Memphis: City Tour with Optional Sun Studios & Riverboat

Exploring Memphis through a guided city tour offers a fantastic way to see the highlights without the hassle of planning every detail yourself. For just $32, you get a comprehensive experience that covers the city’s top sights, rich musical roots, and historic landmarks—all with the comfort of a small group and local insights. The tour can last anywhere from 2 to 7 hours, giving you flexibility depending on how much you want to see or add on.

One thing we love about this experience is the way it balances sightseeing with storytelling. A knowledgeable guide takes you beyond the basic facts, sharing stories that bring Memphis’s vibrant history to life. The tour’s highlight is definitely the Peabody Hotel duck march, a quirky and memorable scene that captures the city’s unique charm. However, it’s worth noting that the tour is quite packed, especially if you opt for additional extras like Sun Studios or the river cruise—so if you’re short on time or prefer a slower pace, plan accordingly.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a friendly, informative overview of Memphis without the stress of navigating on their own. It offers excellent value, especially considering the inclusion of several major sites and optional add-ons. For those interested in Memphis’s musical history or civil rights landmarks, this experience hits many of the city’s most iconic spots in one go.

Key Points

• Comprehensive sightseeing: Covers Memphis’s top landmarks with in-depth stories.
• Expert guides: Friendly, knowledgeable guides enhance the experience.
• Flexible duration: Tours range from 2 to 7 hours, with optional upgrades.
• Value for money: At $32, it’s an affordable way to see a lot.
• Add-on options: River cruise and Sun Studios visits are available.
• Convenience: Hotel pickup and drop-off in downtown Memphis make it easy.

What to Expect from the Memphis City Tour

Walking into the tour, you’ll quickly realize that this isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about understanding Memphis’s soul. The tour begins with pickup from downtown hotels, which is extremely convenient if you’re staying nearby. If not, you can meet the group at 119 N Riverside, with free parking available. The air-conditioned mini coach makes for comfortable traveling, and the small group size ensures plenty of space to ask questions or just relax and enjoy the scenery.

Landmark Stops and Their Significance

The Lorraine Motel is a profound stop, as it’s the site where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, now home to the National Civil Rights Museum. The guide will share insights that deepen your understanding of the civil rights movement’s history and Memphis’s pivotal role within it. Visitors often find this stop deeply moving, and it’s an essential part of any Memphis tour for those interested in American history.

Next, you’ll pass by the statues of B.B. King and Elvis Presley, two legendary figures whose music shaped the city’s identity. These statues serve as a reminder of Memphis’s deep musical roots, especially in blues and rock ‘n’ roll. The guide’s stories about these icons make the experience more personal and memorable.

A. Schwab’s is a fun stop, a Memphis institution offering local arts, crafts, candies, and oddities. It’s perfect for grabbing a quick souvenir or just soaking in the local flavor. The guide often points out hidden gems and interesting tidbits about Memphis’s culture and community.

Memphis Pyramid and Beale Street

The Memphis Pyramid is a sight to behold—an Egyptian-style pyramid that has been transformed into a massive Bass Pro Shops store, complete with restaurants, a hotel, a bowling alley, and even an archery range. It’s a fascinating example of how Memphis repurposes its iconic architecture into entertainment hubs.

Beale Street is the tour finale, and it’s easy to see why it’s considered one of America’s most iconic streets. With nearly two miles of blues clubs, bars, and restaurants, it’s alive with music and energy. The guide will point out landmarks and share stories about the street’s legendary performances and history, making it a lively end to your sightseeing.

Victorian Village offers a glimpse into Memphis’s historic neighborhood, with 1800s homes and cotton-related history. It’s a quiet contrast to the bustling Beale Street, giving a broader picture of the city’s development.

Optional Extras: Sun Studios & Mississippi River Cruise

For those wanting a deeper dive into Memphis’s musical history, upgrading to Sun Studios is highly recommended. Known as the birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll, it’s where Elvis, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis recorded their first hits. The guided tour at Sun Studios is packed with fun facts, stories, and nostalgia, making it a favorite for music lovers.

The Mississippi River paddlewheel cruise offers a scenic and relaxing way to see Memphis from a different perspective. As you glide along the river, your captain shares anecdotes about Memphis’s relationship with the mighty Mississippi. This addition is especially worthwhile if you want a more leisurely, picturesque experience to break up the city sightseeing.

The Value of the Tour: More Than Just Sightseeing

At $32 per person, this tour offers very good value considering the number of sites covered, the insight shared, and the friendly guidance. The included stops like the Lorraine Motel, Peabody Hotel, and Beale Street are must-see landmarks that would be difficult to visit independently without a lot of research or multiple separate excursions.

The guides consistently receive praise for their knowledge and personable approach. Reviews mention guides like Michelle and Darryl, who are both described as funny, personable, and well-informed—adding layers of storytelling that make the history of Memphis come alive. Several reviews highlight how these guides go the extra mile—like Darryl’s willingness to extend time at certain spots or Michelle’s engaging storytelling.

The optional add-ons enhance the experience further, turning an already good tour into a full Memphis immersion. The Sun Studios visit is described as “brilliant” and full of facts, quizzes, and fun. The river cruise is also appreciated, especially by those who enjoy relaxing on the water while soaking in the sights and stories.

The Group Size and Transportation

The use of a mini coach makes for an intimate and comfortable experience, avoiding the often crowded bus tours. The small group size allows for better interaction and personalized attention from the guide. Pickup in downtown Memphis hotels is a big plus, especially if you’re staying centrally—saving you time and hassle. If not, a straightforward meeting point is available with free parking.

Duration and Flexibility

With a flexible duration from 2 to 7 hours, travelers can customize their day depending on their interests and schedule. The core tour hits the main attractions, but the upgrades allow for a more in-depth exploration of Memphis’s musical roots or a leisurely river ride.

Who is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal for first-time visitors wanting a broad overview of Memphis’s highlights without the stress of self-guided exploration. It’s particularly suited for those interested in music history, civil rights, or just experiencing Memphis’s vibrant culture in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

The inclusion of optional extras makes it adaptable for different interests—whether you’re a history buff, a music fanatic, or looking for a scenic water experience. It’s also a good choice for travelers who prefer guided tours with local insights, rather than wandering around alone.

The value for money is excellent, especially considering the reviews praising guides like Michelle and Darryl for making the experience informative and fun. However, if you’re short on time or prefer a very slow pace, keep in mind that the tour can be quite packed, especially if you include both the Sun Studios visit and the river cruise.

Final Thoughts

For an authentic, fun, and insightful way to discover Memphis, this city tour hits a lot of bases. It’s well-organized, reasonably priced, and led by guides who genuinely seem to love sharing their city’s stories. From the iconic Beale Street to the historic Lorraine Motel and the quirky Memphis Pyramid, you’ll get a well-rounded picture of what makes Memphis special.

The optional add-ons of Sun Studios and the Mississippi River cruise can turn your day into a full Memphis experience—perfect for music lovers or those craving scenic relaxation. The tour’s balance of cultural, historical, and entertainment sites makes it a versatile choice for many travelers.

If you’re after an engaging introduction to Memphis that offers great value and authentic stories, this tour is a solid pick. It’s especially rewarding if you want to get a feel for the city’s spirit without the hassle of organizing multiple visits or navigating on your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup available for this tour?
Yes, pickup is included in downtown Memphis hotels. Please call 24 hours in advance to confirm your location.

What if I’m not staying downtown?
You can meet the tour at 119 N Riverside by 9:15 AM. Free parking is available there.

How long does the tour last?
The tour duration varies from 2 to 7 hours, depending on the options chosen and the schedule.

Can I upgrade the tour?
Yes, you can add a Mississippi River paddlewheel cruise and a visit to Sun Studios for an enriched experience.

Are children allowed on Sun Studios?
Children aged 5 and under are not permitted on the Sun Studios tour.

What’s included in the basic tour?
The basic tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a city bus tour, stops at key landmarks like the Lorraine Motel, Beale Street, the Memphis Pyramid, and the Peabody Hotel.

What about the guides?
Guides like Michelle and Darryl are praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and sense of humor, making the tour both informative and fun.

How is the transportation arranged?
A small, comfortable coach provides transportation, making it easy to see the sights without feeling rushed or crowded.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable clothes for walking and weather-appropriate footwear are recommended. The tour is outdoors at several stops, so bring sunscreen or an umbrella if needed.

This Memphis city tour offers an excellent introduction to the city’s history, culture, and music scene, delivered with warmth and practicality. It’s a great way to get your bearings and soak up Memphis’s unique vibe—whether you’re visiting for a day or planning a longer stay.