United States Tennessee Best Places to See the Mississippi River in Memphis Parks, the Bluffs, Hotel Rooftops, and More By Lance Wiedower Lance Wiedower Lance Wiedower is a Memphis-based journalist, editor, and travel expert who covers Memphis neighborhoods, restaurants, sports, and the arts. TripSavvy's editorial guidelines Updated on 09/25/19 Fact checked by Erin Medlicott Fact checked by Erin Medlicott LinkedIn Twitter New York University Rutgers University Erin Medlicott is a fact checker and researcher with a background in lifestyle and finance. Prior to her work at TripSavvy, she did financial research for the American Express Departures Magazine as well as the Wall Street Journal. She earned a TripSavvy's fact-checking Westend61/Getty Images Memphis was founded in 1819 on the bluffs high above the Mississippi River, a spot that would remain safe from the flooding waters. Those same bluffs that keep the city safe from the river also provide some of the best places to see Mississippi River in Memphis. There are not many cafes and restaurants that overlook the river; the historic buildings along Front Street actually face away from the river. To find the best spots in Memphis for river viewing, you will want to check out the parks and trails, where there is an abundance of scenic outlooks. Go at sunset for a spectacular sight. There are a few hotels and local places off the beaten path, which can also give you a nice view of the river. 01 of 10 Tom Lee Park TripSavvy / Ivey Redding Tom Lee Park is a 30-acre open park space that sits between Riverside Drive and the river, just south of Beale Street. This park has sidewalks that wind through it and is connected to stairs that lead up to the Riverbluff Walkway above. While admiring the park, get fit, too. Check out the park's RiverFit trail along the banks of Ol' Man River—six fitness and exercise stations, stretching supports, two sand volleyball courts, and a soccer field for fitness all with a view. 02 of 10 Riverbluff Walkway TripSavvy / Ivey Redding Take a peaceful and scenic stroll along the river bluff. The best stretch is between Beale Street and the South Bluffs neighborhood. Along the way, take in views of the river below, as the path winds by some of the city's most beautiful homes. 03 of 10 Mud Island River Park Douglas Sacha/Getty Images Mud Island sits between the Wolf River Harbor and the Mississippi River. The views of the mighty open river are minimal in the park itself, but the view of the Memphis skyline beyond the harbor, especially when watching a concert at the amphitheater, is fantastic. 04 of 10 Mississippi Greenbelt Park TripSavvy / Ivey Redding Across Island Drive from the homes, apartments, and businesses of Harbor Town on Mud Island sits the Mississippi Greenbelt Park. This 105-acre spacious, tree-lined park stretches along the riverfront with a 1.5-mile walking trail. Continue to 5 of 10 below. 05 of 10 Martyr's Park TripSavvy / Ivey Redding This small park has some of the best views of the river. Martyr’s Park sits near the older bridges crossing the river off Interstate 55 on Channel 3 Drive. The park is connected to Tom Lee Park via the Riverwalk Pedestrian Path. 06 of 10 Memphis Park kickstand/Getty images In the core of downtown Memphis is Memphis Park, formerly known as Confederate Park. It sits high on a bluff overlooking the river next to the University of Memphis law school. It's a quiet place to escape the city and take in the view. 07 of 10 Beale Street Landing TripSavvy / Ivey Redding Beale Street Landing at the foot of Beale Street is the city's home for riverboat cruises. A grassy expanse on top of the building provides unique views of the river and Mud Island. 08 of 10 River Inn of Harbor Town TripSavvy / Ivey Redding The River Inn of Harbor Town is a luxury hotel in Harbor Town on Mud Island. It has several vantage points for enjoying the river such as Terrace at the River Inn, Paulette's Restaurant, and Tug's. Continue to 9 of 10 below. 09 of 10 Metal Museum Barry Winiker/Getty Images The Metal Museum is a small museum that focuses on blacksmithing and other metal works. Its backyard leads down to amazing views overlooking the Mississippi River. 10 of 10 Hotel Rooftops traveler1116/Getty Images Downtown Memphis hotels like The Peabody Memphis and Madison Hotel provide guests great views of the Mississippi River from their rooftops. The Peabody welcomes visitors to take the elevator up without staying at the hotel. It offers a weekly rooftop party with DJs getting the weekend started on Thursdays during the spring and summer. The Madison offers a rooftop bar where you can take in the view. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Share Pin Email Tell us why! Submit Share Pin Email