Memphis has earned a spot as one of the fastest-rising travel destinations in the country, according to Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards. The Bluff City ranked among the top five “on-the-up” cities in the U.S., based on a surge in positive reviews over the past year.
The “Top Trending Destinations” list highlights locations experiencing significant growth in traveler ratings. Rankings are determined by Tripadvisor’s user reviews collected over a 12-month period.
“Memphis is a pilgrimage for music lovers seeking the birthplace of blues, soul, and rock ‘n’ roll,” Tripadvisor noted. “On Beale Street, W.C. Handy penned the first written blues music. Sun Records, where legends like Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Johnny Cash recorded, now stands as a historic museum. Graceland, the second most-visited home in America, continues to attract visitors from across the globe eager to experience the life of ‘the King.’”
Out of Tripadvisor’s eight million listings, only 1% earn the prestigious “Best of the Best” designation.
West Palm Beach, Florida, claimed the top spot on the trending list, followed by Santa Barbara, California; Cleveland, Ohio; and Kansas City, Missouri. Memphis was the only Mid-South city featured. However, Nashville secured the No. 6 spot on Tripadvisor’s overall “Top Destinations” list.
Beyond its deep musical roots, Memphis was recognized for its dynamic food scene, lively nightlife, and favorable climate.
“[Memphis] offers much more than music,” Tripadvisor added. “With more sunny days per year than Miami, incredible dining—don’t miss the barbecued ribs—vibrant art galleries, and an electric nightlife, there’s something for everyone.”
Among the must-see attractions, Tripadvisor highlighted Graceland, the National Civil Rights Museum, and Sun Studio. According to MBJ research, these three sites collectively welcomed nearly six million visitors in 2023.
