Memphis

Memphis

The legendary home of the blues, soul, and rock 'n' roll along the mighty Mississippi River.

Best time
April – June, September – October
Duration
2–3 days
Avg. budget
$175 / day
Scenic score
5 / 10
Camping score
4 / 10

Reservations · Low

Attraction Entry and Performance Ticket Considerations

While most public monuments in Memphis do not require permits, major attractions like Graceland utilize timed-entry tickets that should be purchased online to ensure availability. The National Civil Rights Museum also recommends advance booking during holiday weekends. Note that restaurant reservations for popular barbecue spots are rarely accepted, so prepare for local wait times.

Check official reservation info

Fly in · nearest airport

MEMMemphis

Frederick W. Smith International Airport · 20 min drive

Find flights to MEM

Partner link · Aviasales

Where you'll want to sleep

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Checks availability with the partner directly — not a confirmed booking on our end.

Camping en Busa.jpg, illustrative accommodation photoIllustrative · Domenicaachig · CC0Outside the park · easier to book

Campsites near Memphis on Campspot

Campground

Best for: Tent camping

Private campgrounds, cabins and glamping just outside the park, often with availability when park sites sell out.

Est. from $35/night · estimateCheck availabilityPartner link · Campspot

Vrbo

Cabins & vacation rentals near Memphis

  • Whole-home cabins and mountain lodges
  • Kitchens, fire pits and room for the crew
  • Pick dates on Vrbo for live prices
See cabins on Vrbo

Expedia

Hotels & lodges near Memphis

  • Hotels in nearby gateway towns
  • Resorts, inns and last-minute rooms
  • Easy to pair with flights and cars
See hotels on Expedia

Photos are illustrative, not actual listings. Opens Vrbo's or Expedia's own search. Minialife may earn a commission on bookings, at no extra cost to you.

Traveling by RV near Memphis?

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Partner link · Harvest Hosts

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RVs, campervans & cars near MEM

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Checks availability with the partner directly — not a confirmed booking on our end.

A little structure. Plenty of freedom.

3 days in Memphis

  1. 01

    Blues Heritage and Civil Rights

    Suggested: 9:00 AM from Beale Street

    • National Civil Rights Museum

      Built at the site of the Lorraine Motel, this museum tracks the history of the American Civil Rights Movement.

    • Beale Street Historic District

      Walk the iconic neon-lit street during the day to visit the W.C. Handy House Museum and local music landmarks.

    Allow 30 minutes for downtown transit; walking is feasible between these central sites.

    Beale Street has security checkpoints and age restrictions on certain evenings.

  2. 02

    Musical Legends and the Mighty Mississippi

    Suggested: 9:30 AM from the Medical District

    • Sun Studio

      Take a guided tour of the recording studio where rock and roll was pioneered by artists like Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash.

    • Big River Crossing

      Walk across the Harahan Bridge for panoramic views of the Mississippi River and the Memphis skyline.

    Allow 1 hour for cross-city travel; conditions vary during weekday rush hours.

    Sun Studio tours often sell out early in the day; arrive early to secure a slot.

  3. 03

    Rock n' Soul History

    Suggested: 10:00 AM from Elvis Presley Blvd

    • Graceland

      Tour the mansion and grounds of the Elvis Presley estate, including the Meditation Garden and car museum.

    • Stax Museum of American Soul Music

      Located at the original site of Stax Records, this museum celebrates the legacy of soul music legends.

    Allow 45 minutes to travel between Whitehaven and the Soulsville neighborhood.

    Allot at least four hours for a comprehensive visit to the Graceland complex.

Your first two hours

After arriving at MEM, a 20-minute drive north brings you to downtown. Pick up supplies at the grocery stores in Midtown before checking into your hotel.

The right vehicle

Standard sedans are ideal for city driving. RVs may find downtown parking challenging; look for designated lots near Mud Island or Graceland.

Chase the light

Martyrs' Park overlooking the Hernando de Soto Bridge; evening illumination varies by season.

Plan your road trip

From Frederick W. Smith International Airport

20 min

about 10 miles by car · times vary with traffic and road closures

Get directions

Airport-to-destination drive; sightseeing stops are separate markers.

Stays near the end of your drive

Know before you go

Downtown Garages

The garage at Peabody Place is central for downtown exploring. Avoid leaving valuables in vehicles even in paid, monitored lots.

City Connectivity

Signal is robust across the metro area. Use local Wi-Fi in the South Main Arts District for transit updates.

Suburban Corridors

Fuel stations are plentiful along I-240 and Poplar Avenue. Prices are generally lower away from the immediate downtown core.

The Peabody Ducks

The daily march at The Peabody Memphis occurs at 11 AM and 5 PM. Arrive at least thirty minutes early to secure a view in the lobby.

Riverfront Pedestrians

Mud Island Park access can change based on river levels and seasonal maintenance. Check the city park's website for bridge walk status.

The moments you came for

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