Memphis is deeply connected to American music, particularly blues, soul, and rock 'n' roll. Beale Street remains the city’s best-known entertainment district, lined with music venues, restaurants, and neon signs, while the National Civil Rights Museum occupies the former Lorraine Motel and explores a pivotal chapter of American history. Sun Studio, Stax Museum of American Soul Music, and the Memphis Music Hall of Fame offer further insight into the artists and recordings that shaped the city. Along the Mississippi River, Tom Lee Park and the surrounding waterfront provide open spaces with broad views across the river.

Food is another defining part of Memphis, with slow-smoked barbecue playing a central role in the local culinary tradition. A car allows travelers to explore beyond downtown, from the historic neighborhoods of Midtown and Cooper-Young to Shelby Farms Park, one of the largest urban parks in the country. Further afield, the Mississippi Delta begins to the south, while the towns and landscapes of western Tennessee provide a quieter contrast to the city. Memphis is also within reach of Nashville for a longer Tennessee road trip, making it a useful base for discovering the state’s musical heritage.