The Top Five Things to Do in Memphis

Saturday, November 7th, 2009 at 9:59 am

Elvis Classic poster print RARE Memphis is the largest city in Tennessee, USA and is in the southwest of the state. It’s on the mighty Mississippi river and is the second largest metropolitan area in Tennessee, with only Nashville being bigger. It is well known because of its’ famous resident, Elvis Presley and of course he will get the first mention here – but there are also other wonderful things to see in Memphis. Here is our guide to the Top Five tourist attractions in Memphis.

#1. Graceland

The stately home of the King, Elvis Presley is at 3717 Elvis Presley Blvd, in the Graceland area of Memphis.

Graceland was built in 1939 and bought by Elvis in 1957. Not surprisingly, it’s the second most popular visitor attraction in the whole of America with only the White House beating it. Every year, thousands of visitors flock to see how their idol lived and where he died.

His private jets (Lisa Marie and Hound Dog II) are on view as are his cars and motor cycles. The Elvis Presley Automobile Museum features a 1955 pink Cadillac and a 1956 purple Cadillac convertible among many others.

‘Sincerely Elvis’ is a collection of his personal possessions, including gold records and outfits that he wore on stage. His grave is in the Meditation Garden.

If you would like to save money on tickets, you can buy a Music Attraction Discount Pass here.

Opening Hours and Admission: ducts for Graceland

Mar – May: Mon-Sat 9am-5pm; Sun 10am-4pm

Jun – Oct: Mon-Sat 9am-5pm; Sun 9am-4pm

Nov: Daily 10am-4pm

Dec – Feb: Wed-Mon 10am-4pm

Adult $27 – $68
Senior (62+) $24.30 – $68
Student $24.30 – $68
Child (13-18) $24.30 – $68
Child (7-12) $10 – $68

#2. Mud Island River Park

This beautiful park is at 125 N Front St, in downtown Memphis.

In the early 1900’s, a 52 acre island rose out of the Mississippi river and this park takes full advantage of that island. There is a lot to see, including the Mississippi River Museum. This follows the development of the river and the towns and culture that sprang up along it’s path. A scale model of the Mississippi, called River Walk, lets you walk its southern part over a 5 block area which is manageable and fun for children too. There is an amphitheater where many top musicians play.

A monorail offers a roundtrip and great views as well as a chance to rest your feet! If you have some energy to burn, you can hire bikes and pedal boats. There are also restaurants and gift shops, making this the perfect venue for a day out that all the family will enjoy.

Opening Hours and Admission

Mid Apr – Late May: Tue-Sun 10am-5pm

Late May – Aug: Tue-Sun 10am-6pm

Sep – Oct: Tue-Sun 10am-5pm

Park Admission: Free

Museum, Roundtrip Monorail, & River Walk Tour:

Adult $8
Senior (60+) $6
Child (5-11) $5
Child (4 and under) Free
Roundtrip Monorail Ride; $4

#3. Memphis Zoo

This state of the art zoo is at 2000 Galloway Ave, Overton Park, in midtown Memphis.

It is home to over 50 endangered species as well as more than 500 species of creatures from all over the world. There is something to please everyone, with mammals, reptiles, birds, amphibians as well as fish and insects. The zoo has provided authentic habitats which make it the perfect place for you and your children to learn more about wild animals and their protection. Don’t miss the Giant Pandas! There are special exhibits too – Cat Country, Primate Canyon, Animals of the Night and the intriguing Dragon’s Lair. If the children need a change, there are seasonal rides and if they run out of steam there is a tram to ride. When you’re ready for a break there is a café and gift shop.

Opening Hours and Admission

Mar – Oct: Daily 9am-6pm;

Nov – Feb: Daily 9am-5pm

Adult (12-59) $13
Senior (60+) $12
Child (2-11) $8;

Parking $3

#4. Beale Street Historic District

Beale Street Historic District can be found at 203 Beale St, in downtown Memphis.

This was once the headquarters of ‘Father of the Blues’, W.C. Handy. It has museums, theaters, restaurants and a plethora of amazing shops. If the pace gets too hectic, head for a relaxing listening room, or watch the street performers. If you want some night life, visit one of the many dance clubs. Thee is also a Main Trolley Art Tour, which is free and on the last Friday of every month, you can take a free streetcar for a ride downtown through the South part of the Historic district. This area has to be on every visitor’s list of must-see’s.

#5. National Civil Rights Museum

This museum is built at the Lorraine Motel, where the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr was assassinated on April 4^th 1968, at 450 Mulberry St, in downtown Memphis.

As if that wasn’t moving enough, there is a replica of his Birmingham jail cell as well as one of the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, where the “the last great parade” took place. There are a host of audio visual programs and interesting exhibits that describe the amazing movement led by King in the 1960’s.

Please note that this area is perfectly safe during the day but not so safe after 10pm.

Opening Hours and Admission

Jun – Aug: Mon-Sat 9am-6pm; Sun 1pm-6pm

Sep – May: Mon-Sat 9am-5pm; Sun 1pm-5pm