Memphis Beale Street Walking Tour: Blues Legends & Local Stories

Summary

Stories, music and old neon signs along Memphis Beale Street

You’ll walk Memphis’ legendary Beale Street with a local guide who knows every story behind those neon signs and weathered bricks. Feel the blues history in Handy Park, peek inside A. Schwab’s old general store, and hear how legends like W.C. Handy shaped this place. Expect laughter, real stories—and maybe a little music lingering after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

We started our Beale Street walking tour right under this old neon sign buzzing in the morning—our guide, Marcus, waved us over with a grin and a coffee in hand. It’s funny, I’d seen photos of Beale Street before but didn’t expect it to feel so lived-in, you know? There was this faint smell of barbecue even though it was barely 10am, and someone somewhere was already playing harmonica. Marcus pointed out Handy Park first—he told us about W.C. Handy writing “St. Louis Blues” just steps from where we stood. The benches were mostly empty except for an older guy tapping his foot to music only he could hear.

Walking past A. Schwab’s, I got distracted by the window full of hats and odd trinkets—apparently Elvis himself used to shop there (I tried on a fedora later and my friend said I looked like a lost tourist from 1950). Inside, the air smelled like old wood and candy sticks. Marcus had us touch one of the original counters; it’s smoother than I expected from decades of elbows and coins. He told us how the store opened in 1876 and somehow survived everything—fires, floods, even rock n’ roll.

I liked how Marcus didn’t rush us or stick to some script—he’d stop mid-story if someone asked about the murals or why people call these houses “shotgun” homes (turns out you could shoot straight through front to back). He laughed when I guessed wrong about the origin of “Beale”—it’s not what I thought at all. The whole walk is just half a mile but honestly, it felt like time stretched out with every story and sound drifting from open doors. Still thinking about that blues riff echoing down an empty alley as we finished up near BB King Blvd.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore historic Beale Street and landmarks

• Walk along Beale Street
• Visit Handy Park and learn history
• See Elvis's signature style store
• Explore A. Schwab general store
• Pass by W.C. Handy's shotgun house

Top questions

How long is the Beale Street walking tour?

The tour lasts about one hour and covers approximately 0.5 miles (0.8 km).

Is the Beale Street walking tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the tour uses public city sidewalks and is fully wheelchair accessible.

Are children allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are welcome.

Where does the Beale Street walking tour start?

The exact meeting point is provided after booking; it's on or near Beale Street in downtown Memphis.

Does the tour include entry to any attractions?

The tour includes visits such as A. Schwab's store but focuses mainly on stories and sights along Beale Street itself.

Are service animals allowed on this walking tour?

Yes, service animals are permitted during the tour.

Is parking available nearby?

Yes, there are several parking garages within a few blocks plus metered street parking options close to Beale Street.

What’s included

Your experience includes all taxes and fees plus a professional local guide leading your group along historic Beale Street—with stops at places like Handy Park and A. Schwab’s general store—all within easy reach of public transport or parking garages nearby.