MEMPHIS BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Beale to the Big Muddy: A paddlewheel afternoon of Memphis skyline, barbecue and living history
An extended Discovery Tour that pairs a guided drive past Memphis landmarks with admission to one museum and a 90‑minute paddlewheel cruise on the Mississippi—this guide explains what to expect and how the day flows.
Beale to the Big Muddy: A paddlewheel afternoon of Memphis skyline, barbecue and living history.
This extended Discovery Tour blends a guided drive through Memphis’s iconic sights with admission to one museum of your choice and a leisurely paddlewheel cruise on the Mississippi River. The itinerary threads the city’s cultural touchstones—Beale Street, Victorian Village, the I Am A Man Plaza—and finishes aboard the Island Queen with skyline views and historical narration, plus a Central BBQ tasting and time to explore Beale Street.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Paddlewheel cruise on the Mississippi
A 90‑minute Memphis sightseeing riverboat cruise aboard the Island Queen offers skyline views, historical narration, and indoor and outdoor seating options to soak up the riverfront scenery.
Drive past Memphis landmarks
The guided drive covers downtown landmarks from the Orpheum Theatre and Victorian Village to the South Main Historic Arts District and the I Am A Man Plaza, giving context and local lore as you go.
Central BBQ tasting and Beale Street time
The tour includes a tasting at Central BBQ—an award‑winning local spot—followed by time to explore Beale Street before boarding the riverboat for the afternoon cruise.
What the day feels like
How the day feels
The day moves from the intimacy of a guided city drive—stops for photo looks and historical commentary—to a relaxed riverside finale. After a Central BBQ tasting and a museum visit of your choice, the group converges to board at Alfred’s on Beale for a narrated 90‑minute paddlewheel cruise, where the city’s skyline opens up against the wide sweep of the Mississippi.
THE RIVER
Paddlewheel cruise on the Mississippi
A 90‑minute Memphis sightseeing riverboat cruise aboard the Island Queen offers skyline views, historical narration, and indoor and outdoor seating options to soak up the riverfront scenery.
THE CITY
Drive past Memphis landmarks
The guided drive covers downtown landmarks from the Orpheum Theatre and Victorian Village to the South Main Historic Arts District and the I Am A Man Plaza, giving context and local lore as you go.
THE TASTE
Central BBQ tasting and Beale Street time
The tour includes a tasting at Central BBQ—an award‑winning local spot—followed by time to explore Beale Street before boarding the riverboat for the afternoon cruise.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this tour suits — and who should consider alternatives.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This is an extended Discovery Tour with a total duration of approximately 6 hours, including a 90‑minute riverboat cruise.
No food is allowed on the bus and no food is allowed inside museums; note there are no restrooms on the bus. Snacks, drinks and refreshments are available on the riverboat.
Board at Alfred's on Beale (Beale & BB King Blvd.) and depart after check‑in; for the riverboat arrive between 1:30–2:00pm to board.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Where do we meet and board?
The tour boards at Alfred's on Beale (Beale & BB King Blvd.); the group departs after check‑in.
How long is the tour and the riverboat cruise?
The full extended Discovery Tour lasts about 6 hours and includes a 90‑minute riverboat cruise.
Are meals or drinks included?
The tour includes a Central BBQ tasting; beer and additional food are not included. Snacks, drinks and refreshments are available on the riverboat.
Can dietary substitutions be made for the BBQ tasting?
The BBQ tasting is pork and substitutions are not offered.
Are there restrooms on the bus?
No — there are no restrooms on the bus.
What should I be punctual for?
The guide and driver will inform you of the museum pick‑up time; please do not be late returning to the bus so you do not miss the riverboat boarding.