Memphis: Mojo + Stax Studio 3-Hour Bus Tour

Travelers seeking an authentic slice of Memphis’s legendary music scene will find this 3-hour tour a lively and insightful experience. Led by professional musicians, it offers a dynamic mix of storytelling, live tunes, and behind-the-scenes access to some of the city’s most iconic venues. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Memphis explorer, this tour packs in enough history and entertainment to make your visit memorable.

What we love about this experience is the energetic way it combines music, history, and local color. The tour’s highlight—the self-guided visit to the Stax Museum of American Soul Music—provides a close-up look at the legendary label and its stars. Plus, the guided exploration of Beale Street promises a vibrant atmosphere. A potential drawback? Since most of the tour occurs on a bus, it might feel a bit rushed for those who prefer more time at each site. Still, it’s a great fit for those who want a lively overview with a local music insider.

This tour is ideal for travelers who enjoy music, storytelling, and a taste of Memphis’s soulful spirit without spending an entire day on sightseeing. It offers excellent value for its price, especially considering the included museum admission and the lively, knowledgeable guides.

Key Points

• Music-rich experience: Combines storytelling, live music, and visits to legendary landmarks.
• Expert guides: Led by professional musicians who bring authenticity and humor.
• Self-guided museum visit: Allows for a personal exploration of the Stax Museum.
• Convenient itinerary: Follows a logical route covering major Memphis music sites.
• Flexible booking: Reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
• Accessible for most: While not wheelchair lift-equipped, the activity can accommodate those with some mobility.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Memphis Mojo + Stax Studio Tour

Starting at Backbeat Tours in Downtown Memphis

The tour begins at Backbeat Tours’ designated meeting point on the patio of Alfred’s on Beale Street. This location is central and easy to find, making it simple for visitors to join the group. The check-in process is straightforward, and the friendly staff typically provides clear instructions. The tour kicks off with a 15-minute bus ride, giving everyone a quick chance to settle in and get a sense of Memphis’s vibrant street life as you head out.

The Highlights: Stax Museum of American Soul Music

The core of this tour is the self-guided visit to the Stax Museum, which is a treasure trove for soul and R&B lovers. You get about an hour to explore at your own pace—perfect for taking photos, soaking in exhibits, and contemplating the impact of artists like Otis Redding and Isaac Hayes. The museum’s collection is extensive and thoughtfully curated, detailing the history of soul music in Memphis. One reviewer pointed out that “It’s a walk through legends’ stories, and you really get a sense of how Memphis shaped this genre.”

Since it’s self-guided, you can linger over exhibits that catch your eye, making this stop highly personal. The museum’s admission is included, adding value and convenience to the overall experience.

The Heart of Memphis: Beale Street

After returning to the bus, you’ll head to Beale Street for a guided tour lasting about 1.5 hours. This stretch is where Memphis’s musical soul truly comes alive. Led by a professional musician, you’ll walk through this legendary street, hearing stories about its history and the musicians who played there. Expect to hear snippets of live music, with the guides often singing along to hits from Memphis’s greatest artists.

Participants have praised the guides for their knowledge and charisma. One review mentioned that “the guide’s stories made the history come alive,” and that the live music snippets added a special touch. Beale Street’s lively atmosphere is contagious, and even if you’re just listening from the bus, the energy is palpable.

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Other Landmarks En Route

The tour also passes by some of Memphis’s musical landmarks, including Sun Studio—the birthplace of rock and roll—along with historic sites like the Lorraine Motel, Cotton Row, and the Peabody Hotel. Though these are viewed from the bus, your guides share engaging stories that connect these locations to Memphis’s musical legacy.

Practical Considerations

The entire tour lasts three hours, making it a manageable introduction to Memphis’s musical heritage without feeling overwhelming. The bus is comfortable, with most of the time spent traveling between sites. Keep in mind, the bus lacks a wheelchair lift, but if you have a collapsible wheelchair and some mobility, accommodations can be made with advance notice. For photographers, bringing a camera is encouraged—all the sights and stories beg for snapping.

What Reviewers Say

Many visitors have appreciated the knowledgeable guides who add depth and humor to the experience. One quote from a reviewer sums it up: “The guides brought the history to life with stories and jokes, making it feel like a lively jam session.” Others valued the flexibility of the self-guided museum visit, which allows for a personalized pace.

Cost and Value

While the price is a consideration, it reflects the inclusion of museum admission, guided storytelling, and live music snippets—all packed into a 3-hour experience. For those looking for an entertaining, educational, and authentic slice of Memphis music, it proves to be a good investment.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour suits travelers who love music and want a lively, engaging overview of Memphis’s musical landmarks. It’s particularly good for those who prefer a mix of guided storytelling with some personal exploration. Because it’s a shorter, bus-based tour, it’s perfect if you’re short on time but still want rich stories and a taste of Memphis’s musical soul.

It’s also well-suited for those interested in soul, blues, and early rock & roll history, especially with the included visit to the Stax Museum. If you’re traveling with family or friends who enjoy music and storytelling, this tour offers a lively, memorable experience.

The Sum Up

This 3-hour bus tour of Memphis is a lively, well-organized way to connect with the city’s musical roots without dedicating an entire day. The combination of a guided street tour, a self-guided museum visit, and insights from professional musicians creates an experience that’s both informative and fun.

The highlights—visiting Stax, wandering Beale Street, and passing by legendary landmarks—are balanced by the relaxed pacing and engaging storytelling. The guides’ expertise really shines, turning historical facts into a lively narrative that sticks with you long after the tour ends.

For those seeking a taste of Memphis’s soulful history, with the convenience of transportation and inclusive admission, this tour offers excellent value. Whether you’re a music enthusiast, a history buff, or simply curious about Memphis, it’s an experience that will leave you feeling like you’ve uncovered some of the city’s best-kept musical secrets.

FAQs

How long is the entire tour?
The tour lasts exactly 3 hours, including travel time, museum visit, and street tour.

Where do I meet the tour?
You check in at the ticket podium on the Patio at Alfred’s on Beale Street. The exact coordinates are 35.13935470581055, -90.05150604248047.

What’s included in the tour price?
The tour includes admission to the Stax Museum of American Soul Music and guided storytelling by professional musicians during the Beale Street segment.

Can I bring my camera?
Yes, bringing a camera is recommended to capture the sights and memories of Memphis’s landmarks.

Is the bus accessible for people with mobility issues?
The bus does not have a wheelchair lift, but if you have a collapsible wheelchair and some mobility, arrangements can often be made with advance notice.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing and shoes suited for walking and bus travel. Check the weather forecast for any needed rain gear or sun protection.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, families with children interested in music and history will find this tour engaging, but note it’s mainly a bus tour with some walking on Beale Street.

What is the guide’s style?
Guides are professional musicians known for their knowledge, humor, and storytelling skills, making the experience lively and authentic.

In sum, the Memphis: Mojo + Stax Studio Tour offers a fun, authentic glimpse into the city’s musical soul, perfect for those who love stories, live music, and a relaxed pace. It balances sightseeing with entertainment, delivering a memorable snapshot of Memphis’s legendary soundscape.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby