Discover the legendary roots of Memphis music on this immersive tour. From Sun Studio to Beale Street, experience the stories and sounds that define a musical city.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; walking and standing are involved.
Wildlife
History
Memphis became a musical hub in the 20th century, largely due to its strategic location on the Mississippi River and its vibrant cultural scene.
Conservation
Efforts are underway to preserve Memphis’s historic sites and promote sustainable tourism to protect its musical and cultural heritage.
Backbeat Tours
Discover the legendary roots of Memphis music on this immersive tour. From Sun Studio to Beale Street, experience the stories and sounds that define a musical city.
Backbeat Tours is a Memphis-based tour company offering a range of guided experiences that showcase the city’s history, music, food, and folklore. Operating from Memphis, Tennessee, Backbeat Tours presents walking tours, bus-based Mojo Tours, extended discovery excursions, and specialty themed experiences.
Highlights include the Historic Memphis Walking Tour: Memphis Beyond Beale, a 90-minute walk led by the author of A Guide to Historic Downtown Memphis; the Memphis Mojo Tour with Sun Studio admission led by professional musicians; and the Memphis Discovery Tours that combine sightseeing with local BBQ and museum visits. Tours range from one-hour Beale Street walks and 90-minute specialty walks — such as the True Crime Tour and the Walking Ghost Tour — to three-hour Discovery and Mojo Tours that include museum admission or a Mississippi River paddlewheel cruise.
Many tours emphasize music history, with stops like Sun Studio and the Stax Museum included on select itineraries. The True Crime Tour offers a signature cocktail stop at the Moxy Hotel as part of its route. Backbeat Tours focuses on local storytelling and guided commentary that ties landmarks, anecdotes, and cultural context together for guests of all ages. Admission inclusions and professional guide partnerships appear on specific itineraries, providing clear expectations at booking. Visitors can choose from themed options — history, music, crime, food, and haunted walks — tailored to different interests and timeframes. By centering local expertise and varied formats, Backbeat Tours delivers accessible, topic-focused experiences across Memphis. Booking information, schedules, and specific admission details are available on the tour listings online.
Base Location
Memphis, TN
Historic downtown hub
Tour Durations
1–3 hours
Short, guided experiences
Tours Offered
9
Variety of themes and lengths
Special Access
Sun Studio & Stax
Includes museum admissions
Reserve a spot on a Beale Street walk, Mojo Tour, riverboat cruise, or specialty themed tour and discover Memphis on a guided, expertly narrated outing.
Arrive early for the live music
Get a front-row seat to the performances on Beale Street by arriving a bit earlier.
Wear comfortable shoes
This tour involves walking through historic parts of Memphis, so dress for comfort.
Bring a camera or smartphone
Capture the iconic sites and lively street scenes during the tour.
Check live music schedules in advance
Plan around local performances on Beale Street to enhance your experience.
Comfortable walking shoes
Necessary for walking through streets and sites comfortably.
Camera or smartphone
Capture memories of iconic landmarks and performances.
Water bottle
Stay hydrated during the tour.
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
Protect yourself from sun exposure during outdoor stops.
summer