Memphis Parks and Gardens

(Memphis, Tennessee - TN, USA)

Memphis is adorned with plenty of scenic parks and gardens, which make good retreats from busy shopping, lunching and sightseeing schedules.

There's the incredibly tranquil Memphis Botanic Gardens with its woodland, lakes and soothing Japanese-style landscaping, not to mention the lush Overton Park and a whole host of other gardens around the city.

Conversely, the green spaces in the city aren't always the escape from the crowd they might seem. Many of the leafy pedestrian areas, such as Handy Park and the Tom Lee Park, are frequently used as venues for exciting al fresco music events during the summer months, drawing large crowds.

Memphis Botanic Gardens

Address: 750 Cherry Road, Memphis, Tennessee TN 38117, USA
Tel: +1 901 685 1566
This idyllic setting of over 96 acres / 39 hectares of stunning grounds includes water features, lakes, themed landscaping and woodland areas. The Memphis Botanic Gardens boast a world-class Japanese Garden, while also hosting a number of special seasonal events.
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 09:00 to 18:00, Sunday - 11:00 to 18:00, seasonal variations
Admission: charge, children under two free

Audubon Park

Address: Park Avenue, (At Goodlett), Memphis, Tennessee TN, 38117, USA
Excellent recreational facilities make this spot a favorite among residents. Here you can play tennis and field sports, or simply relax with a picnic and enjoy views over the scenic lake. Audubon Park is also host to medieval reenactment battles, where you can observe costumes and fighting skills of days gone by.
Open hours: daily - dawn to dusk
Admission: free, charge for some sport facilities

Handy Park

Address: Beale Street, Memphis, Tennessee TN, USA
Take a stroll down Beale Street to Handy Park, an area of Memphis dedicated to William Christopher Handy, the father of blues music. The parkland plays host to many of Beale Street's open-air events and there is also a bronze statue of Handy with his trumpet.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Court Square

Address: At Madison, Memphis, Tennessee TN, 38103, USA
In the heart of the downtown district, this green area is over a century old, being home to the statue of Hebe and an attractive bronze fountain. Popular among office workers during lunch hours, Court Square makes a pleasant place to sit back in the shade and watch antique streetcars go by.
Open hours: daily - dawn to dusk
Admission: free

Tom Lee Park

Address: 357 Riverside Drive, Memphis, Tennessee TN, 38103, USA
Tel: +1 901 525 1515
Named after an African American who lost his life saving others from a sinking steamer in 1925, the Tom Lee Park is sited just off Beale Street and close to the Orpheum Theater, where it covers an area of over 100 acres / 40 hectares along the south riverbank. This spot is favored by joggers and is a popular venue for both festivals and open-air music events.
Open hours: daily, seasonal variations apply
Admission: free

Lichterman Nature Center / Arboretum

Address: 5992 Quince Road, Memphis, Tennessee TN, 38119-7257, USA
Tel: +1 901 767 7322
Named after the Lichterman family, this is a fantastic 65-acre / 26-hectare nature preserve where raccoons run freely among other wildlife. There are frequent educational events here, making it perfect for children.
Open hours: Monday to Thursday - 09:00 to 16:00, Friday and Saturday - 09:00 to 17:00, Sunday - 12:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discount for adults and seniors

Overton Park

Address: 2080 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee TN, 38104, USA
Tel: +1 901 214 5450
This large leafy park is surrounded by some of the most affluent districts in the city and is home to several prime tourist attractions, making it a convenient place to relax between excursions. The Memphis Zoo, the Brooks Museum of Art and the Memphis College of Art are all situated within the grounds, while the Overton Municipal Golf Course can also be found here.
Open hours: daily, seasonal variations may apply
Admission: free