Memphis is one of the most culturally rich cities in the United States. Travellers searching for the Best Things to Do in Memphis quickly notice the city’s powerful music heritage, historic landmarks, famous barbecue restaurants, and vibrant atmosphere. Located along the Mississippi River in Tennessee, Memphis has played a major role in shaping American music, particularly blues, soul, and rock and roll.
The city is strongly connected with legendary musicians and important moments in music history. Visitors exploring the Best Things to Do in Memphis often visit famous recording studios, historic streets filled with live music, and museums that celebrate the artists who changed the music world. Memphis also offers scenic parks, riverfront views, and fascinating cultural attractions.
Memphis is equally known for its welcoming Southern culture and world famous food scene. Travellers experiencing the Best Things to Do in Memphis can enjoy live music on historic streets, tour iconic homes, explore museums, and taste authentic Tennessee barbecue. The combination of music, history, and food makes Memphis one of the most exciting cities to visit in the United States.
Why Memphis Is a Must Visit Destination?
Memphis offers a powerful mix of music heritage, historic landmarks, and vibrant cultural experiences. Travellers researching the Best Things to Do in Memphis will find activities suited for music fans, history enthusiasts, families, and food lovers.
Key reasons travellers enjoy the Best Things to Do in Memphis include:
• Legendary music history connected to blues and rock
• Famous attractions such as Graceland
• Live music venues along Beale Street
• Museums dedicated to civil rights and culture
• Iconic Southern barbecue restaurants
These experiences give Memphis a distinctive personality that continues to attract visitors from around the world.
Quick Travel Facts About Memphis
Before exploring the Best Things to Do in Memphis, these travel facts help visitors plan their journey.
| Travel Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| State | Tennessee |
| Population | Around 630,000 |
| Known For | Blues music, barbecue, Elvis Presley |
| Famous Landmark | Graceland |
| Best Time to Visit | March to May, September to November |
| Currency | US Dollar |
Top 15 Best Things to Do in Memphis
Memphis offers a wide range of attractions including music landmarks, historic museums, scenic parks, and lively entertainment districts. Travellers searching for the Best Things to Do in Memphis will find unforgettable experiences across the city.
1. Visit Graceland
Graceland ranks among the most famous Best Things to Do in Memphis. This historic mansion was the home of Elvis Presley and remains one of the most visited music landmarks in the United States.
Visitors exploring the Best Things to Do in Memphis can tour the house, see Elvis’s personal belongings, and learn about the life and career of the legendary musician.
Highlights include:
• Elvis Presley’s mansion and living spaces
• Classic car collection
• Elvis memorabilia and costumes
• Meditation Garden where Elvis is buried
2. Walk Along Beale Street
Beale Street is one of the most vibrant locations included in the Best Things to Do in Memphis. This historic street is famous for its blues music clubs, restaurants, and nightlife.
Visitors exploring the Best Things to Do in Memphis enjoy listening to live music while walking along the colourful street lined with neon lights and historic buildings.
Activities include:
• Live blues performances
• Dining at local restaurants
• Visiting music themed shops
• Experiencing Memphis nightlife
3. Visit the National Civil Rights Museum
The National Civil Rights Museum represents one of the most meaningful Best Things to Do in Memphis. The museum is located at the historic Lorraine Motel, the site where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968.
Visitors exploring the Best Things to Do in Memphis walk through powerful exhibits that explain the long struggle for civil rights in the United States. The museum presents important moments from the nineteenth century through the modern civil rights movement.
Interactive displays, historic photographs, and multimedia presentations help visitors learn about the leaders, events, and protests that shaped the fight for equality. Many travellers describe the experience as one of the most powerful attractions in Memphis.
Highlights include:
• Exhibits about the civil rights movement
• Historic Lorraine Motel location
• Interactive multimedia displays
• Educational presentations about equality
4. Explore Sun Studio
Sun Studio is one of the legendary recording studios included in the Best Things to Do in Memphis. Often called the birthplace of rock and roll, this historic studio played a major role in shaping modern music.
Visitors exploring the Best Things to Do in Memphis can take guided tours that explain how famous artists began their careers here. Musicians such as Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and B.B. King recorded early music at Sun Studio.
During the tour, visitors see the original recording room, vintage microphones, and historic equipment used during the early years of rock and roll. Guides share fascinating stories about the recording sessions that made the studio famous.
Highlights include:
• Historic recording studio tours
• Stories about legendary musicians
• Original recording equipment displays
• History of early rock and roll
5. Visit the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum
The Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum celebrates the musical heritage of the city and ranks among the cultural Best Things to Do in Memphis. Located near Beale Street, the museum tells the story of how Memphis music influenced the world.
Visitors exploring the Best Things to Do in Memphis learn about the roots of blues, gospel, and soul music that developed in the Mississippi Delta and spread across the country.
The museum features interactive exhibits, rare photographs, instruments, and recordings that highlight the evolution of Memphis music. Visitors also hear recordings of influential songs while walking through the displays.
Highlights include:
• Exhibits on blues, gospel, and soul music
• Historic instruments and recordings
• Interactive audio guides
• Stories about influential musicians
6. Walk Through Shelby Farms Park
Shelby Farms Park offers natural beauty among the relaxing Best Things to Do in Memphis. This enormous urban park is one of the largest city parks in the United States and provides plenty of outdoor activities.
Visitors exploring the Best Things to Do in Memphis enjoy walking trails, cycling paths, scenic lakes, and wide open green spaces. The park provides a peaceful escape from the busy city streets.
Many travellers come here for outdoor recreation such as kayaking, biking, and picnicking. Families especially enjoy the playground areas and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Highlights include:
• Large lakes and scenic views
• Walking and cycling trails
• Picnic areas and playgrounds
• Outdoor activities and wildlife spotting
7. Visit the Stax Museum of American Soul Music
The Stax Museum of American Soul Music stands among the musical landmarks included in the Best Things to Do in Memphis. The museum is located on the original site of Stax Records, one of the most influential recording labels in soul music history.
Visitors exploring the Best Things to Do in Memphis learn about legendary artists who recorded at Stax Records, including Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, and Booker T. & the M.G.'s. The museum tells the story of how soul music shaped Memphis culture and influenced the global music scene.
Exhibits feature original recording equipment, stage costumes, vintage instruments, and historic photographs. Visitors also hear classic soul recordings while walking through the galleries.
Highlights include:
• Exhibits about soul music history
• Original recording studio displays
• Memorabilia from famous artists
• Interactive music listening stations
8. Explore the Memphis Zoo
The Memphis Zoo represents one of the family friendly Best Things to Do in Memphis. Located in Overton Park, the zoo is home to hundreds of animal species from around the world.
Visitors exploring the Best Things to Do in Memphis can see animals such as lions, giraffes, elephants, pandas, and polar bears. The zoo is divided into themed sections that recreate natural habitats for the animals.
Educational exhibits help visitors learn about wildlife conservation and animal behaviour. Families enjoy spending several hours walking through the exhibits and observing the animals.
Highlights include:
• Hundreds of animal species
• Themed wildlife habitats
• Educational conservation programs
• Interactive family friendly exhibits
9. Walk Along the Mississippi Riverfront
The Mississippi Riverfront offers scenic views among the relaxing Best Things to Do in Memphis. This waterfront area provides beautiful perspectives of the famous Mississippi River that has shaped the city’s history.
Visitors exploring the Best Things to Do in Memphis enjoy walking along riverside paths while watching riverboats travel along the water. The area includes parks, viewing areas, and walking trails that create a peaceful environment.
The riverfront is also a popular place to watch sunsets or take photographs of the skyline. Many visitors combine a riverfront walk with visits to nearby attractions and restaurants.
Highlights include:
• Scenic walking paths along the river
• Views of riverboats and bridges
• Parks and open green spaces
• Beautiful sunset photography locations
10. Visit the Peabody Hotel Ducks
The Peabody Hotel Ducks represent one of the unique traditions included in the Best Things to Do in Memphis. This famous daily event has entertained visitors for decades.
Each day, trained ducks march from their rooftop home down to the hotel lobby fountain in a ceremonial procession. Visitors exploring the Best Things to Do in Memphis gather in the lobby to watch the charming spectacle.
The tradition began in the 1930s and has since become one of Memphis’s most memorable attractions. A special Duckmaster guides the ducks during the march while explaining the history of the event.
Highlights include:
• Daily duck marching ceremony
• Historic Peabody Hotel setting
• Family friendly entertainment
• Long standing Memphis tradition
11. Explore the Memphis Botanic Garden
The Memphis Botanic Garden offers peaceful surroundings among the relaxing Best Things to Do in Memphis. This beautiful garden covers many acres and features a wide variety of themed landscapes filled with colourful plants and flowers.
Visitors exploring the Best Things to Do in Memphis enjoy walking through carefully designed garden sections that showcase seasonal flowers, native plants, and decorative landscapes. The gardens provide a calm environment that allows travellers to relax while enjoying natural beauty.
The garden also hosts educational programs, seasonal festivals, and outdoor events throughout the year. Families and photographers especially enjoy the vibrant flower displays and quiet walking paths.
Highlights include:
• Beautiful themed gardens
• Seasonal flower displays
• Peaceful walking paths
• Educational gardening exhibits
12. Visit the Pink Palace Museum
The Pink Palace Museum provides educational exhibits among the fascinating Best Things to Do in Memphis. This historic museum is located in a unique pink coloured mansion that once belonged to a wealthy Memphis businessman.
Visitors exploring the Best Things to Do in Memphis can view a wide range of exhibits related to Memphis history, natural science, and regional culture. Displays include artefacts, historical photographs, and interactive presentations.
The museum also features exhibitions about the development of Memphis as a river port and cultural centre. Many visitors enjoy learning about the people and industries that helped shape the city.
Highlights include:
• Exhibits about Memphis history
• Science and cultural displays
• Historic mansion architecture
• Educational programs for families
13. Walk Through Overton Park
Overton Park offers green space and cultural attractions among the relaxing Best Things to Do in Memphis. Located near the city centre, this large park provides both natural scenery and important cultural institutions.
Visitors exploring the Best Things to Do in Memphis enjoy walking trails that pass through wooded areas and open lawns. The park provides a peaceful setting for outdoor recreation and relaxation.
Overton Park also houses several cultural attractions including museums and performance venues, making it a popular destination for both nature lovers and art enthusiasts.
Highlights include:
• Scenic walking trails
• Natural wooded areas
• Cultural attractions and museums
• Picnic areas and open green spaces
14. Visit the Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum
The Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum represents one of the historic Best Things to Do in Memphis. This museum is located inside a nineteenth century home that once served as a safe house for enslaved people seeking freedom.
Visitors exploring the Best Things to Do in Memphis learn about the Underground Railroad network that helped many individuals escape slavery in the United States. The house contains hidden passages and secret spaces that were used to protect those travelling toward freedom.
Guided tours explain the bravery of those involved in the Underground Railroad and the risks taken to help people escape oppression.
Highlights include:
• Historic Underground Railroad safe house
• Hidden tunnels and escape routes
• Educational tours about freedom seekers
• Powerful historical storytelling
15. Try Memphis Barbecue
Trying authentic barbecue remains one of the delicious Best Things to Do in Memphis.
Visitors often try:
• Memphis style ribs
• Pulled pork sandwiches
• Barbecue nachos
• Southern side dishes
Popular Attractions in Memphis
Travellers exploring the Best Things to Do in Memphis often prioritise these famous attractions:
• Graceland
• Beale Street
• Sun Studio
• National Civil Rights Museum
• Stax Museum of American Soul Music
• Memphis Zoo
• Shelby Farms Park
• Mississippi Riverfront
• Peabody Hotel Ducks
• Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum
Best Time to Visit Memphis
The best time to experience the Best Things to Do in Memphis is during spring and autumn when the weather becomes pleasant for sightseeing.
Spring offers comfortable temperatures and lively outdoor festivals across the city. Autumn brings colourful scenery and enjoyable walking conditions throughout Memphis.
Summer can be hot and humid, but it also brings music festivals and vibrant nightlife across Beale Street.
Must Read:
Final Thoughts:
The Best Things to Do in Memphis highlight a city filled with music heritage, cultural history, and vibrant Southern hospitality. Visitors can tour famous recording studios, walk historic streets filled with live music, and explore museums that celebrate the city’s legacy.
From the legendary Graceland estate to the lively atmosphere of Beale Street and the powerful history presented at the Civil Rights Museum, the Best Things to Do in Memphis offer unforgettable experiences for travellers visiting one of America’s most iconic music cities.
