Relaxed and a little quirky, Memphis is a city shaped by music, where the vibe often feels like a step back in time. Whether you’re walking the cobblestone streets downtown or grabbing a drink in a cozy Midtown dive, echoes of the past linger everywhere. It’s easy to picture a young BB King roaming Beale Street with his guitar or Elvis Presley electrifying fans at the Overton Park Shell. The legends of Otis Redding and Isaac Hayes still feel present near Stax Records, just as Johnny Cash’s legacy lives on at Sun Studio.
Music history pulses through the city. While Graceland draws crowds as a flashy tribute to the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Memphis offers deeper, more authentic musical experiences. Visitors can dance, explore, and truly engage with the city’s soulful rhythm. Among the most memorable things to do in Memphis are those that keep its iconic sound alive and vibrant.
1. Honor History at a Powerful Landmark
Pay your respects at the National Civil Rights Museum, a moving tribute to the ongoing struggle for equality. Housed in the former Lorraine Motel—where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was tragically assassinated in 1968—the museum is both a historic landmark and a powerful storytelling space.
A wreath still marks the infamous balcony, while inside, exhibits trace the history of the civil rights movement with intensity and impact. To fully understand the city’s role in shaping national history, this is one of the most essential things to do in Memphis Tennessee.
2. Experience the Soul of Memphis on Beale Street
Beale Street is the heart of Memphis’ music scene, pulsing with the sound of live blues every night. Each January, it draws global attention during the International Blues Challenge, where musicians compete in a thrilling four-day showdown. The best way to explore? Simply wander. Beale is lined with lively bars, restaurants, and juke joints, each offering a unique vibe. Catch big names at BB King’s Blues Club or the Rum Boogie Cafe, and don’t miss hidden gems like Blues Hall or The Pig on Beale. For music lovers, this is one of the most iconic things to do in Memphis Tennessee.
3. Step Into Rock ’n’ Roll History at Sun Studio
Just a short distance from Beale Street, Sun Studio on Union Avenue is where rock ’n’ roll was born. Founded by Sam Phillips, this legendary studio captured the spirit of the Delta blues and helped shape modern music. A tour of Sun Studio offers a deep dive into music history, with every corner holding a story—from the microphone Elvis once used to the piano played by Jerry Lee Lewis.
One of its most prized artifacts is a simple 1951 vinyl labeled “Rocket 88,” considered the first rock ’n’ roll record ever made. Though it lacks a famous name, its impact is enormous. Visitors walk in the footsteps of icons like Johnny Cash and Carl Perkins, soaking in the legacy that started here. For music lovers and history buffs alike, touring Sun Studio is one of the most unforgettable things to do in Memphis Tennessee.
4. Uncover Culture and Cuisine in Midtown Memphis
Midtown Memphis blends arts, entertainment, and dining into one vibrant neighborhood. Catch a live performance at Hattiloo Theatre, the region’s only freestanding Black repertory theater, or enjoy a show at the historic Playhouse on the Square. For dance lovers, Ballet Memphis offers breathtaking productions year-round.
Surrounding Overton Square is a dynamic food and drink scene—favorites like The Second Line, Complicated Pilgrim, and Boscos Restaurant & Brewing Company provide flavors that go far beyond barbecue. End your evening with craft cocktails and sweeping views at Tiger and Peacock, the rooftop bar atop The Memphian hotel. Exploring Midtown is one of the most enriching things to do in Memphis Tennessee for culture and culinary lovers alike.
Recommended 6 Best Hiking Locations In San Diego To Transform Your Outdoor Experience
5. Discover the Soulful Legacy of Soulsville
Just south of downtown lies Soulsville, a neighborhood with deep musical roots rivaling those of Beale Street. Once home to Stax Records, the Southern answer to Motown, Soulsville produced legendary artists like Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, and Booker T. & the MG’s. In just 15 years, Stax generated 167 Top 100 hits, all powered by a groundbreaking, racially integrated house band.
Today, the Stax Museum of American Soul Music stands on the original studio site. Visitors can explore exhibits that celebrate soul music’s golden age and its influence on the civil rights movement. Immersing yourself in the stories and sounds of this neighborhood is among the most inspiring things to do in Memphis. For music lovers and history buffs, Soulsville offers one of the most culturally significant things to do in Memphis.
Local Tip: After your visit, grab a hearty meal at The Four Way Soul Food Restaurant or enjoy a fun workout at the nonprofit Memphis Rox climbing gym.
6. Walk in the Footsteps of The King at Graceland
Graceland, the former home of Elvis Presley, remains one of the most iconic things to do in Memphis. Decades after his passing, fans from around the world still flock to this legendary estate, where Elvis and several family members are laid to rest. The expansive 200,000-square-foot entertainment complex gives a fascinating look into the life and legacy of one of music’s biggest icons.
Inside, you’ll find exhibits showcasing Elvis’s cars, costumes, and memorabilia. Want to elevate your visit? Graceland also features a full-scale live music venue, Graceland Live, and The Guest House at Graceland—a four-star luxury hotel just steps from the mansion. Among all the things to do in Memphis Tennessee, few offer the mix of nostalgia, glamor, and rock history quite like this one.
Planning Tip: Just around the corner, don’t miss Hernando’s Hide-A-Way—a historic rockabilly bar once favored by Elvis and Jerry Lee Lewis, now revived with live music and hearty Southern fare.
7. Feel the Vibe of South Main After Dark
For a memorable night out, head to the South Main Arts District, a lively neighborhood just a couple of blocks from the Mississippi River. Once a warehouse hub, this area now boasts some of the top weekend nightlife and ranks high on the list of things to do in Memphis. Enjoy scenic rooftop cocktails at Beck & Call, sip small-batch brews at Wiseacre Brewing Co., or dig into smoky ribs at Central BBQ. With a variety of dive bars and cocktail lounges scattered throughout, South Main offers the perfect mix of local flavor and festive energy. Whether you’re bar-hopping or simply soaking in the artsy atmosphere, this vibrant neighborhood delivers one of the most fun things to do in Memphis Tennessee.
Local Tip: Don’t miss Earnestine & Hazel’s—a legendary dive bar featuring live horns and classic rock ‘n’ soul. Head upstairs to Nate’s Bar, a hidden gem run by Nate Barnes in a space with a colorful past.
8. Feed a Giraffe at the Memphis Zoo
The Memphis Zoo, founded in 1906, offers an unforgettable experience for animal lovers of all ages. Known for its unique themed exhibits, the zoo features Teton Trek, which mimics Yellowstone’s Old Faithful Lodge, and a replica African fishing village in Primate Canyon. Families can enjoy sea lion shows in a 500-seat theater, visit the hands-on farmhouse, and ride the miniature train. One of the most memorable things to do in Memphis is hand-feeding a giraffe—an up-close encounter that delights kids and adults alike while showcasing the zoo’s dedication to animal care and immersive learning.
9. Explore the Iconic Memphis Pyramid
A striking landmark on the Mississippi Riverfront, the Memphis Pyramid is anything but ordinary. Once a sports arena, it now houses a massive Bass Pro Shops store filled with outdoor gear, a bowling alley, restaurants, and even an indoor swamp with live fish. Visitors can ride the glass elevator to the rooftop observation deck for sweeping river views. It’s one of the most unusual and entertaining things to do in Memphis Tennessee, blending quirky architecture with fun, family-friendly attractions in a setting unlike any other.
10. Cruise the Mighty Mississippi River
Memphis was built along the banks of the mighty Mississippi River, and one of the most scenic things to do in Memphis is to hop aboard a riverboat cruise. These relaxing rides offer stunning views of the city skyline and historic riverfront, providing a fresh perspective on Memphis’s origins. Whether you choose a narrated sightseeing tour or a dinner cruise with live music, the experience captures the charm and history of the region. It’s a peaceful yet engaging way to connect with the city’s past and soak in its river culture.
11. Watch the Famous Peabody Ducks March
Located in the heart of downtown, the historic Peabody Hotel offers one of the quirkiest and most beloved things to do in Memphis Tennessee. Every day, a group of trained ducks parades down a red carpet from their rooftop home to the hotel’s grand lobby fountain. This charming ritual, known as the Peabody Duck March, draws crowds of visitors and locals alike. Best of all, it’s completely free to watch. Even if you’re not staying at the hotel, witnessing this time-honored tradition is a lighthearted and memorable Memphis experience for all ages.
