Memphis in 3 Days for Friends - Beale Street live music
A fun, energetic 3-day plan for a group of friends who want live music, locally loved eats, active outdoor time and playful nightlife. Spring timing (April) keeps outdoor plans comfortable — bike stretches, river views, and patios are in.
Highlights
- Beale Street live music
- National Civil Rights Museum
- Shelby Farms Greenline ride
- Railgarten (bowling + arcade + beer garden)
- Graceland
- Sun Studio
- General Jackson Showboat
Itinerary
Day 1
Downtown arrival, a slice of Memphis history and an energetic first night on Beale Street.
Check in + quick regroup at The Peabody
Central downtown hotel check-in, drop bags, freshen up. The Peabody is iconic and a convenient base for Beale Street and riverfront walks.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask the front desk for an early table option if you want to leave bags and head straight to Beale — they’ll hold luggage for groups.
- If you want a quick photo op, step onto the Peabody lobby mezzanine for a classic view of the lobby and duck statues.
- Confirm any city-event traffic (festivals at Tom Lee Park can change pickup routes) with the concierge before heading out.
Late lunch at Central BBQ (Downtown)
Grab a classic Memphis barbecue meal — roomy tables for groups and casual service make this a great first meal together.
Tips from local experts:
- Order family-style platters (ribs + pulled pork) to share — it’s cheaper and faster for a group.
- Bring cash for the tip jar and order at the counter for faster seating; they typically seat groups together if you arrive at once.
- If you want to sample local sides quickly, ask for smaller portions of mac & cheese and coleslaw so the group can taste more.
National Civil Rights Museum (Lorraine Motel)
Deep, moving museum covering the U.S. civil-rights movement. Plan ~2 hours to absorb exhibits without rushing.
Tips from local experts:
- Buy timed-entry tickets in advance to avoid lines — groups can often enter more smoothly with reservations.
- Plan for 2 hours minimum; pace the tour and pick a meetup spot outside the museum (the museum plaza near the Lorraine balcony is good).
- For a friend-group photo with impact, use the Lorraine Motel façade (outside) near the reflection pool — respectful and powerful.
Sun Studio quick guided tour
Short guided tour of the birthplace of rock 'n' roll — fun, photo-friendly and a Memphis staple.
Tips from local experts:
- Book an early evening tour online — afternoon slots fill quickly on weekends in spring.
- Let the group know photos are welcome in some parts but keep voices low during tours out of respect; the experience is lively but reverent.
- Bring a small portable speaker for a quick outside-group snap with music playing (ask staff if OK) — great for social photos.
Beale Street night — dinner + live music at Rum Boogie Café
Dinner with live blues on Beale Street; Rum Boogie has a big stage and welcomes lively groups. Plenty of neighboring bars if the group wants to bar-hop.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a table ahead for 4–6+ so the group can sit together and enjoy the band — arrive early to grab front-row tables.
- Cover charges sometimes apply on Beale; budget for a modest cover per person and check the night’s lineup in advance.
- If someone wants quieter conversation, pick a table close to the restaurant interior rather than the sidewalk.
Day 2
Active day: a local favorite greenline bike ride, playful escape-room challenge, then a high-energy evening at Railgarten.
Brunch at The Arcade Restaurant
Classic Memphis diner experience — great coffee and shareable breakfast plates to start an active day.
Tips from local experts:
- Go early to avoid the brunch rush; the place is retro and compact, so arriving together helps seat the group faster.
- Try ordering two different pancakes or omelettes to split family-style so everyone samples a classic.
- Ask the staff about local coffee or dessert specials — the diner vibe is perfect for group photos in the original booths.
Transfer: drive to Shelby Farms Park (Greenline start)
Short transfer to Shelby Farms — base for the Greenline ride and large open park space for stretching, coffee, and regrouping.
Tips from local experts:
- Park in the main Shelby Farms lot near the Visitors Center to access restrooms and meet-up spots quickly.
- If anyone needs bike rentals, reserve ahead from local rental vendors or bring your own — pickup shops are limited on weekends.
- Spring mornings can be cool; layer up and bring a small daypack for water, sunscreen and sunglasses.
Greenline / Shelby Farms group bike ride (easy loop)
2.5-hour relaxed group ride on the Greenline and park loops — scenic lakes, open fields and easy paved paths perfect for conversation and photo stops.
Tips from local experts:
- Start at the Visitors Center parking lot — it’s the clearest meetup spot and has restrooms and shaded benches for pre-ride gear-up.
- Plan a few 5–10 minute photo/rest stops near the lake and playground — keeps the group together and boosts morale.
- Bring a flat repair kit and a charged phone; cell service is patchy in parts of the park and sharing locations helps keep the group coordinated.
Late lunch at Hog & Hominy (Cooper-Young)
Comfort-forward, creative pizza and small plates in the Cooper-Young neighborhood — group-friendly menu and sharing plates.
Tips from local experts:
- Order several shareable small plates or pizzas so the table can try different flavors without long waits.
- Cooper-Young is walkable; if the group wants a short stroll after lunch, explore nearby murals and boutiques.
- Tell the host you’re a lively group — they usually seat larger parties away from quieter booths when possible.
Escape room challenge at Breakout Games
Team-based escape-room experience — ideal playful group activity where cooperation and laughs are guaranteed.
Tips from local experts:
- Book a room that fits your group size (rooms list recommended headcounts) so everyone can participate comfortably.
- Arrive 15 minutes early for the safety and clue briefing; teams that arrive on time typically beat the clock more often.
- If you split into two rooms, pick different difficulty levels so winners can compare bragging rights over drinks afterwards.
Dinner + games at Railgarten (bowling, arcade & beer garden)
Lively late-evening destination with shared tables, eclectic games, bowling lanes and outdoor seating — great for groups that want to mix dinner and nightlife.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve lanes or a large communal table in advance — Railgarten fills up fast on weekend nights in spring.
- Split tabs by card or use one organizer to pay and collect cash from friends for easier settling at the end.
- Try the food trucks or seasonal beers on tap, and rotate between bowling and arcade games so everyone gets a turn.
Day 3
Riverfront morning, iconic Memphis sites in the afternoon, and a celebratory final night with flexible nightlife options.
Morning walk and coffee at Tom Lee Park
Easy riverfront stroll with skyline views — a calm start and perfect photo spot of the Mississippi River and Beale Street area.
Tips from local experts:
- Walk the river path early for cooler temperatures and fewer crowds — the sunrise over the Mississippi is photogenic in April.
- Use the park’s benches for a quick regroup and map-check before a river cruise or Beale exploration.
- If someone’s short on cash, street vendors near the park often have quick coffee or snacks for a budget pick-me-up.
Mid-morning cruise on the General Jackson Showboat
A classic daytime riverboat cruise — scenic views, live music onboard sometimes available, and easy group seating.
Tips from local experts:
- Book seating together in advance; the boat has several decks so request group seating near the stage if you want live music.
- Bring a lightweight jacket for the upper deck in spring — breezes on the river can be cooler than on land.
- Check arrival times to allow time for boarding and security; plan 30 minutes buffer from Tom Lee Park to the dock.
Casual lunch at Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken (Downtown)
Lively, spicy fried chicken — quick service, big flavors and group-friendly counter ordering.
Tips from local experts:
- Order multiple platters to share family-style — it’s faster and cheaper for groups than individual plates.
- Be prepared for a short wait at peak midday times; give someone in your group the job of holding the table.
- Pair with local sweet tea and ask for extra napkins — the chicken is deliciously messy in a way friends will joke about.
Transfer to Graceland (optional cultural highlight)
Short drive to Elvis Presley’s Graceland for fans or anyone curious about the cultural phenomenon; great for group photos and memorable exhibits.
Tips from local experts:
- If your group is split on interest, coordinate a two-hour window so Graceland enthusiasts can tour while others explore nearby shops.
- Buy timed-entry tickets online — Graceland visits can take ~2 hours for the house and exhibits combined.
- Pack comfortable shoes — the Graceland grounds and museum pavilions involve a fair amount of walking between displays.
Graceland house + exhibits tour
Guided and self-guided options through Elvis’s home and memorabilia — iconic and culturally significant (optional but recommended).
Tips from local experts:
- Request multi-language or audio-guide headsets for the group so everyone can follow along at their own pace.
- Plan a meetup time at the ticketing pavilion so the group can finish exhibits together before heading back downtown.
- Visit the Meditation Garden last for a contemplative group moment; it’s quieter and makes a natural close to the tour.
Return downtown + relax / freshen up
Transfer back to central Memphis and regroup; short break before an easy final-night dinner.
Tips from local experts:
- Use this time to rehydrate and change shoes — the day can feel long with walking and tours.
- If anyone wants a short solo detour, the nearby Overton Square has coffee and quick shops to browse.
- Set a firm dinner time with a 10–15 minute buffer so the group can arrive together without stress.
Final celebration dinner at The Beauty Shop Restaurant (Cooper-Young)
Quirky, stylish spot with shareable dishes and cocktails — perfect for a celebratory final meal and lively conversation.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a larger table or semi-private area — the restaurant is popular for groups celebrating special nights.
- Try a mix of small plates so everyone can taste different menu items and keep the meal social.
- Ask your server for cocktail suggestions and round-robin tastes so the group can sample house favorites.
Optional late-night Beale Street blues at B.B. King's Blues Club
If the group has energy, take one last stroll back to Beale for late-night live blues — small cover charges may apply.
Tips from local experts:
- Check the cover and the headliner before arriving — some nights have bigger acts and small covers that are worth it.
- If you prefer a quieter spot to talk, ask for a table in the dining area rather than by the stage.
- Keep one person watching the table if you step out between songs; Beale can be lively and crowded late at night.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 3 |
| Highlights | 7 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | 3 |
| Restaurants | 5 |
| Total Activities | 16 |
| Total Places | 16 |
| Activities Types | Hotel, Restaurant, Culture, Attraction, Nightlife, Transfer, Outdoor, Experience, Neighborhood, Meal |
