25 must-see memphis
hot spots
MEMPHIS FAVORITE EATS
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Central BBQ
Legendary Memphis barbecue known for ribs, pulled pork, and BBQ nachos
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Rendezvous
Historic downtown barbecue restaurant famous for charcoal-grilled ribs
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Flight Restaurant & Wine Bar
Upscale downtown dining known for tasting flights of dishes and wine
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The Beauty Shop Restaurant
Popular restaurant serving creative American dishes in a former beauty salon
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The Lookout at the Pyramid
Rooftop restaurant at Bass Pro Shops with incredible Mississippi River views
HISTORIC & CULTURAL SITES
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National Civil Rights Museum
(Lorraine Motel) Powerful museum at the site where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated
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Memphis Brooks Museum of Art
Memphis’ largest art museum with rotating exhibitions and family programs
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Memphis Cotton Museum
Learn how cotton shaped Memphis and the Delta economy
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Memphis Riverboats
Paddlewheel cruises along the Mississippi River
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Beale Street
Memphis’ historic blues district packed with live music and nightlife
ACTIVE & OUTDOOR SCENES
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Shelby Farms Park
One of the largest urban parks in the U.S. with bike trails, paddle boats, playgrounds, horseback riding, and even zip-lining!
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Mud Island Riverwalk & Harbor Town
Walk the Mississippi River model and stroll Harbor Town’s quiet streets, marina, and river views
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Big River Crossing
Walk or rent an electric scooter or bike across the Mississippi River bridge with views of Arkansas and Tennessee
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Tom Lee Park
Newly renovated riverfront park with walking paths, playgrounds, splash areas, and skyline views
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High Point Climbing & Fitness
Massive indoor rock-climbing gym with beginner to advanced routes
KID-APPROVED FUN
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Memphis Zoo
One of the top zoos in the country with giant pandas, splash areas, and playgrounds
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Children’s Museum of Memphis
Hands-on exhibits and outdoor splash park
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Pink Palace Museum & Planetarium
Dinosaurs, science exhibits, and space shows
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Urban Air Adventure Park
Indoor trampolines, climbing walls, and obstacle courses
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Fire Museum of Memphis
Historic fire trucks and interactive exhibits
memphis NIGHTLIFE & ROOFTOPS
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B.B. King’s Blues Club
Live blues music and Southern food on Beale Street
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Havana Mix Cigar Emporium
Upscale cigar lounge on Beale Street known for premium cigars, cocktails, and a relaxed late-night atmosphere
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Beck & Call Rooftop
Stylish rooftop lounge overlooking the Mississippi River and downtown skyline
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Tiger & Peacock
Trendy Midtown rooftop bar with creative cocktails and great city views
For more local favorites, join the MCJ Facebook page and ask around!