Walking the Blues
Self-Guided Audio Tour of Beale Street in Memphis
What to Expect
Step into the soulful heart of Memphis with a self-guided walking tour of Beale Street—the legendary birthplace of the blues. From the historic Beale Street Baptist Church to the neon glow of Handy Park, every stop tells a story of rhythm, resilience, and creativity. Explore A. Schwab’s century-old emporium, the W.C. Handy Home, and the Withers Collection Museum, where music and civil rights history intertwine. End your walk at the Rock ’n’ Soul Museum and Memphis Music Hall of Fame, where the city’s unforgettable sound still lives on.
Along the way, GPS-triggered audio narration guides your experience, giving you the freedom to explore Memphis’s legendary Beale Street at your own pace.
Ready to go? Book below or download our app and purchase directly from your phone.
📍 Location: Memphis, TN
🚶♂️ Type: Walking tour
⏱ Duration: Approx. 1 hour (flexible)
✅ Includes: App download, GPS-triggered audio, No expiration
📶 Works Offline: Download ahead of time - no cell service required
🎧 Multiple Languages: English
Get Ready for Your Memphis Self-Guided Tour
Enter the musical core of Beale Street on a self-guided Memphis walking tour, widely known as the cradle of the blues.
As you pass glowing marquees, classic clubs, and storied buildings, you’ll hear how sound, struggle, and creativity reshaped American culture. The legacy of artists like B.B. King and W.C. Handy lives on here, woven into every block.
This audio-guided experience traces Beale Street’s evolution—from a thriving center of Black entrepreneurship and civil rights leadership to an internationally recognized music destination.
Along the route, you’ll encounter performance halls, memorials, and lesser-known corners that reveal the street’s layered past and enduring influence.
Perfect for fans of music, history, and culture, this walk blends rich storytelling with a flexible, at-your-own-pace format—letting you feel the pulse of Beale Street as you explore.
What You’ll See on Your Memphis Walking Tour
A. Schwab
Visit A. Schwab, Beale Street’s longest-running shop and a treasure trove of local character. Open since 1876, it blends old-fashioned goods, folk items, and offbeat keepsakes that reflect Memphis tradition.
FedExForum
FedExForum anchors the district with major sports events and headline concerts year-round. Its modern presence adds a new performance venue beside one of America’s most historic music streets.
Beale Street Baptist Church
Founded by formerly enslaved congregants after the Civil War, this church played a key role in the city’s spiritual and civic life. It later welcomed prominent civil rights voices and community leaders.
Handy Park
Dedicated to blues pioneer W.C. Handy, this open-air plaza regularly hosts live performances. It’s one of the best places to pause and enjoy Beale Street’s music-filled atmosphere.
Historic Daisy Theater
Opened in 1917, the Daisy Theater once featured vaudeville, films, and major touring acts. Though no longer operating, it remains an important landmark of early Beale Street entertainment.
Memphis Rock ’n’ Soul Museum
Developed with the Smithsonian, this museum explores how Memphis artists helped shape rock and soul music. Exhibits connect grassroots talent with worldwide musical change.
The New Daisy Theatre
A longtime Beale Street stage, the New Daisy has showcased generations of performers across multiple genres. Its history reflects the street’s ability to reinvent itself through sound.
W.C. Handy Home and Museum
Step into the former residence of W.C. Handy and learn about his role in popularizing the blues. Displays highlight his compositions, career, and lasting musical impact.
Withers Collection Museum & Gallery
Featuring the photography of Dr. Ernest Withers, this gallery documents civil rights history and everyday Memphis life. The images provide a powerful visual record of pivotal moments and local culture.
Ida B. Wells Marker
This marker commemorates Ida B. Wells and her investigative journalism against lynching. It recognizes Memphis as an early base for her courageous activism.
Memphis Music Hall of Fame
Discover inductees who defined Memphis music across genres and eras. Interactive exhibits and artifacts celebrate their achievements and influence.
Elvis Statue
This bronze tribute honors Elvis Presley near the district where his musical journey began. It’s a popular stop that connects Beale Street to rock ’n’ roll history.
Robert R. Church Park
Named for entrepreneur and civic leader Robert R. Church Sr., this park highlights his contributions to Black wealth and community development. It has long served as a gathering place for events and celebrations.
Meeting Point
Your Memphis walking tour begins at Grizzlies Den.
The tour begins in front of FedExForum along South B.B. King Boulevard, on the corner across from Starbucks.
FAQs About Our Memphis Walking Tour
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Tickets to the Memphis Music Hall of Fame cost the following:
Adults: $8
Youth (5–17): $6
Visit the Memphis Music Hall of Fame website for more information.
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Tickets to the W.C. Handy Home and Museum cost the following:
Adults (16+): $12
Child (15 and Under): $6
Visit the W.C. Handy Home and Museum website for more information.
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Tickets to the Memphis Rock ’n’ Soul Museum cost the following:
Adults: $16
Youth (5–17): $12
Kids (4 and Under): Free
Visit the Memphis Rock ’n’ Soul Museum website for more information.
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The price of tickets to the FedExForum depends on the game or show you want to see and the seats you choose. Visit the FedExForum website for more information.
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Tours are fully refundable up to 24 hours in advance.
If it’s within 24 hours or you had an issue during your tour, email support@drivesanddetours.com. We review all requests individually and will always do our best to make things right.
Our goal is to ensure every traveler has a great experience exploring with Drives & Detours.
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Drives & Detours’ Memphis tour is flat and about one mile long. You'll want to allow one hour to give yourself time at some of the stops.
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Yes, downloading the Drives & Detours app will give you full access to the tour you have purchased, as well as many other self-guided tours.
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Download the tour before you go. Some areas have poor signal, which can make downloading the tour difficult. Once the tour is downloaded, it will work without any cell signal
The tour audio plays automatically as you approach each stop
Want to see more? Tap “View Stop” to see photos and bonus content
To return to the map, tap the small down arrow between the “previous” and “next” buttons
Follow the blue line and audio directions to stay on route
Use audio controls to pause, rewind, or skip—just like a podcast
Safety first: Keep your eyes on the road or sidewalk, follow traffic laws, and stay aware of your surroundings
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No—download your Memphis tour before you go, and you won't need a cell signal. Drives & Detours’ tours work without any cell signal once they are downloaded to your device.
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Once you have purchased your Memphis walking tour from Drives & Detours, you can use it whenever you want. You can always take the tour another day if the weather is bad on the day you plan to take it.
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Unfortunately, Dives & Detours cannot guarantee that the Memphis self-guided tour is accessible. People with wheelchairs, strollers, or mobility impairments are very welcome, but we recommend checking the Fun Around Me — Accessible Memphis website for detailed information.
Pro Tips for Your Drives & Detours Memphis Self-Guided Tour
Download before you go.
Enable location services—GPS triggers the audio.
Use earbuds, headphones, or your car speakers.
Pause and resume anytime. If you take a break, just reopen the app and head back toward your last stop.
Lost your way? Tap any pin on the map, then tap the right-turn-arrow icon to open your default maps app for turn-by-turn directions to that spot.
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