Why Go to Memphis
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
Memphis never stops grooving. Elvis's legacy echoes throughout the city, and live blues pours out of the clubs on Beale Street every night. Graceland is the big draw for many visitors, but Memphis is about far more than the King. Johnny Cash, B.B. King, Isaac Hayes and so many others shaped their sound here, and you can feel that history at Sun Studio, the Stax Museum of American Soul Music and the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum.
Memphis is also a powerful place to understand the civil rights movement. In 1968, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. came to Memphis to support striking Black sanitation workers, and on April 4 he was assassinated at the Lorraine Motel. Today, the motel is part of the National Civil Rights Museum, one of the most moving museums in the country.
And don't forget the food. Memphis is a barbecue capital, famous for dry-rub ribs and pulled pork, along with Southern classics like grits and fried chicken. Visit in spring or fall to avoid the summer heat, and catch the Peabody Hotel's famous duck march. I'll plan a music, history and barbecue weekend with Graceland tickets and a great hotel.
BEST FOR
Music lovers, history buffs, foodies and weekend travelers
BEST MONTHS
March–May and September–November
EXPLORE
Downtown includes Beale Street, the riverfront and the National Civil Rights Museum; Midtown has Overton Square and Cooper-Young, while East Memphis is more residential.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
Memphis
North America › Southeast › USA › Tennessee
Soul music, river heritage and Southern cooking
River
Music
BBQ
History
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Start a National Civil Rights Museum visit with enough time to engage with the exhibits, then save Beale Street for an evening music experience.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Reserve sufficient time for the exhibits; this is a reflective, emotionally significant visit.
National Civil Rights Museum
Located at the Lorraine Motel, this museum explores the American civil rights movement and the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Travel here separately from downtown sightseeing and check tour options in advance.
Graceland
Elvis Presley’s former home is the centerpiece of a larger museum experience about his career and life.
Tours have limited capacity; check current ticket procedures before arriving.
Sun Studio
This landmark recording studio helped launch the careers of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash and other pioneering musicians.
Come in the evening for the atmosphere and confirm venue entry rules.
Beale Street
The famous downtown music corridor offers blues clubs, live performances and neon-lit nightlife.
Music enthusiasts should pair this visit with Sun Studio for two distinct chapters of Memphis history.
Stax Museum of American Soul Music
On the original Stax Records site, exhibits celebrate the artists and sound of Memphis soul.
A landmark downtown hotel famous for its Peabody Duck March tradition. Its central location makes it convenient for Beale Street, riverfront sightseeing, and downtown dining; confirm the daily duck schedule and event-period parking.
The Peabody Memphis
Downtown / Union Avenue
Hotel Tags
This boutique hotel is set along South Main Street, an appealing area for galleries, restaurants, and visits to the National Civil Rights Museum. It suits travelers who enjoy exploring a neighborhood on foot rather than staying in the busier Beale Street corridor.
ARRIVE Memphis
South Main Arts District
Hotel Tags
Located in a historic rail-station setting in the South Main district, this hotel offers a distinctive Memphis base for music, food, and nearby arts attractions. It is a useful alternative to hotels immediately around Beale Street.
The Central Station Memphis, Curio Collection by Hilton
South Main / Central Station
Hotel Tags
A contemporary hotel directly on Beale Street, best suited to guests who prioritize live music and the downtown entertainment district. Expect a lively setting and check room placement or noise preferences when booking.
Hyatt Centric Beale Street Memphis
Downtown / Beale Street
Hotel Tags
A smaller hotel in Harbor Town on Mud Island, away from the busiest downtown nightlife. It appeals to guests seeking a calmer riverside setting; arrange transportation for Beale Street, Graceland, and museums farther away.
River Inn of Harbor Town
Mud Island / Harbor Town
Hotel Tags
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in Memphis
High 63°F · Low 44°F · Rain 4.8 in
Pleasant weather and the start of holiday events at Graceland.
Spring and fall often bring pleasant sightseeing weather. Summers are hot and humid; indoor museums make useful breaks from afternoon heat.
Best Times to Visit Memphis
WHEN TO GO
06
Driving and Museum Districts
A rental car helps connect Graceland, Midtown, East Memphis and other attractions. Plan parking for special events.
05
Taxis and Rideshares
Airport and Graceland trips often work best with a prearranged ride; check pickup points and return availability.
04
Downtown Walking
Beale Street, the riverfront and downtown museums can be explored in clusters on foot during daytime.
03
MATA Transit
Local MATA routes serve portions of Memphis, but visitor attractions are spread out. Confirm current bus and trolley operation.
02
Sightseeing by neighborhood
Start a National Civil Rights Museum visit with enough time to engage with the exhibits, then save Beale Street for an evening music experience.
01
Arriving & airport transfers
Memphis International Airport lies south of downtown. Downtown landmarks cluster around Main Street and Beale Street, but a car or rideshare is useful for Graceland, Midtown and the Stax Museum.
Memphis International Airport lies south of downtown. Downtown landmarks cluster around Main Street and Beale Street, but a car or rideshare is useful for Graceland, Midtown and the Stax Museum.
Getting Around Memphis