Holidays to Nashville & Memphis
Situated in the Southern state of Tennessee, Nashville and Memphis are known as ‘music cities’. Home to legends of country, rock ‘n’ roll and blues, these cities produce the soundtrack of America. From the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville to Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee is where it all began and never stopped.
Things to do in Nashville
- Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum
- Listen to country legends and up-and-coming artists at the Grand Ole Opry
- Dance all night in Nashville’s Honky Tonks and Juke Joints
- Pay homage to the ‘Man in Black’ at the Johnny Cash Museum
- Walk in the footsteps of the greats at historic RCA Studio B
- Sample Nashville Hot Chicken and ‘meat-and-three dinners’
- Discover the ‘Athens of the South’ at the city’s full scale replica of the Parthenon
- Take a tour of the legendary Ryman Auditorium
- Live like a local hopping between cafés and boutiques in the 12 South District
Things to do in Memphis
- Tour the mansion of Elvis Presley, Graceland
- Discover the birthplace of rock n roll, Sun Studio
- Trace Civil Rights history at the Lorraine Motel & National Civil Rights Museum
- Wander the Stax Museum of American Soul Music
- Walk down America’s most iconic street, Beale Street
- Watch the unique Peabody Hotel Duck Parade
- Dine at delectable barbecue joints
- Catch a Memphis Grizzlies basketball game
- Cruise the mighty Mississippi River aboard a traditional paddlewheeler
Explore Wider Tennessee…
Beyond Nashville and Memphis, drive through the rolling hills of Middle Tennessee with the top down, stopping to soak in the State’s storied history.
In the east of the state, discover the beauty and adventure of the Great Smoky Mountains, America’s most visited National Park, then get back to the music with a trip to Dollywood, the country and western inspired theme park a stone’s through from where Dolly Parton, an American national treasure, grew up.
Browse our Tennessee holidays.
When is the Best Time to Visit Nashville & Memphis?
Whilst there isn’t really a bad time of year to visit Nashville and Memphis, spring or autumn both make fantastic seasons to go.
April to May – With daytime temperatures typically sitting between 16°C and 26°C, it is a comfortable time for exploring, avoiding the summer humidity. It is also a time of year that is buzzing with events. Memphis in May is a month-long celebration encompassing the Beale Street Music Festival and the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest. Nashville hosts CMA Fest in early June, arguably the biggest event of the year for country music.
September to October – The weather is similarly comfortable in the autumn, with daytime temperatures often sitting in the mid 20°Cs. This is also a great time of year for spectator sports, as you can often catch NHL, NFL and NBA games. There is still plenty of festivities at this time of year too, with Nashville hosting popular AMERICANAFEST in September.
How long should you spend in Nashville and Memphis?
We’d recommend spending at least two days in each city, and three if you can! There is so much to do, but you can certainly pack a lot in within a short period of time. If you can, it’s worthwhile factoring in time to enjoy each city at a leisurely pace and leaving some time for spontaneity so you can spend an entire evening listening to a live band that captures your attention, or get last minute tickets to a sports game.
How can you get between Nashville and Memphis?
There are several options for getting between Nashville and Memphis. The drive between the two cities takes around three hours, and they are conveniently directly connected by the I-40. Hiring a car, the rest of Tennessee is also easily accessible.
For those who don’t wish to drive, there are regular coaches. You can book the Nashville to Memphis bus as part of your holiday, and it offers spacious seating, complimentary WiFi, bathrooms and more. There are also frequent flights between Nashville and Memphis. Travelling on an escorted tour is also a great option for exploring Nashville and Memphis car-free, as well as offering the benefit of an expert guide.
Planning Your Nashville and Memphis Holiday
You can book any of our suggested Memphis and Nashville holidays as they are, or tailor them to suit you. Our America Experts have all lived or travelled extensively within the US and would be delighted to help you create your bespoke itinerary. Just get in touch to start.
Plan your holiday
