15 Things to do in Memphis, Tennessee [With Suggested Tours]

Aside from the fact that the house of the great singer Elvis Presley is located in this city, Memphis also has a lot for its visitors. With plenty of museums, parks, stadiums, and gardens, everyone would love to go here. Memphis, a city in the Tennessee United States would let you experience a memorable and educational trip!

In this article, we listed down the 15 things that you can do while you’re in Memphis, Tennessee. Take a look at the list and have an idea of what to expect when you visit this city.

Best Things to do in Memphis, Tennessee

1. Graceland

If you’re an avid fan of Elvis Presley, then you’d definitely enjoy going here. Graceland is the home of the king of Rock ‘n Roll. It is considered as the world’s largest Elvis Presley museum in the world with a lot of exhibits about the singer. This is a must-see.

Suggested Tour: VIP Graceland Mansion & Memphis Attractions Pass

2. National Civil Rights Museum – Lorraine Motel

Interested to learn about the history of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States? Then you should head here. Be amazed at the exhibits that showcase about Martin Luther King and his life. The exhibits will guide you through five centuries of history.

Suggested Tour: Heritage Pass (National Civil Rights Museum & More)

3. Stax Museum of American Soul Music

The Stax Museum of American Soul Music is a 17,000 square foot museum located in Memphis, Tennessee. It features interactive exhibits, videos, vintage musical instruments, stage costumes, photographs, records, and a lot more. All music lovers would really enjoy going here.

Suggested Tour: Music Attraction Pass (Graceland, Stax, Sun Studio)

4. Memphis Zoo

The Memphis Zoo has over 3,500 animals from over 500 different species. The animals here are very well-kept and the layout is amazing and easy to follow. To have a more memorable experience here, try to ride a camel as well. People of all ages would surely enjoy roaming around this zoo.

5. Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum

This is a paradise for music lovers! Although the museum itself is small, it is filled with history and music. It features the Smithsonian’s “Rock ‘n’ Roll: Social Crossroads” exhibition. The tour has an audio guide which is very helpful. Everyone would surely enjoy going here.

Suggested Tour: Memphis Discovery Tour with Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum Admission

6. Shelby Farms Park

 

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If you want to have some fun with your family and friends, this is a must-visit! Shelby Farms Park is one of the 20 largest urban parks in the U.S. It has a lot of outdoor activities that young and adults would enjoy. So if you’re in for a day to remember, never miss this one!

7. The Peabody Ducks

Witness the world-famous Peabody Duck March in this attraction. This tradition started a long time ago. At 11 am, you’d be able to see ducks marching their way to the lobby fountain. Such cuties being famous! If you’re not familiar with the Peabody ducks, you can check the internet to learn more about them to fully enjoy your visit here.

Suggested Tour: Memphis City Tour in a 1955 Chevy Bel Air

8. Beale Street

This place offers lots of good music and great food and drinks. It is recommended to go at night when the place is more alive. A lot of bars have great live music that you’d definitely enjoy chilling or partying. You can’t go wrong in this place!

Suggested Tour: Beale Street Guided Walking Tour

9. Slave Haven / Burkle Estate Museum

Have a unique experience here at the Slave Haven / Burkle Estate Museum. Boasting with history, visitors would be able to experience walking through the tunnels used by runaway slaves. This underground railroad museum is a must-see!

Suggested Tour: African American History Tour of Memphis – Overview Tour

10. Memphis Botanic Garden

Have a peaceful day in Memphis Botanic Garden. It offers beautiful scenery all year round. Even kids would love this place as they also have a lot of fun activities for the little ones. But of course, this garden is for people of all ages so everyone would really love strolling here.

Suggested Tour: General Admission Ticket to the Memphis Botanic Garden

11. AutoZone Park

If you enjoy baseball, you’d absolutely love this place. The place also offers not just exciting games but great food and beverages. People who love baseball would enjoy staying here.

12. Crystal Shrine Grotto

It might be weird to go to a cemetery for a trip. But Crystal Shrine Grotto is definitely a must-see! It features the only man-made crystal cave in the world. The designs are amazing and unique. You should try to stop by here!

13. FedExForum

This incredible event center is located in downtown Memphis, Tennessee. A great venue for sports events. A lot of friendly staff, vendors, and the facilities are awesome. You’d have a nice experience here.

14. Belz Museum of Asian & Judaic Art

 

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A small museum with a great collection of Judaic and Far East art. You can see impressive ivory carvings inside and a lot of Asian (particularly Chinese) art. The tour at the entire museum is all worth it. Don’t miss this!

15. Old Dominick Distillery

 

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Old Dominick Distillery offers tasting tours, retail shop, and event space. They have whiskeys and vodkas. Anyone who enjoys whiskey and vodka would love staying here and learn about the history of the company itself. 

Things to do with 3 days in Memphis, Tennessee

Day 1 in Memphis, Tennessee

National Civil Rights Museum – Lorraine Motel – A visit to the museum on your first day, especially if you’re in Memphis, TN is a must. National Civil Rights Museum would give you knowledge about the Civil Rights Movement in the United States. Learn more about Martin Luther King and enjoy a fun first day of your journey.

Day 2 in Memphis, Tennessee

Memphis Zoo – Start your day with a blast at the Memphis zoo. It has a lot of animals of different species. You can also have a memorable experience here by riding a camel. Definitely a must-visit!

Graceland – No Memphis trip would be complete if you will not go to Graceland. The home of the king of Rock ‘n Roll, Elvis Presley. Whether you’re a fan of him or not, you’d enjoy seeing memorabilia and exhibits about him. 

Day 3 in Memphis, Tennessee

Memphis Botanic Garden – End your trip with a relaxing one at the Memphis Botanic Garden. This place would help you feel calm and relaxed after a tiring tour in Memphis, TN. The beautiful scenery would leave you in awe.

Frequently Asked Questions about Memphis, Tennessee

1. Is it safe to travel to Memphis, Tennessee?

There are areas and some places in Memphis that are safe. However, it is still important for visitors to stay alert all the time as the crime rate in this city is a bit higher than in other cities in the US. 

2. When is the best time to visit Memphis, Tennessee?

The best time to visit Memphis might be during the Spring and Autumn season. The weather is nice and cool. By going here during this time, you’d be able to avoid the humidity during the long summer season. 

3. How to get to Memphis, Tennessee?

There are plenty of states that have a direct flight going to Memphis. Just fly from your city going to Memphis International Airport. To see more flights just visit Skyscanner.​

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About the Writer

Hi there! I’m Fatima. My first major travel was in 2016 in the beautiful city of Cebu. After that, I got interested in traveling. Now I enjoy learning languages and other country’s cultures. My goal is to visit at least one country each year and to share my experiences with other people through writing or blogging. Witness my journey by following me on Instagram.