3 Best Sights in Memphis, Tennessee

Overton Park houses the popular 70-acre Memphis Zoo, which includes a 9-acre Cat Country and Primate Canyon. In total, there are about 3,500 animals here, representing over 500 species. Don't miss giant pandas Ya Ya and Le Le. The Northwest Passage features polar bears, seals, and sea lions. The zoo has some nice eateries, shops, fountains, and a farm discovery center.

Memphis begins at the Mississippi River, which is celebrated in a 52-acre river park on Mud Island. A footbridge and monorail at 125 North Front Street get you to the island, where the five-block River Walk replicates the Mississippi's every twist, turn, and sandbar from Cairo, Illinois, to New Orleans, Louisiana. The park also has pedal boat and bicycle rentals and numerous gift shops.

At the The Children's Museum of Memphis youngsters can touch, climb, and explore their way through a child-size city, and delve into the many interactive exhibitions.