Memphis Tennessee Travel Guide

Long known as the Birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Memphis is a favorite vacation destination for many travelers. Located in the southeast corner of Tennessee, Memphis entices visitors with its eclectic mix of Elvis sites, blues clubs, barbecue joints, museums and affordable Memphis TN hotels. Memphis is the type of city you experience, rather than simply visit.

Travelling to Memphis can be accomplished by air with the efficient Memphis International Airport (MEM); it's easy to search for Memphis, Tennessee hotels close to the airport on this City Guide! Many visitors drive as the city is easily accessible with I-55 and I-40 intersecting. Memphis exudes a relaxed, laid back attitude, attracting visitors for three day weekends and longer vacations as well.

Known as the home of Rock ‘n’ Roll legend Elvis Presley, Memphis is where you can explore the King’s home, Graceland Mansion. Explore the Jungle Room, the Trophy Building, the Meditation Garden, Elvis’ private jets, the Elvis Presley Automobile Museum and Sincerely Elvis Exhibit. Visit Sun Studio, the most famous recording studio in the world and see where it all began. Guided tours explain the history of rock ‘n’ roll and of this studio, launching place for the careers of Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis.

Beale Street is the place to party in Memphis with its many blues bars, restaurants serving mouth-watering BBQ and the Rock and Soul Museum which was created by the Smithsonian Institution. The street is pedestrian-friendly and is fun for a day or an evening. At times it can rival New Orleans’ Bourbon Street! While visiting Beale Street, wander over to the historic Peabody Hotel and watch the famous parade of ducks marching through the lobby. There are several hotels in the Beale Street area, making this a nice place to park your things while you walk the area and drive about the city.

The National Civil Rights Museum, housed in the Lorraine Motel, tells the story of the human rights struggles and victories. Take an afternoon stroll through the Memphis Botanic Garden which features 23 gardens on 96 acres. The Dixon Gallery and Gardens is a delightful setting to view over 2,000 paintings, sculptures and other art objects. The beautiful home, outstanding gardens and a collection of French Impressionist paintings were bequeathed over thirty years ago by generous art patrons, and the Gallery has continued to prosper and grow.

For family fun, Mud Island River Park offers a scale model of 954 miles of the Mississippi River, showing the cities along the way, kayaks and mountain bikes for rent, a Museum and an amphitheater for concerts. The Memphis Zoo is great for kids, too. For sports enthusiasts, the NBA Memphis Grizzlies play at the FedExForum. Look for other entertainment possibilities at this venue, including major concerts and the University of Memphis Tigers basketball games. Use the blue Attractions tab at the top of this page to search for hotels close to the Forum. You will be pleasantly surprised at some of the downright cheap rates you will find when you plan ahead.

A vacation in Memphis guarantees good food, good music and plenty of southern hospitality. Let OneTravelSource help you plan your Memphis adventure!