Memphis
Trip to

Memphis

49 picks

Savor soulful vibes, BBQ bliss, and bluesy romance in Memphis

WeekvacationSoulfulHistoricMusical

Highlights

Dive into live music and neon-lit energy on the world's most famous street

Tour Elvis Presley's opulent mansion and feel the King's enduring spirit

Reflect deeply at the poignant National Civil Rights Museum

Stroll 100 acres of lush gardens for peaceful nature immersion

Witness the charming daily ritual of ducks parading through this historic hotel

Where to Stay

3 picks

The Peabody Memphis
STAY

The Peabody Memphis

Iconic luxury hotel with famous duck march, rooftop pool, and spa services

Hu. Hotel Memphis
STAY

Hu. Hotel Memphis

Boutique property with yoga classes, fitness center, and plush rooms

Talbot Heirs Hotel
STAY

Talbot Heirs Hotel

Charming historic B&B with gardens, spa services, and intimate couple suites

Where to Eat

19 picks

Dyer's Burgers
EAT

Dyer's Burgers

Classic diner burgers fried in century-old grease; try the burger and fries combo

Central BBQ
EAT

Central BBQ

Memphis-style ribs and pulled pork; get the combo platter with sides

Rum Boogie Cafe
EAT

Rum Boogie Cafe

Live music venue with gumbo and BBQ ribs; lively atmosphere

Brother Juniper's
EAT

Brother Juniper's

Artisan breakfast sandwiches and coffee; try the Southern Benedict

EAT

The Gray Canary

Oysters and Southern small plates; share the seafood tower

Imagine Vegan Cafe
EAT

Imagine Vegan Cafe

Plant-based Southern soul food like jackfruit BBQ

EAT

Grumpy Bertha's

Comfort breakfast with biscuits and gravy; cozy vibe

Vernon's Smokehouse at Graceland
EAT

Vernon's Smokehouse at Graceland

BBQ ribs and brisket on-site; quick and thematic

Four Way Grill
EAT

Four Way Grill

Soul food staples like hot water cornbread and yams

EAT

Coffee Cafe

Soul food breakfast like grits and catfish plates

Bardog Tavern
EAT

Bardog Tavern

Pub fare with local twists like BBQ nachos

Alchemy
EAT

Alchemy

Tapas and craft cocktails; try Southern charcuterie

The Majestic Grille
EAT

The Majestic Grille

Elevator-to-table diner with biscuits and omelets

Soul Fish Market
EAT

Soul Fish Market

Fried catfish po'boys and hushpuppies

Paulette's Restaurant
EAT

Paulette's Restaurant

French-Memphis fusion like rack of lamb

Another Broken Egg Cafe
EAT

Another Broken Egg Cafe

Fancy brunch like beignets and shrimp 'n grits

Chez Philippe
EAT

Chez Philippe

Light French salads post-spa

Blue City Cafe
EAT

Blue City Cafe

Blues bar with tamales and sandwiches

EAT

Treadwell

Farm-to-table sandwiches and salads

What to Do

19 picks

DO

Peabody Duck March & Hotel Tour

Watch the 11 AM duck parade and explore elegant architecture and history

National Civil Rights Museum
DO

National Civil Rights Museum

Powerful exhibits at Lorraine Motel tracing the Civil Rights Movement

Beale Street Entertainment District
DO

Beale Street Entertainment District

Stroll neon-lit streets, catch live blues, people-watch at bars

Memphis Botanic Garden
DO

Memphis Botanic Garden

100 acres of gardens, sensory trail, and peaceful Japanese garden

Dixon Gallery & Gardens
DO

Dixon Gallery & Gardens

Art museum with Impressionist works amid 17-acre gardens

DO

Overton Park & Old Forest Trail

Easy nature walk in urban forest with fitness paths

Graceland
DO

Graceland

Self-guided tour of Elvis's home, planes, and exhibits

Stax Museum of American Soul Music
DO

Stax Museum of American Soul Music

Interactive exhibits on soul legends like Otis Redding (20-min drive from Graceland)

Memphis Brooks Museum of Art
DO

Memphis Brooks Museum of Art

American and European art collections in Overton Park area (short trolley ride)

DO

Victorian Village Walking Tour

Self-guided stroll of preserved 19th-century mansions

Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum
DO

Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum

Interactive music history from blues to rock

Memphis Farmers Market
DO

Memphis Farmers Market

Fresh produce, crafts, and street food stalls (weekend focus)

South Main Historic District
DO

South Main Historic District

Browse boutiques and admire Art Deco architecture

DO

Trolley Tour & Riverfront Stroll

Hop-on trolley to Mud Island and Mississippi River views

Memphis Zoo
DO

Memphis Zoo

Panda exhibit, aquarium, and shaded paths

Spa at The Peabody
DO

Spa at The Peabody

Couples massage or healing facial (book for midday; short trolley)

Sun Studio
DO

Sun Studio

Birthplace of rock 'n' roll with guided tours

Shelby Farms Park
DO

Shelby Farms Park

Rent bikes or walk 4,500-acre park with lake views (15-min drive)

Broad Avenue Arts District Shopping
DO

Broad Avenue Arts District Shopping

Galleries, boutiques, and murals (10-min drive)

Good to Know

8 picks

KNOW

Trolley is Your Best Friend

Use the free Memphis Trolley for Downtown, Beale, and riverfront loops—runs every 10-15 mins

KNOW

BBQ Sauce Variations

Memphis BBQ uses dry rub; sauce on side—vinegar-based is local style, try samples

KNOW

Live Music Free Entry

Many Beale Street bars offer free live blues early evening; arrive by 7 PM for seats

KNOW

Weather-Proof Wellness

Parks have shaded trails; indoor spa alternatives if humid—check apps for heat advisories

KNOW

Parking Ease

Downtown garages $10-15/day; free street parking Midtown evenings after 6 PM

KNOW

Souvenir Smart Picks

Buy BBQ rub, hot sauce, or Blues Foundation tees at markets—not airports

KNOW

Couple Photo Ops

Beale neon, Graceland gates, Botanic Garden bridges—moderate photo priority spots

KNOW

Mid-Trip Reset

Day 4 free afternoon for hotel pool/spa; buffer for spontaneity

Map

Map showing 37 locations
Stay
Eat
Do
Know
37 locations

Best For

Music-loving couplesBBQ and soul food enthusiastsHistory buffs seeking reflectionWellness seekers with urban flairModerate adventurers craving comfort

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