Self-Guided Memphis Beale Street Discovery Walk – Audio Tour

Itinerary

1. 1
   Beale Street Pass by

   Beale Street Experience, Memphis, TN Step into the legendary heart of Memphis on Beale Street, where music, culture, and history come alive. This vibrant corridor is packed with blues clubs, historic venues, colorful shops, and iconic neon signs. Along the way, you’ll uncover stories of famous musicians, spot landmarks that shaped Memphis music, and enjoy a mix of local cuisine and sights that make this street unforgettable.

2. 2
   B.B. King's Blues Club Pass by

   Named after the legendary King of the Blues, this vibrant venue embodies the soul of Beale Street. With neon lights glowing outside and live music often spilling into the street, it’s the perfect place to set the tone for your Memphis adventure. Even if you don’t step inside, you’ll feel the energy of a city built on rhythm and blues.

3. 3
   A. Schwab Pass by

   Step back in time at this quirky emporium that has been serving Memphis since 1876. Part museum, part general store, A. Schwab is packed with unique souvenirs, old-fashioned sodas, and curiosities you won’t find anywhere else. It’s one of Beale Street’s true treasures and a reminder of the street’s rich past.

4. 4
   Withers Collection Museum & Gallery Pass by

   Located in a historic building on Beale, this museum preserves the legacy of Dr. Ernest Withers, the photographer who documented the civil rights movement, Memphis musicians, and everyday life. His iconic images make this stop a powerful reminder that Beale Street’s story is cultural as well as musical.

5. 5
   Handy Park Pass by

   Named for W.C. Handy, the “Father of the Blues,” Handy Park is more than just green space. It’s a monument to the man who turned Memphis into the capital of the blues. A statue of Handy sits at its center, horn in hand, reminding visitors that this was the street where his compositions first took shape. Today, the park often hosts live music on its open-air stage, carrying his legacy forward. As you stand here, imagine the sound of Handy’s band drifting through the air in the early 1900s — and realize you’re standing in the birthplace of a global musical revolution.

6. 6
   Jerry Lee Lewis’ Cafe & Honky Tonk Pass by

   Once home to Jerry Lee Lewis’ Honky Tonk, this building now houses The Dock on Beale, a restaurant and music venue that keeps the street’s energy alive. While the name has changed, the connection to the “Great Balls of Fire” legend adds rock ’n’ roll history to your mystery walk.

7. 7
   Statue of Elvis Pass by

   Standing tall at the corner of Beale and Main, the Elvis Presley statue honors Memphis’ most famous son. This larger-than-life monument draws fans from all over the world who come to snap a photo with the King of Rock ’n’ Roll. Placed near the Orpheum Theatre and just steps from Beale, the statue marks Elvis’ deep connection to the city where his career began and the music that shaped a generation.

8. 8
   The Peabody Ducks Pass by

   Step into the grand lobby of Memphis’ most famous hotel, known far beyond the South for its elegance and charm. But what really steals the show? The Peabody Ducks, who march daily to and from the lobby fountain in a beloved tradition that has delighted visitors for decades. Snap photos, admire the historic architecture, and enjoy a slice of classic Memphis culture in this iconic destination.

Good to know

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels