Memphis is a city with a lot to offer and there are many great attractions to visit. These include a beautiful botanical garden and a fun museum for the whole family.
You can also learn more about the city’s history with a visit to the Museum of Civil Rights. It tells the story of civil rights in Memphis and how it came to be.
Sun Studio
Sun Studio, located in Memphis’s Edge District, is a must-see for music enthusiasts. Here you can tour the studio where many music legends, including Elvis Presley, launched their careers.
When it comes to recording history, there are few places that come close to Sun Studio. Reputed to be the birthplace of rock 'n' roll, the studio was opened by Sam Phillips in 1950 at 706 Union Avenue.
During the '50s, Phillips was known for making his artists feel at home in the studio. Artists such as B.B. King, Junior Parker, Little Milton, Howlin' Wolf, James Cotton, Rufus Thomas, and Rosco Gordon recorded there during this era.
On the guided tour, you will hear outtakes from sessions, touch Elvis’ first microphone and see loads of memorabilia. The tour also re-lives the studio's storied history as it helped put Memphis on the map.
Shelby Farms
A large 4,500-acre park, Shelby Farms is one of the best places to visit in Memphis. It’s five times the size of New York City’s Central Park and is full of fun activities for families.
You can hike and bike along the Wolf River trails or Tour de Wolf trails, ride horseback or pedal a canoe on Pine Lake, let your pup run around in an off-leash area and explore the park from the water at Hyde Lake. There are also numerous other recreational opportunities.
If you’re an art lover, check out the National Museum of Asian Art and Judaica Gallery. The former houses the largest collection of Chinese art in the US south, while the latter is home to a stunning collection of Jewish artwork.
South Main Arts District
The South Main Arts District is a hotspot for shopping and dining in Memphis. The area is home to a range of boutique shops and galleries where you can find everything from unique gifts to designer fashions.
The restaurants and bars here offer up a mix of traditional American cuisine and a new twist on classics, such as the Arcade Restaurant’s retro diner vibe. Its pastel-hued interiors and a “Elvis booth” commemorate the legend himself, with plush seating that makes you feel as though you’re in the 1950s.
The neighborhood is a hub of art and creativity, where DIY’ers and entrepreneurs meet to form the city’s artistic community. It’s also a hotbed of live music and theater, with the National Civil Rights Museum close by. Each last Friday of the month, the district hosts an event called Trolley Night, when galleries stay open late and people gather to explore the streets.
Memphis Botanic Garden
One of the most serene tourist attractions in Memphis, the Memphis Botanic Garden is a must for anyone looking to relax. Located east of downtown, the 96-acre garden features 30 specialty gardens and an arboretum area.
It is also home to a variety of community events and programs that engage Memphians and visitors alike. These include a Daffodil Dash Race, the Family Egg Hunt and Mother’s Day Jazz Brunch.
If you are an animal lover, the Memphis Zoo is a must-see during your trip to Tennessee. This menagerie has more than 3,500 animals in hundreds of different houses and habitats that mimic their natural environments.
If you are a music fan, the Orpheum Theatre is another must-see. This historic theater is one of the city’s most prestigious and longest-running theaters, hosting Broadway shows, local cultural events and international jazz festivals.
