Things To Do in Downtown Memphis

In the heart of historic downtown along the trolley line, Comfort Inn Downtown welcomes you to the Home of the Blues and the Birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Explore things to do in Downtown Memphis, from lively Beale Street or venture further to see Graceland, the National Civil Rights Museum, and much more.

Iconic Beale Street

Beale St, Memphis, TN 38103

The Beale Street Historic District is downtown Memphis’s music epicenter, encompassing three blocks of entertainment venues, restaurants, bars, shopping, and street vendors. 

Graceland                                                                       

Elvis Presley Blvd, Memphis, TN 38116

This nearly 14-acre Colonial Revival mansion now serves as a museum to celebrate the life and music of Elvis Presley. Tour the sprawling grounds and mansion of the legendary rocker, all while learning about his life and career. 

FedExForum

191 Beale St, Memphis, TN 38103                                                                      

The all-purpose events center is home to the NBA’s Memphis Grizzlies and the University of Memphis’ Tigers basketball team, but it also hosts some top entertainment events in Memphis. 

Orpheum Theatre 

203 S Main St, Memphis, TN 38103

Opened in 1890, "The South's Finest Theatre" has presented more Broadway touring productions than any other theater in the country, plus a wide array of entertainers including Cary Grant and Patti LaBelle.

Renasant Convention Center

255 N Main St, Memphis, TN 38103

With a recent $200-million renovation, this massive 300,000-square-feet event center boasts a 2,100-seat theatre and floor-to-ceiling windows with views of downtown Memphis and the Mississippi River.

Sun Studio

706 Union Ave, Memphis, TN 38103                                                                   

This famed record label and recording studio marks the spot where a young Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and countless others experimented with the sounds of rock, country, and gospel music.

Mud Island Riverpark

125 N Front St, Memphis, TN 38103

This Riverwalk exhibit is a representation of the actual Lower Mississippi River all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. Splash down the middle of the "river" then go for a ride on a man-made pond in pedal boats that look like swans or pirate ships. 

Memphis River Tour Boats

45 Riverside Dr, Memphis, TN 38103

No trip to this riverfront city is complete without riding along the Mississippi River. Take a sightseeing tour or themed dinner cruise on a fleet of old-fashioned sternwheelers.

South Main Arts District

South Main, Memphis, TN

Spend a whole day touring this hip district where converted early-1900s warehouses are now home to chef-driven eateries, relaxed bars, brewpubs, and one-of-a-kind boutiques.

I Love Memphis Murals

Multiple Locations

An 8-part by the Urban Art Commission, Memphians show their city pride and creativity through six distinct murals found through the city. Check out the closest mural on the side of Wet Willy's on Iconic Beale Street.

Memphis Zoo

2000 Prentiss Pl, Memphis, TN 38112

Come face-to-face with wildlife galore at one of the largest zoos in the country. The 70-acre facility houses 3,500-plus animals in one-of-a-kind exhibits like Once Upon A Farm, Primate Canyon, and Northwest Passage. 

Shelby County Courthouse

140 Adams Ave, Memphis, TN 38103

Feature in several major movies, this neoclassical structure covers an entire city block and features 6 large seated figures—each carved from a single block of Tennessee marble—representing Wisdom, Justice, Liberty, Authority, Peace, and Prosperity. 

Welcome Center

119 Riverside Dr, Memphis, TN 38103

The perfect introduction to the City of the Blues, this center offers information on the area's top attractions plus an iconic photo-op at the "Welcome to Memphis" sign.

National Civil Rights Museum

450 Mulberry St, Memphis, TN 38103

Experience the history of the Civil Rights Movement at the site of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s assassination, plus exhibits chronicling the history of the struggle in America from the 17th century to the present. 

Stax Museum

926 E McLemore Ave, Memphis, TN 38126

Learn about Stax Records' historic involvement with the creation of the Southern soul at this museum and replica of the original Stax Records studio. And make sure to bust a move across the wide-open dance floor to some soulful Stax tracks. 

Memphis Music Hall of Fame

191 Beale St, Memphis, TN 38103

Located within FedExForum, this museum tells the critical story of musical pioneers who overcame racial and socio-economic obstacles to create the music that changed the world. 

The Cotton Museum

65 Union Ave, Memphis, TN 38103

Once the legendary Memphis Cotton Exchange where cotton traders once stood at the center of the global cotton economy, this circa-1939 building is now a museum exhibiting cotton and slavery history.

Children’s Museum

2525 Central Ave, Memphis, TN 38104

Located in Midtown Memphis, this museum offers more than 30 exhibits to challenge young minds through interactive exhibits of science, math, health, and art.