Memphis Discovery: A 2–3 Hour Drive Through Music, Civil Rights, and BBQ

MEMPHIS SIGHTSEEING TOUR FIELD GUIDE

Memphis Discovery: A 2–3 Hour Drive Through Music, Civil Rights, and BBQ

A guided, all-inclusive 2–3 hour outing that visits the Lorraine Motel, samples Central BBQ, and threads downtown landmarks with an optional museum add-on.

Memphis Discovery: A 2–3 Hour Drive Through Music, Civil Rights, and BBQ.

Duration
2–3 hours
Location
Memphis
Operator
Backbeat Tours
Category
Sightseeing Tour
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

This guided, all‑inclusive outing condenses Memphis into a compact 2–3 hour exploration of history, neighborhoods, and flavor—an easy roll through downtown and beyond that pairs landmark views with a local BBQ tasting and the option to add a museum stop.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

Central BBQ Tasting
THE TASTE

Central BBQ Tasting

The tour stops for a tasting at Central BBQ, a local favorite and one of the food-focused pillars of the route.

Lorraine Motel & Civil Rights Sites
THE HISTORY

Lorraine Motel & Civil Rights Sites

Expect a view of the Lorraine Motel and stops that touch on Memphis’s civil‑rights history, with guide narration that places those sites in context.

Downtown Landmarks and a Museum Choice
THE ROUTE

Downtown Landmarks and a Museum Choice

The drive threads Victorian Village, Beale Street, the Orpheum and the South Main Arts District, and gives travelers the option of visiting one of three museums as an add‑on.

What the day feels like

What the outing feels like

You board on Beale Street, then ride through neighborhoods and downtown landmarks while a local guide narrates music, culinary, and civil‑rights stories; the outing includes a stop for Central BBQ and—if purchased—a drop at one of three museums. Note: the tour does not include live music.

Central BBQ Tasting

THE TASTE

Central BBQ Tasting

The tour stops for a tasting at Central BBQ, a local favorite and one of the food-focused pillars of the route.

Lorraine Motel & Civil Rights Sites

THE HISTORY

Lorraine Motel & Civil Rights Sites

Expect a view of the Lorraine Motel and stops that touch on Memphis’s civil‑rights history, with guide narration that places those sites in context.

Downtown Landmarks and a Museum Choice

THE ROUTE

Downtown Landmarks and a Museum Choice

The drive threads Victorian Village, Beale Street, the Orpheum and the South Main Arts District, and gives travelers the option of visiting one of three museums as an add‑on.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this outing suits — and who should rethink it.

1
Live‑music seekersNot ideal for travelers hoping for on‑tour live performance — no music is played on this tour.
2
Visitors who like to snack on the goNot a good match for those who plan to eat on board—no food is permitted on the bus.
3
Families with childrenFamilies can take the tour but should note the no‑food rule on the bus and inside museums when planning snacks and timing.
4
Guests bringing gearIf you planned to bring coolers or ice chests, this tour is not suitable—those items are not allowed on the bus.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

What to Bring

Do not bring food onto the bus or into museums. Ice chests and coolers are not permitted. Note that beer and additional food are not included with the BBQ tasting; check dietary needs before booking.

Food & Dietary Notes

The included tasting is at Central BBQ; menu items offered on the tour are prepared BBQ — substitutions may not be available (confirm specifics with the operator).

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the Memphis Discovery Tour?

The tour runs approximately 2–3 hours.

Where does the tour depart from?

The tour departs from Alfred's on Beale at 197 Beale Street (Beale & BB King Blvd.).

Is live music included on the tour?

No — no music is played on this tour.

Will we stop for food?

Yes; the itinerary includes a tasting at Central BBQ. Beer and any additional food are not included.

Can I bring food or a cooler on the bus?

No — food is not allowed on the bus or inside museums, and ice chests/coolers are prohibited on the bus.

Can I add a museum visit to the tour?

Yes — there is an optional museum add‑on that takes you to one of three museums; without the add‑on the tour returns to the meeting location on Beale Street.