Sun Studio Tours

Sun Studio
Sun Studio featuring signage
Sun Studio
Sun Studio which includes signage
Sun Studio


Known as The Birthplace of Rock and Roll, this recording studio presents a trip down memory lane with music icons such as Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash.

Step past the unassuming shopfront of Sun Studios to discover one of the world’s most emblematic destinations for American music history. This legendary recording studio invites music fans to experience the careers of some of the nation’s most-loved rock and roll artists. Join enthusiastic guides on a tour of Sun Studios to hear untold stories, browse original memorabilia and listen to recording sessions.

Record producer Sam Phillips opened the studio in 1950. It earned the moniker The Birthplace of Rock and Roll after Jackie Brenston and His Delta Cats recorded the single Rocket 88 here in 1951. The studio went on to become a revered venue for blues, country, gospel, rock ’n’ roll, and rockabilly. B.B. King, Elvis Presley, Howlin’ Wolf and Jerry Lee Lewis are some of the many artists to have recorded here.

Tours take you to rooms and studios packed with instruments, recording equipment, photos, concert posters and vinyl records. Pose for a photo with the microphone that Elvis sang into and listen to outtakes from recording and jam sessions. Guides will share inside information about the celebrated musicians. Hear the story about the Million Dollar Quartet, an impromptu performance that featured Elvis, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins.

Finish your visit in the shop, where you can purchase Sun Studio branded T-shirts, magnets, keychains and guitar pics, among other souvenirs. Pick up a pair of Elvis-style sunglasses and a CD of the Million Dollar Quarter jam. There’s also a 1950s-style café that serves light snacks, sodas, milkshakes and floats.

Located in the Medical District, the attraction is a 20-minute walk from Downtown Memphis. A free shuttle bus connects the studio with the Rock n’ Soul Museum, on Beale Street. Free parking is available at the rear of the building.

Sun Studio is open daily, except for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day, and there’s an admission fee. A 45-minute guided tour is included with the admission ticket.

Plan a trip to see Sun Studio

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Hilton Garden Inn Memphis East Germantown, TN
Hampton Inn & Suites Memphis East Germantown Area
Hotel Napoleon Memphis

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Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Sun Studio

Hu. Hotel

Hu. Hotel

3.5 out of 5
79 Madison Avenue, Memphis, TN
Hu. Hotel
Hotel Indigo Memphis Downtown by IHG

Hotel Indigo Memphis Downtown by IHG

3.5 out of 5
22 N B.B. King Blvd, Memphis, TN
Hotel Indigo Memphis Downtown by IHG
Hyatt Centric Beale Street Memphis

Hyatt Centric Beale Street Memphis

4 out of 5
33 BEALE STREET, Memphis, TN
Hyatt Centric Beale Street Memphis
Big Cypress Lodge

Big Cypress Lodge

5 out of 5
1 Bass Pro Drive, Memphis, TN
Big Cypress Lodge
DoubleTree by Hilton Memphis Downtown

DoubleTree by Hilton Memphis Downtown

4 out of 5
185 Union Ave, Memphis, TN
DoubleTree by Hilton Memphis Downtown
Hampton Inn & Suites Memphis-Beale Street

Hampton Inn & Suites Memphis-Beale Street

2.5 out of 5
175 Peabody Pl, Memphis, TN
Hampton Inn & Suites Memphis-Beale Street
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Memphis Downtown

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Memphis Downtown

3 out of 5
310 Union Ave, Memphis, TN
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Memphis Downtown
Holiday Inn Express Memphis Medical Center Midtown by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Memphis Medical Center Midtown by IHG

2.5 out of 5
1180 Union Ave, Memphis, TN
Holiday Inn Express Memphis Medical Center Midtown by IHG
Motel 6 Memphis, TN - Downtown

Motel 6 Memphis, TN - Downtown

2 out of 5
210 S Pauline St, Memphis, TN
Motel 6 Memphis, TN - Downtown
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Sun Studio

Sun Studio in Memphis, Tennessee, offers a variety of exciting activities and attractions. Visitors can explore the historic site with admission tours, capture memorable photos, and enjoy live music and theater nearby. Consider comparing local hotels for a comfortable stay and don’t miss out on the Memphis city tours and photo tours that highlight the vibrant culture and history of the area. Experience the essence of Memphis at this legendary recording studio!

Shopping

The nearest shopping experience is A. Schwab Dry Goods Store, only 0.8 miles from Sun Studio, offering unique gifts and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, Southland Mall and Holiday Plaza, located 8 and 9 miles away, provide a variety of family-friendly shopping options.

Recreation

AutoZone Park, 0.8 miles from Sun Studio, offers an energetic atmosphere for sports enthusiasts. Galloway Golf Course, 6 miles away, provides a tranquil outdoor setting for golf lovers. Levitt Shell, 2 miles from Sun Studio, invites you to enjoy lively concerts in a historic venue.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of motor racing at Memphis International Raceway, located 11 miles from Sun Studio, where adrenaline and speed take center stage. Engage in action-packed fun at Battlefront Lasertag and Paintball, also 11 miles away, or enjoy a game at Bellevue Tennis Center, only 2 miles from your base.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Sun Studio with a show at the Orpheum Theatre, just 1 mile away, or enjoy performances at the Cannon Center for Performing Arts and Halloran Centre for Performing Arts, both also 1 mile away. Each venue offers a blend of culture and entertainment.

Find the best attractions near Sun Studio

Sun Studio in Memphis, Tennessee, is surrounded by a variety of attractions including music and history museums, making it a perfect destination for culture seekers and families alike. Visitors can explore the famous recording studio, delve into Memphis sights, and discover the historic significance of Sun Studio. Whether you're interested in outdoor experiences or immersing yourself in music history, there's plenty to enjoy within and around this iconic landmark.

  • Beale Street: Known as the "Home of the Blues," Beale Street is a vibrant hub for live music, dining, and nightlife. Just 0.9 miles from Sun Studio, this historic street offers a lively atmosphere where you can soak in the rich musical heritage of Memphis with street performers and local bars.
  • FedEx Forum: Located 0.7 miles away, FedEx Forum is a premier arena hosting sports events and concerts. Experience family-friendly entertainment, whether catching a Memphis Grizzlies game or a major concert, making it a great spot for fun and excitement.
  • National Civil Rights Museum: Just 1 mile from Sun Studio, this profound museum chronicles the history of the Civil Rights Movement in America. Engage with powerful exhibits that promote cultural understanding and honor the struggle for equality.

Best time to go to Sun Studio

Visitor numbers around Sun Studio is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Sun Studio is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February43.9°F (6.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March53.1°F (11.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
April61.2°F (16.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
May70.5°F (21.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
June79.2°F (26.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July81.5°F (27.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August80.1°F (26.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September74.8°F (23.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October64.0°F (17.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November52.2°F (11.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
December45.5°F (7.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Sun Studio

To save money on your visit to Sun Studio in Memphis, consider traveling during the low season from December to February, with Monday being the cheapest day for hotel stays. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter your hotel options by budget and desired location, and consider booking a package that combines flights and activities for added savings. Joining Expedia’s One Key membership can provide exclusive discounts and earn you OneKeyCash for future bookings. Look for hotel deals and discounts to maximize your budget while exploring this iconic site.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Sun Studio are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April to June, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Sun Studio is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Sun Studio is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your options based on your budget, preferred location, and desired hotel type. To find the best prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Sun Studio with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.