Memphis Tours & Activities

Plan your trip to Memphis, Tennessee — handpicked tours and activities, the best time to visit, where to stay and eat, how to get there, and a sample itinerary.

Top things to do in Memphis

• Graceland — Home of Elvis Presley. The 14-acre estate where Elvis Presley lived from 1957 until his death in 1977 remains one of America's most visited private homes. An immersive iPad-guided mansion tour takes visitors through the Jungle Room, Trophy Building, and the Meditation Garden where Elvis is buried.
• National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel. Built around the site where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968, this Smithsonian-affiliate museum uses interactive exhibits and historic artifacts to trace five centuries of the American civil rights struggle. It is one of eight Memphis stops on the U.S. Civil Rights Trail.
• Sun Studio — Birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll. A National Historic Landmark, this small studio on Union Avenue is where Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, B.B. King, and Roy Orbison recorded in the 1950s. Guided tours run daily and let visitors touch Elvis's original microphone and hear actual studio outtakes.
• Beale Street Entertainment District. The most visited attraction in Tennessee, Beale Street is a six-block stretch of live blues, jazz, soul, and rock venues, bars, and restaurants that has hosted legends from W.C. Handy to B.B. King. The street pulses with live music every night of the week.
• Stax Museum of American Soul Music. Built on the original site of Stax Records in South Memphis, this 17,000-square-foot museum is the world's only dedicated soul-music museum. Its 3,000-plus artifacts, stage costumes, and Isaac Hayes's gold-plated Cadillac tell the story of Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, and the Memphis Sound.
• Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum. A Smithsonian-affiliated museum steps from Beale Street, its original exhibit was researched by the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History and tells the complete story of how Memphis music — from the Delta to the radio dial — shaped American culture. Admission includes a self-guided audio tour.
• The Peabody Memphis and the Daily Duck March. The Grand Lobby of this iconic 1925 hotel hosts one of the South's most beloved traditions: five North American mallards march from the rooftop to the lobby fountain each morning at 11 AM and return at 5 PM, accompanied by John Philip Sousa and a red-carpet procession that has charmed guests since the 1930s.
• Shelby Farms Park. At 4,500 acres, Shelby Farms is one of the largest urban parks in the United States, offering more than 40 miles of hiking, running, and mountain-biking trails, over 20 bodies of water for fishing and kayaking, a buffalo herd, and the Go Ape Treetop Adventure zip-line course.

Best time to visit Memphis

April-May or October-November. Spring (April-May) and fall (October-November) offer the most pleasant weather, with temperatures between 55-75°F, lower humidity than summer, and coincidence with major events like Memphis in May (BBQ Contest in May). October is cited as the single optimal month by weather-and-climate.com. Avoids the extreme summer heat/humidity (heat index can reach 104°F in July) and cold/wet winter

Memphis weather by month

Getting to Memphis

A car is the most practical way to cover Memphis, as major attractions (Graceland, Stax, Shelby Farms) are spread across the city. Downtown and South Main are walkable between themselves. Uber and Lyft are widely available; a ride from Memphis International Airport (MEM) to Downtown typically runs $20–$40 and takes about 15 minutes.

• MEM Memphis International Airport — 15 min drive
• BNA Nashville International Airport — 210 min drive
• LIT Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport — 135 min drive

Where to stay in Memphis

Where to base yourself, by neighborhood.

• Downtown Memphis. The most walkable part of the city, Downtown puts visitors steps from Beale Street, the National Civil Rights Museum, the Peabody Hotel, and the Mississippi riverfront. The neighborhood is lively and well-policed at night, with a strong concentration of… Good for: First-time visitors, couples, music lovers, solo travelers.
• Midtown Memphis (Overton Square / Cooper-Young). Located three miles east of Downtown, Midtown offers a residential, artsy atmosphere centered on two distinct sub-districts: Overton Square's performing-arts venues and restaurants, and the Cooper-Young Historic District's indie cafes, second-hand shops, and… Good for: Food lovers, art fans, boutique-hotel seekers, repeat visitors.
• South Main Arts District. A revitalized stretch of Main Street just south of Downtown with art galleries, murals, craft distilleries, rooftop bars, and historic architecture. The neighborhood hosts a monthly Trolley Night (last Friday) when galleries open late and free trolley… Good for: Art enthusiasts, couples, photographers, nightlife seekers.
• East Memphis. A quieter, more suburban stretch roughly 10 miles east of Downtown with upscale dining, access to Shelby Farms Park, the Memphis Botanic Garden, and the Memphis Zoo. Hotel rates tend to be lower than Downtown, and the area is consistently rated among the… Good for: Families, travelers prioritizing safety and value, outdoor enthusiasts.

Where to eat in Memphis

A curated set of standout tables and local favorites.

Local favorites & classics

• Charlie Vergos' Rendezvous. Downtown · Barbecue — Operating since 1948, the Rendezvous invented the Memphis dry-rub rib style — charcoal-broiled (not smoked) and finished with a proprietary Greek-spiced seasoning blend.…
• Central BBQ. Multiple locations (Central Ave. and Downtown) · Barbecue — Consistently voted Memphis's top barbecue, Central BBQ is famous for slow-smoked pulled pork, brisket, and its signature BBQ nachos topped…
• Cozy Corner Restaurant. Uptown · Barbecue / Soul — A Memphis institution since 1977 at 735 N. Parkway, Cozy Corner is famous for its smoked Cornish hens, BBQ spaghetti, and barbecue bologna — a beloved local specialty…
• McEwen's Memphis. Downtown (Monroe Avenue) · Southern / New American — An upscale yet approachable downtown stalwart since 1997, McEwen's offers an eclectic menu blending Southern comfort with European flair — shrimp…
• Hog & Hominy. East Memphis · Italian-Southern Fusion — A nationally acclaimed restaurant blending Italian technique with Southern ingredients — wood-fired pizza, house-made pasta, and creative Southern-Italian…
• Second Line. Midtown · New Orleans / Cajun-Creole — Bringing the flavors of New Orleans to Midtown Memphis, Second Line serves gumbo, étouffée, po' boys, and beignets in a convivial, music-infused setting. A…
• B.B. King's Blues Club. 143 Beale St · 4.6★ (12,232 reviews)
• Blues City Cafe. 138 Beale St · 4.5★ (7,531 reviews)

Cafés, bakeries & casual

• The Arcade Restaurant. South Main Arts District · American Diner / Breakfast — Open since 1919, the Arcade is Memphis's oldest café and a historic landmark in the South Main Arts District. Elvis Presley was a regular and…
• Soul Fish Cafe. Cooper-Young, Midtown · Southern / Seafood — A Cooper-Young neighborhood staple on South Cooper Street, Soul Fish serves authentic Southern soul food including catfish po' boys, fish tacos, and…
• Sweet Musings Bakery & Cafe. 1890 N Germantown Pkwy Ste 99 · 4.9★ (919 reviews)
• Café Eclectic. 603 N McLean Blvd · 4.4★ (1,787 reviews)
• Butteriffic Bakery & Cafe. 488 S 2nd St · 4.8★ (665 reviews)
• Aldar Cafe. 4514 Summer Ave Suite 1 · 4.9★ (483 reviews)
• Memphis Chess Club. 195 Madison Ave · 4.7★ (608 reviews)
• Otherlands Coffee Bar. 641 Cooper St · 4.4★ (926 reviews)

Fine dining & Michelin

• Payne's Bar-B-Que. Lamar Avenue · Barbecue — A family-owned pit stop operating since 1972 and widely considered one of America's great pork-sandwich destinations. The chopped pork sandwich topped with mustard-based…
• Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken. Downtown (South Main) · Southern / Fried Chicken — Started in Mason, Tennessee, and now globally recognized, Gus's serves spicy, crunchy fried chicken with a cult following. The downtown location at…
• Coastal Fish Company. 415 Great View Dr E · 4.6★ (2,232 reviews)
• Southern Social. 2285 S Germantown Rd · 4.7★ (1,622 reviews)
• Porch and Parlor. 2125 Madison Ave · 4.8★ (1,278 reviews)
• Folk's Folly Prime Steak House. 551 S Mendenhall Rd · 4.6★ (1,741 reviews)
• The Capital Grille. 6065 Poplar Ave · 4.6★ (1,663 reviews)
• Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar. 6245 Poplar Ave · 4.5★ (1,420 reviews)

A 7-Day Memphis Plan

1. Day 1 — King of Rock 'n' Roll. Begin your Memphis journey at Graceland, the iconic home of Elvis Presley — tour the mansion, the trophy building, and Elvis's grave in the Meditation Garden. Arrive early to beat the crowds and soak in the atmosphere of this legendary estate. Head to Sun Studio, the self-proclaimed…
2. Day 2 — Soul, Rhythm & American History. Visit the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel, the site of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination. The museum's powerful exhibits trace the entire American civil rights movement — plan two to three hours here. Drive to Soulsville USA and spend the afternoon…
3. Day 3 — Feathers, Fins & the Pyramid. Start your morning at The Peabody Memphis hotel to witness the famous Daily Duck March — each day at 11 a.m. the resident mallards parade through the ornate lobby to the fountain, a Memphis tradition since 1933. Cross downtown to Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid, the massive…
4. Day 4 — Barbecue, Blues & Bites. Devote the morning to Memphis's defining culinary tradition — barbecue. Visit Central BBQ or Cozy Corner for a proper plate of slow-smoked ribs, pulled pork, and the city's signature dry-rub style. Arrive early; lines form fast. Explore the South Main Historic Arts District on foot,…
5. Day 5 — Green Spaces & Urban Renewal. Head east to Shelby Farms Park, one of the largest urban parks in the United States. Walk or rent a bike along the Wolf River trails, kayak on Hyde Lake, or simply enjoy the wide meadows and bison habitat — a genuine breathing space within the city. Visit Crosstown Concourse, the…
6. Day 6 — May Smoke & Riverfront Spectacle. During May, make your way to Tom Lee Park for the Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, one of the largest barbecue competitions on earth. Teams from across the country set up elaborate rigs — the aromas and spectacle are unforgettable even before…
7. Day 7 — Hidden Gems & Fond Farewells. Spend a leisurely final morning at the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art in Overton Park, Tennessee's oldest and largest fine arts museum, with collections spanning five thousand years. The surrounding Overton Park itself is worth a quiet walk through its old-growth forest. Browse the…

Events & festivals in Memphis

• Memphis in May — World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest (Mid-May (typically May 13-17 annually; 2026 dates: May 13-16)). Held annually since 1978 at Liberty Park. Described by organizers as 'the Most Prestigious Barbecue Contest in the World' — a pork BBQ competition with $190,000+ in prize money. Part of the Memphis in May International…
• Memphis in May — Great American River Run (Memorial Day Weekend, late May (2026: May 23)). Annual road race on Memorial Day weekend including half marathon, 10K, and 5K distances along the Mississippi River.
• Elvis Week (August (annually mid-August; 2026: August 8-16)). The world's largest annual Elvis Presley fan gathering at Graceland, centered around the August 15 Candlelight Vigil commemorating Elvis's 1977 death. Features concerts, tribute artist competitions, panel discussions,…

Top-rated tours & activities in Memphis

• Memphis 1 hour Horseback Trail Ride — 4.8★ (256 reviews)
• Memphis City Tour with Optional Riverboat Cruise & Sun Studio Add-On Options — 4.6★ (1,841 reviews)
• Guided Memphis City Tour that includes Riverboat Cruise — 4.4★ (606 reviews)
• Memphis Mojo Bus Tour — 4.8★ (1,604 reviews)
• Elvis Presley Birthplace Park in Tupelo with Transport from Memphis — 4.8★ (128 reviews)
• Memphis 3.5h Walking Tour with Beale Street & Sun Studio — 4.8★ (37 reviews)
• 1 Hour Axe Throwing in Memphis — 5.0★ (86 reviews)
• Taste of Downtown Memphis Food Tour — 4.9★ (955 reviews)

Memphis travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Memphis?

April-May or October-November.

What are the top things to do in Memphis?

Top experiences include Graceland — Home of Elvis Presley, National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel, Sun Studio — Birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll, Beale Street Entertainment District, Stax Museum of American Soul Music.

Which airport is closest to Memphis?

Memphis International Airport (MEM) is the nearest, about 15 minutes away.

Where should I stay in Memphis?

Popular areas to base yourself include Downtown Memphis, Midtown Memphis (Overton Square / Cooper-Young), South Main Arts District, East Memphis.

How do I get around Memphis?

A car is the most practical way to cover Memphis, as major attractions (Graceland, Stax, Shelby Farms) are spread across the city.