Best hotels & accommodations in Memphis

About Memphis

Memphis is an iconic city with a rich history and vibrant culture. It’s filled with thriving neighborhoods and people who love their city as much as you will after visiting. Depending on the season, there are several places in the city where you can experience deer, foxes, raccoons, opossums, and even the occasional bear or coyote. As a bonus, many of these locations are easy to get to from anywhere in the city. Here are some of our favorite hidden gems and scenic spots around Memphis that you might not know about yet.

Graceland
We begin with “the home of the king”: Graceland. The world’s most famous home of Elvis Presley has seen more than its share of visitors over the years, but it is still a fascinating place to visit. Its story begins in the 1950s, when a young, rising star took out a huge loan to buy a large house on 13 acres of land in the Memphis suburbs. This loan would prove difficult to pay off, and in 1956, Presley bought the house and the surrounding property outright. He lived there with his parents and grandparents, who moved in as his marriage to Priscilla Beaulieu ended in divorce. After he married Dee-Dee, she moved into Graceland, and the couple had their daughter, Lisa Marie, there, in 1968. The tours start at the front gate, where you can see the guardhouse and the sign that, for a time, read “Elvis Aron Presley” (the authorities quickly changed it back). The central room of the house, the living room, is full of mementos and souvenirs from Presley’s life and career, from his early days in Little Rock, Arkansas, to his last concert at the Las Vegas Hilton.

Shelby Farms and the Great Mississippi River Trail
If you are looking for something to do outdoors, you won’t be disappointed by Shelby Farms, a 9,000-acre wildlife preserve and green space with miles of trails, including the Great Mississippi River Trail. There are a number of opportunities for wildlife viewing, too, including deer and a wide variety of birds. And the skyline view of the city is beautiful, especially at sunset. Shelby Farms is home to a wide variety of activities and programs, including fishing, paddling, cycling, birding, stargazing, and special events. There is even a certified Wildlife Habitat where you can learn about native wildlife and even adopt a critter.

The Chisca and Orpheum Lofts
On Central Avenue, one of the city’s oldest commercial districts and a thriving arts district, you can find the Chisca and Orpheum Lofts. These two buildings, built in 1926 and 1911, respectively, sit side by side. The Chisca Hotel was the home of WNOX, the city’s first radio station, and was a major stop for touring musicians. In fact, a young Elvis Presley made his first recording there. The Orpheum is one of the oldest functioning theaters in the country, and it’s been hosting concerts, plays, and more for decades. Both buildings have been converted into lofts and host art shows, concerts, and other events regularly.

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
One of the city’s most famous landmarks is also one of its best-loved: the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. You can see the famous St. Jude statue just across the street from the hospital or visit the nearby “Walk Through Walls” gallery, filled with the art of contemporary artists. The hospital, built by the late entertainer Danny Thomas and his wife, Vora, opened its doors in 1962, and it has been treating children ever since. Today, it is one of the leading pediatric research centers in the world. It is also one of the most beautiful hospitals you’ll ever visit, with a gorgeous atrium and a garden with a large, blue statue of St. Jude himself standing guard.

The Memphis Zoo
The Memphis Zoo is a local favorite, and visiting it is a wonderful way to experience the city. It is home to more than 2,000 animals, including a large collection of endangered species. Among the highlights are the African penguin exhibit, the gorillas, and the Australian Outback. The zoo hosts special events and programs throughout the year, including sleepovers for kids and adults alike, “Cocktails with the Animals,” and other themed events. It is also an excellent place to learn about conservation, especially the efforts to protect endangered species.

Memphis Brooks Museum of Art
For a place that is free and easy to visit, the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art is a good choice. It’s located on the edge of Overton Park and is just a short walk from the Memphis Zoo. Its collection includes art from around the world, and it also hosts special exhibitions. The museum is open every day except Monday, and it’s free, thanks to the generosity of its namesake, a local benefactor and art collector.

Overcoming Debt: The Cobblestone Road Faed in Memphis
If you’re interested in learning about the city’s debt history, a visit to Cobblestone Road in downtown Memphis is well worth the time. The street got its name from the fact that it was once made entirely of cobblestones. It was a busy thoroughfare, but by the 1960s, the street was neglected, and the cobblestones had fallen into disrepair. In the late ’80s, the city decided to do a massive renovation, removing the cobblestones and replacing them with asphalt. The locals were outraged, and many cobblestones ended up in people’s yards.

Conclusion
Memphis is a fantastic place to visit, with much to offer both tourists and locals. The city has a wide variety of places to see, from the architectural wonders of the Bluff City to the natural beauty of Shelby Farms. And, of course, there’s the music: whether you want to hear the sounds of Beale Street or the tunes of St. Jude’s patients, Memphis has it all.

Want to get to know the city a bit better? Check out our guide about where to stay in Memphis, it includes recommendations about the best areas, museums, attractions and other things to do.

If you like our list of best places to stay in Memphis, then you should also check out our selection of recommended hotels in Nashville or the best hotels in New Orleans.