Memphis trips and vacations

Elvis may have left the building long ago, but the music doesn’t stop. You’ll hear it spilling out of restaurants, bars and nightclubs and onto the neon-lit streets during your trip to Memphis. But there’s more to this Mississippi River town than rock ’n’ roll. Taste finger-licking barbecue, relax in lush green spaces and explore must-see museums paying homage to civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr.

Memphis vacation highlights

Memphis
Brand USA

Birthplace of music

Follow in the steps of Elvis Presley on your vacation to Memphis — from his first recording sessions at Sun Studios to his over-the-top mansion at Graceland. Learn about legendary artists like Otis Redding at the Stax Museum of American Soul Music. And you can’t leave Memphis without checking out a live show or two at the legendary venues on Beale Street.

Barbecue at its best

The sweet, smoky smell of barbecue alone is enough to start your holiday to Memphis off right. Sample succulent ribs and pulled pork sandwiches at local favorites like Charlie Vergos Rendezvous or smothered pork chops and fried catfish at The Four Way. If you’re in town on a Thursday afternoon, hit the downtown food trucks.

Parks and trails

Take a break from Memphis’ music and food to explore the city’s natural side. Hike trails in Shelby Farms Park, a green space five times the size of Central Park in New York City. Rent a bicycle and explore the Wolf River Greenway. Or see native plants at the Memphis Botanic Garden and Lichterman Nature Center.

Memphis: Know before you go

Language

English

Currency

United States dollar ($)

Time zone

UTC-6 (CST) and UTC-5 (CDT)

High season

June – August

Low season

January – February

Find the best time to go to Memphis

Weather in Memphis

March – May: With high temperatures climbing from 64°F in March to 82°F in May, spring is a great time to get outdoors in Memphis. April is the rainiest month, so keep that umbrella close.

June – August: Summers are muggy and often hotter than 90°F. Stay hydrated and seek out air-conditioned spaces in the middle of the day, like the Memphis Music Hall of Fame.

September – November: By October, temperatures have dropped enough to make a long stroll along the Mississippi Riverfront a pleasure.

December – February: Winters are fairly mild, but temps can drop to freezing in January. If you’re heading to the King Day celebrations, take a coat.

Events in Memphis

World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest (May): The world’s best pitmasters have been coming here for nearly 50 years to slug it out. Breathe in the smoky-sweet aromas and sample the goods in Liberty Park, where more than 100 teams battle for the top spot.

Elvis Week (August): Slick back your hair, throw on your white jumpsuit and join the thousands of rock ’n’ roll pilgrims as they gather at Graceland for this weeklong tribute to the King.

Mempho Music Festival (October): Memphis hosts dozens of outdoor music events throughout the year, but this popular festival, held at the Radians Amphitheater, draws the biggest names.

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The best neighborhoods in Memphis

Midtown

Midtown is where to stay in Memphis for easy access to culture and nature. Relax in the green spaces of Overton Park and visit its two on-site attractions — the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art and the Memphis Zoo. Get tickets for a play at the Hattiloo Theater, or hear live music from national and local acts at Railgarten.

Good for: Attractions, theaters, live music

East Memphis

Head to East Memphis to explore the unique history and culture of the city at the Pink Palace Mansion in the Memphis Museum of Science and History. Then stroll through the grounds and art exhibits of the Dixon Gallery and Gardens, or spot birds in Audubon Park. This neighborhood also happens to be the best area to stay in Memphis for fine dining. Try Southern specialties or Italian and Mediterranean favorites.

Good for: Gardens, museums, fine dining

Harbor Town

Harbor Town is your top spot for Mississippi River access. Browse boutiques and restaurants along the riverfront — check the menus for classic Southern soul food and barbecue dishes. Rent a bike and pedal along the Riverwalk, or take an evening stroll along the Mississippi River promenade. Stop at Greenbelt Park for a picnic with river views.

Good for: River views, shopping, restaurants

Things to do in Memphis

Memphis
Alex Shansky

Free things to do

The Peabody Memphis hosts one of the most unique free things to do in Memphis — a duck parade through the hotel lobby at 11am and 5pm every day. See free concerts at the Overton Park Shell, and head to the Mississippi Riverwalk after dark to watch the LED light show on the Hernando de Soto and Harahan bridges.

Shopping

Look for deals at the South Main Arts District, home to indie shops and vintage boutiques, as well as outdoor gear suppliers. Where there’s good music, there are good record stores, and Memphis is no exception. Stock up on releases from local legends and up-and-coming acts alike at vinyl shops along Beale Street.

Take in the culture

Museums in Memphis run the gamut from the historical to the unusual. The National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel, the site of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., is a worthy visit. Explore Native American history at the C.H. Nash Museum Chucalissa, and leave time to poke around the Metal Museum, the only exhibit space in the country focused on metal crafts.

Nightlife

The nightlife in Memphis is all about the music. Every night is a party in legendary Beale Street, where you’ll find tap rooms and clubs and a whole lot of live music. For an only slightly more sedate evening, check out the offerings in Overton Square and the Cooper-Young neighborhood. Not a party animal? See what’s on at the Orpheum Theatre.

Places to eat

Fill your belly and your soul at the restaurants in Memphis. If you’re craving smoky pulled pork or honeyed chicken wings, you’re in luck — there are over 100 barbecue joints in Memphis. Don’t know where to start? Join the Memphis BBQ Trail. Go downtown to tuck into Southern comfort food. Or dine like ‘The King’ at The Arcade, Memphis’ oldest diner and a favorite of Elvis’.

Beaches

Head to Shelby Farms Park and enjoy its 20 bodies of water. Rent kayaks and paddleboards at family-friendly Hyde Lake or pedal boats at Pine Lake. You can’t swim here, but children under 12 can cool off in the water play ‘sprayground.’ If you don’t mind an hour in the car, drive to Sardis Lake for sand and swimming.

Plan your trip to Memphis

Budget

You can eat your fill and still have a cheap trip to Memphis. From diner fare to soul food, a good restaurant meal with generous portions costs around 20 US dollars ($). And you can add a beer for about $6. A short taxi trip starts at about $7. But it’s even cheaper to use the trolley service or rent a public bike.

Day trips from Memphis

For a true taste of the Delta, drive south to Clarksdale, Mississippi, a historic blues town in the middle of an extraordinary musical renaissance. Also across the state line, you’ll find the college town of Oxford, a literary hub and the former home of William Faulkner. An hour east of Memphis, Brownsville boasts a Tina Turner museum in the singer’s old schoolhouse.

Getting around Memphis

You’ll need to rent a car to explore East Memphis and areas outside the city limits. Buses serve the city but don’t offer convenient connections to tourist sites. You can reach many attractions on the MATA Trolley by taking the Main Street, Riverfront and Madison lines.

FAQs about Memphis vacations

The wettest month is April, which receives an average rainfall of 7.2 inches. But don't let the weather take the shine off your Memphis trip — there's still plenty to do indoors like hitting the shops, wandering through museums, or hanging out in cafes.
During your city break in Memphis, you'll hear the locals mostly speaking in English.
January brings the coolest conditions for a Memphis vacation. You can expect lows of 27ºF.
The official currency in Memphis is the United States dollar (USD). It's always a good idea to have some cash with you during your trip to Memphis, but digital payments and credit cards are typically accepted in most places.
Whether you're looking to splurge or keep things affordable, how you travel will partly influence the cost. When budgeting for your Memphis flights and hotels, consider all the options, from flying first class or economy to booking basic or luxury stays. When you go also matters, with some seasons offering better value for a city break in Memphis.
July is the hottest month in Memphis, with temperatures reaching highs of 95ºF.
Three to five days is perfect for a trip to Memphis if you're coming from somewhere relatively close. Consider spending a week or more if you're traveling from farther afield. You'll be able to discover all of the major attractions and add a day trip or two to your itinerary.
Memphis is generally safe for visitors. Take common-sense precautions to avoid problems during your holiday to Memphis. Stay in crowded places, especially at night, and avoid traveling to unfamiliar neighborhoods and areas off the tourist trail.
The best time to visit Memphis is in the spring (April to May) and fall (September to October), when temperatures are mild and ideal for outdoor activities. But if you pack the right clothes for the weather, you can enjoy a trip to Memphis in any season.
This Tennessee town is a destination for music, history and Southern culture. Fill your vacation in Memphis with famous attractions like Graceland, Beale Street and the National Civil Rights Museum. If you find good travel deals to Memphis, you can use the city as a base to explore other parts of Tennessee.

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