· US

Southaven

Southaven, Mississippi, United States

Southaven, Mississippi, located in the United States, is a vibrant and thriving city with a rich history and plenty to offer to tourists. Known for its welcoming Southern hospitality, Southaven is a fantastic destination…

#Southern charm#Suburban#Family-friendly#Shopping#Close to Memphis

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Southaven.

Top Hotels in Southaven

Top Flights to Southaven

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Southaven.

Tours

Visit Graceland in Memphis

Take a short drive to Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley, for a sightseeing experience rich in music history.

Shopping

Visit the Southaven Towne Center

Experience a vibrant shopping experience at the Southaven Towne Center, featuring a variety of popular stores, dining options, and entertainment facilities.

Outdoor

Explore Snowden Grove Park

Enjoy outdoor activities at Snowden Grove Park, offering sports facilities, walking trails, and picnic areas.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

From travelers
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Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Southaven.

Currency
$ | USD | US Dollar
Population
Not Available
Languages
English, Spanish
Average weather
Southaven
Jan
cold
9°0°
Feb
cold
12°2°
Mar
cloud
17°6°
Apr
rain
22°11°
May
sun
27°16°
Jun
hot
31°21°
Jul
hot
33°23°
Aug
hot
33°22°
Sep
sun
29°18°
Oct
clear
23°11°
Nov
cloud
16°6°
Dec
cold
11°2°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Southaven.

What people love

Southaven, Mississippi, located in the United States, offers several benefits for travelers:

  1. Convenient Location: Southaven is situated near the bustling city of Memphis, Tennessee, making it a great base for exploring both Mississippi and Tennessee attractions. Visitors can easily access popular landmarks such as Graceland, Beale Street, and the National Civil Rights Museum.

  2. Shopping and Dining: Southaven boasts a variety of shopping options, including the Southaven Towne Center and Tanger Outlets, where visitors can find a wide range of retail stores and dining establishments. This makes it a great destination for those looking to shop and dine during their travels.

  3. Outdoor Recreation: The city is home to several parks and recreational areas, such as Snowden Grove Park, which offers opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, picnicking, and sports. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the green spaces and walking trails available in Southaven.

  4. Southern Hospitality: Travelers to Southaven can experience the warmth and friendliness of Southern hospitality. The local community is known for its welcoming attitude towards visitors, making it a pleasant destination for those seeking a friendly and inviting atmosphere.

  5. Events and Festivals: Throughout the year, Southaven hosts various events and festivals that showcase the local culture and traditions. From music concerts to food festivals, visitors can immerse themselves in the vibrant community spirit of the city.

Overall, Southaven, Mississippi, offers a blend of convenient location, shopping and dining options, outdoor recreation, Southern hospitality, and cultural events, making it a charming and engaging destination for travelers.

What to know

While Southaven, Mississippi, might have its own unique appeal, there are some potential cons that travelers might consider before visiting:

  1. Limited Tourist Attractions: Southaven is a suburban city and doesn't have as many attractions or landmarks as larger cities. Visitors looking for a wide variety of cultural or historical sites might find options limited.

  2. Public Transportation: Like many suburban areas, Southaven may have limited public transportation options, which could be inconvenient for travelers without a car.

  3. Weather: The climate in Southaven can be hot and humid, particularly in the summer. High temperatures and humidity levels might be uncomfortable for some travelers.

  4. Traffic Congestion: As a growing suburb of Memphis, Southaven can experience traffic congestion, especially during peak hours. This might make getting around more time-consuming.

  5. Limited Nightlife: For those seeking vibrant nightlife or entertainment options, Southaven may not offer as much variety as larger cities.

  6. Cultural Offerings: While there are some local events and community activities, Southaven may not have the same level of cultural offerings, such as museums and theaters, as nearby Memphis.

Travelers should weigh these potential downsides against their personal preferences and travel goals when considering a trip to Southaven.

Southaven, Mississippi, is a city located in DeSoto County, just south of Memphis, Tennessee. Its history reflects the larger trends of growth and development in the region, influenced by its proximity to Memphis and its role within the broader Mississippi Delta area.

Founding and Early History

  • Establishment: Southaven was incorporated in 1980, but its origins trace back to the mid-20th century. The area began as a small rural community, primarily involved in agriculture.
  • Significant Figure: Dr. Hugh Hollowell is often credited with the founding of Southaven. In the 1950s, he purchased land in the area and developed it into a residential community. This development was one of the first major suburban expansions south of Memphis.

Growth and Development

  • Suburban Expansion: The city's growth was significantly influenced by the expansion of the Memphis metropolitan area. As the city of Memphis grew, many people moved to suburban areas like Southaven for more affordable housing and a suburban lifestyle.
  • Economic Development: Over the years, Southaven has developed a diverse economy with retail, healthcare, and logistics playing key roles. The presence of several distribution centers and warehouses is a testament to its logistical importance, owing to its proximity to major highways and the Memphis International Airport.

Significant Events

  • Annexation: Throughout its history, Southaven has expanded through a series of annexations, growing from a small community into one of Mississippi's largest cities.
  • Infrastructure Improvements: The development of major roadways, including Interstate 55, has contributed to the city's growth by improving connectivity with Memphis and other parts of Mississippi.

Important Landmarks

  • Landers Center: This is a multipurpose arena and convention center that hosts a variety of events, including concerts, sports events, and trade shows. It is a central hub for entertainment in the region.
  • Tanger Outlets Southaven: A large shopping center that attracts visitors from across the region, contributing to the city's retail economy.
  • Snowden Grove Park: Known for its baseball facilities, Snowden Grove Park hosts numerous youth baseball tournaments and is an important recreational area for the city.

Modern Southaven

Today, Southaven is known as a vibrant suburb with a steadily growing population. It offers a blend of residential neighborhoods, commercial areas, and recreational facilities. Its proximity to Memphis continues to be a driving factor in its development, making it an attractive place for families and businesses alike.

Overall, Southaven's history is a reflection of suburban expansion trends in the United States, particularly in the South, characterized by its transformation from a rural area to a thriving suburban city.