Memphis, Tennessee: 10 Best Short Day Trips Nearby
10 Easy Road Trips from Memphis, Tennessee for a Fun Day Away
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| Trade the city routine for river views, courthouse squares, quiet lakes, and small-town history on these easy day trips from Memphis, Tennessee. |
Need a quick break from city life in Memphis, Tennessee? You’re in the right place. One of the best things about Memphis is how easy it is to hop in the car and find a nearby getaway with small-town charm, river views, local history, and great food in under two hours.
If you’re searching for the best day trips from Memphis, TN, this list keeps things close, simple, and worth the drive. Even better, every stop here is outside Shelby County, so you can enjoy a true change of scenery without planning a big vacation.
I love trips like these because they feel like hitting a reset button. You grab a coffee, queue up a playlist, and before you know it, you’re exploring somewhere new. Ready for a few short road trip ideas? Let’s go.
1. Explore the Delta Culture in West Memphis, Arkansas
County: Crittenden County, AR
Just across the Mississippi River, West Memphis is one of the easiest day trips near Memphis, Tennessee. While many travelers pass through, it’s a great place to start if you want a short drive with a very different feel.
A standout stop is the Southland Casino Hotel. Even if gaming isn’t your thing, the area gives you a taste of Arkansas Delta culture and makes for a quick escape when you want something different without spending all day in the car.
If you only have a few hours, this is a smart pick. It’s the road trip version of taking the scenic route instead of the highway of routine.
- Drive time from Memphis: About 15 to 20 minutes
- Best for: Quick fun, entertainment, easy afternoon getaway
2. Visit the Sultana Disaster Museum in Marion, Arkansas
County: Crittenden County, AR
Marion makes a meaningful and memorable road trip from Memphis, especially if you enjoy history. The Sultana Disaster Museum tells the story of one of the deadliest maritime disasters in American history, and it’s a place that often surprises people.
This stop feels personal, not rushed or overdone. You walk in thinking it will be a quick visit, and then you find yourself reading every panel and reflecting on the stories.
If you like day trips with a little depth, this one delivers.
- Drive time from Memphis: About 25 minutes
- Best for: History lovers, meaningful short trips, quiet exploring
3. See Big River Views at the Mississippi River State Park Visitor Center Area
County: Mississippi County, AR
For travelers who want open space and peaceful scenery, head toward Mississippi County, Arkansas. The broader area connected to Mississippi River State Park offers a nice break from busy streets and screens.
This is a great choice when you want your weekend trip or day drive to feel calm and outdoorsy. Think wide skies, flat Delta land, and that quiet moment when you realize you can actually hear the wind again.
Bring snacks, wear comfortable shoes, and enjoy the slower pace.
- Drive time from Memphis: Roughly 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes depending on your stop
- Best for: Nature views, easy outdoor time, unplugging
4. Spend Time in Historic Downtown Blytheville, Arkansas
County: Mississippi County, AR
Blytheville is one of those places that can pleasantly catch you off guard. Its historic downtown has classic architecture, local businesses, and that old-school Main Street feel that makes a simple afternoon outing feel special.
If you enjoy wandering without a strict plan, this is a fun pick. Grab lunch, stroll around, and take in the local character. Sometimes the best nearby getaway isn’t packed with attractions. Sometimes it’s just a place with charm.
- Drive time from Memphis: About 1 hour
- Best for: Small-town atmosphere, casual exploring, local eats
5. Shop, Eat, and Walk Around Hernando, Mississippi
County: DeSoto County, MS
Hernando is an easy favorite for a Memphis day trip. The town square is pleasant, walkable, and lined with local shops and restaurants. It’s ideal when you want a low-stress outing with a little bit of everything.
I’ve always liked towns like Hernando because they make it easy to slow down. You don’t need a packed schedule. Just park, walk, browse, and maybe linger over lunch a little longer than planned.
Want a road trip that feels easy but still worthwhile? Put this one on your list.
- Drive time from Memphis: About 35 to 40 minutes
- Best for: Couples, families, shopping, relaxed dining
6. Catch the Views at Arkabutla Lake in North Mississippi
County: DeSoto County, MS
If your ideal road trip near Memphis, TN includes water views and fresh air, head to Arkabutla Lake. This is a great escape when you want room to breathe.
You can picnic, fish, enjoy the shoreline, or just sit and take in the scene. It’s simple, but that’s part of the appeal. Not every trip needs bells and whistles. Some just need a lawn chair and a good sandwich.
- Drive time from Memphis: About 45 minutes to 1 hour
- Best for: Outdoor lovers, quiet afternoons, family day trips
7. Step Into History at Holly Springs, Mississippi
County: Marshall County, MS
Holly Springs is one of the prettiest short road trips from Memphis if you enjoy Southern history and architecture. The town is known for beautiful historic homes, a charming downtown, and a timeless feel.
One of the most iconic places to visit here is the Marshall County Historical Museum, where you can learn more about the area and its stories. Pair that with a drive through town, and you’ve got a day trip that feels rich without feeling heavy.
This is the kind of place where even a simple walk can feel like turning the pages of an old photo album.
- Drive time from Memphis: About 1 hour
- Best for: History buffs, architecture fans, scenic small-town wandering
8. Enjoy a Countryside Escape at Strawberry Plains Audubon Center
County: Marshall County, MS
Looking for a peaceful nearby getaway with nature trails and wide-open land? Strawberry Plains Audubon Center is one of the best options outside Memphis.
This spot is especially good in spring and fall, when the weather is mild and the scenery really shows off. Birdwatchers love it, but you don’t need to know anything about birds to enjoy it. It’s just a calm, beautiful place to walk and reset.
If your week has been loud, this day trip is the opposite.
- Drive time from Memphis: About 1 hour
- Best for: Nature walks, photography, peaceful day trips
9. Discover Small-Town Tennessee in Somerville
County: Fayette County, TN
Somerville offers a laid-back day trip from Memphis, Tennessee with a classic courthouse-square feel. It’s not flashy, and that’s exactly why many people enjoy it.
Stroll around downtown, grab a bite to eat, and take in the slower rhythm of the town. It’s a nice reminder that a fun outing doesn’t always need a big headline attraction. Sometimes it just needs a different view and a slower clock.
If you’ve been craving a simple weekend trip idea without driving far, Somerville is worth a look.
- Drive time from Memphis: About 50 minutes
- Best for: Easy drives, local flavor, relaxed afternoons
10. Climb to the Top at the Tipton County Museum in Covington, Tennessee
County: Tipton County, TN
Covington makes a great road trip near Memphis, especially if you want history and a little something extra. The Tipton County Museum, Veterans Memorial & Nature Center is the highlight here, offering exhibits on local history along with scenic grounds to explore.
It’s a nice mix of indoor and outdoor fun, which is perfect if you’re traveling with different ages or interests. One person can dive into museum exhibits while someone else enjoys the walking paths.
That’s the sweet spot for a good day trip, right? Everyone finds something to like.
- Drive time from Memphis: About 50 minutes to 1 hour
- Best for: Families, history lovers, flexible outings
Tips for Planning Your Memphis, Tennessee Day Trips
Before you go, here are a few simple ways to make your day trips from Memphis, TN even better:
- Leave a little earlier to beat traffic and enjoy more time exploring.
- Bring cash or a card for local shops and small cafes.
- Check hours before you go, especially for museums and nature centers.
- Pack water, sunglasses, and a phone charger.
- Don’t over-plan. Some of the best moments happen when you leave room to wander.
Final Thoughts on Nearby Getaways from Memphis
From scenic lakes and quiet nature centers to historic towns and interesting museums, there are plenty of great things to do near Memphis, Tennessee without staying in Shelby County. These quick escapes prove you don’t need a long vacation to have a refreshing change of pace.
So, which of these short road trips are you trying first? If you’ve already explored one of these spots, share your favorite in the comments. And if this list helped you plan your next day trip or weekend trip, send it to a friend or post it on social media so they can start planning too.
Happy travels!
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