Memphis , United States

Memphis Self Guided Driving Audio Tour

Active

(18 reviews)

2h - 3h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Explore the heart of Memphis on this self-guided driving tour through music history. You’ll drive from Downtown Memphis to Elvis Presley’s Graceland estate, tuning into essential stories of blues, soul, and rock and roll. See the iconic Sun Studio, where legends like Elvis and Johnny Cash are recorded, stop by the Stax Museum of Soul, and even visit Aretha Franklin’s birthplace! And, of course, revisit the wild true story of Elvis Presley’s rise and fall.

After booking, check your email/text to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, and enjoy it offline. Follow the audio instructions and route from the designated starting point.

Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.

This is not an entrance ticket to attractions along the route. Check opening hours before your visit.

Available options

Memphis Self Guided Driving Audio Tour

What's included

Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone

Great value: purchase per car, not per person. More affordable than bus or guided tours!

Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!

Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!

Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.

Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!

Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!

Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!

Detailed itinerary

Singer Ma Rainey II is buried there. Her father, a pastor, forbade her from singing, so Ma Rainey ran away and joined a traveling circus-type show. She worked as both the show’s fortune teller and as a ragtime performer on Beale Street.

Franklin eventually moved to Detroit with her father after her parents separated. She took to singing in her father’s church. Everyone recognized her immense talents. Her father even took her along with his “gospel caravan,” where they performed in churches all around the area.

Stop 3 Pass by

If we kept driving straight, we’d reach Beale Street. That’s the beating heart of this city’s downtown.

If you want to check it out, you can find parking and walk through the pedestrian-only area straight ahead. I have a few fun bonus stories there if you decide to go.

Welcome to Memphis! Home of the Blues and the Birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll, this musical city has no shortage of sights and sounds for rhythm-loving pilgrims.

The tour is over 11.2 miles long, with more than 25+ audio stories, and takes about 2-3 hours to complete.

Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.

Stop 5 Pass by

Coming up on our right at the end of this road will be the Stax Museum of American Soul Music. And boy does it have soul—Otis Redding, the Staple Singers, and even the Reverend Jesse Jackson recorded here. If you want to check it out, turn into the parking lot coming up on our right. You can tap Learn More for more about soul music once you park.

Stop 6 Pass by

In a few minutes, we’ll pass by a brick building with a massive guitar hanging in front of it. That’s Sun Studio, also known as “the birthplace of rock ’n’ roll.”

This historic recording studio actually began as a movie theater showing silent films all the way back in 1915. It was converted into the Royal Recording Studio in ‘57, and became the official recording studio for Hi Records.

Stop 8 Pass by

In ‘56, Elvis and his family lived on a relatively quiet street—until his fans discovered it. Soon, they were camped outside of his home, desperate to get a glimpse of their favorite rockstar. While Elvis’s neighbors had no personal beef with him, they did have a problem with hordes of screaming fans parked on their street.

What's not included

Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations

Available languages

Audio guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 3.6

10 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 3.4

8 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

How To Access: After booking, you’ll get an email and text with setup instructions and password (search “audio tour” in emails and texts). • Download the separate tour app by Action • Enter the password sent by email and text. • MUST download the tour while in strong wifi/cellular. • Works offline after download.

How to start touring: Open Action’s separate audio tour guide app once onsite. • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If multiple tour versions exist, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction.

Go to the starting point No one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided Enter the first story’s point and the audio will begin automatically Follow the audio cues to the next story, which will also play automatically. Enjoy hands-free exploring. If you face audio issues, contact support. Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.

Travel worry-free: Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace. Skip anything you don’t care about or explore bonus content for everything that interests you

Savings tips: Driving tours: purchase just one tour for everyone in the car

Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.

Audio Setup: Connect your phone to your car's stereo system using Bluetooth, USB, or AUX. For the best experience, consider using headphones for walking tours. Audio playback is compatible with Apple CarPlay, with navigation features coming soon. Support for Android Auto is also on the way.

For the best experience, please use an iPhone running iOS 15 or later, an Android device running version 9 or later, or an iPad/tablet with GPS and cellular connectivity, as these are recommended for navigation.

Meeting point

Begin from 1 Bass Pro Dr, Memphis, TN 38105, USA. After booking the tour, search your emails and texts for "audio tour". Your tour is VALID FOR ONE YEAR so follow these instructions NOW to finish setting up the tour while you have Wi-Fi/data. Do NOT wait until you are onsite.

Important notes

1. Find The Setup Instructions NOW:
• Download the App: actiontourguide.com/app
• Find Your Password: Search your email or text messages for "Action Tour Guide"
• Enter Password: Open the app and enter your 8-digit password
• Download the Tour NOW while you have WiFi or cell service
• Offline Ready: Once downloaded, the tour works without internet
• Need Help? Visit: actiontourguide.com/redeem

2. Download The Tour NOW:
• Download NOW over WiFi or cellular data ahead of your trip.
• Don't wait until travel day - your tour is VALID FOR ONE YEAR from purchase.
• Your password redemption is limited to the number of travelers booked. Please enter the same password on each device.

3. Audio Tour Tips:
• This is a self-guided audio tour - no one will meet you at the starting point.
• Entrance and attraction tickets are not included. Please book those separately.
• Curious how it works? Watch a quick video here: actiontourguide.com/tutorial
• For the best audio experience, connect to the car stereo via Bluetooth, USB, or AUX, or listen through your phone's speaker.
• CarPlay and Android Auto aren't supported yet.
• Valid for 12 months - listen to your tour on any day without changing your travel date or rebooking!

4. Help & Support:
• Visit our FAQs: actiontourguide.com/faq
• Chat online: actiontourguide.com
• Call: 1-435-288-0560
• Email: support@actiontourguide.com

About Memphis

Memphis, Tennessee, is a vibrant city rich in musical heritage and Southern charm. Known as the birthplace of rock 'n' roll and the home of the blues, it offers a unique blend of history, culture, and mouthwatering cuisine. The city's iconic landmarks, live music venues, and welcoming atmosphere make it a must-visit destination in the American South.

Top Attractions

Graceland

The former home of Elvis Presley, Graceland is a must-visit for music fans. The mansion and museum offer a glimpse into the life of the King of Rock 'n' Roll.

Historical 3-4 hours Moderate ($38 for adults, $25 for children)

Beale Street

A historic street in downtown Memphis, Beale Street is famous for its live music venues, bars, and restaurants. It's the heart of the city's nightlife and a major tourist attraction.

Entertainment 2-3 hours or more Free to explore, variable for food and drinks

National Civil Rights Museum

Located at the former Lorraine Motel, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, this museum chronicles the history of the civil rights movement in the United States.

Historical 2-3 hours Moderate ($17 for adults, $15 for seniors, $14 for children)

Memphis Zoo

One of the largest zoos in the United States, the Memphis Zoo is home to over 3,500 animals and 500 species. It features a variety of exhibits and conservation programs.

Nature 3-4 hours Moderate ($22 for adults, $16 for children)

Sun Studio

Known as the birthplace of rock 'n' roll, Sun Studio is where Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis recorded their early hits. The studio offers tours and recording sessions.

Historical 1-2 hours Moderate ($15 for adults, $12 for children)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Memphis Barbecue

Slow-smoked pork ribs and pulled pork, often served with a tangy, spicy sauce.

Main Course Contains meat, can be made gluten-free

Fried Chicken

Crispy, golden-fried chicken, often served with sides like coleslaw and macaroni and cheese.

Main Course Contains gluten and dairy, can be made gluten-free

Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich

A classic Elvis Presley favorite, made with peanut butter, banana, and sometimes bacon.

Breakfast Contains gluten, dairy, and nuts

Sweet Tea

A refreshing, sweetened iced tea, a staple in Southern cuisine.

Drink Contains sugar, can be made with alternative sweeteners

Popular Activities

Hiking Biking Fishing Boating Picnicking Birdwatching Shopping Dining

Best Time to Visit

March to May, September to November

These months offer pleasant weather with comfortable temperatures, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The city hosts several festivals and events during these periods.

15-30°C 59-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish, French, German
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Central Time Zone (CT), UTC-6 (Standard Time), UTC-5 (Daylight Saving Time)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Memphis is generally safe for tourists, but visitors should be aware of their surroundings and take precautions to protect themselves and their belongings. Some areas of the city have higher crime rates, and it's important to stay in well-lit and populated areas, especially at night.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings
• Keep valuables secure
• Avoid walking alone at night

Getting there

By air

Memphis International Airport • 10 miles (16 km) from downtown

By bus

Memphis Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

MATA operates a network of buses that serve the city and its surrounding areas. Fares are affordable, and buses are a convenient way to get around.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown Memphis Midtown Memphis East Memphis Cooper-Young Historic District

Day trips

Arkansas River Museum

15 miles (24 km) • Half day

Located in North Little Rock, Arkansas, this museum offers a variety of exhibits and programs focused on the history and culture of the Arkansas River and its surrounding regions.

Hernando de Soto Park

20 miles (32 km) • Half day

A beautiful park located along the Mississippi River, offering a variety of outdoor activities and scenic views. The park is named after the Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto, who is believed to have crossed the Mississippi River in this area.

Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park

25 miles (40 km) • Full day

A beautiful state park located along the Mississippi River, offering a variety of outdoor activities and scenic views. The park is known for its diverse wildlife, including deer, wild turkeys, and a variety of bird species.

Festivals

Memphis in May International Festival • May Beale Street Music Festival • Early May Memphis Grizzlies Playoffs • April-May (varies by season)

Pro tips

Visit Graceland early in the morning to avoid crowds and long lines
Explore Beale Street in the evening for live music and a lively atmosphere
Try the famous Memphis barbecue at Central BBQ or Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken
Take a stroll through the Memphis Farmers Market on Saturday mornings for fresh produce and local goods
Visit the National Civil Rights Museum to learn about the history and legacy of the civil rights movement