Memphis
©

Memphis

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

Arrival airport
MEM
Airport drive
20 min · estimate
Suggested stay
2–3 days
Reservation demand
Lower · check current rules
Vehicle notes
Standard sedans are ideal for city driving. RVs may find downtown parking challenging; look for designated lots near Mud Island or Graceland.
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Top tour

Most popular experience near Memphis

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.

2RVs, campervans & cars near MEM

Class C Motorhome — Sleeps 4

From $245/day · typical rate

Drive-and-sleep motorhome with kitchen and bathroom.

Motorhome · Motorhome RepublicFind campervans & RVs

Sleeps 2 campervans

Est. from $95/day · typical rate

Compact van-style camper that sleeps two, easier to park.

Sleeps 2 camper · Motorhome RepublicFind campervans & RVs
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Flights to MEM

Check on Aviasales
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2024 Chevrolet Malibu sedan — illustrative photo, not partner inventory
  • ✓ Compare suppliers at MEM
  • ✓ Free cancellation on many rates

Standard car rentals at MEM

Est. from $45/day · typical rate

Pick your dates and vehicle class.

Compare rates at MEM
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2018 Mazda CX-9 SUV on a Utah road trip — illustrative photo, not partner inventory
  • ✓ Compare suppliers at MEM
  • ✓ Free cancellation on many rates

SUV rentals at MEM

Est. from $55/day · typical rate

Pick your dates and vehicle class.

Compare rates at MEM
©

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.

    Pick up your vehicle at MEM →
  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.

    Tours for today's stops →
  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.

    Find a place to stay →

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

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

3Where you'll want to sleep

Broad view of Waterton RV Campground, Alberta.jpg, illustrative accommodation photo©Outside the park · easier to bookWildParkRoutes's pick

RV parks near Memphis on RoverPass

RV Park

Best for: RV travelers

Book RV parks and campgrounds online with full hookups near the park.

Est. from $150/day · estimateSee stays
Camping en Busa.jpg, illustrative accommodation photo©Outside 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 · estimateSee stays
RVs at Fishing Bridge RV Park (16714369882).jpg, illustrative accommodation photo©Outside the park · easier to book

Harvest Hosts stays on the way to Memphis

Stay overnight free at wineries, farms & breweries

5,000+ unique RV stops. WildParkRoutes readers get 20% off the first year.

RV Park

Best for: RV travelers

Membership for overnight RV stays at farms, wineries and other unique spots along your route.

Est. from $150/day · estimateGet 20% off

Vrbo

Cabins & vacation rentals near Memphis

Est. from $120/night · typical rate

  • Whole-home cabins and lodges
  • Kitchens and room for the crew
Search cabins on Vrbo

Expedia

Hotels & lodges near Memphis

Est. from $110/night · typical rate

  • Hotels in nearby gateway towns
  • Inns and last-minute rooms
Search hotels on Expedia

4The moments you came for

Curated Trip Essentials

Five picks for Memphis

Optional picks, not a complete packing or safety list. Photos from the ROCKBROS and WILDGUARDER stores. Prices as of 2026-10-19 / 2026-10-20; price, stock and shipping may change.

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