In this city, it almost feels like you can’t turn a corner without running into a bit of history. The 901 is full of spots where famous people, from civil rights activists to musicians, have roamed or made their names. Whether you’re looking for an educational day or simply want to plant your feet where illustrious others have stood, this part of Tennessee has a little of both. If you want to immerse yourself in the most prominent places in town, here are the best landmarks and historical sites to visit around Memphis.
Pro tip: Take the historic Memphis trolleys to get you from site to site!
Sun Studio
Take a tour around Sun Studio, a legendary recording spot turned museum close to downtown. They call this place “The Birthplace of Rock N Roll” for good reason – many big names recorded some of their first hits here, like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, B.B. King, and more.
Memphis Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel
To learn more about Memphis’ civil rights history and Martin Luther King, Jr., plan a day at the Civil Rights Museum. This historical site goes in-depth into this city’s history and struggles for equal rights, and it also serves as a reminder of how much further we still have to go. You can also take a walk to the nearby I Am A Man Plaza.
Graceland
The home of Elvis Presley is arguably one of the most famous homes in the country, and you can take a tour of his grounds, airplanes, and more when you visit. They’ve even recently expanded the area’s hotel, shops, and restaurants, so there’s no shortage of things to do here.
Beale Street
The landmark that inspired a song is Beale Street itself. This strip in downtown Memphis is full of shopping, dining, and more along with tons of history steeped right into it. You can also catch some amazing music and shows on this street where many big names have played before.
Stax Museum
Stax Museum is another musical landmark in this city that hosts tours and events. Originally Satellite Records, Stax became a recording studio and record shop that helped create acclaim for many notable greats like Otis Redding.
Memphis Zoo
The Memphis Zoo is one iconic site you won’t want to miss. It’s touted as one of the best zoos in the country, and with over 3500 animals to see, you can make a whole day of visiting this landmark. They’ve even got special events and exhibits, so check out their site to see what’s upcoming.
Memphis Museum of Science and History (Formerly Pink Palace)
The palace is still pink, but the name has changed to the Memphis Museum of Science and History, or MOSH. With a planetarium, nature center, and more, treat the family to an educational day that is anything but boring.
The Peabody
You may have heard of the Peabody ducks, but this historic hotel is also known for its glitz and glamour in downtown Memphis. Visit for their delicious food, extravagant lodging, or yes, even to watch the ducks twice a day on their walk to the famous fountain.
Victorian Village
Not far from Sun Studio is Memphis’ Victorian Village, an enclave of 19th-century mansions, some of which have been converted into museums, such as the Woodruff-Fontaine House and Mallory-Neely House. You can also stay or dine at some of these houses, and this is perfect for the traveler looking to step back into the Victorian era.
Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum
The Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum is a historic home with a profound past. It allowed safe passage for many wishing to escape slavery in the South, and now it’s a museum with 19th-century artifacts and furnishings, and it gives a look inside the underground railroad in Memphis.
