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Attractions & Sightseeing

Attractions & Sightseeing

USA

Iconic Landmarks

Memphis has several sites that hold historical and cultural importance.

Site Tips

  • Book Graceland tickets online in advance, especially during peak season or Elvis Week in August, to avoid long waits.
  • Shuttles often connect Graceland with Sun Studio and the Rock 'n' Soul Museum.
  • National Civil Rights Museum: acquire tickets online to secure entry.
  • Beale Street is best experienced in the evening when live music fills the street.

Iconic Landmarks

Rock 'n' Roll & Soul Origins

  • Sun Studio: The 'Birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll,' where Elvis, Johnny Cash, and others started. Guided tours are approximately 45 minutes.
  • Stax Museum of American Soul Music: On the original site of Stax Records, chronicles soul music through exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays.
  • Soul Music Legacy: This museum has an excellent collection of artifacts and engaging interactive exhibits. It is well worth the short drive or rideshare for music enthusiasts.

Civil Rights & Beale Street

  • National Civil Rights Museum: At the Lorraine Motel, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. It chronicles the comprehensive history of the Civil Rights Movement.
  • Beale Street: A hub of music history and entertainment. Free to enter during the day; often a cover charge after 9 PM.
  • Daytime Beale Exploration: During the day, explore the shops, historic markers, and find food on Beale Street.

To save time and potentially money, acquire a Memphis Heritage Pass if visiting multiple major attractions.

Graceland

Elvis Presley's former home, a look into his life, career, and enduring legacy.

National Civil Rights Museum

A powerful museum built around the Lorraine Motel, chronicling the Civil Rights Movement.

Sun Studio

The 'Birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll,' where music legends began their careers.

Dives into Memphis History

Memphis's history shows through numerous sites that share insights into different eras.

Museums & Cultural Institutions

  • Memphis Brooks Museum of Art: Tennessee's oldest and largest art museum. Collections span ancient to contemporary art.
  • Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum: Smithsonian affiliate museum telling the story of rock and soul music's birth and impact.
  • Children's Museum of Memphis: Interactive museum designed for children, with hands-on exhibits that inspire learning and play.
  • Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum: Historic home serving as a stop on the Underground Railroad, with tunnels and secret rooms.
  • Memphis Museum of Science & History (MoSH): Diverse exhibits on science, history, natural history, including a planetarium and IMAX theater.
  • Cotton Museum at the Memphis Cotton Exchange: Explores cotton's history and profound impact on Memphis and the American South.

Historical Sites

  • Victorian Village:

    Well-preserved historic district with stunning 19th-century mansions. Some homes share tours or operate as Bed & Breakfasts.

  • Overton Park:

    Park contains historic structures like Memphis Brooks Museum of Art and the Levitt Shell, reflecting early 20th-century development.

  • Main Street:

    Downtown core's Main Street has historic buildings, many adapted for modern use, showing the city's commercial past.

  • Elmwood Cemetery:

    Historic garden cemetery with many prominent Memphians' final resting places. A serene place for reflection.

  • Chucalissa Indian Village:

    A short drive from the city center, this site has archaeological remains and reconstructed dwellings from pre-Columbian Native American life.

Explore Hidden Gems & More

Beyond the well-known attractions, Memphis has several hidden gems and local favorites that share unique experiences.

Metal Museum

The only museum in the U.S. Dedicated to the art and craft of fine metalwork. Located on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River.

Big River Crossing

A pedestrian and cycling bridge spanning the Mississippi River, connecting downtown Memphis to Arkansas. Stunning views, especially at sunset.

Broad Avenue Arts District

This revitalized area has colorful murals, independent art galleries, local shops, and creative restaurants.

Natural Attractions

  • Shelby Farms Park

    One of the largest urban parks in the U.S., with over 40 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and running, and several lakes for fishing and paddle sports.

  • Mud Island River Park

    On an island in the Mississippi River, this park has panoramic views of the Memphis skyline and the majestic Mississippi River. It has a scale model of the lower Mississippi River.

  • Mississippi Riverwalk

    Paved paths stretch along the Memphis riverfront, with continuous scenic views of the river, passing barges, and the Arkansas skyline.

  • Memphis Botanic Garden

    A 96-acre botanical garden with various themed gardens, including a Japanese garden, a rose garden, and a children's garden.

  • Memphis Zoo

    Home to a wide range of animals from around the world, a popular attraction for families and wildlife enthusiasts.

  • Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park

    A short drive north of Memphis, this state park has opportunities for birdwatching and observing local wildlife in a natural forest setting.

Hidden Gems

Memphis has several lesser-known attractions and local favorites that share unique experiences.

These sites are off-the-beaten-path and make a great addition to your itinerary.

Unique Photo Opportunities

The "I Love Memphis" mural (various locations) makes a fun photo opportunity.

Iconic Backdrops

  • The "I Love Memphis" mural (various locations) makes a fun photo opportunity.
  • Views from Tom Lee Park along the Mississippi River, especially at sunset, make excellent photo backdrops.
  • The intricate metalwork at the Metal Museum and the historic architecture of Victorian Village also share visually appealing subjects for photography.

Local Favorites

Discover areas cherished by locals that tourists often miss.

Neighborhood Charms

  • Broad Avenue Arts District: This revitalized area has colorful murals, independent art galleries, local shops, and creative restaurants.
  • Cooper-Young Historic District: An eclectic Midtown neighborhood known for its diverse mix of locally owned restaurants, unique bars, and independent boutiques.
  • Victorian Village Stroll: Consider a self-guided walking tour of Victorian Village for beautiful architecture and a peaceful historical atmosphere.

Hidden Gems

Explore unique, off-the-beaten-path sites for a different perspective of Memphis.

Featured Gems

  • Metal Museum: The only museum in the U.S. dedicated exclusively to the art and craft of fine metalwork. Metal Museum Website
  • Elmwood Cemetery: A historic garden cemetery and final resting place for many prominent Memphians. Elmwood Cemetery Info
  • Big River Crossing: Pedestrian and cycling bridge across the Mississippi River, with stunning panoramic views. Big River Crossing Details
  • Broad Avenue Arts District: Revitalized area with colorful murals, independent art galleries, and local shops. Explore Broad Ave

Planning Your Sightseeing

Effective planning makes the most of your time exploring Memphis attractions.

Smart Visit Strategies

  • Acquire a Memphis Heritage Pass for multiple attractions.
  • Check museum websites for temporary exhibits, special programming, and educational events.
  • Look for free admission days or reciprocal membership programs if you have memberships elsewhere.

Cultural & Artistic Venues

  • Orpheum Theatre: A historic and grand theater hosting Broadway shows, concerts, and comedy acts.
  • Levitt Shell at Overton Park: Outdoor amphitheater for free concert series, popular in spring and fall.
  • Art Galleries: Explore local art galleries in Broad Avenue Arts District and Cooper-Young for regional artists and contemporary works.

Essential Tips for Attractions

Plan your visits effectively to maximize your sightseeing time and enjoyment.

Advance Booking

Book popular attraction tickets in advance, especially during peak season, for smoother entry.

Memphis Heritage Pass

Consider acquiring a Memphis Heritage Pass to save time and potentially money if visiting multiple major attractions.

Allow Sufficient Time

Allocate enough time for each visit, especially for immersive museums like the National Civil Rights Museum.

Planning Resources

Online Booking Platforms

Utilize platforms like GetYourGuide for attraction ticket bookings.

Visit GetYourGuide

Museum & Venue Websites

Check individual websites for up-to-date hours, special exhibits, and programming.

Membership Programs

Inquire about free admission days or reciprocal membership programs (e.g., ASTC passport program).

Accessibility Information

Verify accessibility features for each attraction if needed for comfortable visits.

Transportation Planning

Plan your transport to attractions, considering walking, shuttles, or rideshares.

Museums & Cultural Institutions Overview

Memphis has many museums and cultural institutions for various interests, from art and history to science and music.

Diverse Collections

  • Memphis Brooks Museum of Art: Oldest and largest art museum in Tennessee.
  • Memphis Museum of Science & History (MoSH): Diverse exhibits on science, history, and natural history.
  • Cotton Museum at the Memphis Cotton Exchange: Explores the history and impact of cotton.

Historical Sites Overview

Memphis's history shows through numerous sites that share insights into different eras.

Historical Locations

  • Victorian Village: Well-preserved historic district with stunning 19th-century mansions.
  • Overton Park: Contains historic structures like the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art and Levitt Shell.
  • Elmwood Cemetery: Historic garden cemetery and final resting place for many prominent Memphians.
  • Main Street: Downtown core with historic buildings adapted for modern use.

Trip Planning Tip

To organize your trip efficiently, consider booking attraction tickets in advance, especially for popular sites or during peak season.

Online booking often provides faster entry and may include bundle deals.

Outdoor & Nature Highlights

Memphis has various natural attractions, with green spaces and outdoor enjoyment within and around the city.

Shelby Farms Park

One of the largest urban parks in the U.S., with extensive green space, trails, lakes, and a bison herd.

Mud Island River Park

On an island in the Mississippi River, with panoramic views of the Memphis skyline and a scale model of the river.

Memphis Botanic Garden

A 96-acre botanical garden with various themed gardens, offering a peaceful and scenic retreat.

Natural Attractions Details

Explore the green spaces and natural beauty that Memphis has within and around its city limits.

Outdoor Highlights

  • Shelby Farms Park: One of the largest urban parks in the U.S., with over 40 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and running.
  • Mud Island River Park: Has panoramic views of the Memphis skyline and the Mississippi River.
  • Mississippi Riverwalk: Paved paths along the riverfront with continuous scenic views.

Wildlife & Serene Spots

Discover opportunities for wildlife viewing and peaceful natural retreats.

Nature Encounters

  • Memphis Zoo: Home to a wide range of animals from around the world.
  • Shelby Farms Park: Has a herd of American bison, an unique wildlife viewing opportunity.
  • Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park: Offers opportunities for birdwatching and observing local wildlife.

Shelby Farms Details

One of the largest urban parks in the U.S., offering extensive green space.

Park Features

  • Over 40 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and running.
  • Several lakes for fishing and paddle sports.
  • A herd of American bison present.

A vast recreational area for all ages.

Overton Park Details

A large urban park with multiple attractions and a natural forest.

Park Highlights

  • Includes the Memphis Zoo and Memphis Brooks Museum of Art.
  • Home to the Levitt Shell outdoor amphitheater for concerts.

Features a significant old-growth forest with walking trails.

Memphis Botanic Garden Details

A 96-acre botanical garden offering a peaceful and scenic retreat.

Garden Features

  • Various themed gardens, including a Japanese garden.
  • A beautiful rose garden and a children's garden.
  • Seasonal displays and horticultural exhibits.

A perfect spot for relaxation and nature appreciation.

Outdoor Experience Tip

Shelby Farms Exploration

Rent a bike at Shelby Farms Park and explore its vast network of trails for a refreshing afternoon.

Water Activities

Consider paddleboating or kayaking on Hyde Lake within Shelby Farms Park for a relaxing time on the water.

Riverwalk Views

Stroll along the Mississippi Riverwalk for continuous scenic views of the river and city skyline.

Affiliate Resource for Attractions

For booking attraction tickets and tours, visit GetYourGuide.