Activities & Attractions (26)
Dixon Gallery & Gardens
Art museum with Impressionist works amid 17-acre gardens
Memphis Botanic Garden
Stroll themed gardens, lakes, and paths; find a bench for quiet time and photography among flowers and trees.
Stax Museum of American Soul Music
Interactive exhibits on soul legends like Otis Redding (20-min drive from Graceland)
Beale Street Entertainment District
Stroll neon-lit streets, catch live blues, people-watch at bars
Big River Crossing & Riverfront Sunset
Walk part of the pedestrian bridge over the Mississippi for broad views, then return to the riverfront to watch sunset.
Broad Avenue Arts District Shopping
Galleries, boutiques, and murals (10-min drive)
Graceland
Self-guided tour of Elvis's home, planes, and exhibits
Graceland Mansion & Elvis Presley’s Memphis
Tour Elvis’s home, car museum, and exhibits; book a mid-morning entry and allow several hours including shuttle and grounds.
Memphis Brooks Museum of Art
American and European art collections in Overton Park area (short trolley ride)
Memphis Farmers Market
Fresh produce, crafts, and street food stalls (weekend focus)
Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum
Interactive music history from blues to rock
Memphis Rock ’n’ Soul Museum
Self-guided audio museum near FedExForum tracing the roots of rock and soul from sharecroppers to superstardom.
Memphis Zoo
Panda exhibit, aquarium, and shaded paths
Memphis Zoo (optional add-on)
If you enjoy zoos, spend a few hours exploring exhibits within Overton Park; otherwise extend your park and café time.
Mississippi Riverfront & Beale Street Landing
Walk the riverfront paths, watch barges float by, and photograph the bridges at golden hour; sit on the steps at Beale Street Landing.
National Civil Rights Museum
Powerful exhibits at Lorraine Motel tracing the Civil Rights Movement
National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel
Tour the powerful exhibits built around the site of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination; allow time to read, reflect, and see the preserved rooms.
Overton Park Old Forest & Greensward
Walk the shaded Old Forest Loop trail and relax on the open Greensward lawn; bring water and take it slow.
Peabody Ducks & Hotel Lobby
Arrive early for the afternoon duck march in the Peabody Hotel lobby, then linger to admire the historic interior and snap photos.
Shelby Farms Park
Rent bikes or walk 4,500-acre park with lake views (15-min drive)
Slave Haven / Burkle Estate Museum
Visit this lesser-known Underground Railroad site to learn about the escape routes and see preserved cellar spaces.
South Main Arts District Free Explore
Wander along South Main Street for galleries, murals, boutiques, and photo-friendly brick storefronts; pop into small shops and grab coffee.
South Main Historic District
Browse boutiques and admire Art Deco architecture
Spa at The Peabody
Couples massage or healing facial (book for midday; short trolley)
Sun Studio
Birthplace of rock 'n' roll with guided tours
Sun Studio Guided Tour
Take the iconic tour of the ‘Birthplace of Rock ’n’ Roll,’ where Elvis, Johnny Cash, and others recorded; shuttle runs from downtown.
Restaurants & Food (20)
Alchemy
Tapas and craft cocktails; try Southern charcuterie
Another Broken Egg Cafe
Fancy brunch like beignets and shrimp 'n grits
Bardog Tavern
Pub fare with local twists like BBQ nachos
Belly Acres (Overton Square)
Colorful burger spot with creative toppings, salads, and shakes in the heart of Overton Square.
Blue City Cafe
Blues bar with tamales and sandwiches
Blues City Cafe
Casual spot right on Beale known for ribs, catfish, and tamales; often buzzing before and after live shows.
Brother Juniper's
Artisan breakfast sandwiches and coffee; try the Southern Benedict
Bryant’s Breakfast
Classic Southern breakfast spot with biscuits, country ham, and big combo plates; go early to avoid lines.
Central BBQ
Memphis-style ribs and pulled pork; get the combo platter with sides
Central BBQ (Downtown)
Order pulled pork, ribs, or a BBQ sandwich with sides like mac and cheese and slaw; casual counter-service.
Chez Philippe
Light French salads post-spa
City Silo Table + Pantry
Health-conscious café with bowls, smoothies, and breakfast wraps, near the botanic garden area.
Dyer's Burgers
Classic diner burgers fried in century-old grease; try the burger and fries combo
Flight Restaurant and Wine Bar
Date-night spot offering ‘flights’ of small plates and wine samples so you can share and taste a variety.
Four Way Grill
Soul food staples like hot water cornbread and yams
French Truck Coffee (Downtown)
Bright café with quality coffee, pastries, and light breakfast items near many downtown hotels.
Gladys’ Diner (Graceland complex)
Casual 1950s-style diner inside the Graceland complex serving burgers, sandwiches, and simple plates.
Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken (Downtown)
Spicy, crispy fried chicken with sides like baked beans and slaw in a no-frills setting.
Imagine Vegan Cafe
Plant-based Southern soul food like jackfruit BBQ
Itta Bena
Cozy, semi-hidden restaurant above B.B. King’s with Southern-inspired dishes and a quieter, romantic ambiance.
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