Memphis Holidays

Whether you’re an Elvis fan or not, no trip to Memphis would be complete without a visit to Graceland, the home of the King. Just 10 miles south of the city, Graceland is one of the most-visited private homes in the whole of the USA. You’ll be able to see Elvis’ famous jungle room, record collection, car and plane collections, and the clothes he adorned throughout his career. Don’t worry if you don’t have a hire car – there are lots of bus tours available.

And we can’t talk about Memphis holidays without mentioned the famous Sun Studios. Here, big stars like Elvis, Johnny Cash, B.B. King and Roy Orbison recorded some of their most iconic tunes, and it’s often referred to as the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll. And if you want to hear some of that famous Southern sound in action, head to Beale Street. The heart of Memphis’ music scene, this part of Downtown is home to the city’s best blues bars and lively nightlife to boot.

Memphis is a historically significant city, so it’s no surprise that this is where you’ll find the National Civil Rights Museum. Fittingly, the museum itself is located inside the Lorraine Motel, where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated on 4th April 1968. Step inside and you’ll discover a poignant collection of artefacts, films and presentations following the USA’s history of civil rights, from the 17th century to the present day. It’s a must-do on your trip to Memphis.

Other noteworthy museums that should be on your list are the Stax Museum of American Soul Music and the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, where you can learn all about the roots of these popular musical styles.

If you’re planning a family holiday to Memphis, you’ll find plenty to keep all ages entertained. Make sure you take the kids to visit the Peabody Hotel. One of the finest hotels in the South, this hotel sees a daily parade of ducks, waddling their way from the Royal Duck Palace on the hotel’s rooftop down into the lobby. It’s a cute and long-standing tradition, which has been around since 1933. 

In Midtown, you’ll find Memphis Zoo – and this zoo in particular is home to two very special residents. You’ll be able to see two giant pandas, Ya Ya and Le Le, plus lots of other animals, including lions, jaguars, black bears and penguins.

When you feel like a break from the hubbub of the city, enjoy a family day out at Memphis Botanic Gardens. This place has 23 different gardens and all sorts of events for children, as well as live concerts. Or you could head to Shelby Farms Park. Five times the size of Central Park in NYC, this huge area is filled with greenery, trails and ponds, so you can expect to find lots of activities, ranging from cycling to treetop climbing.

The best time for your Memphis holiday is between April and May or October and November, when temperatures hover in the low-to-mid twenties, and usually get no higher than 27°C. The humidity levels are low enough that you can comfortable stroll around the city and take in the sights. And, in the evenings, you might even need a light jacket for your adventures, as temperatures drop to around 14°C.

If you visit Memphis during spring or autumn, you’ll be able to avoid the uncomfortable summer temperatures for which the South is so famous. Between June and September, the mercury regularly climbs above 32°C and the humidity is incredibly high. By contrast, December to February is the coldest time of year, with rain showers throughout.