See Memphis from sidewalk to steamboat: a guided city tour hits Beale Street, Victorian homes, and Civil Rights sites before a narrated paddlewheel cruise on the Mississippi. Expect roughly 6–7 hours, comfortable walking, and a riverside perspective few single experiences deliver.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Step off a downtown curb and the city moves around you — honking taxis, the distant brass of a street band, and the Mississippi daring you toward its broad shoulder. This guided combo strings together Memphis’s downtown highlights with a classic paddlewheel cruise, moving from Beale Street’s blues-soaked blocks to the slower, gleaming current of the river.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
6–7 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; expect light walking and short periods standing on the boat
Wildlife
History
Memphis developed as a river port tied to cotton and barge traffic; sites like the Lorraine Motel also mark the city’s central role in the Civil Rights movement.
Conservation
The Mississippi’s health affects local recreation — please pack out trash and use designated paths; choosing licensed river operators supports responsible stewardship of the waterfront.
Reserve your spot on the Guided Memphis City Tour that includes Riverboat Cruise today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Book morning departures
Morning tours avoid the hottest part of the day and leave more free time on Beale Street after the cruise.
Bring sun protection for the boat
The upper decks are open to the sun and wind — sunscreen and a hat will keep the cruise comfortable.
Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes
You’ll walk city streets and board stairs; low-profile walking shoes make both easier.
Confirm hotel pickup the day prior
Pickup windows start 30–60 minutes before departure and may vary by hotel; reconfirm to avoid delays.
Comfortable walking shoes
Supportive shoes make urban sidewalks and boat gangways easier to navigate.
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
Upper-deck exposure on the paddlewheeler makes sun protection essential in warm months.
summer
Light waterproof jacket
A compact rain layer is useful for spring showers and river breezes.
spring
Compact camera or binoculars
A small camera/binoculars help you capture river scenes and architectural details downtown.