Things To Do
Elvis Presley's Graceland
No trip to Memphis is complete without a trip to Elvis Presley's Graceland. The King of Rock and Roll's 14-acre home is exactly what you'd hope it would be — a little over the top, completely fascinating, and totally worth it. Across the street, the entertainment complex has his cars, planes, wardrobe, and more for the truly devoted fan.
The Peabody Memphis
Legendary for its charm, elegance, and gracious Southern hospitality, The Peabody is a Memphis institution dating back to 1869, and it's worth popping in even if you're not staying there. Every day, five resident mallard ducks march through the grand lobby like they own the place — because honestly, they do. While you're there, grab a drink and a bite in the lobby bar. It's one of those only-in-Memphis things you just have to see.
Sun Studio
This unassuming studio on Union Avenue is ground zero for rock and roll’s explosion onto the world stage. Elvis, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins all recorded here, and the place has barely changed since. The tours are genuinely great — you'll hear outtakes you've never heard and leave with a serious appreciation for what happened in that room.
National Civil Rights Museum
Built around the historic Lorraine Motel, the NCRM gives an impactful, comprehensive overview of the American Civil Rights Movement. Since the Museum opened in 1991, millions of visitors from around the world have come. Steadfast in its mission, the NCRM examines today's global civil and human rights issues, provoke thoughtful debate, and serve as a catalyst for positive social change. Plan to spend a few hours — it's not something you want to rush through.
Stax Museum of American Soul Music
Built on the original site of Stax Records, this museum tells the story of one of the most influential sounds in music history. Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, Booker T. and the MGs all came out of this corner of Memphis, and the museum does a great job of showing how and why. It's a fun, music-packed couple of hours even if you're not a die-hard soul fan going in.
Charlie Vergos' Rendezvous
Ask any Memphian where to get ribs and they'll tell you the same thing: Rendezvous. Tucked into an alley downtown, Rendezvous has been serving up its unique style of barbecue since 1948, and the whole place feels like nothing has changed since then — in the best way. The dry-rub ribs are unlike anything else in town, and the atmosphere is half the experience.
Memphis Zoo
The Memphis Zoo has earned national accolades and is legitimately one of the best zoos in the country. With more than 3,500 animals representing an array of earth’s habitats, the zoo guarantees exciting adventures while serving the animals you love — along with species you might be encountering for the very first time.
Wiseacre Brewing
Wisesacre is a craft brewery dreamed up over ten years ago by two brothers, Davin & Kellan Bartosch, that’s become a go-to spot for locals. Today, these brothers have reached their quest of becoming brewmasters producing some of the best beer around. The taproom has a great vibe and is a solid stop if you want to see a bit of the city beyond the tourist trail.
Old Dominick Distillery
Old Dominick has been part of Memphis history for over 150 years, and their distillery on South Front Street is a fun afternoon stop for spirits fans. The tour walks you through the full grain-to-glass process and wraps up with a tasting of their whiskeys and other spirits. It's about an hour well spent, especially if you want to bring a Memphis-made bottle home.
Crosstown Concourse
Crosstown Concourse is one of those places that's hard to describe until you've been there — a massive, beautifully restored 1920s Sears building turned into a neighborhood unto itself. Inside you'll find local restaurants, coffee shops, bars, art galleries, live music, a brewery, and a whole lot more, all under one roof. Plan to wander, grab a drink, maybe catch an exhibit or a show, and then realize two hours have disappeared.
Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid
Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid is a must-see Memphis landmark — a 32-story steel pyramid packed with 535,000 square feet of surprises, including a massive retail store, a cypress swamp with 100-foot trees, 600,000 gallons of water features, a glass-floored observation deck, and even a hotel.
Beale Street
Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee, is one of the most iconic streets in America. Home of the Blues and the true birthplace of Rock n Roll, this is your destination for year-round live music. With cold drink and hot music, Beale Street is one of the coolest places in Memphis.
Shelby Farms Park
Shelby Farms is one of the biggest urban parks in the entire country, and it's a great spot if you need some fresh air between wedding festivities. There are over 40 miles of trails for walking, running, or biking, plus open green space that makes it easy to just hang out. It's the kind of place locals go to remember why they love living here.