Memphis: City Tour, Beale Street, BBQ Tasting & Civil Rights Museum

Summary

Stories, soul food and music echo through Memphis streets

You’ll walk Memphis with locals who know every story behind Beale Street’s neon signs and Court Square’s benches. Taste real barbecue (with sticky fingers), pause at Dr. King’s balcony at the Lorraine Motel, and wander Victorian Village’s shaded streets. This city tour brings you close to Memphis’ soul — sometimes quietly, sometimes loud as blues guitar.

What’s the experience like?

You know you’re in Memphis before you even look up — the air on Beale Street has this smoky-sweet smell (barbecue? maybe history itself), and there’s always something humming in the background. We’d barely started when our guide, Marcus, pointed out a faded mural and started telling us about WC Handy. I tried to imagine what it sounded like here a hundred years ago. Someone was tuning a guitar just around the corner; it fit somehow.

We zigzagged past the Orpheum Theater and paused at Court Square, where locals were feeding pigeons under these old trees. The sun bounced off the river as we stood by Cotton Row — Marcus explained how everything in Memphis seemed to circle back to that muddy water. Lunch was a quick barbecue tasting at this joint he swore by (I’m still thinking about that tangy sauce on my fingers). He laughed when I asked for napkins — “That’s how you know it’s good,” he said.

The hardest part hit at the Lorraine Motel. I’d seen photos of Dr. King’s balcony before but standing there made everything quieter. Our group just sort of paused — even the street noise faded for a minute. If you pick the National Civil Rights Museum option, give yourself time inside; it’s not something you rush through. Afterward, we wandered Victorian Village with its grand old houses and peeling paint, and someone pointed out St. Jude’s — there’s a warmth to how people talk about Danny Thomas here.

I didn’t expect to feel so connected after just one day trip in Memphis from downtown — maybe it was all those stories or maybe just how everyone waves at you here. Anyway, I still think about that view over the Mississippi right before we finished up… kind of stays with you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Memphis history and culture

• Start tour on Beale Street
• Learn about the Home of the Blues
• Visit Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum
• Taste Memphis BBQ
• See National Civil Rights Museum
• View Mississippi River history
• Pass Victorian Village historic homes
• Pass oldest surviving residence
• Pass Cotton Exchange and Cotton Row
• Pass Presley family's first home
• Pass St. Jude's and Danny Thomas history
• Pass Court Square park
• Pass Memphis Orpheum Theater
• Pass Memphis baseball history site
• Visit Handy Park and blues history
• Pass Shelby County Courthouse
• Pass oldest church in city
• Pass South Main Historic District
• Visit Edge Motor Museum (optional)

Top questions

How long does the Memphis Discovery Tour last?

The tour covers several hours as you visit key sites across central Memphis; timing may vary based on museum options selected.

Is admission to the National Civil Rights Museum included?

Yes, if you select that option during booking; otherwise it's not included by default.

Where does the tour start?

The tour begins on Beale Street at Alfred's on Beale.

Does this day trip include food?

Yes, there is a barbecue tasting included during the tour (pork only).

Are children or strollers allowed?

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the tour.

Is hotel pickup available?

No hotel pickup is provided; travelers meet at the starting location downtown.

Which museums can I choose for admission?

You can select admission to either the National Civil Rights Museum, Rock 'n' Soul Museum, or Edge Motor Museum when booking.

Are vegetarian or non-pork options available for lunch?

No substitutions are offered; only pork barbecue is served for tasting.

What’s included

Your day includes a guided walk through Memphis landmarks with stories from your local guide, entry to your chosen museum (National Civil Rights Museum, Rock 'n' Soul Museum or Edge Motor Museum if selected), plus a barbecue tasting along the way before returning downtown in the afternoon.