MEMPHIS BUS TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Memphis Mojo Tour: Riding the Nation’s Only Music Bus Through the Birthplace of the Blues
A lively, 90-minute Beale Street–led bus tour with live performances, storytelling, and close views of Sun Studio, Beale Street, the Mississippi River and the Lorraine Motel.
Memphis Mojo Tour: Riding the Nation’s Only Music Bus Through the Birthplace of the Blues.
Adventure brief
Memphis Mojo Tour: Riding the Nation’s Only Music Bus Through the Birthplace of the Blues
The Memphis Mojo Tour is a brisk, music-first introduction to the city that birthed the blues, rock ’n’ roll and Southern soul. Performed aboard the nation’s only music bus and led by professional Beale Street musicians, the 90-minute ride mixes live performance, local history, comedy and story-driven stops to bring the city’s legends—from Elvis to B.B. King—to life for visitors of all ages.
Memphis, Tennessee, a city etched deeply into the roots of American music, serves as the thrilling stage for the Memphis Mojo Tour by Backbeat Tours. This 90-minute journey rolls through the streets and stories of a city synonymous with blues, rock ’n’ roll, and soul, brought to life aboard the nation’s only music bus. Unlike any traditional city tour, the Mojo Tour pulses with energy from live performances by professional Beale Street musicians that transform historical narration into an immersive musical experience.
Backbeat Tours offers a front-row seat to Memphis’s legendary soundscape, passing by iconic landmarks like Sun Studio, where Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash cut their first tracks; the vibrant Beale Street, reverberating with history and rhythm; and the Stax Museum, home to soul music’s giants. Riders are treated to engaging stories about towering figures like B.B. King and Otis Redding, tracing the city’s powerful influence on the world stage.
The tour is designed for visitors of all ages, combining education with entertainment in a way that few do. The air-conditioned music bus cruises along the Mississippi River and iconic neighborhoods, spotlighting landmarks such as the Lorraine Motel and Peabody Hotel. The lively blend of live music, comedy, and history creates a dynamic atmosphere that highlights Memphis not just as a city to see, but to feel.
Backbeat Tours distinguishes itself as a vital part of Memphis's outdoor culture, blending urban exploration with entertainment that invites participants to connect with the city’s spirit through sound and story. Whether you're a music aficionado or simply seeking a vibrant way to experience Memphis, the Mojo Tour stands out as an essential and memorable adventure.
Route Schematic
Route Schematic — Key Stops
The tour follows a curated path through central Memphis, stopping or pausing at major music landmarks and viewpoints.
Board at Alfred's on Beale
Check in at Alfred’s on Beale (Beale St. & BB King Blvd) and depart after boarding; this is the tour’s departure and return point.
Sun Studio and Beale Street
Drive past and view Sun Studio and Beale Street while enjoying live commentary and on‑bus music highlighting their roles in Memphis music history.
Mississippi River, Cotton Row & The Peabody
Continue along the riverfront with views of Cotton Row and the Peabody Hotel, framed by musical anecdotes and period stories.
Stax Studio, Overton Park & St. Jude
Pass Stax Studio and Overton Park, and see St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, with stops for photos and storytelling about the city's cultural institutions.
Lorraine Motel and Early Homes
Drive by the Lorraine Motel and the early homes of Elvis, B.B. King and Johnny Cash before looping back to the meeting point.
No restrooms are available on the bus; restroom access is provided at the meeting location. Guests may bring alcoholic or non‑alcoholic beverages but no food, and ice chests or coolers are not allowed.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Live, On‑Board Performances
Professional Beale Street musicians perform live on the bus, turning the vehicle itself into a rolling stage and giving passengers an intimate window into Memphis’s musical heartbeat.
Iconic Music Landmarks
The route takes you past Sun Studio, Beale Street, the Mississippi River, the Lorraine Motel and other landmarks, offering photo stops and commentary that place each site in Memphis’s musical story.
History Told with Humor
The Mojo Tour blends storytelling, comedy and historical context so the narrative of Memphis’s artists and neighborhoods is as entertaining as it is informative—an approach that keeps the experience family‑friendly and accessible.
What the day feels like
What the 90 Minutes Feel Like
You check in and board at Alfred’s on Beale; once the bus rolls, musicians cue up live sets while guides weave in history and comedy. Over roughly an hour and a half you’ll pass Sun Studio and Beale Street, follow the riverfront and Cotton Row, roll by the Peabody Hotel, Stax Studio and Overton Park, pause for photo opportunities, and view the Lorraine Motel and the early homes of Memphis legends before returning downtown.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this tour suits—and who should plan accordingly.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The experience runs approximately 90 minutes and departs from Alfred’s on Beale; check‑in is at the meeting point prior to departure.
Bring a camera and weather‑appropriate layers. Guests may bring alcoholic or non‑alcoholic beverages; do not bring food, coolers or ice chests. There are no restrooms on the bus—use facilities at the meeting location before boarding.
The tour departs from Alfred’s on Beale (Beale St. & BB King Blvd). Expect a rolling commentary with brief photo stops rather than extended walks.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Memphis Mojo Tour?
The tour is approximately 90 minutes.
Where does the tour depart from?
The tour departs from Alfred’s on Beale (Beale St. & BB King Blvd).
Are there restrooms on the bus?
No — there are no restrooms on the bus; restroom access is available at the meeting location.
Can I bring food or drinks on board?
Guests may bring alcoholic or non‑alcoholic beverages, but no food; ice chests or coolers are not permitted.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes — the tour is family‑friendly and suitable for a wide range of ages.
What will we see on the route?
The tour passes Sun Studio, Beale Street, the Mississippi River, Cotton Row, the Peabody Hotel, Stax Studio, Overton Park, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the Lorraine Motel and early homes of artists like Elvis and B.B. King.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-09-10T12:13:02.596Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.