Memphis is the largest city on the Mississippi River. It has a growing population of over 650,000 people. Known for being Elvis Presley’s hometown, having the best barbeques in the world, and Beale Street, where famous artists like BB King, Rufus Thomas Albert, and Furry Lewis all loved to perform, Memphis has a community of music lovers who like rock ‘n’ roll and soul music, and many of Memphis’ most popular attractions are music-related. While staying in a cozy Airbnb vacation rental here, you will find popular attractions in Graceland, Sun Studio, Memphis Zoo, Memphis Rock 'n’ Soul Museum, and Mud Island. Its neighboring areas have a lot of things as well that you should explore on day tours to enjoy your trip to the fullest keeping the luxury cabin you stay in as the base. To discover more, continue reading about the top day trips from Memphis, Tennessee.
1. Chickasaw State Park, Henderson
Nestled in the heart of Tennessee, Chickasaw State Park stands as an inviting day trip destination that seamlessly blends natural beauty with recreational opportunities. This picturesque park covers over 14,000 acres (5665.60 hectares) and offers a wealth of activities for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. Nature lovers can embark on scenic hikes along the park’s well-maintained trails, immersing themselves in the tranquility of the surrounding woodlands, and perhaps catching glimpses of wildlife. Chickasaw State Park is a haven for birdwatchers, with a diverse range of avian species inhabiting the area.
The expansive lake within the park provides the perfect setting for fishing or boating, while the sandy beach offers a refreshing spot for swimming and sunbathing during the warmer months. Picnic areas and playgrounds make it an ideal spot for families to enjoy quality time together.
2. Heber Springs, Arkansas
Located on the banks of Greers Ferry Lake and the Little Red River, Heber Springs is a paradise for fishing enthusiasts, boasting excellent opportunities to reel in trophy trout and bass. The crystal-clear waters also provide a scenic backdrop for water sports like boating, swimming, and kayaking.
For nature lovers, the nearby Sugarloaf Mountain offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, rewarding hikers with a sense of accomplishment at its summit. The quaint downtown area of Heber Springs is lined with charming boutiques, antique shops, and local eateries, perfect for a leisurely stroll and exploration of unique finds. History buffs can visit the Cleburne County Historical Society Museum to learn about the area’s rich heritage and heritage of Cleburne County.
3. Tuscumbia, AL
Tuscumbia is a small city having only a population of 8,423 people and is part of the Shoals metropolitan area. Although small, many people agree that the place has a bright future thanks to it being in the most ideal of locations, having a strong labor supply, and having a new and innovative government. The place is filled with many recreation activities, cultural opportunities, great history, and beautiful views. Some of the most popular places to visit in the city would be Alabama Music Hall of Fame, Spring Park, McFarland Park, Colbert County Courthouse Square Historic District, and Key Cave National Wildlife Refuge.
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4. Oxford, MS
A town that inspired famous authors such as John Gresham, Willie Morris, and Barry Hannah, as well as Nobel prize winner William Faulkner, Oxford is a place of academics, innovation, and artistry. Oxford has been featured certain publications like Conde Nast Traveler, Garden and Gun, Budget Travel, and Southern Living. Some of the most popular places to visit in the area would be Rowan Oak, University of Mississippi Museum, Lamar Park, Thacker Mountain, The Square, and the Confederate Cemetery.
5. Little Rock, AR
Little Rock is the capital and most populous city of the state of Arkansas, having a growing population of 738,344 people. Little Rock is known for impacting the civil rights movement in the late 50s. The place is filled with many museums and historical sites, great for people interested in learning some American history. Some of the most popular tourist attractions in the area would be Pinnacle Mountain State Park, Little Rock Zoo, Big Dam Bridge, Museum Discovery, Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site, and Old State Museum.
6. Jackson, TN
Jackson makes for a great day trip in Tennessee and is a city located 112 kilometers (70 miles) east of Memphis. It is also known to be one of the regional centers of trade in Tennessee and for being the home of Rockabilly Music, where Carl Perkins, together with Elvis Presley, popularized the rock ‘n’ rock genre to the public. The city was also the first place in the USA to have a Hard Rock Cafe. Jackson has many popular tourist spots, some of them would be Cypress Grove Nature Park, International Rock-A-Billy Hall of Fame, Rusty’s TV & Movie Car Museum, Casey Jones Home & Railroad Museum, Muse Park, and Crown Winery.
7. Helena, AR
Having one of the richest blues heritage in Arkansas, Helena is a popular city to learn more about the cultures of Arkansas, its music, and history. The place has a thriving blues community where all blues fans can come together and enjoy the company of other like-minded people and talk, share, and do business on all things music-related. With its colorful history, Helena is also a place where tourists can visit historical sites and museums to learn more about the city and the state. Some of the most popular attractions in the area are Delta Cultural Center, Pillow Thompson House, Helena Museum of Phillips County, Arkansas Welcome Center, and Freedom Park.
8. Cleveland, MS
Once a place popular for steel manufacturing and industrial work, Cleveland today is a thriving city filled with many great restaurants, breweries, museums, galleries, and parks. When you are planning your itinerary for a day trip in Mississippi, make sure that you keep Cleveland in it, which is a great place for people who are fans of the rock ‘n’ roll and blues genre, as well as people interested in visiting museums that collect many novelty items from the 50s to the 70s. Some of the most popular attractions in the area would be the Grammy Museum, Martin & Sue King Railroad Museum, Dockery Farms, Mississippi Blues Trail, Neighborhood Bars, Happy Dog, and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame & Museum.
9. Water Valley, MS
Water Valley is a small city in Mississippi, with a growing population of 3,392 people. The place is known for its fairytale-like aesthetics evoking a magical and feel to all of its visitors. The place is very colorful, filled with many cute buildings and picturesque sceneries. Water Valley is the perfect place for people who are into photography as the place is filled with many eye-catching and interesting subjects. Some of the popular places you should visit in the city would be Rowan Oak, Water Valley Casey Jones Railroad Museum, Oxford Treehouse Gallery, the Groove, and America’s Escape Game.
10. Village Creek State Park, AR
The Village Creek State Park is a 6,909-acre (2,796 hectares) park in Arkansas that aims to protect the natural environment while also acting as a place for recreation and relaxation. The park is a great place to spot all kinds of wild animals and plants, do some hiking, go camping, go fishing, and enjoy the fresh air and amazing views if provides. As for camping, the park has 96 campsites, divided by premium, standard class A, and class B. The park also rents out a few cozy cabins for visitors for a great relaxing environment.
11. Nashville, TN (from USD 46.92)
Nashville is the capital city of Tennessee. The place is known as the Music City and is known to be the home of country music, hot chicken, and Johnny Cash. Perfect for a day trip from Memphis to Nashville, travelers looking to have a great nightlife can have fun while dancing to the live musical performances of all various local bands. Some of the popular attractions in the area are the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, The Parthenon, Ryman Auditorium, Grand Ole Opry, Cheekwood, and Nashville Zoo at Grassmere.
Nashville: Music City Nighttime Trolley Tour
Duration: 1.5 hour
12. Tupelo, MS (from USD 215.0)
Are you a fan of Elvis Presley? Try to relive his life in Memphis and learn more about the legend and his early life. This day trip will bring you to the place where Elvis was born. Tour the exact house where Elvis lived his younger years, then visit his elementary school, church, and even the soda fountain that he used to drink on. The tour will last approximately two hours, where you will be guided by a professional tour guide to answer all of your questions about each place you visit.
Elvis Presley Birthplace Park Tour in Tupelo from Memphis
Duration: 7 hours
13. Mississippi Delta (from USD 451.0)
Experience blues on a whole new level by visiting its birthplace and learning about its early history before it became popular. Embark on a journey going to the famous Highway 61 and Highway 49, where the Crossroads is located. Then visit other landmarks such as Delta Blues Museum, Grammy Museum Mississippi, and BB King Museum. The tour will last for as long as 12 hours, where you will be guided by a knowledgeable tour guide throughout the trip.
Memphis to Mississippi Delta Day-Trip with B.B. King & GRAMMY Museum Admission
Duration: 12 hours
The best places to explore near Memphis
A quick day trip from Memphis to its neighboring areas is the perfect way for people who are interested in music, the arts, history, and nature to have a fun-filled vacation. They have tons of attractions that will satisfy any tourist looking for an interesting place to go. Being such a large place to travel, taking day trips would be the best way to go about your exploration of these areas. Enjoy visiting Memphis and nearby places on fascinating day trips.
Frequently asked questions about day trips from Memphis
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