Memphis was home to the King of Rock 'n' Roll, and no visit would be complete without a visit to his famous home. Booking a tour of Graceland lets you follow in the footsteps of Elvis Presley himself - literally. Learn about his life and music while seeing the place he called home.
The Memphis Zoo, which sits on 76 acres of land in Overton Park, is home to more than 3,500 animals from over 500 different species. The zoo's 19 exhibits are housed over three zones and include Northwest Passage, Teton Trek, and China, home to the city's two giant pandas. The zoo hosts regular children's activities and special events, including educational activities, tours, and virtual zoo programs.
This unassuming brick building is often called the birthplace of rock 'n' roll. Many famous artists got their start there, including the King himself. Today, local artists offer regular tours to educate visitors about the history of the studio as well as recording techniques and other trivia. Best of all, you can even take your turn behind the mike.
Memphis thrives thanks to its live music scene, and the best place to go to see a show is the famous Beale Street. This vibrant corridor is home to numerous venues that have a diverse range of music every night. As you stroll along the sidewalk, you may hear everything from exotic world music beats to old-fashioned blues or rocking bluegrass. Even if you don't feel like catching a show, the vintage neon signs and fantastic street performers make this a must-see attraction.
Quite possibly the most famous hotel in Memphis, The Peabody steals the attention of hotel guests and other tourists twice a day, every day with the Peabody Duck Parade. Dating back to 1925, this hotel is one of the city's oldest and most grand. With multiple on-site restaurants and bars, you can be sure you won't go hungry after a day exploring the city.
Memphis is home to two fantastic music museums, the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum and the Stax Museum of American Soul Music. Both are must-see attractions for music lovers visiting the city. The Rock 'n' Soul Museum is a Smithsonian affiliate and features permanent exhibits tracing the history of blues, rock, and soul music from its roots in African-American folk songs to its modern popularity. Conversely, the Stax Museum has detailed exhibits about recording equipment and individual artists who were represented by Stax Records.
The Memphis Pyramid, also sometimes known as the Great American Pyramid, is a massive glass structure that towers above the surrounding landscape. It was originally built as a sports arena and concert venue, but today its a massive Bass Pro Shop and outdoor-themed hotel. In addition to shopping and dining, you can explore aviaries and aquariums full of live waterfowl and fish, take a turn at the indoor archery and shooting ranges and ride the 28-story elevator to the top for a stunning view of the Memphis skyline.