Memphis Things To Do – Attractions & Must See

Memphis Things To Do

When it comes to American culture, especially in music, Memphis is one of the most important cities in American history. Located on the banks of the Mississippi River, the music of that city helped shape the sound of blues and soul music for years to come. It is also the home of Graceland where legendary Elvis Presley lived. Visitors today can get a taste of this and more when they experience all of the things to do in Memphis.

Visit Graceland

Elvis passed away in the seventies, but his home still stands today. It is now a museum that chronicles his unprecedented musical career. Many Elvis enthusiasts visit Memphis every year specifically with the intention of visiting Graceland to pay homage to their hero. Even those that aren’t Elvis historians should check out Graceland. It’s an iconic piece of American musical history.

Beale Street

Memphis is considered by many to be the home of the blues. Many of the delta’s best guitarists moved to the city to get their shot at fame in the blues genre. Most of them did so playing on Beale Street. One particularly interesting spot to visit on the street is the former home of W.C. Handy, the father of the blues and one of the most important songwriters in American history. The two bedroom home where he raised his six children still stands today as a museum that can be toured throughout the week. The best time of year to visit Beale Street is during the annual festival.

The Civil Rights Museum

Memphis is just as important when it comes to civil rights history as it is with music. The National Civil Rights Museum is housed in what used to be the Lorraine Motel, the site of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. The hotel has been preserved to be exactly how it was on on the day the MLK was shot there. The tour of the museum is quite fascinating as it even includes a tour of the boarding house across the street where James Early Ray took the shot that killed him.

The Memphis Pyramid

You probably wouldn’t believe that the third tallest pyramid in the world is located in Tennessee, but it is. The pyramid is actually taller than the Statue of Liberty. It has been used for multiple purposes over the years, most notably as the home of the Memphis Grizzlies of the NBA.

Mud Island

You shouldn’t spend time in Memphis without spending some time at the Mississippi River. One great place to do so is at the Mud Island Museum. Located conveniently in the center of town, the museum is accessible to anyone staying near the downtown city center. In the summer, the amphitheater hosts free concerts. Many people’s favorite activities at Mud Island is to simply take a stroll along the river walk.

Editor’s note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about things to do in Memphis, Tennessee.