A Family Road Trip to Tupelo Mississippi

With unparalleled attractions, delicious dining, nature trails, rich history, and comfortable hotel rooms, Tupelo has all the trappings of a family-friendly destination. Here's how to plan a summertime road trip to the city that’s positively the place for memorable experiences.

Start your Tupelo adventure with unforgettable, family-friendly experiences that bring you face-to-face with nature. Visit the Tupelo Buffalo Park & Zoo, to get up close and personal with the park’s residents. Spanning 210 acres, the park boasts more than 260 animals. The safari drive-through experience lets visitors observe the animals in their natural habitat and feed them from the comfort of their vehicle. Another park to visit is Ballard Park, where a new, all-inclusive playground, walking track, and scenic lake make it a must-do for families.

For those who enjoy blending outdoor exploration with rich history, Tupelo offers plenty of opportunities to do both. Spend more time outdoors by exploring centuries of history along the Natchez Trace Parkway. Visit the Natchez Trace Parkway Visitor Center at milepost 266 to learn about the history of this scenic byway. Hike through the Blackland Prairie at the Chickasaw Village Site at milepost 261.8, the future home of the Chickasaw Heritage Center.

If you’re eager to keep exploring, Tupelo’s extensive trail system offers something for every type of adventurer. Check out the Music Bend Nature Trail, which is also a certified Mississippi Arboretum that includes 42 distinct tree species labeled along the trail. Explore the Elvis’ Tupelo Self-Guided Bicycle Tour that takes you to 15 places that were an important part of Elvis’ childhood in Tupelo. Delve into Tupelo’s rich history through its Heritage Trails. Discover the Chickasaw Native American Heritage Trail, Civil Rights & African American Heritage Trail, and the Civil War Trail.

The Birthplace of Elvis Presley, a visit to Tupelo must include a stop at his tiny home in east Tupelo. Tour the home where he was born, a museum that chronicles his life, and the church he attended, where he was deeply influenced by gospel music. With many other free exhibits on the grounds of the Birthplace, spend several hours walking in the footsteps of Tupelo’s favorite native son.

If shopping is your thing, then plan a visit to one of Tupelo’s three distinct shopping districts. Explore the Downtown District with a visit to Reeds, or enjoy art by Mississippi artisans at the Caron Gallery. Visit the Midtown District to find gifts and accessories at Elizabeth Clair’s. Everyone’s favorite national brands are available in abundance in the Barnes Crossing District.

All that exploration is bound to work up an appetite, and Tupelo’s +200 restaurants have you covered. Enjoy some of the city’s best barbecue at Clay’s House of Pig. Sit in the Elvis booth at Johnnie’s Drive-In and eat like the king in Tupelo’s oldest restaurant. Grab a slice of house-made pizza at Vanelli’s Bistro in Downtown Tupelo. Chow down on the famous smashburger at Neon Pig Cafe. Save room for dessert with a visit to Crave, home of the famous skillet cookie, or stop at Dairy Kream for a delicious ice cream cone.

With over 2,200 quality hotel rooms, Tupelo promises a good night’s sleep. Check in to Hotel Tupelo, the city’s boutique hotel, located in the heart of Downtown Tupelo. The property has an array of unique, local touches that highlight makers in the community. Hotel Tupelo also has a local restaurant and bar on-site, Jobos, which serves breakfast and dinner throughout the week and brunch on the weekends.

Plan your next great family adventure in Tupelo at the Visit Tupelo website, where you'll find itineraries and trip ideas designed for maximum family fun.