10 Best Attractions in Memphis

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Filled with soul and character, Memphis has everything you want to make this city your next vacation destination with our 10 best attractions for everyone.

Our home state of Florida has tons of things to do, but on this road trip, we decided to join my husband as he had to work in Memphis. My boys and I decided to make the most of it so we planned just about everything before we left our home of what we were going to see and do. These are the 10 best attractions we found in Memphis, Tennessee!

Elvis’ Birthplace

Since we were on a road trip, we found that this stop was on our way to Memphis. We already had Graceland, where Elvis lived, on the list so why not stop by his birthplace? It just made sense. If you have time, Tupelo, MS is about 1.5 hours away from Memphis. If you’re driving through, definitely make this a stop. It won’t take you more than 1 hour to see everything here. It will give you a better sense of how Elvis grew up and how it lead to his road to fame, especially when it all comes together when you visit Graceland.

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We did not have time to go through the museum so we did not purchase tickets. However, you can walk through and still see a lot. The house Elvis grew up in is very humble. It gives you a great appreciation on how far he went.

Bass Pro Shop

When in Memphis, if you see a large pyramid, it’s not aliens invading the city. It is a Bass Pro Shop gone futuristic. Its architecture is amazing, to say the least. Make sure you at least stop in and take a look around. There are a couple of restaurants you can dine in, where we ate lunch one day named Uncle Buck’s Fishbowl and Grill and it is also connected to the Big Cypress Lodge, which is a beautiful hotel.

You have the option to ride the elevator all the way to the top for a fee, but we did not. There is another spot that I will talk about later in which you can get just as much of a wonderful view without paying.

Our boys were having fun exploring all that this store has to offer. Ladies, if you want to make your husband and sons happy, this is the perfect place for them to spend some time. Meanwhile, you could be getting a cup of coffee, relax, and watch the fish!

Beale Street

Beale Street in Memphis is named Home of the Blues. When people hear Memphis, they think of Beale Street first because it is the most touristy and iconic street there. There is so much soul on Beale Street! For families with young children, in my opinion, it is best to go during the day. Beale Street is mainly a street sectioned off primarily for nightclubs and restaurants. There is often entertainment on the streets such as dance performers. Furthermore, if you want to hear good music, this is the place!

Graceland

(The following photos of Graceland were taken by me, but I was given permission from the Public Relations department at Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. © to use for this post)

If you are an Elvis fan or are curious about what made Elvis the rock and roll legend he still is today, this is a must see. You will be amazed at how much you actually take away from this visit! I learned so much about him in just this tour alone. There are many tour options to choose from, but we chose the “2018 Elvis Experience Tour” option. I tried to narrow down the photos to just one photo of each room of his estate because I took SO many.

Once you get there you will notice that Graceland is not where you first enter to get your tickets even though the sign says “Welcome to Graceland.” Graceland the actual estate and is across the street where they will take you via a small bus. The place where you get your tickets is where most of Elvis’ memorabilia such as his cars and wardrobe is located.

Graceland Estate

10 best attraction in memphis — The Living Room. The piano in the background is where he would often play his songs.

No one is allowed to go upstairs. His family wants to keep it private.

This is the dining room. At times the Presley family still comes and dines here on special occasions.

The kitchen. Take note of the surveillance camera on the right.

The jungle room. The tour told us that Lisa Marie would spend a lot of her time practicing guitar on this chair when she was younger.

Elvis loved his horses. He had plenty of room in the backyard for them.

The swimming pool. He must have had A LOT of parties & family get-togethers here!

In his backyard is a solemn place where Elvis, his mom, dad, grandmother, and twin baby brother are buried. I never knew Elvis had a twin until this day that we visited!

Memorabilia

Elvis’ Vehicles

Record Collection (this was just 1 of many)

Elvis’ Wardrobe

Memphis Zoo

The Memphis Zoo is literally perfect for all ages! It’s great for children because they love animals. It’s great for adults because, well, we love animals. If you’re worried about all the walking, say no more. The zoo tram will take you for a tour of the entire zoo for just $2 per person all day! (Check the website for date exclusions). It is also rated in the top 10 things to do in Memphis with TripAdvisor.

These are some of my favorite animals that I saw while on my adventure at this zoo.

Metal Museum

Don’t pass this one up if you’re visiting Memphis! If you’re not into metal art, you’ll still want to visit here because it has stunning views, beautiful grounds, and it is unique. It is a hidden gem that overlooks the Mississippi River. As you park, you will notice signs leading up to the entrance with grandeur trees.

All the decor is very ornate and this one reason why I love this place. The designs are intricate and made with precision. Once you’ve entered the gate, you’ll first notice the gorgeous home on your left. That is the entrance to the indoor museum.

The art pieces are everywhere. Art is not just behind rope and glass cases with good lighting. The art pieces are the actual doors, windows, molding, frames…everywhere! This beautiful door is one I wish I could have taken home with me.

I hope you got the hint above when I said “the indoor museum” because there are certainly art pieces outside, too! The landscape is picturesque and is very inviting and on this day it was absolutely beautiful.

The Metal Museum is also a wonderful place to have a special event such as a wedding. As we made our way around, we headed down toward the river and noticed this very cute gazebo overlooking the river.

We sat, breathed and took in the view of the Memphis-Arkansas Bridge. It’s cool to think that if you just drive over the bridge you’re already in Arkansas! This is a great place to sit and contemplate life.

Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum

This museum holds so much history. This would be a great place for your teenager to learn the history, sights, and sounds of past eras when it comes to the history of music.

If you’re staying in downtown Memphis near Beale Street, this might in walking distance to your hotel. We were staying at the Peabody Memphis, so it was definitely close to us.

These are some of my favorites.

Jukebox styles!

National Civil Rights Museum

Ever since being in school, I’m sure you studied about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the civil right movement. However, visiting this museum puts everything into perspective and being at the very place that he was murdered is a very somber moment. This would be a perfect museum to visit with older children.

While we were there, it was the 50th anniversary since Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. had passed away.

The Lorraine Motel has since been converted to what is now the museum and across the street is another portion of the museum.

This is a view from the balcony where some of his friends were standing. Just to the right of the wreath facing the street is where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was standing when he was shot from the building across the street.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Motel Room

The door to the left leads to the balcony where he was shot. It was a sad day in history.

Across the street is the building that houses more memorabilia and the window where the shot came from (a bathroom). From the sniper’s view, you can see what the distance was to where the wreath is today.

“The time is always right to do what is right.”

-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Sun Studio

Sun Studio is known as “the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll.” Many music legends that we know of about today, thrived and were discovered in this very studio. When you walk into this studio, it’s not physically big, but it sure feels BIG! Our tour guide was wonderful in explaining everything there is to know about who walked in these doors and who sang in this studio and everything in between.

Inside The Recording Studio

Our tour guide played some piano and he was really good! The acoustics in here, of course, is great!

Behind me is where all the action happened while the singer on the microphone and the band did their thing. By the way, Elvis Presley among others really did sing into THIS microphone.

Our tour guide told us that at one point, Elvis stood where this x on the floor is today.

This drum set has been played by several famous people. Our son, the drummer, was able to soak in some nostalgia.

Almost everything in this room is authentic and used by several famous musicians. I was able to sit exactly where Elvis sat. Take a look at the picture behind me. Same walls – same location!

Woodruff-Fontaine House Museum

Rich history lives in this house. Aside from it being absolutely stunning inside and out, it is also creepy to think of that if these walls could talk, they would have a lot to say! The French Victorian house has many rooms with intricate architecture and collections. This house is said to come alive at night with haunted happenings and ghost tours.

This is the front door from the inside. The colors are beautiful!

Staircases

This is a closer photo of the staircase window. Check out the colors on the sides of the window. Everything about this is gorgeous.

Once you get all the way to the top of this 3 story house (not counting the basement & attic), you will see a circular window that you can see out of into the front yard.

The people who built this house in 1870 wrote on wood beams on the top floor.

Meet The Woodruff’s/Fontaine’s

During your tour, you will be given an extensive history lesson of the family members that lived and died here and the relation between the Woodruff family and the Fontaine family. It is quite interesting!

Rooms, Collections, and Fashion

This house has 16 rooms and it houses an extensive line of fashion from its time period.

This courting bench was popular in the Victorian era. It was a way for dating couples to sit closer without touching. It is also called the tête-à-tête, “head-to-head” and we now know it as the earliest introduction to the loveseat.