Hernando, Mississippi: 10 Short Road Trips for Easy Weekend Escapes

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10 Easy Out-of-County Road Trips from Hernando, Mississippi

If you live in or around Hernando, Mississippi and you’re itching to get out of DeSoto County for the day, you’re in luck. Within an hour or so, you can hit casinos, blues history, quiet small towns, wide-open fields, and the bright lights of Memphis. All of the ideas below are outside DeSoto County, in nearby counties like Crittenden (AR), Marshall (MS), Tate (MS), Tunica (MS), and Shelby (TN). So if you’re looking for day trips near Hernando, you’re in the right place.

1. Hit the Casinos and Blues Markers in Tunica, MS (Tunica County)

When folks around Hernando talk about a quick getaway, Tunica usually comes up first. It’s about a 30–40 minute drive south and west, depending on where you start. You’ll find a row of casinos along the Mississippi River. Even if you’re not big on gambling, the vibe can be fun for an evening out. Things to do in Tunica:
  • Try your luck at the slot machines or table games at the local casinos.
  • Catch live music or a comedy show when they’re in town.
  • Follow the Mississippi Blues Trail markers through Tunica to learn about local blues legends.
  • Take a slow drive along the river levee for big-sky Delta views.
If you go on a weeknight, it’s usually less crowded and often cheaper for food and rooms, if you decide to stay over.

2. Explore Downtown Memphis, TN (Shelby County)

For a completely different energy, head north about 25–30 miles to downtown Memphis. This is one of the best road trips from Hernando if you like food, music, and history all packed into a walkable area. Highlights around downtown Memphis:
  • Beale Street – live blues, neon lights, and people-watching for days.
  • Mississippi Riverfront – stroll the riverwalk, watch the barges, and catch a sunset.
  • AutoZone Park – grab a Memphis Redbirds (Triple-A baseball) game in season.
  • National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel – powerful, moving, and worth taking your time.
Parking garages and surface lots are scattered around; on weekends, give yourself extra time. Downtown Memphis makes a great afternoon-and-evening trip from Hernando, especially if you stay for dinner.

3. Visit Graceland and Elvis Attractions (Shelby County, TN)

If you haven’t visited Graceland yet, you’re closer than many Elvis fans dream of being. It’s just north of the state line, roughly a 20–30 minute drive from Hernando. The Graceland complex is bigger than it looks from the road. Plan a half-day if you really want to see everything. At Graceland, you can:
  • Tour Elvis Presley’s mansion and see how he actually lived.
  • Check out his collection of shiny jumpsuits and gold records.
  • Walk through the car museum to see his Cadillacs and even the famous pink car.
  • Visit the Meditation Garden where Elvis and members of his family are buried.
Even if you’re only a casual Elvis fan, the sheer amount of history here is impressive. It’s one of the most famous Memphis attractions near Hernando and an easy half- or full-day getaway.

4. Find Small-Town Charm in Senatobia, MS (Tate County)

Head about 20 miles south on I‑55 and you’ll land in Senatobia, the seat of Tate County. It’s a low-key, small-town road trip from Hernando when you want a slower pace. Things to check out in and around Senatobia:
  • Wander the historic downtown square and check out local shops and cafés.
  • Look for local festivals, parades, and seasonal events throughout the year.
  • Drive the rural roads around town and enjoy fields, barns, and big Southern skies.
This is the kind of place where you can linger over lunch and not feel rushed. If you’re looking for calm instead of crowds, Senatobia is a solid option.

5. Step Back in Time in Holly Springs, MS (Marshall County)

About 40–45 minutes east of Hernando sits Holly Springs, a town known for its antebellum homes and history. It makes a nice day trip if you’re into old houses, architecture, and Civil War stories. Ideas for your Holly Springs road trip:
  • Drive by (or tour, when open) the historic homes around town.
  • Check out the Marshall County Courthouse square and local shops.
  • Look for local events like tours of homes, holiday events, or music festivals.
  • Take photos of the old churches and buildings—great backdrops if you like photography.
Holly Springs has a different feel from the Memphis area—more old-South quiet, less city hustle. It’s a nice change of pace for a weekend drive.

6. Hike and Picnic at Wall Doxey State Park (Marshall County)

If you keep heading east past Holly Springs, you’ll hit Wall Doxey State Park, tucked into the woods of Marshall County. It’s usually about an hour or less from Hernando, depending on your route. This is a good choice if you want a little nature without driving all day. At Wall Doxey State Park, you can:
  • Walk the Lake Trail around Spring Lake—great for stretching your legs.
  • Pack a picnic and eat at one of the lakeside tables.
  • Watch for birds, turtles, and other wildlife.
  • Fish from the bank or from a small boat (check local rules first).
I like to toss a cooler in the trunk with sandwiches, chips, and a few cold drinks, then just pick a shady spot by the water. Simple, cheap, and relaxing.

7. Discover the Delta at West Memphis, AR (Crittenden County)

Cross the Mississippi River from Memphis and you’ll find yourself in West Memphis, Arkansas, in Crittenden County. It’s only about 40–45 minutes from Hernando, and it has its own flavor of Delta life. Ideas for a West Memphis day trip:
  • Catch a harness race at Southland Casino Hotel, or just stop in for a meal and some gaming.
  • Drive the roads just outside town to see flat, wide-open farmland and big Delta skies.
  • Stop at local diners or barbecue joints for that old-school roadside feel.
This side of the river feels different from the Tennessee side—more wide-open, more rural. If you’ve never crossed the river here, it’s worth the quick drive just for the views from the bridge.

8. Spend an Evening at the Memphis Zoo & Overton Park (Shelby County)

If you’re traveling with kids—or you just like animals—plan a day at the Memphis Zoo in Midtown Memphis. It’s usually around 35–40 minutes from Hernando, depending on traffic. The zoo sits inside Overton Park, so you get a double bonus: animals plus green space. Things to do around the Memphis Zoo and Overton Park:
  • Walk the zoo and see everything from big cats to primates.
  • Ride the zoo tram if you want to cover more ground with less walking.
  • Pack snacks and enjoy them at Overton Park afterward.
  • Stroll the park’s walking paths or just relax under the trees.
This is one of the best family-friendly day trips near Hernando. Go early, especially in summer, to beat the heat and the crowds.

9. Stroll the Suburbs: Collierville Historic Square (Shelby County)

For a quieter suburban outing, head to Collierville, on the east side of Shelby County. From Hernando, it’s usually about a 40–45 minute drive, depending on your route. The main attraction here is the Collierville Historic Town Square. What to enjoy in Collierville:
  • Walk the brick sidewalks around the square and check out the small shops.
  • Relax on a bench near the old train depot and watch the world go by.
  • Look for seasonal events, live music, and holiday decorations.
  • Grab ice cream or a coffee and just wander.
If downtown Memphis feels too hectic some days, Collierville gives you a tidy, relaxed alternative that still feels like a “day out.”

10. Catch a Game or Concert in East Memphis / Downtown (Shelby County)

Sometimes the road trip is less about the destination and more about the event. Memphis is packed with venues that are easy to reach from Hernando, making it one of the best cities for quick entertainment-focused trips. Depending on your mood, you can:
  • See an NBA game with the Memphis Grizzlies or a concert at the FedExForum downtown.
  • Catch a University of Memphis football or basketball game.
  • Look for shows at theaters and music halls in Midtown and East Memphis.
Tip: plan for traffic and parking, especially on big-game nights. Leave Hernando a little earlier than you think you need to, grab dinner nearby, and make an evening of it.

Tips for Planning Your Hernando Road Trips

To make these short out-of-county trips from Hernando even smoother, keep a few basics in mind:
  • Check driving times: Most of these spots are 20–60 minutes away, but traffic around Memphis can slow you down.
  • Watch event calendars: Festivals, games, and concerts can turn an ordinary day into something special.
  • Pack a small “road bag”: Bottled water, snacks, a phone charger, sunscreen, and a light jacket go a long way.
  • Have a backup plan: If one place is too crowded or closed, it’s easy to pivot to another nearby town or park.
Once you start exploring, you’ll realize Hernando sits in a sweet spot: you can sample casinos, the blues, the Mississippi Delta, and big-city Memphis, all without driving more than about an hour.

What’s Your Favorite Short Drive from Hernando?

Have you tried any of these day trips near Hernando, MS? Maybe you have a favorite diner in Tate County or a secret fishing spot in Marshall County.
  • Drop a comment and share your go-to road trip from Hernando.
  • If you found this guide helpful, share it with friends and family who are looking for new weekend ideas.
The more we swap stories, the easier it is for everyone to discover new things to do around Hernando—without ever hopping on a plane.
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