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Memphis founded in 1819 along the Mississippi River, quickly became a major transportation hub for cotton and goods. The city’s strategic location on the Chickasaw Bluffs made it ideal for river commerce. During the Civil War, Memphis changed hands multiple times, experiencing both Union and Confederate occupation. The city rebuilt after the war and experienced a golden age of music in the early 20th century.
Memphis emerged as a cultural powerhouse in the mid-20th century, particularly in blues and rock ‘n’ roll. Sun Studio, founded in 1950, became the “Birthplace of Rock and Roll” and launched the careers of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and B.B. King. The city developed a rich musical legacy that continues today with live music on Beale Street and numerous museums honoring its heritage. Memphis also played a pivotal role in the civil rights movement, most notably with the 1968 sanitation workers’ strike led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Beale Street serves as the heart of Memphis entertainment, featuring live blues music, historic clubs, and street performers. The Graceland estate offers fans a chance to tour Elvis Presley’s mansion and grounds. The National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel documents the struggle for civil rights through powerful exhibits. Visitors can explore the Memphis Pink Palace Museum and Planetarium for local history and science displays, or head to the Stax Museum of American Soul Music to learn about Memphis’ soul music legacy.
The Memphis Zoo houses over 3,500 animals across themed exhibits including China and Tails from the Nile. The Orpheum Theatre hosts Broadway shows and live performances in a beautifully restored historic venue. The St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital campus includes the whimsical Danny Thomas Statue and gardens open to visitors. Mud Island River Park features a walkable scale model of the Mississippi River and a monorail. The Memphis College of Art gallery showcases local and regional artists in rotating exhibitions.
Tom Lee Park along the Mississippi River offers paved trails, scenic views, and outdoor fitness equipment. The Shelby Farms Park encompasses over 5,000 acres with hiking, biking, kayaking, and even a disc golf course. Cycling enthusiasts enjoy the Wolf River Greenway while bird watchers spot herons and egrets at Mississippi River terraces. The Lichterman Nature Center provides nature trails through gardens and wildlife habitats in an urban setting.
The best time to visit Memphis is spring and fall when temperatures are mild and outdoor festivals abound. April brings the Memphis in May festival with music, food, and cultural events. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F, but evening events on Beale Street stay cool. December visitors can enjoy Memphis’ holiday lights at Dixon Gallery and Gardens. Avoid late February when weather can be unpredictable and some attractions have limited hours.
Here are some of our recommended things to do while visiting Memphis. Take your pick!
The Memphis Zoo is a world-class zoological park located in Midtown Memphis within Overton Park, a 76-acre greenspace that has been home to the zoo since 1906. Founded with an initial investment of just $1,200 from the Memphis Park Commission, the z…
The National Civil Rights Museum stands as one of the most significant cultural institutions in the American South, chronicling the struggle for racial equality and human rights from the era of slavery through the modern day. Located at the historic…
Sun Studio stands as one of the most influential recording studios in music history, widely regarded as the Birthplace of Rock and Roll . Located at 706 Union Avenue in downtown Memphis, this modest brick building witnessed the creation of some of t…