13 Best and Fun Things to do in Memphis (Tennessee)

If you are someone who is more interested in heritage and history, then you should plan your next trip to Memphis, Tennessee. In addition to this, you can also explore culture, art, music, and yes – delicious barbeques here.

These are a few reasons why every year millions of people visit Memphis. Here, you will also find numerous activities and fun things to do in Memphis, Tennessee.

To know more about the same, continue reading this post.

Things to do in Memphis

1. Graceland – The home of Elvis Presley

It is said that your visit will be incomplete if you do not visit Graceland. Previously, it was home to Elvis Presley. In terms of the total number of annual visitors, it stands in the second spot, after the White House.

The king posing in front of the iconic music gates at Graceland. Tag us in your photos in front of the Graceland Gates 🎶 pic.twitter.com/KtDWNlwA2g

— Graceland (@VisitGraceland) February 17, 2023

While visiting this famous building, always take a tour of its beautiful bedrooms, billiards rooms, and basement areas. Also, spend some time in its mesmerizing gardens and capture the vintage beauties (cars) with your camera. This place is perfect to explore culture, history, and class at the same time.

Get the Directions of Graceland

2. Beale Street – Memphis TN

It is one of the most iconic streets in this city. You will see several clubs, cafes, shops, music studios, museums, and more tourist attractions in Memphis TN. Today, it is a hub for traders and travelers. In case you are coming here as a keen music lover, you will never be disappointed.

It is because you will always find something for yourself. Visiting this place is undeniably one of the fun things to do in Memphis.

Beale Street Directions

Explore the scenic Smokey Mountains of Tennessee in July is the perfect weekend getaway for those looking to get lost in nature. With its lush rolling hills, vibrant blooms and breathtaking vistas, there are countless ways to experience the area’s natural beauty.

3. The Arcade Restaurant – The Oldest Cafe

This restaurant can easily be seen from a distance. The credit for this goes to its retro-styled neon-colored signboards. Well! The retro look is still here as you can easily locate old-fashioned posters and photos on the walls along with plush seats.

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Even though you can taste various delicious items here, it is mainly famous for its eggs and bacon. So, it can be a spot for you if you are here and looking for a good food point.

The Arcade Restaurant Directions

4. Shelby Farms – One of the Largest Urban Park

It is considered the most beautiful place not just in Memphis, but in the entire country. The reasons are pretty simple. It is stretched for hundreds and thousands of acres. It is also surrounded by forests, lakes, and hills. Shelby Farms is home to almost everything, from wild bison herds to some rare birds. It is a top destination for animal enthusiasts as well as nature lovers.

Furthermore, you can enjoy horseback riding, hiking, and rowing here. A golf course is also there wherein you can try your hands. It is a pet-friendly farm. So, you do not have to leave your feline alone at home. You can bring them with you and enjoy them endlessly.

Directions

5. Sun Studio Memphis

This is simply a ‘local’ legend. It is said that Sun Studio is the birthplace of “rock n roll”. In the 1950s, the very first rock song was actually recorded here. This studio has fostered the careers of several young singers who are pretty famous these days.

In the present time, Sun Studio is among the hottest destinations to visit when in Memphis. Along with a vintage recording booth and microphone, you will also see a shop to buy goodies and vintage items from the 50s.

Sun Studio Memphis Address

6. Memphis Zoo

With over 3500 animals, the Memphis Zoo is one of the most fascinating places to visit. This zoo has won several awards for its exceptional conservation work and has been ranked number 1 in the United States by many platforms. Since it is regarded as a “cat” country, you can see tigers, cheetahs, snow leopards, and lions in this zoo.

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Additionally, you can view komodo dragons, rare birds, penguins, monkeys, and colorful fishes here. The Memphis Zoo is surely a perfect spot to learn more about the ecosystem and wildlife in a better way. This is why visiting Memphis Zoo is surely one of the best things to do in Memphis with kids.

Memphis Zoo Map

7. The Orpheum Theatre

Situated right in the heart of Memphis’s downtown, this theater is among the longest-running and most prestigious names in the whole state. By visiting here, you can indulge in some great Broadway shows, ballet performances, and of course – the international jazz festival.

But before you think of visiting, it is suggested to know a few things. First of all, the timings may vary from one season to another. Always check if you need to book your tickets in advance or if the entries are free. Lastly, it is a little spooky theater.

As per the locals, there is a friendly ghost of a small girl. Well! Fret not because these are just stories and no scientific evidence of this is available. 

Directions

8. A Schwab General Store

This place is like a treat to those who are looking for a unique attraction in this city. A Schwab is a family-owned and small souvenir shop. This place is mainly popular for homemade crafts, trinkets, and yes – black magic charms.

If you think that you will not be able to satiate your taste buds here, then you are wrong. You will get an old-fashioned machine to have ice creams and beer. Additionally, you can bring your own packet of snacks in your bag.

Get the Directions Here:

9. Memphis in May

Well! This is nothing but one of the biggest events in this city. Memphis in May is all about celebrating culture, art, music, and food. This event lasts the entire month of May.

Vendors from different corners of the world come and set up their shops and booths here. Various musical events also take place along with outdoor concerts. It is more like a treat to event lovers. Lastly, you can also take part in the barbeque championship in this one-of-a-kind event.

10. AutoZone Park

If you are traveling within Memphis downtown and the popcorn smell starts coming into the air, then you are very close to AutoZone Park. It is a small stadium-like area but the surroundings are so amazing here.

The cozy settings allow the visitors to buy hot dogs, popcorn, and peanuts for only 10 cents and enjoy baseball games, music events, a haunted house, and various other celebrations. In this nifty stadium, there is always something organized. So, it is the best spot to visit and have endless fun with your family and friends.

AutoZone Park Map

11. Mud Island River Park in Memphis

Do not go with the name. It is counted among the most fabulous tourist destinations in the state. When it comes to the things to do in Memphis this weekend, you can schedule your visit to Mud Island. After visiting here, just put your comfy boots on and start enjoying various activities such as rafting, pedal boating, biking, hiking, etc.

Some great restaurants and stores are also nearby. You can go there and enjoy some fine dining and do a lot of shopping. There is also a huge amphitheater wherein you can listen to some great live music. This place has something for all age groups. When you are here, do not forget to click some beautiful pictures as memories.

12. Pink Palace Family of Museums

This is more like a chain of different museums. It includes the science museum and planetarium, the Coon Creek Science Center and the Lichterman Nature Center, the Mallory-Neely House, and the Magevney House.

This museum chain is loaded with so much knowledge and information. So, for educational and entertaining purposes, it is the best spot for kids.

Directions of Pink Palace Family of Museums

13. Memphis Botanic Garden

It is a tranquil and beautiful place. People searching for a spot to escape from the hustle-bustle city life should visit this Botanic Garden. If you think that it is a single garden, then you are wrong. You will get multiple gardens here to explore colorful roses, herbs, ferns, bamboo plants, etc.

In addition to this, you can also go to the butterfly garden. It is the best place to visit with kids as they can see hundreds of beautiful butterflies. This garden also offers numerous fun activities on weekends.

It includes a daffodil race, egg hunts, brunches, and educational walks. The Memphis Botanic Garden is an engaging as well as a fun place to visit.

Memphis Botanic Garden Map

Other places to visit in Memphis, Tennessee

In addition to the spots listed above, this beautiful city also offers various other tourist destinations wherein you can visit. This includes (but is not limited to) the following:

(To find some more options, you are advised to do some online as well as offline research before planning your trip).

• Tom Lee Park
• CH Nash Museum
• Memphis Music Hall of Fame
• The Memphis Pyramid
• Children’s Museum of Memphis
• Go Ape Zip Line and Treetop Adventure
• Cross Town Concourse
• Golf and Games Family Park
• The Peabody Hotel

Visiting to Tennessee? Check out our list of Things to Do in Gatlinburg, Things To Do in Kingsport, Things To Do in Johnson City and Things to do in Jackson.

Wrapping it up!

So, these are the best and most fun things to do in Memphis, Tennessee. Whether you are planning a short weekend getaway or simply an extended trip with family, this place will never disappoint you. It is because this beautiful city has various things to offer. You just need to note down the places you want to visit and activities you want to enjoy – and that is it! So, pack your back and happy vacation.

Frequently Asked Questions