Day Trips & Weekend Getaways
Best Day Trips & Weekend Getaways from Memphis, TN
Memphis sits on the Mississippi River with access to Arkansas's forests, Mississippi's blues heritage, and the natural beauty of the mid-South.
The Arkansas Ozarks and Mississippi Delta blues trail make compelling multi-directional day trips.
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Popular Interests
or browse all12 destinations near Memphis
Discovery Park of America
Union City, TN 38261
Why this destination?
Recommended because: History destination · highly rated (4.8 by 3.9k+ visitors) · 2 hrs 11 min from Memphis · fits $10 - $25 budget
Best time to visit: Year-round. Indoor museums and historic sites are great rainy-day options.
Lamar Park
MS 38655, USA
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.8 by 0.5k+ visitors) · 1 hr 23 min from Memphis · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
Columbus Belmont State Park
350 Park Rd, Columbus
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.8 by 0.9k+ visitors) · 2 hrs 43 min from Memphis · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
Chickasaw State Park
Henderson, TN 38340
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.7 by 1.6k+ visitors) · 1 hr 31 min from Memphis · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
Grenada Lake Visitor's Center
MS 38901, USA
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Adventure destination · highly rated (4.7 by 0.2k+ visitors) · 1 hr 37 min from Memphis · fits $15 - $50 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Sky Lake WMA Boardwalk
Belzoni, MS 39038
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.7 by 0.1k+ visitors) · 2 hrs 32 min from Memphis · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
Louisiana Purchase State Park
Holly Grove, AR 72069
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.7 by 0.3k+ visitors) · 1 hr 31 min from Memphis · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
Pickwick Landing State Park
Counce, TN 38326
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.6 by 2.6k+ visitors) · 2 hrs 5 min from Memphis · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
Mineral Slough Boardwalk, Ghost River State Natural Area
Moscow, TN 38057
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · well rated (4.6 stars) · 1 hr 7 min from Memphis · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
Chickasaw National Wildlife Refuge
Ripley, TN 38063
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.5 by 0.1k+ visitors) · 1 hr 28 min from Memphis · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
The Blues Crossroads
Clarksdale, MS 38614
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Adventure destination · well rated (4.4 stars) · 1 hr 25 min from Memphis · fits $15 - $50 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Beatles Park
Walnut Ridge, AR 72476
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Adventure destination · well rated (4.3 stars) · 1 hr 26 min from Memphis · fits $15 - $50 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best day trips from Memphis, TN?
The best day trips from Memphis include state parks, historic towns, scenic drives, wineries, and outdoor recreation. Our page shows top-rated destinations with real drive times, Google ratings, and budget estimates so you can pick the right trip for your schedule and interests.
How far should I drive for a day trip from Memphis?
Most great day trips from Memphis are between 1 and 3 hours away. Under an hour gets you local parks and nearby towns. Two to three hours opens up state parks, lakefront destinations, and small cities worth a full day of exploring.
What are cheap things to do near Memphis?
Many of the best day trips near Memphis are free or low-cost. State parks, hiking trails, scenic drives, and small-town Main Streets are all great options. Check the budget estimates on each destination card above to plan a trip that fits your wallet.
What is the best time of year for day trips from Memphis?
Spring and fall are ideal for most destinations near Memphis, with mild weather and smaller crowds. Summer is great for beaches and water activities. Winter works well for indoor attractions like museums, historic sites, and food-focused trips. Check the seasonal notes on each card for specific timing tips.
Are there weekend getaways near Memphis?
Yes. Many destinations within 2-4 hours of Memphis make excellent overnight trips. Look for spots with multiple activities, good dining, and nearby lodging. Use the "Plan This Trip" button on any card to start building an itinerary, or check our drive-time pages for destinations at specific distances. If you need a car, compare rental options to find the best deal.
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