Whether you're on your honeymoon, an anniversary vacation, a romantic getaway or celebrating Valentine's Day or Galentine's, Memphis brings inspiration for date nights (and days!). From dining at iconic restaurants to historic hotel stays and hidden gems to discover before late night Beale Street adventures, Memphis has it all to plan the perfect couples trip or unique date night for two!
For Music Lovers
If y'all love music, Memphis is the place for you! Couples can spend days exploring the city's rich music legacy.
- Sun Studio - Tour Sun Studio, the birthplace of rock and roll, and hear actual outtakes from the recording sessions of Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Elvis Presley and B.B. King. Touch Elvis’ first microphone and hear the story of this tiny studio in Memphis that launched the careers of legends.
- Stax Museum of American Soul Music - Memphis is known for rock and roll and the blues, but don't forget about soul. Stax Records created a unique Memphis sound that took the world by storm in the late 60s and early 70s. Learn how Booker T. and the MGs, Isaac Hayes, Carla Thomas and many more got their start right here in Memphis at the Stax Museum of American Soul Music.
- Elvis Presley's Graceland - No trip to Memphis is complete without visiting the home of the king. At Elvis Presley's Graceland, you and your partner can tour Elvis' mansion, explore his career and legacy at Elvis The Entertainer Career Musuem, as well as see his classic car collection at Presley Motors.
- Memphis Rock 'N' Soul Museum - Tour the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum and witness what made Memphis into the music city it is today.
- Memphis Music Hall of Fame - From Elvis Presley and Carl Perkins to Justin Timberlake and Three 6 Mafia, the Memphis Music Hall of Fame is dedicated to all of the music legends that contributed to Memphis' rich music legacy.
The beat never stops in Memphis! See a list of upcoming live music events or check out more music hot spots.
For Fans of the Arts
From ballet and theater to galleries and musicians, couples who enjoy the arts will have plenty to do in Memphis.
- Overton Square Theater District - Head to the Overton Square Theater District to catch a show at Playhouse on the Square, Hattiloo Theater or Ballet Memphis. Afterward, catch live music at Lafayette’s Music Room.
- Crosstown Arts - Whether it's catching a live performance at Crosstown Theatre, listening to a music group at The Green Room or simply enjoying pieces from resident artists while sipping a cocktail from Art Bar, Crosstown Arts is a one-stop-shop for couples who enjoy the arts.
- Memphis Brooks Museum of Art - Explore Tennessee's largest art museum with Memphis Brooks Museum of Art's 29 galleries in Overton Park. What's more romantic than splitting lunch or charcuterie in the cafe featuring Feast and Graze?
- Theatre Memphis - Theatre Memphis always put together high-caliber shows using local talent. See upcoming shows like "Always a Bridesmaid"and "Mama Mia!"
- Opera Memphis - Opera fans will love Memphis' very own opera house. Opera Memphis' eight-month season features some of the most talented performers from the area, as well as nation-wide.
- The Orpheum Theatre - From concerts and comedy shows to touring Broadway productions, The Orpheum Theatre is a must-see attraction for fans of the arts. You and your partner won't regret scheduling your trip around an upcoming show. Want to know more about the theater? You can learn about this theater's 95-year history on an Orpheum tour.
Explore more art attractions and live theater venues.
For Nature Lovers
From river walks and bike trails to paddle boats and kayaks, the Bluff City offers all sorts of adventures for you and your loved one. With one of the largest urban parks in the nation and access to the Mississippi River, Memphis is an ideal travel destination for couples who love the outdoors.
- Big River Crossing - If nature walks are your style, have we got the walk for you! The Big River Crossing is a nearly mile-long pedestrian bridge over the Mississippi River. Take a romantic stroll across the Mighty Mississippi and see some of the best views of the river and the Memphis skyline the city has to offer! The bridge stays open until 10 p.m. so be sure to check out the nightly LED light display. Start at Memphis' new riverfront Tom Lee Park before explore the pathways of Ducks Unlimited Park on the Arkansas side.
- Shelby Farms Park - With over 40 miles of trails, Shelby Farms Park, one of the nation's largest urban parks, is the perfect nature escape for your weekend getaway. The park's vast green spaces, abundant wooded areas and 20 bodies of water provide excellent senery for a couple's walk, run or bike ride. Interested in getting on the water? You can also rent canoes, kayaks and paddleboats for two. With multiple vendors and two restaurants on site, you can cap your adventure with an intimate picnic or meal in the park!
- Memphis Zoo - Annually recognized as one of the best zoos in the nation, the Memphis Zoo is a popular attraction for couples. Spend the day exploring the zoo's incredible interactive exhibits featuring over 4,500 animals.
- Memphis River Parks - Looking for a unique downtown experience? Memphis River Parks provide couples with a chance to spend time together right on the Mississippi River. With events like Yoga in the Park (in warmer weather), Firepit Fridays (in the colder months) Tom Lee Park, live music and more, the Memphis River Parks are the perfect attraction for you and your partner.
- Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park - If you want to get away from city life, Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park is a great retreat. Spanning 12,549 acres, the park invites hiking on more than 20 miles of trails that travel through a forest of large oaks, cypress trees and other hardwood specimens. Two-thirds of the park's total acreage consists of dreamily forested areas.
Discover more outdoor date ideas.
For History Buffs and SightSeers
Are you a couple that likes to explore and get a sense of the town's history? Memphis has a bevy of tours and attractions that history buffs will adore.
- Victorian Village - Surprise your love with a stroll through the heart of Victorian Village, a neighborhood lined with historic mansions that were known as “Millionaire's Row” in the Gilded Age. Soak up some Southern charm with a tour of the Woodruff-Fontaine House Museum, with its French Victorian architecture and splendid collection of antiques, and the Mallory-Neely House, which retains its original furniture and artifacts.
- Backbeat Tours - Whether you're into music, sightseeing or hunting for ghosts, Backbeat Tours has you covered! This tour company offers a handful of tours, including a Historic Memphis Walking Tour, a Beale Street Walking Tour, a Memphis Discovery bus tour, Memphis Ghost Tour and a Memphis music Mojo Tour.
- Memphis Heritage Trail - African-American achievement helped shape Memphis into the culturally rich and diverse city it is today. Couples can follow this achievement through the Memphis Heritage Trail, a self-guided walking tour that covers everything from the civil rights to music history.
- Memphis Riverboats - Cruise the Mississippi with a ride aboard Memphis Riverboats. Choose between sightseeing tours, dinner and themed cruises from March through October.
- Carriage Company - Catch the sights and sounds of downtown Memphis from the back of a horse-drawn carriage with the Carriage Company. Whether you're on a historical tour of downtown Memphis or just enjoying an intimate, evening carriage ride with the one you love most, you'll always cherish the memories made on these carriage rides.
Find more tours and attractions.
FOR FESTIVAL LOVERS
FOR FESTIVAL LOVERS
Plan your romantic weekend getaway around one of Memphis' popular annual festivals. From the RiverBeat Music Festival to Cooper-Young Festival and Elvis Week, Memphis has a festival you'll love!
Memphis is home to a variety of festivals. Whether you're foodies, music lovers or art enthusiasts, Memphis has a festival for you! Here are 20+ to start adding to this year's calendar!
From fine-dining experiences to prime steak houses, Memphis has dozens of must-try restaurants for your next date night!
Acre, a cozy fine-dining space nestled in leafy East Memphis, specializes in fresh interpretations of Southern cuisine with global influences. Start with craft cocktails at the beautiful indoor bar, then continue to a stylish interior table or cuddle up on the patio.
Amelia Gene's is one of Memphis' newest and premiere fine dining restaurants. Your date will love the romantic and elegant ambiance and will fan over their acclaimed tableside cheese cart. Conveniently located in Downtown Memphis with complimentary valet.
Bari Ristorante e Enotecha, the only Southeastern Italian restaurant in the city, is located in Midtown Memphis. Recreate your own Lady and the Tramp moment over shared pasta plates. Cheese lovers will appreciate their 50+ Italian cheese options. Bari is also one of the best spots for a tasty cocktail. Many locals flock here just for that!
Flight, in Downtown Memphis, is one of the most popular fine-dining experiences in town. Whether you mix and match a flight of small plates or order individual entrées, couples will share a truly unique dining experience — and be sure to ask your waiter about the wine flights.
Itta Bena is perfect after a stroll hand-in-hand down Beale Street, America’s Most Iconic Street. Itta Bena is a posh restaurant tucked away on the top floor of B. B. King’s Blues Club. The azure-tinted windows mean that everywhere you look, you see “the blues” of Beale Street, and the mood lighting gives off an exclusive, speakeasy vibe. After dinner, head downstairs to one of the city’s best live music venues showcasing legendary musicians.
Porch & Parlor, located in the heart of Overton Square, offers a premiere steakhouse dining experience with a super elegant interior to match. The Butcher's Bacon Rack is sure to impress anyone while making for a great photo op. Want to elevate the night even more? Opt for a Wagyu steak tasting.
Tiger & Peacock overlooks the vibrant Overton Square while you toast to each other at one of Memphis' swankiest rooftop lounges. Share classy bar snacks or dinner as long as you're here . . . you'll want to linger. Find Tiger & Peacock on the roof of the new Memphian hotel.
Folk’s Folly is an East Memphis steak house. Grab your favorite mixed drink or cocktail, sit back and enjoy live piano music in The Cellar Lounge, before digging in to one of Folk’s Folly’s prime cut steaks. Private dining options paired with mouth-watering cuisine make this steak house a local favorite.
Find more Memphis dining options.
CHECK INTO THESE ROMANTIC MEMPHIS HOTELS
CHECK INTO THESE ROMANTIC MEMPHIS HOTELS
Planning a couple's getaway to Memphis has never been more exciting: several new hotels in the city are creating memorable spaces for staying overnight and just lounging. New hotels to check out for your romantic getaway:
- The Central Station Memphis - With a Memphis-themed bar and lounge (Eight & Sand), Memphis Central Station provides an unforgettable luxury hotel experience.
- Book a romantic stay at the River Inn of Harbor Town. You'll be greeted with a glass of champagne upon check-in. Then, head up to the Terrace at the River Inn to enjoy shared plates, like the lamb sliders or seafood tacos, with a handcrafted cocktail as you watch the sunset over the Mississippi River. When it's time to call it a night, retire to your luxury accommodations at the inn that blend Southern and European charm.
- ARRIVE Hotel Memphis - Arrive Memphis was named one of "The 60 Most Incredible Hotels in the World" by Fodor's in 2024. This cozy boutique hotel located in the South Main Arts District features Hustle & Dough cafe and bakery as well as Bar Hustle cocktail bar, making "staying in" convenient and cool.
- Hyatt Centric will mesmerize you with its prime location: This sleek property sits where Beale Street meets the Mississippi River. Sunset at the hotel's rooftop bar, Beck & Call, is a must.
Of course, some of Memphis' most storied hotels are among its most romantic. Known as the “South’s Grand Hotel,” The Peabody embodies romance with decadent desserts in the lobby as well as fine French cuisine at Chez Philippe. River Inn of Harbor Town pampers guests with chocolate truffles at turn-down. And since no trip to Memphis is complete without a visit to Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley, let the King "love you tender" with a stay at The Guest House at Graceland, a AAA Four Diamond hotel.
Looking for more lodging options? Find your perfect stay here.
MAKE TIME FOR SELF-CARE
Nothing beats a spa experience for two. Take some time out of your trip to get relaxed and pampered before hitting all the attractions or a night out at one of these downtown spa options:
- Feathers Spa at The Peabody offers a resort-level experience with luxurious treatments options from massages to facials, body wraps, manicures and more.
- Amani Bath Spa brings the experience of hot springs to Memphis. Unwind with their mineral baths, massages and skin services. They have an assortment of couples packages.
- Jasper Float Spa & Wellness is a luxury rest and recovery spa. They'll have you feeling restored and rejuvenated, whether it's in their flotation therapy options, a signature massage or infrared sauna.
HERE FOR GALENTINE'S?
HERE FOR GALENTINE'S?
From boutique shopping to nail bars — and some unbelievably tasty cuisine — Memphis is the perfect destination for a treat yo'self girls' trip!
Start your trip off right at one of Memphis' fantastic weekend brunch options! Try Automatic Slim's, in downtown Memphis, for a delicious brunch (and did we mention $3 mimosas and Bloody Marys?). Or hop on over to Cooper-Young to the super chic spot, The Beauty Shop, and snag a table with original hair-dryers that once styled Priscilla Presley's iconic hairdo.
After brunch explore the South Main Arts District's various art galleries and boutique shops. Stop by Stock & Belle for Memphis-inspired arts and goods, as well as clothing and jewelry. Then grab lunch at The Majestic Grille, a stylish restaurant set in a former silent movie theatre.
Next, head over to explore Crosstown Concourse, a vertical village filled with shops, restaurants, bars, art galleries and more. Inside visit Gloss Nail Bar, where you get a complimentary beverage with your nail service, or satisfy your sweet tooth at MEMPops or Sweet Magnolia Gelato Co. Then, see who can find the hidden Art Bar filled with vintage figurines for a tasty cocktail.
At night, enjoy a multi-course Italian dinner (with a Southern flair) at the popular Catherine and Mary's, before heading down to historic Beale Street. From blues bars to hip hop dance clubs, Beale has a club for your group.
And we hope you brought your dancing shoes because no night out in Memphis is complete without a stop at Paula & Raiford's Disco.
Find more Galentine's and girls weekend ideas.
