Things to do in Shelby County

Journey through the life and legacy of one of the most legendary entertainers of all time at Graceland. The former home of Elvis Presley, the King of Rock 'n' Roll, is a sprawling estate filled with memorabilia charting every aspect of his illustrious career.

Spanning several city blocks in the heart of downtown Memphis, Beale Street is a hub of music, entertainment and history. Louis Armstrong, B.B. King, Elvis Presley and Johny Cash all played here at various times, helping to develop the musical style known as the “Memphis Blues.” Today Beale Street is packed with nightclubs, concert venues, restaurants and galleries, making it a great place to wander.

Thousands of animals big and small live in the Memphis Zoo, on grounds covering 76 acres (31 hectares). Dating back to 1906, this long-running Memphis institution brings in more than 1 million visitors per year. Look for some of the most exotic and impressive creatures from your list of favorites when you visit this spectacular zoo.

The Peabody Ducks is a majestic and iconic Memphis hotel known for the ducks that can be seen quacking around its fountain. A favorite with kids, the tradition dates back to the 1930s, when the general manager and his friend would leave their live decoy ducks from hunting expeditions here to the amusement and delight of the guests. Bring your little ones to watch the ducks strutting around their eminent surroundings.

Visit the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel to explore a fascinating site that delves into the history of its namesake movement. It uses a mix of oral histories, films and other interactive media to tell the stories of the figures and groups at the center of the struggle. Learn about slavery, its abolition and the enforcement of anti-African American laws in this poignant museum.