Memphis Madness: A 5-Day Family Adventure on a Budget
Experience the rhythm and soul of Memphis on a family adventure that will make memories to last a lifetime.
19 July 2023
Sophie Watts
US Travel Writer
A family-friendly trip to Memphis, United States promises a blend of history, music, and outdoor fun. Start by exploring iconic landmarks like Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley, and the National Civil Rights Museum. Enjoy a riverboat ride on the Mississippi River, visit the Memphis Zoo, and indulge in delicious Southern cuisine to ensure an unforgettable experience for the whole family.
Travel plan
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- Check into the Peabody Memphis, a whimsical hotel where ducks waddle across the lobby to a red carpet welcome.
- Dive into Memphis' musical heritage with a visit to Sun Studio, the birthplace of rock 'n' roll.
- Enjoy finger-lickin' good BBQ at Central BBQ, where smoky ribs and tangy sauce dance on your taste buds.
- Get your boogie on at Beale Street, where the blues ooze from every juke joint, making your hips sway of their own accord.
- Wrap up the night with a soulful live performance at the intimate Blues City Cafe, where the music will take you to church.
- Take a scenic stroll along the Mississippi Riverfront, as the mighty river whispers stories of the city's past.
- Immerse yourself in history at the National Civil Rights Museum, housed in the Lorraine Motel, where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated.
- Fill your belly with a soul food feast at The Arcade, the oldest cafe in Memphis where Southern classics meet mouthwatering catfish.
- Explore the funky Cooper-Young district, browsing vintage shops and sipping craft beer at 901 Brews.
- Unwind at Overton Park, a green oasis where you can picnic, visit the Memphis Zoo, or catch a Shakespearean play at the open-air theater.
- Pay homage to the King at Graceland, where Elvis Presley's spirit lingers among gold records and glittering jumpsuits.
- Sip on a peanut butter and banana milkshake at Arcade Restaurant, a favored Elvis haunt.
- Explore the mystical depths of the Memphis Pyramid at Bass Pro Shops, where you can become one with nature amid artificial cypress swamps and fish-filled aquariums.
- Make sure to catch a glimpse of the iconic Memphis Pyramid itself, resembling a colossal spaceship that crash-landed in the Bluff City.
- Groove to the rhythm of live blues at B.B. King's Blues Club, where the music flows like a mighty river and the atmosphere is electric.
- Embark on a road trip to Clarksdale, Mississippi, the birthplace of the blues, just an hour away from Memphis.
- Visit the Delta Blues Museum for a crash course in the music that birthed a revolution.
- Savor a soul-satisfying Southern buffet at Ground Zero Blues Club, once co-owned by Morgan Freeman himself.
- Meander through the stunningly eerie Mississippi Delta, where cotton fields whisper secrets of the past.
- Get serenaded by the mesmerizing sounds of Mississippi blues artists at Red's Lounge, a gritty yet intensely authentic juke joint.
- Awaken your taste buds with a visit to Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken, a local legend dishing out crispy, spicy perfection.
- Enjoy a leisurely paddleboat cruise along the Mississippi River, feeling like the captain of your own steam-powered ship.
- Dig into a plate of lip-smacking ribs at Charlie Vergos' Rendezvous, a hidden gem tucked beneath the city streets.
- Explore the Stax Museum, honoring the legendary Stax Records and its soulful roster of artists like Otis Redding and Isaac Hayes.
- Wrap up your Memphis adventure with a soul-stirring evening at the iconic Orpheum Theatre, where the beauty of live performance takes center stage.
Length of stay
Type of trip
How to get there
Plane
The best way to get to Memphis by plane is to fly into Memphis International Airport. There are multiple airlines that offer direct flights to Memphis from major cities within the United States.
Car
If you are driving to Memphis, the main highway routes to follow are I-40, I-55, and I-240. Memphis is easily accessible by car and there are multiple public parking options available within the city.
Train
Although there is no direct train to Memphis, you can take Amtrak train to New Orleans and then take a connecting Greyhound bus to Memphis.
Boat
The Mississippi River connects Memphis to various cities along its route, however, traveling to Memphis by boat is not a common mode of transportation. The river is mainly used for cargo transportation.
Bus
Greyhound offers daily bus services to Memphis from various cities within the United States. The main bus station in Memphis is located on Airways Blvd.