchair accessible, allowing everyone to celebrate the pioneers of blues music. Many modern venues and parks strive for accessibility, but it's always advisable to check specific venue information for detailed accessibility features.