Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee, is one of the most iconic streets in America. It is three blocks of nightclubs, restaurants and shops in the heart of downtown Memphis, and a melting pot of delta blues, jazz, rock 'n' roll, R&B and gospel. This National Historic Landmark district shares its rich history of legendary live music (think Memphis Minnie, B.B. King and Rufus Thomas, to start) through museums, photo ops and clubs where you can still hear who's making music in Memphis today. With cold beer and hot music, Beale Street is one of the coolest places in Memphis.
Every day at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., “pomp and circumstance” takes on new meaning in the grand lobby of the Peabody Hotel. This is when the Peabody Ducks, five North American mallards, arrive and leave the hotel fountain in a grand procession complete with a red carpet, official introduction and visiting paparazzi. The Peabody Duck March is completely free and open to all.
To get an understanding of the Mississippi River's role and influence over Memphis, visitors shouldn’t miss the free Mud Island Riverwalk experience. An epic scale model, the Riverwalk spans five city blocks and is marked with cities, bridges and historic markers to give visitors perspective on the Mississippi and its people. The riverwalk is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m Tuesday through Sunday, April through October.
Going down to the Graceland Gates, snapping a photo and imagining the King rolling down his driveway in a vintage pink Cadillac is always free. Graceland also offers free-admission walk-up visits to the Meditation Garden, 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. daily.
Rated as one of the best zoos in America, the Memphis Zoo houses 4,500 animals including giant pandas. In fact, it’s one of only four zoos nationwide to house this endangered species. Residents of Tennessee can take advantage of free admission on Tuesdays from 2 p.m. to close.
The Fire Museum of Memphis is America's premier interactive fire museum, located in the legendary Fire Engine House No. 1, built in 1910. Children of all ages can don turnout coats and helmets and play on authentic fire equipment, put out a simulated fire in a high rise building, ride on an aerial platform, and slide down a brass fire pole.
Memphis Botanic Garden strives to enhance lives by connecting people with nature, increasing awareness and appreciation of our environment. Our 96-acre property includes 30 specialty gardens, which provide an in-depth look into various families of plants, flowers, and trees.