Why visit Memphis? A vibrant, culturally diverse city with everything from a rich history to a booming arts scene. Memphis is always looking to the future while keeping its storied past sharply in focus. Looking for reasons to pay us a visit? We have a few ideas.
- American music history was made here. Few places in the country have a richer musical heritage than Memphis. Visit the Stax Museum to immerse yourself in the history of soul music, or drop by Sun Studios to see where Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash made the records that would change the course of music forever. You’ll understand why major artists like Bruno Mars and Justin Timberlake come here for inspiration.
- The Memphis food scene is exploding right now. Everybody knows we have great barbecue in these parts—a fact we’re happy to confirm—but there’s a lot more here for foodies that you might expect. Bursting with Cajun-influenced soul food, classic American comfort food, adventurous Asian restaurants, farm-to-table eateries and incredible vegan/vegetarian fare, Memphis’ food scene is growing every day, with new restaurants opening up all the time.
- You can walk across one of the largest rivers in North America. Connecting Memphis, Tennessee, to West Memphis, Arkansas, Big River Crossing offers spectacular views of the Mississippi River and the skyline. In addition to being the longest active bicycle/pedestrian bridge across the Mississippi, it connects to 10 miles of multi-use trails on either side.
- Southern hospitality is alive and well. You’re not likely to find a warmer and more welcoming place than Memphis. But don’t just take our word for it—”Travel & Leisure” ranked Memphis among the friendliest cities in America in 2016.
- Memphis was at the heart of the civil rights movement. Our city’s involvement in the struggle for civil rights is impossible to ignore. Today, as always, Memphis is an oasis of black-owned businesses and features a wide range of historic sites that tell the story of the city’s rich African-American history. Memphis is also home to the National Civil Rights Museum and the Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum.
- At Graceland, Elvis lives. An essential pilgrimage for rock ‘n’ roll fans, Graceland offers a chance to visit Elvis’ tomb, explore his fascinating life story and tour the house he lived in for years.
- You can enjoy live music practically any time. Stroll down Beale Street and you’re sure to be greeted by the sounds of blues, soul, R&B and rock ‘n’ roll pouring out of the countless bars, juke joints, music venues and nightclubs. Most nights, you can choose among dozens of live shows, many of them without a cover charge.
- It’s becoming a craft beer capital. Memphis’ growing craft beer scene is a surprise to many visitors, with local brewers like Ghost River Brewing Co., High Cotton Brewing Co. and Wiseacre Brewing Co. producing a steady stream of inventive new brews. Be sure to check out the annual Memphis Brewfest every spring!
- You can explore the outdoors. With ample river frontage and 60 miles of bike trails, Memphis has been named one of the best paddling towns in the U.S., as well as America’s most-improved bike city.
- The Memphis Zoo is high on just about everyone’s list of things to do in Memphis. With animal exhibits that feature creatures from Africa to China, offering a fun, interactive and educational wildlife adventure is what the Memphis Zoo is all about.
- Shelby Farms Park is 4,500 acres of open space with more than 10 miles of urban trail. More than a park, it is an experience and a community treasure.
- Beale Street has been dubbed “America’s most iconic street” and is the home of the blues. Trust us, make time to visit Beale Street.
- The Crystal Shrine Grotto offers visitors the opportunity to take a walk with life and death. Beauty, art and spiritual mysteries might be experienced here on the grounds of Memorial Park. If you are looking for places to visit in Memphis that are a little out of the ordinary, this could fit the bill.
- The National Civil Rights Museum is one of the top Memphis TN attractions, shining a spotlight on a part of history we must never forget.
- Gibson Guitar is legendary to the point that you don’t have to be a musician or even a music lover to have heard of it. Tour the factory and don’t just learn how guitars are made but how some of the most iconic guitars in the world are created.
- AutoZone Park and the Memphis Redbirds always offer a fun time and a real taste of the Memphis community. Come catch a game if you’re visiting during baseball season.
- The Blues Hall of Fame is a must-see for every music fan visiting the home of the blues!
- The Memphis climate may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Memphis, but our city’s annual average highs and lows of 72 degrees and 53 degrees respectively, are certainly attractive to many visitors!
If you are looking for food, fun, entertainment, friends or simply an experience of a lifetime, Memphis is the place to go. We always welcome visitors with Southern charm and a smile, and we’re never surprised when they choose to stay!
There are endless reasons to visit Memphis—seriously, we’ve barely scratched the surface—but the only real way to find out is to come and see for yourself. We hope to see you here soon!
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