Top Attractions for…
Music Lovers
If you know anything about Memphis, you know it’s a mecca for music enthusiasts. From the iconic Beale Street to Sun Studio where legends like Elvis cut their first tracks, the city’s musical legacy lives on at every street corner. Make your way to the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum to learn the roots and impact of the Soul and Rock genres born right here on the Mississippi riverfront. Dedicated fans won’t want to miss the Stax Museum of American Soul Music which honors the landmark Stax Records. Top off your tour with live tunes on Beale Street, where Memphis’ blues culture comes alive every night.
Foodies
Barbecue is a way of life in Memphis, and you haven’t truly experienced it until you’ve had it straight from the smokers of joints like Central BBQ, Corky’s, and the iconic Rendezvous in the heart of Downtown. But that’s just the start of Memphis’ iconic culinary scene. From fried chicken to soul food and fresh Gulf seafood, this city is a bonafide feast for the senses. The National Civil Rights Museum even offers food tours showcasing cuisine that nourished Memphis’ activists through the movement. Come hungry and don’t miss spots like Gus’s World Famous Hot & Spicy Chicken and Arcade Restaurant for a true taste of Memphis’ best.
History Buffs
Memphis is steeped in history around every corner. The once-thriving Beale Street landed on the National Register of Historic Places as a hub for African-American businesses and performers in the 1920s. Explore its roots on a walking tour or during the Beale Street Music Fest each May. The National Civil Rights Museum, built around the former Lorraine Motel where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, is an unforgettable and sometimes harrowing look into the Civil Rights Movement that rocked the nation. Step onto the grounds of the Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum, which served as a stop along the Underground Railroad to help runaway slaves make their way to freedom up North.
Families
Don’t worry parents, we’ve got plenty of kid-friendly fun for you too! Spend a full day at the renowned Memphis Zoo, home to massive aquariums, a panoramic view of the Mississippi River, and exhibits like the unforgettable Once Upon A Farm. For indoor adventures, hit up the Memphis Pink Palace Museum with its IMAX Theater, miniature classic circus, and hands-on science exhibits. Keep the wheels rolling at the Children’s Museum of Memphis, packed with water tables, climbing structures, art stations, and enough interactive learning experiences to wear out the most energetic little ones.
Sports Fans
Whether you bleed Grizzlies blue or Tiger High blue & gray, you can’t come to Memphis without catching a game. The iconic Memphis Grizzlies play their hardwood battles downtown at the FedExForum, while the Memphis Tigers football team storms the Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. Baseball enthusiasts can take in a Memphis Redbirds game at the modern AutoZone Park. Just don’t forget to track down some of Memphis’ best barbecue and brews before tip-off or opening pitch!
Music & Arts Festivals
When the weather warms up, that’s the green light for Memphis’ world-class festivals to take over the city. The iconic Beale Street Music Festival kicks off the celebration every spring, bringing legends like The Smashing Pumpkins, Lil Wayne, and The Black Keys to perform their hits. As summer rolls in, thousands gather for the Memphis in May events featuring the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest and the family-friendly Celebrate Memphis weekend. Arts and culture take center stage at the Cooper Young Festival spotlighting local artisans and the fresh creativity of the Hip hop, urban art, and indie scenes.
How to Get Around Memphis
Public Transportation
While Memphis does have a public bus system run by the Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA), its routes and schedules can be difficult to navigate for visitors. Most routes run from 6 AM to 6 PM on weekdays, with sporadic service on weekends and major holidays. The system’s trolley buses provide more frequent service but only cover the Downtown core and don’t reach many of the city’s top tourist destinations outside of that central area. For maximum convenience, you’re better off ditching the public transit.
Taxis and Rideshares
You’ll be able to find taxis parked near major hotels around the Downtown and Midtown areas of Memphis. Cab rates start at a base fare around $3.25 with additional costs piling on for mileage and time waiting. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are increasingly popular options to get around Memphis, especially for nights exploring Beale Street’s hopping bars and live music clubs. Expect surge pricing during peak hours and popular events. For large groups, rideshare vehicles may not be able to accommodate everyone comfortably or require splitting into separate cars.
Charter Buses
The best way to experience every corner of Memphis is with your own private transportation service in the form of a charter bus rental. Whether you’re traveling for a corporate event, wedding, family reunion, or just to immerse yourself in Memphis’ rich culture and cuisine, a charter bus from Memphis Party Bus Company makes getting around town a breeze. We’ll match your group with the perfect bus size from our selection of compact minibuses to full-sized coaches. Private bus travel keeps your whole crew together while avoiding the headaches of parking, traffic snarls, and getting lost in an unfamiliar city. Everything your bus needs like plush reclining seats, TVs, WiFi, and more is included.
Ready to Get Started?
Now that you’ve got the inside scoop on how to explore Memphis to the fullest, all that’s left is to start planning your trip! Memphis offers endless adventures whether you’re a lifelong local or first-time visitor. Make sure you don’t miss a minute of the action (or a single mouthwatering bite of barbecue). Call Memphis Party Bus Company at (901) 203-3181, and let us handle all the transportation logistics from start to finish. We’ll get you from the airport to Beale Street, tailgates and ballparks, Graceland and all the iconic Memphis attractions on your list with reliable, first-class service every mile of the way. Y’all ready?