Beyond the blues music and barbecue that Memphis is acclaimed for lies a wealth of iconic attractions and hidden gems just outside the city.
This article presents 18 of the best easy day trips from Memphis, from tracing Elvis Presley’s early days to soul-stirring civil rights history.
You’ll discover how to customize private tours to Graceland and Sun Studio, cruise along the Mississippi River, sample local beers, and more. These picks reveal top sites that capture the spirit of Memphis and beyond whether you’re an Elvis devotee, music buff, history head, or foodie. Read on for an insider’s guide to remarkable day trips offering one-of-a-kind experiences.
1. Memphis City Tour with Optional Riverboat Cruise & Sun Studio Add-On Options
Explore the top attractions in Memphis on this sightseeing tour along the Mississippi River. See landmark locations like the Memphis Pyramid, now a Bass Pro Shops “megastore”, the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel where Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated, and more.
This bus tour includes a hotel pickup and drop-off in downtown Memphis. You’ll journey down the iconic Beale Street, voted the most iconic street in America by USA Today, known for its blues clubs and restaurants. Also admire the statues of music legends B.B. King and Elvis Presley.
Upgrade options are available to include a relaxing paddlewheel cruise along the Mississippi River or a tour of the legendary Sun Studio where Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley recorded albums.
Helpful Tip: Take this tour early in your Memphis trip to plan which places you’d like to revisit later.
Price: from $45
Address: 119 Riverside Dr, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
Location: Google Map URL
2. Memphis Mojo Bus Tour
Shake, rattle and roll through Memphis on this lively musical bus tour led by local musicians. Journey through the home of blues while playing tambourines, shakers and bongos. See top attractions like historic Beale Street, Stax Studio, the Lorraine Motel civil rights landmark and more.
Upgrade to include a guided tour of the iconic Sun Studio, where legendary artists like Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash recorded albums.
Price: from $38.41
Address: 197 Beale St, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
Tours & Things to do hand-picked by our insiders
Location: Google Map URL
3. Taste of Downtown Memphis Food Tour
Chow down like a true Memphian during this history-filled food crawl of downtown. Enjoy seven specially prepared food tastings at six different restaurants and eateries. Taste classic Southern dishes from tamales to house-made desserts, all using fresh, local ingredients. Learn about the vibrant culture and history of Memphis along the way.
Price: $75
Address: 175 Peabody Pl, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
Location: Google Map URL
4. Memphis Discovery Tour – Best Day Trips From Memphis
Explore downtown Memphis on this all-inclusive tour. See top attractions like the Smithsonian’s Rock N’ Soul Museum, Beale Street known as the home of blues music, and the Lorraine Motel where Martin Luther King Jr. was tragically assassinated.
Also included is a delicious barbecue tasting and viewing the charming March of the Ducks tradition at the historic Peabody Hotel.
Price: from $38.41
Address: 197 Beale St, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
Location: Google Map URL
5. Memphis Music Hall of Fame
Visit the Memphis Music Hall of Fame to learn all about the city’s legendary music history. Browse interactive exhibits and displays about the various musicians and artists who shaped the distinctive Memphis Sound over the decades.
See one-of-a-kind music memorabilia, video performances, interviews and more from Memphis greats like Elvis Presley, B.B. King, Al Green, and many others.
Price: from $8
Location: Google Map URL
6. Memphis City Tour with Sun Studio
Drive past the mighty Mississippi River, grand Victorian homes, and important cultural landmarks on this narrated sightseeing tour of Memphis. It goes beyond the usual tourist sights to give you a local’s perspective.
Also included is a tour of the legendary Sun Studios where music icons like Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash recorded career-defining albums. Roundtrip transfers from downtown Memphis hotels are provided for your convenience.
Price: from $75
Address: 119 Riverside Dr, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
Location: Google Map URL
7. Historic Memphis Guided Walking Tour
Trace the history of Memphis on this guided walking tour, from the Civil War era up to the present day. Learn about the storied past of this lively city along the Mississippi River, known for blues, soul music and rock ‘n roll.
See top attractions like Beale Street and the picturesque Court Square. You’ll also view historic Civil War sites and experience the charming Peabody Hotel March of the Ducks tradition.
Price: from $32.92
Address: 197 Beale St, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
Location: Google Map URL
8. Elvis Presley’s Childhood Home Tour
Take a day trip from Memphis to Elvis Presley’s childhood hometown of Tupelo, Mississippi. Journey by luxury coach about 1.5 hours each way to see the humble two-room house where Elvis was born and raised.
Also visit the Elvis Presley Museum, his childhood church, the Tupelo Fairgrounds that inspired his music and more sites pivotal to his early years before fame.
Helpful Tip: Bring money for lunch at Tupelo’s classic Fairpark Grill diner (cost not included).
Price: from $111.16
Address: 3600 Elvis Presley Blvd, Memphis, TN 38116, USA
Location: Google Map URL
9. Beale Street Guided Walking Tour
Follow in the footsteps of blues legends on this easy walking tour along lively Beale Street in downtown Memphis. From Louis Armstrong to BB King, discover the musical legends who called this iconic street home and influenced rock ‘n roll.
Pass by historic blues landmarks like Lansky Brothers shop, frequented by Elvis himself, and A. Schwab’s old-fashioned store opened in 1876.
Price: from $21.95
Address: 197 Beale St, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
Location: Google Map URL
10. Guided Memphis City Tour & River Cruise
While visiting Memphis, take a guided sightseeing tour of downtown historical landmarks and then board a vintage-style paddlewheel boat for a relaxing Mississippi River cruise.
See top Memphis attractions like Beale Street’s famous blues clubs and former stately homes of Victorian Village. This popular seasonal combo tour with hotel pickup/drop-off runs from March to November.
Price: from $85
Address: 119 Riverside Dr, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
Location: Google Map URL
11. Memphis Signature Brewery Tour
Enjoy Memphis’ exceptional craft beer scene on this all-inclusive afternoon brewery tour. Receive VIP access to iconic local brewhouses led by an expert guide. Taste up to 12 of the city’s top award-winning beers paired with snacks, while learning all about the beer making process.
Roundtrip transport between breweries makes for carefree tasting!
Price: from $69
Address: 149 Union Ave, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
Location: Google Map URL
11. Memphis Signature Brewery Tour (cont.)
Location: Google Map URL
12. Memphis Discovery Tour with River Cruise
Discover Memphis’ history, music heritage and Southern food on this comprehensive “best of” tour. Take in downtown highlights like Beale Street’s blues bars and Victorian mansions, see historic Lorraine Motel where Martin Luther King Jr. was killed, and view an early Elvis apartment.
Finish with a barbecue tasting and scenic paddlewheel cruise along the mighty Mississippi River.
Price: from $76.82
Address: 197 Beale St, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
Location: Google Map URL
13. Memphis Brew Bus Tour
Get a behind-the-scenes look at Memphis’ up-and-coming craft beer scene on this insider’s weekend tour. With your own private guide, comfortably visit 3 acclaimed local brewers for exclusive tastings of the city’s top brews.
Escape the regular tourist track to discover the booming world of Memphis suds!
Price: from $64.75
Address: 552 S Main St, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
Location: Google Map URL
14. Beale Street & Sun Studio Private Tour
Whether you’re a music lover or history buff, this customized walking tour of Memphis’ Beale Street and Sun Studios is a special experience. Join an exclusive guide to uncover stories about icons like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, B.B. King and more while seeing landmarks key to the city’s musical origins.
Price: from $160
Address: 126 S 2nd St, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
Location: Google Map URL
15. Elvis in Memphis Private Tour & Graceland
For Elvis fans, this customized Memphis walking tour and Graceland visit is unmatched. With your own private guide, walk in the footsteps of Elvis to see his childhood home, the studio where he signed his first contract, and other little-known sites.
After lunch (own expense), comfortably transfer to Graceland for self-guided exploration of Elvis’ jaw-dropping mansion and its lavish interiors.
Price: from $430
Address: 119 Riverside Dr, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
Location: Google Map URL
16. Memphis History & Heritage Tour
With a private guide, enjoy a customized walking tour introduction to Memphis, known for its music legacy and heritage. Stroll famous Beale Street, see the Mississippi River, view the iconic Peabody ducks, and take a self-guided tour of the National Civil Rights Museum at the old Lorraine Motel where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated.
Price: from $195
Address: 126 S 2nd St, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
Location: Google Map URL
17. Memphis Music Scene Tour
Though not invented here, some of the world’s best music emerged from Memphis’ streets over the past century. This custom walking tour is a private history lesson about icons like Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley and B.B. King who influenced global music.
Learn little-known stories of Memphis music origins from your personal guide. Tour includes trolley tickets and admission to the Rock N’ Soul Museum.
Price: from $155
Address: 126 S 2nd St, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
Location: Google Map URL
18. Memphis Majesty Elvis Tour
Calling all Elvis devotees! This private 7-hour Memphis Elvis sightseeing tour by car hits the King’s must-see landmarks. Visit the legendary outfitter’s shop where Elvis famously tried to buy them out and other little-known hideaways and haunts.
Finish with Graceland access to explore Elvis’ jaw-dropping home and Archives studio on your own. From start to finish, this tour is packed with inside stories of Elvis and his road to superstardom originating right here in Memphis!
Price: from $428
Address: 203 S Main St, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
Location: Google Map URL
![All The Best Hikes In Bora Bora [+Tips] 2024](https://travelcrog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/best-hikes-in-bora-bora-1.jpg "All The Best Hikes In Bora Bora [+Tips] [year] 34")
![50 Best Things to do in Los Angeles in [Year]](https://travelcrog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Things-to-do-in-Los-Angeles.webp "50 Best Things to do in Los Angeles in [Year] 37")
Leave a Reply