Living in Memphis makes it easy to plan a fun weekend getaway without spending most of the trip in the car. Whether you want a relaxing lake weekend, a walkable downtown filled with shops and restaurants, a family-friendly adventure or a quick couples’ escape, there are so many great destinations just a few hours away. These weekend trips within three hours of Memphis are close enough for a spontaneous two-night getaway but offer plenty to do once you arrive. I included some of our longtime favorites along with a few easy-to-overlook destinations that deserve a spot on your next road trip list.
1. Oxford, Mississippi
Approximate drive time from Memphis: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Oxford is one of my favorite easy weekend trips from Memphis because it works for almost any kind of getaway. It is perfect for a couples’ weekend, a girls’ trip or a family escape when you want great food and plenty to do without a packed itinerary. Start on the historic Oxford Square, where you can shop at local boutiques, browse Square Books and choose from several wonderful restaurants. Literature lovers can tour Rowan Oak, the former home of William Faulkner, while families can explore the University of Mississippi Museum or walk around the beautiful Ole Miss campus. Oxford is especially fun during football season, but I also love visiting when the town is quieter and we can take our time shopping, eating and enjoying the slower pace.
Do not miss: Oxford Square, Square Books, Rowan Oak and the Ole Miss campus
2. Jackson, Tennessee
Approximate drive time from Memphis: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Jackson is an easy West Tennessee getaway that is close enough for one night but has enough nearby attractions to fill a full weekend. Music and railroad history are a big part of the area, and Casey Jones Village is one of its best-known stops. You can tour the historic Casey Jones Home and Railroad Museum, visit the old-fashioned country store and grab a Southern meal while you are there. Downtown Jackson has continued to grow with local restaurants, public art and live entertainment. If you are traveling with children, add a stop at the Tennessee Safari Park in nearby Alamo. The drive-through safari makes this weekend feel like much more of an adventure without requiring a long drive from Memphis.
Do not miss: Casey Jones Village, downtown Jackson and Tennessee Safari Park
3. Tupelo, Mississippi
Approximate drive time from Memphis: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Tupelo is best known as the birthplace of Elvis Presley, but it offers much more than music history. Visit the Elvis Presley Birthplace to see the small home where he was born, the museum, chapel and surrounding grounds. It is an interesting stop even if you are not a lifelong Elvis fan because it tells such an important piece of Mississippi and music history. Downtown Tupelo is filled with murals, local shops and restaurants, and families can add the Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo or HealthWorks! to the itinerary. The Natchez Trace Parkway is nearby too, so it is easy to add a scenic drive, picnic or short walk to your weekend.
Do not miss: Elvis Presley Birthplace, downtown Tupelo and the Natchez Trace Parkway
4. Pickwick Lake and Savannah, Tennessee
Approximate drive time from Memphis: 2 hours
Pickwick is one of the best weekend spots near Memphis when you want to spend most of your time outdoors. This is where we grew up visiting most every weekend when we were kids. Pickwick Landing State Park offers boating, fishing, swimming, hiking and golf, along with a lodge, cabins and campsites. The lake is beautiful, and there is enough to do for an active family trip or a relaxing weekend by the water. Nearby Savannah makes a good home base or afternoon stop, and Shiloh National Military Park is only a short drive away. Pack swimsuits and water gear during the warmer months, or visit in the fall when the weather is cooler and the changing leaves make the lake especially pretty.
Do not miss: Pickwick Landing State Park, a boat day and Shiloh National Military Park
5. Little Rock, Arkansas
Approximate drive time from Memphis: 2 hours
Little Rock is close enough for a quick weekend but feels like a true city getaway. Families can spend hours at the Museum of Discovery and the Little Rock Zoo, while the River Market District offers restaurants, shops and access to the Arkansas River Trail. For outdoor time, hike at Pinnacle Mountain State Park (one of our favorites!) or walk across the Big Dam Bridge. History lovers can visit the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site and the Clinton Presidential Library. Little Rock has enough variety that you can plan a completely different trip each time you visit.
Do not miss: Museum of Discovery, River Market District, Pinnacle Mountain, Little Rock Zoo and Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site
6. Florence and Muscle Shoals, Alabama
Approximate drive time from Memphis: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Florence and Muscle Shoals are ideal for a weekend filled with music history, good food, shopping and beautiful Tennessee River views. Tour FAME Recording Studios and Muscle Shoals Sound Studio to learn how this area helped shape American music. In Florence, visit the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Rosenbaum House, shop downtown and stop by Trowbridge’s for an old-fashioned treat. Families can spend time at River Heritage Park, while couples may want to slow down with a scenic river walk and dinner downtown. The area has such a creative, relaxed personality, and it is one of the most underrated weekend getaways near Memphis.
Do not miss: FAME Recording Studios, Muscle Shoals Sound Studio, downtown Florence and River Heritage Park
7. Cape Girardeau, Missouri
Approximate drive time from Memphis: 2 hours and 30 to 45 minutes
Cape Girardeau is a fun choice when you want to explore somewhere in a different direction. Its historic downtown sits along the Mississippi River and has local restaurants, shops, murals and river views. Walk along the riverfront, see the Missouri Wall of Fame and check the schedule at Southeast Missouri State University’s River Campus. Just outside the city, Trail of Tears State Park offers hiking trails, picnic areas and scenic overlooks above the Mississippi River. Cape Girardeau has a good balance of downtown activities and outdoor space, making it an easy weekend for couples or families.
Do not miss: Historic downtown, the riverfront, Missouri Wall of Fame and Trail of Tears State Park
8. Hot Springs, Arkansas
Approximate drive time from Memphis: About 3 hours
Hot Springs sits right at the edge of the three-hour range—and the drive can be a little longer depending on where you live and traffic—but it is one of our favorite weekend getaways from Memphis. We return to the Hot Springs area again and again because it works for family trips, couples’ getaways and lake weekends. Walk along historic Bathhouse Row, explore Hot Springs National Park, book a thermal bath or spa treatment and shop and eat along Central Avenue. Families can visit Mid-America Science Museum, hike one of the national park trails or spend a day at Magic Springs during its operating season. Lake Hamilton is one of our favorite warm-weather destinations. Rent a boat, book a house on the water and enjoy an easy weekend of swimming, tubing and relaxing by the lake.
Do not miss: Bathhouse Row, Hot Springs National Park, Mid-America Science Museum and Lake Hamilton
Which Weekend Getaway from Memphis Should You Choose?
The best destination depends on the kind of weekend you have in mind:
- For shopping and restaurants: Oxford or Florence
- For a lake weekend: Pickwick or Hot Springs
- For younger children: Jackson, Tupelo or Little Rock
- For history: Shiloh, Little Rock or Muscle Shoals
- For nature and outdoor adventures: Pickwick, Hot Springs or Trail of Tears State Park
- For a couples’ getaway: Oxford, Florence or Hot Springs
One of the best parts about living in Memphis is how many different places we can reach in just a few hours. You do not need a flight or a full week off to get a change of scenery. Pick a destination, book a room and make the most of a fun weekend close to home. Which of these weekend trips from Memphis would you choose first?
