Memphis Discovery Tour w/ National Civil Rights Museum Admission
Memphis, United States

Memphis Discovery Tour w/ National Civil Rights Museum Admission

Outty Ranking 67 4.7 · 63 traveler reviews3 hoursFrom $82
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Outty Ranking

67/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.7/5

Based on 63 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Memphis Discovery Tour w/ National Civil Rights Museum Admission worth booking?

Memphis Discovery Tour w/ National Civil Rights Museum Admission is a 3-hour experience in Memphis, United States, from $82 per person. It scores 67 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 63 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
67 / 100
Rating
4.7/5 (63)
Duration
3 hours
From
$82 per person

Discover Memphis’ rich history, musical heritage, and Southern cuisine on this comprehensive “best of Memphis” tour. Take in all the highlights of downtown Memphis, from the Blues bars of Beale Street and historic Victorian mansions, to the site where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated and one of Elvis’ early apartments. Get insight into the city's amazing heritage at the The National Civil Rights Museu, site of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. After visiting the museum of choice, you'll be driven safely back to Beale St., or to the Memphis Riverboat to enjoy a scenic cruise on the Mississippi River.

What you get

    About this experience

    Discover Memphis’ rich history, musical heritage, and Southern cuisine on this comprehensive “best of Memphis” tour. Take in all the highlights of downtown Memphis, from the Blues bars of Beale Street and historic Victorian mansions, to the site where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated and one of Elvis’ early apartments. Get insight into the city's amazing heritage at the The National Civil Rights Museu, site of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. After visiting the museum of choice, you'll be driven safely back to Beale St., or to the Memphis Riverboat to enjoy a scenic cruise on the Mississippi River.

    What's included

    Included

    • Riverboat Cruise admission (if option selected)
    • Professional guide
    • Snacks
    • National Civil Rights Museum admission

    Not included

    • Gratuities
    • Hotel pick-up and drop-off
    • Alcoholic beverages
    • Lunch

    What you'll see and do

    1. Beale Street

      The tour starts on Beale Street at Alfred's on Beale, and begins by exploring the history of the Home of the Blues

      10 minutes here

    2. AutoZone Park

      Home of the Memphis Redbirds, Minor League Baseball team

      Pass by without stopping

    3. Court Square

      One of the city's oldest and most beautiful parks

      Pass by without stopping

    4. Victorian Village Historic District

      "Millionaire's Row", beautiful historic homes of Memphis' cotton barons and

      10 minutes here

    5. Memphis' oldest surviving residential home

      Pass by without stopping

    6. Danny Thomas Pavilion

      History of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

      Pass by without stopping

    7. The Orpheum Theatre

      History of the Orpheum Theater

      Pass by without stopping

    8. The Cotton Museum at the Memphis Cotton Exchange

      History of the Cotton Exchange and historic Cotton Row

      Pass by without stopping

    9. Enjoy a tasting of Memphis BBQ

      15 minutes here · Admission included

    10. South Main Historic Arts District, home to local restaurants and shops

      Pass by without stopping

    11. National Civil Rights Museum - Lorraine Motel

      Site of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and now home to the National Civil Rights Museum

      90 minutes here · Admission included

    12. History and importance of the Mississippi River to Memphis

      90 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Memphis

    Please check in and meet your tour guide at the Backbeat Tours podium, located on the Patio at Alfred's on Beale St.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Please check in and meet your tour guide at the Backbeat Tours podium, located on the Patio at Alfred's on Beale St.

    Options you can book

    • Memphis Discovery Tour w/ National Civil Rights Museum admission

    • Tour + Civil Rights +Riverboat

      Civil Rights Museum +Riverboat: Tour includes admission to the National Civil Rights Museum and Riverboat Cruise Duration: 6 hours: Adds additional 3 hours to tour + museum option

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Backbeat Tours

    Know before you go

    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
    • We can accommodate fold-up walkers or wheelchairs. We do not have a wheelchair lift and therefore cannot assist those in powered wheelchairs or with no mobility.
    • Within a few blocks there are four different parking garages, and several open-air parking lots. The closest garage to our location (just two blocks away) is at 149 Peabody Place between Second Street and BB King Blvd., next to the Hampton Inn. You can try your luck with on-street metered parking, too, on Second Street just south of Beale; on Beale between Front and Second; or along Peabody Place from Front to Fourth Street.
    • The Memphis Riverboat is located at the bottom of a 35% incline covered with historic cobblestones. Due to the historic nature of the cobblestones, buses or vehicles are not allowed to drop passengers off directly at the boat dock; guests will be dropped off and picked up from Riverside Dr.

    Photos

    Memphis Discovery Tour w/ National Civil Rights Museum Admission, photo 2Memphis Discovery Tour w/ National Civil Rights Museum Admission, photo 3

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 61 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    9 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    The guide

    5 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Food and drink

    4 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Traveler reviews

    61 verified traveler reviews for Memphis Discovery Tour w/ National Civil Rights Museum Admission. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    50
    4 star
    7
    3 star
    2
    2 star
    1
    1 star
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    Sort
    katrinapL5661JD · September 2026

    Memphis highlights

    Shannon and Shawn were excellent. Knowledgeable and accommodating

    via Tripadvisor

    cbullers780tam · September 2026

    Fantastic tour!!!

    John our tour guide and the bus driver was so fun and full of information and excitement to share with us all the Memphis information and history! The bbq was fantastic too! We all really really enjoyed our tour!!

    via Tripadvisor

    906paulaw · September 2026

    Easy and Very Informative

    Easy way to learn a lot about the area, Taylor was knowledgeable, Central BBQ was awesome and the Civil Rights Museum wonderful! Did not have enough time at the museum which means we just have to come back...its a really, really big time in our Nations history and I feel I was able to absorb it all. Not a complaint at all just a heads up for those expecting or needing more time.

    via Tripadvisor

    Alonzo_M · September 2026

    Memorable, educational, interesting & exciting

    Very educational, interesting, fun & exciting!!!!! Learned alot about Memphis I did not know. Would do more events next time.

    via Viator

    stevenoB5619HI · September 2026

    Great experience!

    John was a wonderful tour host and gave us a great overall vibe of Memphis. The included lunch stop with a yummy pulled pork sandwich came at a perfect time. We added the National Civil Rights Museum tour package that included the Lorraine Motel and Legacy Museum which was a pretty incredible look back at the Civil Rights movement. You may want to bring a jacket since the museum room temperature was really cold on the hot day we visited. We chose to not take the shuttle back to the starting point which gave us more time for the museum. I would recommend this since there is SO MUCH museum information to see and read about. This is by far the best civil rights educational tour I have ever visited. A must see!

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    3 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $82 to $98
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    22
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Backbeat Tours, who run 8 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 78.6.

    See everything Backbeat Tours runs

    Why this scores 67

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)76
    Review evidence (18% weight)56
    Booking momentum (14% weight)49
    Value for money (12% weight)50
    Listing quality (10% weight)80
    Local standing (8% weight)64
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Memphis Discovery Tour w/ National Civil Rights Museum Admission: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Memphis.

    How much does Memphis Discovery Tour w/ National Civil Rights Museum Admission cost?

    +

    Prices start at $82 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Memphis usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Memphis Discovery Tour w/ National Civil Rights Museum Admission take?

    +

    Plan for about 3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Memphis is not rushed.

    Is Memphis Discovery Tour w/ National Civil Rights Museum Admission worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 67 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 63 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Memphis, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Memphis Discovery Tour w/ National Civil Rights Museum Admission?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Memphis Discovery Tour w/ National Civil Rights Museum Admission suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Memphis Discovery Tour w/ National Civil Rights Museum Admission?

    +

    Around 22 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Memphis can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Memphis and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Memphis Discovery Tour w/ National Civil Rights Museum Admission start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Memphis within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Memphis?

    +

    Memphis is music and food: Graceland with VIP access tiers, Sun Studio and Stax, Beale Street blues crawls, National Civil Rights Museum visits and barbecue tours through the pits. Graceland ticket tiers are confusing, so we weight clear inclusions. On Outty we rank every Memphis experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Memphis Mojo Bus Tour, Taste of Downtown Memphis Food Tour, Memphis Signature Guided Brewery Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Memphis?

    +

    March to May and September to November. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Memphis?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Memphis Discovery Tour w/ National Civil Rights Museum Admission?

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    Included: Riverboat Cruise admission (if option selected); Professional guide; Snacks; and National Civil Rights Museum admission. Not included: Gratuities; Hotel pick-up and drop-off; Alcoholic beverages; and Lunch. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Memphis Discovery Tour w/ National Civil Rights Museum Admission?

    +

    Please check in and meet your tour guide at the Backbeat Tours podium, located on the Patio at Alfred's on Beale St. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Memphis Discovery Tour w/ National Civil Rights Museum Admission offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Memphis Discovery Tour w/ National Civil Rights Museum Admission?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Memphis Discovery Tour w/ National Civil Rights Museum Admission wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and We can accommodate fold-up walkers or wheelchairs. We do not have a wheelchair lift and th. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Memphis Discovery Tour w/ National Civil Rights Museum Admission if the weather is bad?

    +

    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Memphis Discovery Tour w/ National Civil Rights Museum Admission?

    +

    Across 63 reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, food and drink. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    What booking options are available for Memphis Discovery Tour w/ National Civil Rights Museum Admission?

    +

    There are 2 options to choose from, including Memphis Discovery Tour w/ National Civil Rights Museum admission, Tour + Civil Rights +Riverboat. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Memphis Discovery Tour w/ National Civil Rights Museum Admission.

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