Things To Do in Memphis

Things to do in Memphis, Tennessee

6/6/2024

Memphis is known for its blues and rock n’ roll. It was home to Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin, Justin Timberlake and many more famous musicians. There is a rich history in this little town along the Mississippi River, and there is so much to do here.

Here a few places you cannot miss on any trip to Memphis:

Stay at Southland Casino & Hotel

Just on the other side of the river in West Memphis, Arkansas is the newly (2023) renovated Southland Casino and Hotel. The playing floor is the size of two and a half football fields, and the smoking section is separated – which is not common in most casinos! They also have a world class steakhouse on site, along with a never ending buffet, and multiple bars, including a whiskey bar stocked with over 100 different brands. You could honestly have your own little mini vacation here without ever needing to leave the property!

Read more about Southland Casino & Hotel in my blog post here!

Visit Elvis Presley's Mansion - Graceland

Elvis Presley’s estate has been turned into a multitude of museums that showcase the fabulous career the “King of Rock and Roll” had! There are five different showcase areas designated to different parts of his life: his home, his planes, his cars, his music career, and his acting career. Plan to spend at least four hours, if not more, wandering between the different buildings they have built on his property. Make sure to spend plenty of time admiring each and every one of his intricately made white jumpsuits!

Read more about my tour of Graceland here!

The National Civil Rights Museum

Located at The Lorraine Motel, where Martin Luther King Jr. was fatally shot, is The National Civil Rights Museum. It walks through the tumultuous history of our country from its founding to modern day. It’s a very moving museum that ends with a call to action and reflection on the past, showing where the most famous civil rights leader spent his last living moments.

Happy Hour at The Peabody Hotel

Another place to stay is the beautiful, historic Peabody hotel. Even if you don’t stay, at least get a cocktail from their lobby lounge and make sure not to miss the daily parade of the ducks – the most famous, living, things in Memphis!

Go out on Beale Street

Memphis’s main street of bars and resturants is Beale Street. You’ll find live music almost every night at dozens of different locations, including B.B. Kings Blues Club, Rum Boogie Cade, and Coyote Ugly. Just wander up and down the street and find a place that looks good to you!

Eat at Overton Square

Looking for a calmer place for drinks and dinner? Try Overton Square’s calmer atmosphere. It’s a great place day or night. If you want a great cocktail try the rooftop bar, Tiger and Peacock, at The Memphian Hotel.

See the Pyramid

Can’t travel to Egypt? No problem! Visit the tenth largest pyramid in the world, which just happens to house a Bass Pro Shop! You can also stay at the lodge inside, go bowling at The Fishbowl, eat at one of the restaurants, or talk a ride to the top and walk out onto the observation deck. It truly is a wonder of the modern world!

Go to a riverfront concert

If you’re in Memphis during the summer, catch a concert at Mud Island or one of the many riverfront festivals like Mempho or Memphis in May. The city always brings in the best artists from around the world.