Historic Memphis Guided Walking Tour: Memphis Beyond Beale
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
This 2-hour walking tour of Memphis explores the city's rich history at a fun and leisurely pace. You'll explore historic Cotton Row and Court Square, the lovely and historic heart of 19th century Memphis; enjoy sweeping views of the Mississippi River; and hear fascinating tales of rebels during the Civil War as well as Prohibition Era bootleggers. You'll also experience a time-honored Memphis tradition, the famous March of the Ducks at The Peabody Hotel. This tour is suitable for the whole family.
Also available is an additional guided tour of the historic Orpheum Theater (if option selected, Monday-Wednesday only).
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Within a few blocks there are four different parking garages, and several open-air parking lots. The closest garage to our location (just two blocks away) is at 149 Peabody Place between Second Street and BB King Blvd., next to the Hampton Inn. You can try your luck with on-street metered parking, too, on Second Street just south of Beale; on Beale between Front and Second; or along Peabody Place from Front to Fourth Street.
Guests who choose the Orpheum Theater guided tour (AVAILABLE MONDAY-WEDNESDAY ONLY) will arrive at the theater for the 12:00pm tour. Your tour guide will depart at that time; the Orpheum Theater is just 2 blocks from where the tour begins.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
History of yellow fever in Memphis
History of WDIA, the "Goodwill Station"
What‘s Included
Professional guide
Local taxes
Orpheum Theater guided tour (if option selected, MONDAY-WEDNESDAY ONLY)
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Food and drinks
Orpheum Theater guided tour (not available Thursday-Sunday)
Options
Historic Memphis Walking Tour
Reviews
425 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A quick, informative insight into Memphis
Kirsteen A,May 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00We were on a short trip to Memphis and wanted to learn more about the city and it's history before we left. This was a whistlestop tour but suited our needs. It started early and finished at the Peabody Hotel allow us the opportunity to experience the duck walk at 11am.
Reverlational
Adam H,Apr 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent and informative really enthusiastic guide with many insights on Memphis lifestyle and history
Great tour!
christinejX489BQ,Apr 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Charlie was a great guide. Very informed and enthused about Memphis history with a local’s perspective. Definitely recommend
Informative and fun - Memphis history walk.
alisoncI320SM,Apr 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Shannon was our guide for the walk - she was fun and full of knowledge. Our walk was approximately 2 hrs long and there were 6 on our walk. Most of the walk was on level ground and the time went very quickly so we must have been enjoying ourselves. Would highly recommend.
A fascinating closer look at Memphis
Diana D,Apr 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide Katie was extremely knowledgeable about the history and culture of Memphis, which really enriched our appreciation of the city on many levels. She was full of interesting stories about things as varied as Yellow Fever epidemics, musicians, and the history of Mud Island. Extra convenient if you're staying at the Peabody, which we were. Finished up in time for the Duck March. A great walk on a beautiful spring day!
Shannon gives a great tour!
Elizabeth M,Apr 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Shannon was absolutely fantastic. The tour was great - she is well-informed, warm, and delightful. Our entire group loved it! Highly recommended!
Great tour
Rebekah F,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great tour. The guide was was knowledgeable and friendly. Lots of cool things to see in memphis. Thank you
Great Tour of Historic Memphis
Katherine D,Feb 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Charlie was a fantastic guide - friendly and informative and clearly loves Memphis and its history. The tour was a good pace as well.
Enjoyable walk with a knowledgeable and humorous guide.
Lisa B,Dec 31, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our tour guide was great. She was personable, funny, and really knew her history. We enjoyed getting an inside scoop of Memphis
Excellent walking tour
elizabethpN6745KN,Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Definitely recommend this walking tour around Memphis - really interesting facts and historical background. Kate our guide was excellent and the 2 1/2 hours went so quickly!
From US$32.92
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Operated by Backbeat Tours