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.
What To Expect
History of yellow fever in Memphis
History of WDIA, the "Goodwill Station"
Options
Historic Memphis Walking Tour
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)
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
431 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Good tour with a good level of history
Saira D,Jun 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This is a nice tour to get a fell of Beale street and the surroundings with finally ending at the ducks
Outstanding
133chasef,Jun 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Informative, casual, excellent guide, perfect distance
Must add to your itinerary
Krashanta B,Jun 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Guide was funny and friendly. Walk was not bad. Very interesting. My daughter and I loved it, I would definitely recommend.
Historical walking tour downtown Memphis.
Debs3kds,May 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We really enjoyed learning about the political and economical back story of Memphis. Hearing the changes from 1800’s to how it continues to evolve today was quite interesting.Would definitely recommend if you enjoy history!
Shannon was the Best!
zeolac2022,May 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We chose Memphis for our annual multigenerational Mother's Day trip and this tour was one of the best parts of our visit. Shannon was phenomenal and we were grateful to have her to ourselves for the tour. She shared the good, bad, ugly and beautiful history of this great city in a manner that leaves you wanting more. We thoroughly enjoyed the time seeing the Peabody ducks in their home on the roof and hope to see Shannon one day when she is the stand-in DuckMaster. A job well done.
Historical walking tour of Memphis
Debs3kds,May 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Learned a lot about the history of Memphis , enjoyed walking and learning!
Memphis walking tour with Shannon
Sophie Louise B,May 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Shannon is a lovely personable girl who has excellent knowledge of Memphis and filled the tour with great facts. To top it all she is an actual Duck master! Thoroughly recommend.
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
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Operated by Backbeat Tours