Headed to Tennessee and looking for the best way to spend a weekend in Memphis?! You’re gonna love it and wish you came sooner! This guide will share all the best things to do and see in Memphis and all the details on logistics you could ever need!

Feeling blue for the blues? Eager to learn more about the Civil Rights Movement in the United States? Looking for a fabulous bachelorette destination? Want to see where Elvis lived? Memphis is your spot!

The city has a music scene similar to that of Nashville, and all the southern charm of Savannah while boasting city life and some of the best dang food in the south.

Not everyone realizes this, but Memphis is the fifth most populous city in the Southeast and home to more than a million locals and students in the metro area. Home to Rhodes College, the University of Memphis, and 11 other local universities, it is an ideal college town, tourist destination, and place to call home. We were actually here for my sister-in-law’s college graduation from Rhodes, so you know I had to turn it into a PTO Pal excursion and find the perfect itinerary for our fam and you to enjoy!

Deemed Bluff City for its location on the Mississippi River's high bluffs, Memphis is also a thrifting paradise and deep-fried fantasy for foodies. While there’s no way you will be able to see and do everything Memphis has to offer in a short weekend trip, I am here to help see all the essentials!

WHERE IS MEMPHIS? AND HOW TO GET THERE?

Okay, but wait, where the heck is Memphis?! The city is located in the southwestern part of Tennessee, and the Mississippi River practically runs through it. It’s about 215 miles southwest of Nashville, the other most popular city in Tennessee (roughly a 3-hour drive or so).

How to Get to Memphis

Flying: When you fly into Memphis, you’ll be heading to Memphis International Airport, also known as MEM (the airport code). It serves over 4 million passengers a year and is also the hub and headquarters for FedEx (Memphis’ largest employer).

MEM serves the Greater Memphis metropolitan area, and you can get to downtown Memphis in about 15 minutes (without traffic).

Unfortunately, airfare to Memphis is exuberantly expensive. Maybe because it was graduation week the flights were so high, but I paid just shy of $500 for a two-hour flight from Reagan (DC’s smaller airport) and the only direct flight from the DC Metro on our date. Other flights can cost even more and may not be nonstop. Hmmm…if only we could hitch a ride with FedEx.

Driving: Compared to other cities in the US, Memphis is pretty easy to drive and circumnavigate with a car. The city borders two states: Arkansas and Mississippi. I even made my fiancé drive over the border to them to *cross them off my list* (Does that count or no?).

I-40 runs east to Nashville (215 miles and about a 3-hour drive) and west to Little Rock, Arkansas (140 miles and only two hours away), extending all the way to Oklahoma City (450 miles at almost 7 hours).

How to Get from the Airport to Downtown Memphis

Ride shares: Ubers and Lyft are plentiful in Memphis and can take you where you need to go—again the airport is only a quick 15-minute drive to downtown.

Car Rental: I opted to rent a car when visiting Memphis (also to have an extra car for the fam during graduation). When you arrive at the airport, you will have to walk through an extensive awning to the rental car depot. It was so hot out and I felt like the path was never-ending under the sweltering May heat in Memphis. Renting a car was pretty cheap—$130 for the weekend with a corporate discount.

One thing to note: I am obsessed with corporate discount codes. ALWAYS check if your company has a deal with a rental car company because it almost always cuts my rental car price in half.

When to go to Memphis

The South is HOT! And muggy. So, if you are planning to visit from April to October, expect the temperatures to be sweltering and to find some activities indoors to hide out in the AC.

IS A LONG WEEKEND IN MEMPHIS ENOUGH?

A weekend in Memphis will definitely be enough time to see all the major Memphis attractions. Factor in a whole day to visit Graceland—trust me you will need it! The city itself isn’t huge and while it may seem daunting to be on the go, go, go, you’ll not want to miss any of Memphis.

Even with graduation activities taking up a lot of our time (I replaced that time with other activities here), I left Memphis feeling good about the amount of time we spent. The only wish I had was that we spent more time in Graceland—we totally missed the car exhibit, so I will have to go back to Memphis for that haha.

Where to Stay in Memphis

DOWNTOWN/BEALE STREET

Downtown is where the action is at in Memphis, with Beale Street, the Peabody Hotel, and rows and rows of fabulous restaurants. It can be sketchy at night and Memphis does have a high crime rate, so always be cognizant of your surroundings and travel in groups.

The Peabody Hotel is an attraction in itself, and staying at this legendary hotel would be ideal if you have the cash to fork out. A short walk to the busy and bustling Beale Street, this landmark 13-story downtown hotel is known for its grand, marble-columned lobby. They also have special resident ducks that parade the halls daily at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.—which has been a Memphis tradition since 1933.

MIDTOWN

Looking to avoid the crowds, but still be walkable to many restaurants and things to do? You may want to check out Midtown for a lodging option. It is very up-and-coming with trendy restaurants and thrift stores lining the streets.

GRACELAND

If you are here on a mission to see Elvis (don’t worry many of you probably are), staying close to Graceland might be the right choice for you. The Guest House at Graceland allows you to be within walking distance of the treasured acropolis that housed the famed superstar. Prices are reasonable hovering around $150 a night, which will be well worth it if you want to be first in line for the Elvis Mansion tour in the morning.

3 Days in Memphis Itinerary

Finally, what you came here for – the perfect 3 days in Memphis itinerary! Let’s get to it!

Take into account that this itinerary assumes you will have three full days to explore the city. If that’s not the case, or one day you arrive a little later in the day, feel free to adjust to a schedule that works best for you. I went ahead and mapped things out for you based on location proximities, but feel free to explore at your own rate. Aside from Graceland, most of everything in Memphis is rather close together. You do you boo!

DAY 1 IN MEMPHIS

(Morning): Southern Country Breakfast

Brother Juniper’s

To fuel up for a fun day of exploring Memphis, it is time to dig into some country fare. Deemed the ‘best breakfast in Memphis’ (by themselves on their website), and recommended by my favorite local resident and sister-in-law, we started our day at Brother Juniper’s. Being a short walk away from the University of Memphis, the place was bustling with students and locals. We dined here on a Thursday morning, so we did not have to wait, but expect a wait on the weekends—especially when the college kids are in town.

I had a fantastic breakfast burrito and home fries while sipping on an iced latte (I was pumped they had oat milk). I’m not much of a grits girlie yet, but my fiancé and his grandma got them and said they were sublime. Do not miss eating one of their homemade biscuits, because I am drooling writing this and thinking of them.

Peabody Ducks

Head to downtown Memphis proper and make your way to the Peabody Hotel. In the center of the hotel from 11 am to 5 pm, the hotel’s resident ducks greet guests in the lobby. If you are lucky enough to be here directly at 11 or 5, you can witness the famous ‘duck parade’ where a lucky ‘Duckmaster’ will direct this flock either to the fountain or bed. It is suggested to arrive 30 minutes prior to the march to ensure you will have a good view of the spectacle. And a spectacle it is indeed!

(Afternoon): Memphis Downtown

Bass Pro Shops

Okay, you’re probably wondering why is this woman recommending me to go all the way to Memphis to visit a…Bass Pro Shops? Well, kind and intrinsic reader—because it’s AWESOME! And totally hilarious. For some background, Memphis the city is named after the ancient city of Memphis in Egypt. Why not build a symbol of their Egyptian roots by erecting a giant pyramid in the heart of the city? Standing at 321 feet and the clear focal point of the Memphis skyline, this pyramid encases a hotel, theme park, multiple bars, and restaurants, all surrounded by natural verdure and taxidermy stuffed critters.

You can pay to go to the top of the pyramid, so obvi we did that and rode the 32-story high elevator to its peak. The viewing platform was closed due to weather when we visited, but we still went to the restaurant at the top for dinner and it was very elevated.

Beale Street

My friend Mia gave me an extremely helpful tidbit to visit both Beale Street during the day and at night. They are two quite different experiences that should neither be missed. Beale Street was established in 1841 and has since forth become one of the most famous avenues in America. Famous blues artists such as Muddy Waters, Louis Armstrong, and B.B. King serenaded the street in the early 1900s. Beale Street is also iconic for the activities that occurred here during the Civil Rights Movement. Here black heroes protested for their unalienable rights and during a strike in 1968, Memphis was also tragically the place where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated.

One historic store not to miss is A. Schwab (sign can’t be missed) and this family-owned general store & soda fountain has been continuously open since 1876—making it the sole remaining original business on Beale Street. The store is full of souvenirs and quirky gadgets as well as musical instruments and records. We ended up getting t-shirts, but I still wish we got these funky hats we tried on.

(Evening): Drinks Downtown and BBQ

Rooftop drinks & the Memphis Light Show

My sister-in-law really wanted to take us to the rooftop party at The Peabody, but it was closed on the night we planned to go for a wedding. Try to go to The Peabody first as that was our original plan, but if you have poor luck like us, I have a backup plan for you. Beck & Call is a relaxed rooftop bar located at the Hyatt Centric Beale Street. Eight stories up and pristine views of the Mississippi, we enjoyed cocktails and flatbreads accompanied by great company and a surreal sunset.

Once the sun sets, you can enjoy the Memphis Light Show which illuminates the Hernando do Soto Bridge every 30 minutes from sunset until 10 pm.

If you are still hungry after drinks, try one of the many barbecue joints that the South is so proud of. As a vegetarian, I cannot say I’ve taste-tested these, but check out A&R Bar-B-Que, The Bar-B-Q Shop, Payne's Bar-B-Q, or Charlie Vergos Rendezvous.

Day 2: Memphis History and Fun

(Morning): Experience the History of Memphis

Brunch at Arcade Restaurant

For a chance to step back in time to a 50s-style diner, make your way downtown for an early breakfast at Arcade Restaurant. Absolutely picturesque with its neon sign in front and a probable line out the door, this eatery provides excellent cuisine while boasting its status as the older café in Memphis. Although having been refurbished, you can take a trip back in time as these falls exude old-time charm. The food is delectable, and I devoured an omelet and crispy hash browns.

National Civil Rights Museum

I saved writing this section for last because it is so hard to put into words the experience of visiting the Civil Rights Museum. As an American, I think it is our responsibility to stay informed of our history so we are not doomed to repeat it—and with that, I think EVERY American should visit this museum. I cried a lot and learned about things that were never taught to me in school. The impact this museum has left me with is something that will stay with me for the rest of my life. The museum is built onto the Lorraine Motel which was where Martin Luther King Jr. spent his final moments before he was assassinated. The entire museum is DEEP, and as I stepped out of the final exhibit which is the hotel room where the brutal crime took place, I was left feeling hollow and full of thought. I am so glad I visited the museum and I hope you choose to visit as well.

Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum

Down the street and a short 10-minute walk from the National Civil Rights Museum, you can visit the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum. This museum shares stories of musical pioneers and the hardships they endured in some of the most trying times to be an American.

Sun Studio

Although you technically can walk to Sun Studio from the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, you may be getting sweaty, so I’d advise you to drive. Known as ‘The Birthplace of Rock’n’roll’, Sun Studio found fame in several music legends such as B.B. King, Elvis, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis. You can take tours of the studio every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for just $15. It is still an active studio for aspiring and accomplished musicians, so if you wanted, you yourself could record a song here!

(Evening): Bar Hopping on Beale

Dinner at Local On The Square

The power was out due to a thunderstorm, and most of the restaurants in Midtown were closed when we went for dinner. Somehow Local On The Square still had power, so we moseyed on in. They serve up American fare with a vast selection of craft beers and cocktails. It was a great place to have a large family dinner and we all enjoyed the ambiance and food, so I wanted to include it in this blog post.

Ice Cream at Sugar Ghost

Honestly, this place has some of the best ice cream I have ever had, and the vibes of Sugar Ghost Memphis are so spot on, that I’m inspired to open my own trendy ice cream shop and copy their business model. Did I mention they also serve bubble tea??

Beale Street at Night

One of the most fun things to do on a weekend in Memphis is to go galivanting down Beale with a squad of friends. Besides barhopping, you can hear live music echoing from almost every venue, and due to the recent uptick in crime, police are everywhere. I felt super safe and was glad to pay the requested fee to enter Beale Street at night. My sister-in-law and her friends’ local watering hole: Silky O’Sullivan’s was packed with recent grads celebrating their graduation night. In a drunken haze, out of the corner of my eye, I spotted a real-live goat going down a slide. It was at that moment I knew why this was where my sister-in-law and her friends flocked to every weekend of college. I may have also gotten a T-shirt. Go here when in Memphis—there’s a reason Silky’s has been open for 50 years.

Day 3 – See Elvis!!!

(Morning): Graceland

This may be the sole reason you are reading this Memphis itinerary, but that’s okay—it was the best part! We watched the new Elvis movie to prepare ourselves as much as we could on ‘Elvis facts’, but I was still blown away by Graceland. You absolutely need an entire day here, as it is comparable to an Elvis Disneyland. I had NO idea that Elvis is actually buried here, as are his parents, paternal grandmother, grandson, and daughter. Seeing Elvis Presley’s final resting place in the flesh was crazy to me. The way they have it all laid out is so beautiful and I really enjoyed everything about the grounds.

Things to note about Graceland:

Make a reservation—Although unlikely, the entirety of Graceland tickets for your day of choosing will be sold out, it could be that your desired time slot for a tour of the house is. Buy tickets in advance and try to book an early time slot.
Get here EARLY! – You will underestimate how much time it takes to see everything in Graceland. It is not just a house, there are several museums and shops that each have different themes.
Don’t miss his plane exhibition—This one is hard to miss as his planes are visible from the road leading up to Graceland, but you are able to walk through the plane itself. Presley was eclectic in his style and his plane is no exception. If only I had my own plane! Too bad I am a tone-deaf travel writer.
Each store is different—Make sure to allocate time for going into the various gift shops and ice cream parlors lining the Graceland compound. Each one has a different selection of souvenirs, and you might not be able to grab the same Elvis mug again! Oh no!
Graceland closes at 4 pm— We got here in the early afternoon and ended up having to skip Elvis’ car exhibit, which was a bummer. I wanted to see his outfits more and I am satisfied with our choice. Guess I will have to come back!

(Evening): Best Dinner Spot Ever?

Dinner at Flight

I am still dreaming of our dinner here at Flight and wish something like this would open up around my neck of the woods. Flight Restaurant and Wine Bar is an unreal dining experience like no other. With that, it is TOUGH to score a resy! Make a reservation far in advance, especially for busy weekends like graduation. So, what makes Flight so special? Well, everything is served in ‘flights’—the wine, the appetizers, the entrees, and even the dessert! Not only that, but the food is SO good. Like so so good. It was a truly special meal we all will never forget celebrating Gabby’s graduation.

Note: I was a little concerned because I could not find anything on their website about having a vegetarian option at Flight. I was pleasantly surprised to find that not only do they have a veg option, but it was DELICIOUS.

If you have more time in the area and want to continue exploring, check out the Memphis Zoo, the Memphis Botanical Garden, or any of the various museums in the area.

That’s all I’ve got for you folks! Tried and true, this is the best way to spend 3 days in Memphis! I hope you follow this weekend getaway itinerary, and if it was helpful to you in your planning, let me know in the comment section! Feel free to shoot any Memphis questions my way and I will enlist my resident Memphis expert and sister-in-law’s assistance.

Memphis Weekend Getaway: The Perfect 3 Days in Memphis Itinerary