Discover the Soul of Memphis- Top Attractions in the Bluff City

Memphis, Tennessee, pulsates with culture and soul-stirring rhythms. Musical legends roam the streets, and music history echoes through the bandshells and alleyways. Attractions beckon the curious traveler, melody seekers, and those settling into Memphis as their new hometown. Narrowing down what to do and see first can be a challenge. We recommend starting with these handpicked must-see things to do in Memphis.

Graceland

You can’t roll into Memphis and not make a pilgrimage to the home of Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll. Fans flock to Graceland to soak in the presence of the King through his lifestyle. Tour the mansion and gain insights into Elvis’s life, his achievements, and his taste for opulence. From the Jungle Room to his gold records, it’s all on display at this iconic Memphis landmark.

Graceland sells five tour experiences, with the Ultimate VIP experience taking you through all there is to see at Graceland, including Elvis’ custom jets. The historic landmark and museum also hosts several special events throughout the year. Its holiday lighting ceremony is one of the top seasonal events in Memphis. Musicians play Graceland’s soundstage as part of the live concert series. 

Beale Street

A melting pot of delta blues, neon lights, and historic architecture, Beale Street is the heartbeat of Memphis nightlife and the rhythm ‘n’ blues vibe. Tourists flock here, but locals must come here at some point. So many live music venues, concerts, and BBQ restaurants line the historic street, making it an entertainment destination for everyone. 

A day spent on Beale Street brings you to a deep roster of Memphis bucket list attractions. Here’s a mini-itinerary to get your Memphis culture fix:

• BB King’s Blues Club: Stop in for live music on stage daily and southern comfort food. It also
• Orpheum Theater: Catch a Broadway show or comic act at this historic venue
• Handy Park: Outdoor concerts and events keep Memphis’s musical legacy front and center
• A. Schwab General Store: Check out the soda fountain and shop memorabilia from this landmark store, in business for over a 100 years
• FedEx Forum: See the big names in music and sports, including the hometown Memphis Grizzlies
• Blues Hall & Rum Boogie Cafe: The two connect, delivering diverse sounds and Cajun-style dining

Sun Studio

Dubbed “The Birthplace of Rock’ n Roll,” Sun Studio icons like Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, and Jerry Lee Lewis recorded hits here. Every Memphis local should tour this famous studio at least once. The 40-minute tours run seven days a week, once every hour. Soak in the music history, as the tours even include recording outtakes. If you’re lucky, you may catch a live recording session, although most of the recording sessions happen in the evening after tours. 

Please note that tickets can’t be bought ahead of time; they must be purchased in person the day of the tour. For that reason, it’s recommended to go early.

National Civil Rights Museum

This museum delivers a profound look at the American Civil Rights movement, with artifacts that tell 400 years of stories in the ongoing work for civil rights. The History Channel, USA Today, and other sites have featured the National Civil Rights Museum, highlighting its moving exhibits and relevant stories. 

The complex of buildings centers around the former Lorraine Motel, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. A walkthrough takes you back to the pivotal moment in time. Besides the motel exhibition, the museum has the bus Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat and the burned Freedom Riders’ bus. A visit promises to be deeply moving and educational. 

Memphis Zoo

One of the oldest zoos in the US, the award-winning Memphis Zoo promises adventure for the whole family. Primates and crawling reptiles are a small addition to the over 3,500 animals at the Zoo. The exhibits mimic natural habitats while safely allowing visitors to observe big cats and elephants going about their days. Keeper talks rotate around these exhibits during the day to educate visitors about the various species and the Zoo’s conservation efforts. 

Besides the animal habitats, the Zoo includes entertaining specialty experiences. Feed the giraffes or be impressed by sea lion antics at their show. Walk among ancient giants at the new Dino Park, which also has a scavenger hunt. Children will delight in the carousel, farm train, and rides open in warmer months. 

The Zoo includes holiday-themed events on its schedule, too, like an egg hunt, Zoo Boo at Halloween, and Zoo Lights over the holiday season. Spring and summer camps take kids behind the scenes. Or, you can have a unique adventure with an overnight zoo campout.

Memphis BBQ Trail

No Memphis experience is complete without tasting its signature barbecue. Memphis-style is about slow-roasting pork or ribs over a pit covered with a spice rub and balanced with a tangy yet sweet sauce. Which place serves it best? We won’t poke that tiger, as over 100 joints serve their best take on BBQ. As you can imagine, every local will have an opinion on the top Memphis BBQ joint. 

Instead, try all the Memphis BBQs and decide your favorite. Follow the Memphis BBQ Trail to savor smoked ribs, pulled pork, and all the fixins’. Each joint has its unique flavor and story. On the plus side, you’re guaranteed a delicious experience wherever you go.

Shelby Farms Park

Shelby Farms in eastern Memphis is five times the size of Central Park! It’s so large it even has a buffalo herd! Locals love it because of all the activities available on its 5,400 acres. 

Trails for biking, horseback riding, and hiking total up to 40 miles; the Greenline path connects to downtown Memphis. You can bike directly from the city’s heart into spacious meadows and forests. For watersports, the park has over 20 waterways for fishing and paddling.

Of course, Shelby Farms has plenty of green space for picnics and play. The Woodland Discovery Playground and splash pad rank among Memphis’ best playgrounds for kids. Pups prefer the off-leash Outback 100-acre area with unpaved walking trails and ponds. Shelby Farms even has high-adventure options, like a BMX track, tree-top challenge course, and paintball area.

Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid

You can’t miss the massive glass pyramid dominating the Memphis skyline. Underneath the glittering facade awaits 535,000 square feet of prime Bass Pro Shops retail space–plus more. Take a day to explore the pyramid, as besides outdoor merchandise, you have on-site dining at five venues, a waterfowl museum, an archery range, a pistol range, and bowling. Be awed by a massive indoor swamp with towering cypress trees. Its aquariums hold 600,000 gallons of water stocked with Mississippi River native fish. Even more impressive: ride the fee-sanding elevator 300 feet to the lookout. Memphis and the mighty Mississippi sparkle below you in all their glory.

Want a truly unique staycation? Book a room at the rustic-themed lodging inside the pyramid or a relaxing visit to the on-site Spa. Stays include a complimentary Sky High ride, valet parking, and shuttle service.

Big River Crossing

Walk or bike across the longest active pedestrian bridge spanning the Mississippi River. The Big River Crossing, or BRX as locals call it, has spectacular views of the mighty Mississippi. Gain a unique perspective of the river’s power and scale. The bridge connects Tom Lee Park and Main Street Memphis to West Memphis, Arkansas, and the 1,500-acre Ducks Unlimited Park conservation area with more recreational choices. The BRX is part of the 110-mile Big River trail system and pedestrian corridor. 

Additionally, BRX and the next-door Hernando de Soto bridge lights up at night in a spectacular light show. The exhibition starts at sundown and runs every hour until 10:30 pm. Parking is free on both sides of the bridge, and you can view it from the parks or some downtown elevated bars.

Cooper-Young Festival

A community fixture for over thirty years, the Cooper-Young Festival in its hip namesake district is the perfect place to celebrate local Memphis culture and community spirit. Over 100,000 people come every September to wander the 435 artisans, including craftsmen and musicians. 

The Cooper-Young district is proud of its distinct character, with century-old homes, family-owned businesses, and an eclectic bent. The family-friendly festival epitomizes what makes living in this part of Memphis so appealing. Attending is free, but bring cash for the vendors and food.

Best of Memphis Things to Do

Every corner in Memphis has a story and every tune, a soul. The city has witnessed the highs and lows of American history. Feel it in the bluesy depths of Beale Street and the solemnity of the National Civil Rights Museum. As a new resident to Memphis, take the time to explore its streets, listen to its music, and indulge in its culinary delights. Each of these top attractions in Memphis promises to be as enriching as it is entertaining.