Memphis Self Guided Driving Audio Tour

Imagine cruising through Memphis in your own vehicle, with stories about Elvis Presley, blues legends, and iconic studios filling your ears. That’s exactly what the Memphis Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour offers — a flexible, budget-friendly way to soak in the city’s musical past without the constraints of a group tour or guided bus.

What we love about this experience is how it combines affordable pricing, authentic storytelling, and the convenience of offline maps. You can start it anytime, pause for breaks, and revisit the stories over a year — perfect for travelers who want to explore on their own terms.

One potential consideration is that some reviewers found certain parts of the route a bit sketchy to drive through, which may impact your comfort level, especially in unfamiliar neighborhoods. Still, if you’re a music lover eager to uncover Memphis’s legendary spots at your own pace, this tour is worth considering. It’s especially suited for those who prefer independence over guided tours and are comfortable with self-navigation.

Good To Know

• Affordable for groups: Cost is just $16.99 per vehicle, making it a great value for up to four people.
• Flexible and self-paced: Start anytime, pause, and revisit stories over the next 12 months.
• In-depth storytelling: Reveals unique tales about Memphis’s musical icons and studios.
• Offline compatibility: Works without cell service after download, avoiding connection issues.
• Not an entrance ticket: You’ll need separate tickets for attractions like Graceland or Sun Studio if you want entry.
• Mixed reviews on route safety: Some areas may feel less safe to drive through, based on reviewer feedback.

Exploring Memphis Through Audio

This tour is a good match for travelers who enjoy music and history, but also value independence in their sightseeing. We found that the tour does a fine job of covering Memphis’s musical landmarks, all with the added bonus of flexibility. It’s ideal if you want to make your own schedule, take detours, or revisit favorite spots.

The tour begins at Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid, a symbol of Memphis’s vibrant hospitality scene. Here, you get a quick introduction to Memphis as the birthplace of blues and rock n roll. The location is also strategic, close to the downtown area, making it easy to start your drive.

From there, you’ll cruise to Beale Street, known worldwide for its lively blues clubs and historic ambiance. If you decide to stop, parking is available, but note that the tour itself doesn’t include entry to attractions, so any visits will be separate. The story here is that Beale Street is the heartbeat of Memphis’s musical culture, and the tour offers some fun anecdotes about its history.

Next, the route passes Sun Studio, often called the birthplace of rock n roll. The brick building with the giant guitar mounted outside is instantly recognizable. While the tour doesn’t include tickets to go inside, you’ll get a vivid account of its significance, including stories about Elvis, Johnny Cash, and other legends who cut their teeth here.

The tour also takes you to Elmwood Cemetery, the resting place of Ma Rainey, a pioneering blues singer whose story of running away from her religious father to perform is quite the tale. It’s a reminder that Memphis’s music roots run deep, touching on stories of perseverance.

A highlight for soul lovers is the Stax Museum of American Soul Music. The tour emphasizes its importance, noting how Otis Redding and the Staple Singers recorded there, shaping American soul. Parking is available, and once there, visitors can explore exhibits showcasing Memphis’s influence on soul music.

The next stop is the birthplace of Aretha Franklin, where her family’s gospel roots are highlighted. This adds a personal touch to the tour, connecting Memphis to the wider gospel and soul scene.

Royal Studios, a historic recording studio dating back to 1915, is highlighted for its transformation into a hub of Memphis sound in 1957. While not an attraction included in the ticket, the narration details its role in producing hits for Hi Records.

Finally, the tour culminates at Graceland, Elvis Presley’s legendary estate. The story of his rise from a small-town singer to a global icon is well covered, and the story of how fans camped outside his house in 1956 is a fun detail. Keep in mind, entry to Graceland itself is not part of this tour, so plan for separate admission if you want to go inside.

Practical Details and What to Expect

The tour is designed for ease of use. After booking, you’ll receive an email with setup instructions and a password to access the Action Tour Guide App. The app works offline, so there’s no need to worry about cellular coverage once you’ve downloaded it — a big plus when driving through areas with spotty signals.

Timing-wise, the entire drive takes about 2 to 3 hours, depending on how long you linger at each stop. The route covers roughly eight points of interest, all within Memphis’s downtown and nearby neighborhoods.

One reviewer noted that the storytelling is engaging, often delivered by a narrator with a great voice. The stories are detailed enough to satisfy music enthusiasts, yet accessible enough for casual listeners. The optional detours and bonus stories add depth, making each trip unique.

Price is quite reasonable — $16.99 per vehicle, which covers up to four people. This is a lot cheaper than guided tours, especially if you’re traveling with family or friends. Plus, since you buy once and can use the tour for a full year, it’s perfect for repeat visits or if you’ve got multiple days planned in Memphis.

While the route covers many iconic sites, some reviews mention that certain neighborhoods along the way can feel a little rough, and driving through them might be uncomfortable for some. It’s worth being mindful of your comfort level and perhaps avoiding late-night driving through unfamiliar areas.

Authentic Insights from Reviewers

One traveler, Lisa, praised the tour’s guidance and the optional routes, noting that “the little detours can often lead to unexpected highlights.” She appreciated the narrative style, which kept her engaged throughout.

Thomas found the value unbeatable, stating “For the price, it was awesome,” but also wished he could explore some sites more leisurely. He suggested slowing down and making more stops for photos and exploration.

Krusten was less positive, criticizing some routes as “sketchy” and feeling uneasy about driving through certain neighborhoods. However, he acknowledged that some stories were informative, showing that the tour provides a mix of valuable content and areas to approach with caution.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This self-guided Memphis tour is best suited for music enthusiasts who prefer flexibility and independence. It’s ideal for travelers on a budget or those with limited time who want to get a taste of Memphis’s legendary music scene without committing to a guided group.

If you’re comfortable driving through urban neighborhoods and enjoy storytelling, you’ll find this tour a satisfying way to explore at your own pace. However, if safety concerns or a desire for structured guidance are more your style, a guided tour or visiting attractions directly might be better options.

Final Thoughts

This Memphis Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour offers a cost-effective, flexible, and informative way to learn about the city’s musical heritage while enjoying the freedom to set your pace. The engaging narration, combined with offline accessibility and a reasonably priced ticket, makes it a strong choice for independent travelers eager to explore Memphis’s legendary sites.

While it isn’t a substitute for visiting some attractions in person, it’s a great way to get a broad overview and learn about stories that bring Memphis’s musical history to life. Just be aware of some neighborhoods’ safety, and plan your stops accordingly.

Ultimately, this tour suits those who want a mix of education, entertainment, and independence — perfect for making the most of your Memphis trip without breaking the bank or following a rigid schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this tour include entry tickets to attractions?
No, the tour only provides storytelling and navigation. You’ll need separate tickets if you want to enter attractions like Sun Studio or Graceland.

How do I access the tour once I’ve booked?
After booking, you’ll receive an email and text with setup instructions and a password. Download the Action Tour Guide App, enter your password, and the tour is ready to go offline.

Can I start the tour at any time?
Yes, you can begin whenever you’re ready, and you can pause and restart as needed. It works best when you’re in the vicinity of the starting point.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate. The stories are engaging and informative, appealing to a wide range of ages interested in Memphis’s music.

How long does the entire tour take?
Expect about 2 to 3 hours, depending on how long you spend at each stop and if you choose to explore some sites on foot.

Is this tour safe to drive?
The route covers Memphis’s downtown and nearby areas. Some reviewers mentioned areas that felt less safe to drive through, so use your judgment and be cautious while navigating.

This self-guided Memphis tour combines storytelling, flexibility, and affordability — making it an appealing option for those eager to discover Memphis’s musical soul on their own terms.