Things to Do in Memphis for Truck Drivers: The Ultimate Layover Activity Guide (2025)

A Memphis layover doesn’t have to mean sitting in your cab scrolling your phone or catching up on sleep—although that’s always an option. For truck drivers, Memphis is one of those rare route stops that actually offers memorable experiences if you plan it right. From world-famous barbecue and live blues music to powerful history and riverfront views, there are plenty of things to do Memphis truck drivers can enjoy during a layover.

The biggest challenge isn’t finding things to do—it’s figuring out where to safely park your truck while you explore. Downtown Memphis isn’t truck-friendly, and most attractions aren’t accessible with a semi. That’s where secure off-site parking makes all the difference.

With National Truck Parking, you can park your truck for just $20/day, lock it up behind a gated and fenced facility, and enjoy the city with peace of mind. With 24/7 access, you’re free to explore on your schedule and turn a routine route into a highlight of your trip.

Step 1 - Park Your Truck Safely

Before You Explore

Before heading out, the first priority is securing your truck. Most Memphis attractions—including Beale Street, Graceland, and downtown museums—do not allow truck parking. Trying to navigate city streets or find unofficial parking can lead to tickets, towing, or worse.

Downtown Memphis in particular has tight streets, heavy pedestrian traffic, and zero practical options for semis. The smart move is to park once at a secure facility and use rideshare or public transit to get around.

National Truck Parking Solution

National Truck Parking offers a simple, driver-friendly solution:

• Address: 4867 Getwell Road, Memphis, TN 38118
• Cost: $20 per day
• Fully fenced and gated facility
• 24/7 access so you can return anytime
• Monitored with CCTV for added security

Once your truck is parked, you can explore Memphis without worrying about your equipment, load, or logbook headaches.

Getting Around Memphis

• Uber/Lyft: Easiest and fastest option
• 15 minutes to downtown Memphis
• Typical fare: $15–20 each way
• MATA buses: Budget-friendly public transit
• Rental car: Best for long layovers or weekends

Plan on budgeting about $30–40 total for transportation during a standard layover.

Memphis BBQ Experiences

World-Famous Barbecue (Must-Do)

Memphis barbecue isn’t just food—it’s a culture. Dry-rub ribs, slow-smoked pork, and classic sides are part of what makes this city legendary.

Top BBQ Spots:

1. Rendezvous – Downtown, famous dry ribs ($15–25)
2. Central BBQ – Multiple locations, pulled pork nachos ($12–20)
3. Payne’s Bar-B-Que – Local favorite chopped pork ($8–12)
4. Cozy Corner – Cornish hens and soul food sides ($15–20)

If time allows, consider a BBQ crawl—lunch at one spot and dinner at another for the full Memphis experience.

Memphis BBQ Tours

Guided BBQ tours run 3–4 hours and take you to multiple legendary joints while sharing the history behind Memphis-style barbecue. These are perfect for first-time visitors and can be booked online in advance.

Budget: $30–60 for Memphis BBQ day

Beale Street - Memphis Music and Nightlife

Historic Beale Street

Beale Street is the heart of Memphis music and nightlife. Known as the “Home of the Blues,” this three-block district is packed with live music, bars, restaurants, and historic landmarks.

What to Do on Beale Street

Daytime (Noon–6 PM):

• Walk the historic street
• Visit blues museums
• Shop for music and souvenirs
• Early BBQ dinner

Evening (6 PM–Late):

• Live music starts around 6–7 PM
• B.B. King’s Blues Club, Rum Boogie Café
• Street performers and packed crowds

Beale Street Tips for Drivers

• Best nights: Friday and Saturday
• Cover charges: $5–15
• Drinks: $5–10
• Strong police presence and tourist-friendly
• Easy Uber ride back to truck parking

Budget: $40–80 for Beale Street evening

Graceland - Elvis Presley's Home

Visit the King's Mansion

Graceland is one of the most famous homes in America and a must-see Memphis attraction. Located in South Memphis, it’s easily accessible by Uber from secure truck parking.

Graceland Tour Options

• Mansion Tour: 90 minutes, $40–50
• Ultimate VIP Tour: 3–4 hours, $75–100
• Elvis Week (August): Book early

Graceland Tips for Truck Drivers

• Allow at least 3–4 hours
• Book tickets online
• Uber cost: ~$25 each way
• Great souvenir shop for family

Budget: $100–150

Sun Studio - Birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll

Historic Recording Studio

Sun Studio is where Elvis, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis recorded their first hits. It’s still an active studio and a cornerstone of music history.

Sun Studio Tour

• 45-minute guided tour
• Original equipment and recording rooms
• $15–20 admission

Music Fans Must-Visit

Easy to combine with Beale Street and downtown attractions, Sun Studio delivers big history in a short visit.

Budget: $15–20 + Uber

Mississippi River and Riverfront

Mississippi Riverfront Parks

Memphis sits right on the Mississippi River, and the riverfront parks are perfect for relaxing after long hours behind the wheel.

Mud Island River Park

• Scale model of the Mississippi River
• Riverwalk and museum
• Monorail access
• $10–15 admission

Riverfront Activities

• Walking and biking trails
• Sunset views
• Great photo spots
• Free and low-stress

Budget: Free to $15

Bass Pro Shops Pyramid

Giant Pyramid Downtown

This former sports arena is now one of the most unique attractions in Memphis—and it’s free to enter.

What's Inside

• Massive Bass Pro Shop
• Indoor swamp with live alligators
• Observation deck (28 stories high)
• Restaurants and bowling alley

Perfect for Layover

It’s air-conditioned, indoors, and completely unique—ideal for a quick visit during extreme weather.

Budget: Free (or $10–15 for observation deck)

National Civil Rights Museum

Lorraine Motel - MLK Assassination Site

Located at the site where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, this museum offers one of the most powerful historical experiences in the country.

Museum Experience

• 1–2 hours minimum
• Deeply moving exhibits
• Essential American history

Admission

$15–20 per person

Why Truck Drivers Appreciate

It’s meaningful, educational, and far more memorable than a typical layover stop.

Budget: $15–20

Memphis Food Beyond BBQ

Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken

Crispy, spicy, and widely considered some of the best fried chicken in the country.

Memphis Soul Food

• The Four Way
• Alcenia’s
• Comfort food classics

Arcade Restaurant

Open since 1919, serving breakfast all day in a classic diner setting.

Memphis Burgers and Casual

• Huey’s
• Dyer’s Burgers

Quick Activities (2 Hours or Less)

For Short Layovers

• Memphis Zoo
• Shelby Farms Park
• Overton Park
• Peabody Hotel Duck March

Shopping

• Wolfchase Galleria
• Memphis Flea Market (weekends)

Seasonal Memphis Activities

Spring/Summer

• Memphis in May
• Sunset Symphony
• Redbirds baseball

Fall

• Grizzlies basketball
• College football

Winter

• Holiday lights
• Indoor attractions

Sample Memphis Layover Itineraries

Quick 4-Hour Layover

Park, eat BBQ, walk downtown, and get back on the road—all without stress.

Full Day Layover

Graceland, Sun Studio, Beale Street, and BBQ make for an unforgettable day.

Weekend Layover (2 Days)

Perfect balance of history, food, music, and relaxation.

Memphis Layover Budget Planning

Typical Costs

• Truck Parking: $20/day
• Transportation: $30–50/day
• Food: $40–80/day
• Attractions: $20–100

Budget Options

Stick to free attractions, public transit, and one major meal.

Splurge Options

Hit all the major attractions, multiple BBQ stops, and Beale Street nightlife.

Safety Tips for Memphis Layovers

Stay in Tourist Areas

• Beale Street
• Downtown Memphis
• Graceland area

Avoid

• Walking alone late at night
• Unfamiliar neighborhoods
• Displaying valuables

Your Truck is Safe

With National Truck Parking, your equipment stays secure while you enjoy the city.

FAQ

1. What can truck drivers do in Memphis on layover?
BBQ, Beale Street, Graceland, museums, riverfront parks, and live music.

2. Where should I park my truck to explore Memphis?
At a secure facility like National Truck Parking.

3. How much does a Memphis layover cost?
Anywhere from $50 to $250 depending on activities.

4. Is Memphis safe for truck drivers?
Yes, especially in tourist areas.

5. Can I visit Graceland on a truck route?
Yes, with off-site parking and Uber.

6. What's the best Memphis BBQ?
Rendezvous, Central BBQ, and Payne’s.

7. How do I get downtown from truck parking?
Uber or Lyft—about 15 minutes.

8. What are quick activities in Memphis?
Beale Street, Peabody Ducks, Bass Pro Pyramid.

Conclusion

Memphis is far more than a fuel stop—it’s a city packed with food, music, history, and character. With secure truck parking and a little planning, your Memphis layover can become one of the highlights of your route.

Park your truck safely, explore with confidence, and turn downtime into real experiences.

Park Your Truck, Explore Memphis
Call: (901) 350-6669