Memphis Self Guided Driving Audio Tour

Exploring Memphis’s legendary music scene on your own terms makes for a flexible and immersive experience. This self-guided driving audio tour offers a chance to discover the city’s soul—from Beale Street’s lively vibe to Elvis Presley’s legendary home—using your phone and a downloadable app. With an emphasis on storytelling, it’s designed for small groups (up to four) and offers a way to soak in Memphis’s musical history without the constraints of a guided bus.

One thing we really appreciate about this tour is the detailed narration that brings each site to life, thanks to engaging storytelling and a well-structured route. Plus, being able to go at your own pace and pause whenever something piques your interest is a big plus. On the downside, some reviewers have mentioned that the route passes through less desirable parts of town, which might give some travelers pause, especially if they prefer safer, more touristy areas.

This tour suits travelers who love music, enjoy a DIY approach, and want to explore Memphis without the rigidity of traditional tours. If you’re comfortable with driving and want to savor the city’s stories at your own rhythm, this could be a great pick. It’s especially ideal for those planning multiple visits within a year, thanks to its one-year usage license.

Key Points

• Flexible self-guided format allows you to start, pause, and explore at your own pace.
• Engaging narration makes the drive informative and entertaining, with stories about Memphis’s musical legends.
• Value for money is strong—just $16.99 per group, with the ability to use the tour for a full year.
• Route coverage includes iconic sites like Beale Street, Sun Studios, and Graceland, plus some lesser-known gems.
• Offline functionality means no worries about losing signal along the route.
• Limited to driving and storytelling; no attraction tickets or entry fees included.

The Breakdown of the Memphis Audio Tour

Starting Point: Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid

This is where your Memphis journey begins, at the towering Bass Pro Shops. While you won’t need to enter the shop, it’s a striking landmark that heralds your musical adventure. The tour kicks off with a warm welcome to a city famous for its blues and rock ‘n’ roll. It’s a practical start point, offering parking and easy access, which is helpful considering the tour’s focus on driving.

Beale Street

Just a few minutes into the tour, you’ll pass by the legendary Beale Street. The narrator points out that if you want, you can park nearby and walk the pedestrian-only stretch that’s alive with music and history. Some reviews mention that the tour provides “bonus stories” tied to this area, giving you extra context about this iconic street. However, keep in mind that if you choose to step out, Beale Street can be lively and sometimes crowded, but it’s the heart of Memphis’s musical identity.

Sun Studio: The Birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll

A quick drive-by, but an essential stop. Recognized worldwide as a birthplace of rock, Sun Studio’s brick exterior and iconic guitar sign are unmistakable. Although admission isn’t included, the narration covers legends like Elvis and Johnny Cash who recorded there, making it a must-see for music fans. The story behind Sun Studio is rich and adds a palpable sense of history to your drive.

Elmwood Cemetery

This quiet spot is where you can learn about Ma Rainey’s fascinating journey. Her story of running away from her pastor father to sing on Beale Street adds depth to Memphis’s musical narrative. The narrator mentions her roles as both a fortune teller and a ragtime performer, illustrating the diverse paths of early African American musicians. Visitors are encouraged to reflect on the stories of resilience and talent buried here.

Stax Museum of American Soul Music

Located at the end of a road on your route, the Stax Museum is a highlight. It houses recordings from Otis Redding and the Staple Singers, and the narrator emphasizes its importance to soul music. Parking is straightforward, and once inside, you can tap into more stories about the artists and the genre that shaped much of American music.

Aretha Franklin’s Birthplace

A short stop to acknowledge the Queen of Soul’s origins. Her early days singing in her father’s church are covered, and the narration highlights her natural talent that eventually took her to Detroit’s gospel scene. It’s a meaningful addition for soul enthusiasts and fans of her legendary voice.

Royal Studios

This historic recording studio, which started as a silent film theater, played a crucial role in Memphis’s music industry. The narration details its transformation into the official studio for Hi Records in 1957. Although not a tourist attraction per se, Royal Studios’ story enriches your understanding of Memphis’s soundscape.

Graceland

No Memphis music tour would be complete without visiting Elvis Presley’s home. The tour notes how Elvis’s neighbors initially welcomed his fame, but the influx of fans soon overwhelmed the street. While the tour doesn’t grant access inside, it offers a glimpse into the king’s legendary residence and the enduring cultural impact Elvis has left.

Experience and Practicalities

The tour app is straightforward to set up—after booking, you’ll receive an email with instructions, including a password to access the audio guide. The downloadable app runs offline, which is especially helpful if you’re traveling through areas with spotty signal. The narration plays automatically as you drive, making it a hands-free experience, so you can focus on the sights and enjoy the stories.

Pricing at $16.99 per group (up to four people) is reasonable, considering the wealth of stories and the flexibility of the service. It’s a one-time purchase, usable for an entire year, making it a good investment if you plan multiple visits or want to revisit parts of Memphis later. Keep in mind, this tour doesn’t include entrance fees to any attractions—so if you want to go inside, separate tickets will be needed.

The tour duration of roughly 2-3 hours makes it manageable for a half-day adventure, with the flexibility to extend or shorten your visit. The stops are well-spaced, and the route is designed to give a rundown of Memphis’s musical landmarks.

Authentic Insights & Real User Feedback

From reviews, we learn that the narration is largely appreciated for its informative and engaging style. One reviewer, Lisa, called the guidance “great,” especially enjoying the optional routes that add depth to the experience. Others mention that the storytelling helps bring Memphis’s musical history to life.

However, some travelers, like Thomas, wish they could spend more time exploring on foot and noted they’d prefer to go slower. Meanwhile, a less positive review from Krusten highlighted safety concerns, mentioning that some areas along the route felt “sketchy.” This point is worth considering for those who prefer to stick to more tourist-friendly streets or want to avoid potentially uncomfortable driving areas.

This tour is praised for its value for money and knowledgeable narration, making it a worthwhile supplement for music lovers willing to drive through some less polished neighborhoods.

Final Thoughts

This Memphis self-guided audio tour offers a flexible, budget-friendly way to discover one of America’s most musical cities. It’s perfect for those who love history, are comfortable driving, and want a customizable experience that respects your own pace. With engaging storytelling and a well-thought-out route, it brings Memphis’s vibrant musical legacy to life in a way that’s both entertaining and educational.

The ability to use the tour for a whole year adds significant value, especially for visitors planning multiple trips or longer stays. While some parts of the route may feel a bit rough, the overall experience captures the essence of Memphis’s storied past and present in a practical, accessible way.

If you’re seeking a cost-effective, self-directed journey through Memphis’s music scene, this tour is a solid choice—especially if you enjoy a bit of independence and storytelling along the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this tour include entrance tickets to attractions?
No. This is a driving tour with narration, but entry tickets to sites like Graceland or Sun Studio are not included.

How do I access the tour?
After booking, you’ll receive an email with instructions and a password. Download the Action Tour Guide App on your phone, enter the password, and download the tour for offline use.

Is the app easy to use while driving?
Yes. The narration plays automatically based on your location, allowing hands-free listening. You can pause, restart, or skip as needed.

Can I start the tour anytime?
Absolutely. You can begin whenever you like—there are no fixed start times.

How long does the tour take?
Approximately 2 to 3 hours, but you can adjust depending on how long you stop at each site.

What’s the group size?
Up to four people per group, making it ideal for small families or friends.

Is the tour suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate; just be aware that some routes pass through areas that some might find less comfortable.

Can I revisit the tour later?
Yes, once purchased, you have access for one year, so repeat trips or revisits are easy.

Is parking available at the stops?
Yes, most stops like Beale Street, Sun Studio, and the Stax Museum have parking options.

What if I encounter technical issues during the tour?
Support contacts are available, and the app is designed for smooth operation. If issues arise, you can contact support for help.

To sum it up, this Memphis Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour is a practical, cost-effective way to explore the city’s legendary music sites at your own pace. With engaging narration, flexible timing, and a range of stops, it offers an authentic glimpse into Memphis’s musical soul—perfect for curious travelers eager to learn and explore independently.