Memphis Mojo Bus Tour

If you’re heading to Memphis and want to get a real taste of the Music City, the Memphis Mojo Bus Tour offers a lively, music-filled journey through the city’s most iconic sights. For just about $38.41 per person, you’ll hop aboard a comfortable bus led by local musicians, who entertain and educate with live tunes, stories, and insider tips. The tour lasts roughly 1 hour 30 minutes to 3 hours, depending on the options you select, and covers everything from the legendary Beale Street to historic recording studios and civil rights landmarks.

What sets this experience apart? First, we love the interactive nature — with the Backbeat Rhythm Section providing tambourines, shakers, and bongos for everyone to join in. Second, the musician-guided storytelling makes the history of Memphis’s music scene come alive in a way that a simple bus ride seldom offers. And if you opt for the Sun Studio upgrade, you step into the very birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll, where Elvis, Johnny Cash, and B.B. King started their journeys.

A possible consideration? The tour is a no-stop ride, so you’ll want to make sure to use the bathroom before boarding. Also, if you’re eager to visit Sun Studio or the Stax Museum, you’ll need to purchase the additional tickets. Still, the overall value of seeing Memphis’s highlights while enjoying lively music and engaging stories makes this a must-do for many visitors.

This tour suits music fans, history enthusiasts, and first-time visitors looking to experience Memphis’s soul without the hassle of navigating on their own. It’s especially ideal if you enjoy a lively atmosphere and interactive guides who genuinely love sharing their city’s musical legacy.

Key Points

• Authentic Memphis experience: Combines music, history, and lively storytelling in one tour.
• Interactive element: Join the rhythm section for tambourines and bongos.
• Iconic sights: Beale Street, Stax Studio, Lorraine Motel, and Elvis’ early homes.
• Optional extras: Add admission to Sun Studio and Stax Museum for a deeper dive.
• Expert guides: Local musicians who entertain while sharing fascinating stories.
• Great value: A fun, engaging way to see Memphis’s cultural landmarks for a reasonable price.

A Deep Dive into the Memphis Mojo Bus Tour

The Experience and the Vibe

From the moment we stepped onto the Memphis Mojo Bus, it was clear this wasn’t your typical city tour. The bus, decorated with musical memorabilia, felt like a mobile concert hall. The guide, a talented local musician, kicked things off with a song and quickly made everyone feel at home. His ability to blend storytelling, humor, and live music kept the energy high.

The interactive element is a highlight — everyone gets tambourines, bongos, or shakers, and the guide encourages participation. This isn’t just a sightseeing ride; it’s a participatory musical journey. Several reviews praised guides like Cecil and Emily, who sing, play guitar, and keep the atmosphere lively and fun.

How the Tour is Structured

The itinerary offers a well-balanced mix of sights and stories, starting on the world-famous Beale Street. Here, you’ll hear about W.C. Handy, often called the “Father of the Blues,” and learn about the neighborhood’s deep musical roots. The guide shares fascinating tidbits about the historic grand hotel and the Cotton Exchange, adding layers of local flavor.

Next, the bus moves along Mississippi River views and the early homes of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and B.B. King. These stops are often brief but rich in storytelling, giving you a sense of the city’s musical legends and their humble beginnings. One review noted: “The tour was phenomenal — we learned a lot about the history of music in Memphis and loved the music,” highlighting that the guide’s storytelling truly enhances the experience.

Visiting Memphis Landmarks

The tour’s core attractions include the Stax Museum, home to Southern soul legends like Otis Redding, and the Lorraine Motel, where Martin Luther King Jr. was tragically assassinated. These sites are powerful reminders of Memphis’s cultural and social history. The guide offers context, explaining the significance of each location, such as the 1968 Sanitation Strike and its impact on civil rights.

Sun Studio: The Jewel in the Crown

For music lovers, the optional upgrade to Sun Studio is a highlight. Known as the “Birthplace of Rock and Roll,” it’s where Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, and B.B. King launched their careers. The guided tour inside reveals the documentary history of this legendary recording space, making it a worthwhile add-on. Some reviews mention that the tickets are handed out on the bus, so planning ahead can save some time.

The Overton Park Stop

Moving to Overton Park, the tour offers a quick stop at the Overton Park Shell, famous for Elvis’s first Memphis concert. It’s a peaceful spot that carries historical weight. Nearby, the Stax Records building showcases Memphis’s deep soul roots. Here, our guide explained the 1968 Sanitation Strike and the King assassination, giving depth to the tour beyond just music.

What Travelers Are Saying

Reviews consistently praise the guide’s knowledge and musical talent, often describing them as entertainers who make history fun. One reviewer raved: “Cecil made my Memphis experience,” emphasizing the guide’s ability to connect through storytelling and song. Multiple comments mention how the tour brings Memphis’s musical legends to life in a way that’s engaging and memorable.

Practical Details and Value

The tour’s cost is quite reasonable considering the live music, the guided storytelling, and the visits to key sites. The mobile ticket system makes booking easy, and the group size maxes out at 36, ensuring a comfortable experience without feeling crowded.

While the duration varies, most reviews suggest that even at the longer end, the experience remains lively and engaging. The no-stop bus ride is a key point—be sure to use the restroom beforehand.

Accessibility and Logistics

The meeting point at Alfred’s on Beale is centrally located, with multiple parking options nearby, including garages and street parking. The tour is accessible for most travelers, and service animals are allowed. It operates rain or shine; if the weather turns poor, you’ll be offered a reschedule or full refund.

Who Should Take This Tour?

This tour is perfect for music enthusiasts eager to hear stories in the context of live performances. It’s also suitable for history buffs interested in civil rights landmarks and Memphis’s cultural evolution. Families or groups looking for a fun, lively introduction to Memphis will appreciate the interactive nature.

If you prefer self-guided exploring or want to get off the bus at specific stops, this may not be ideal. But for those wanting an entertaining, informative, and musical snapshot of the city, it hits the mark.

Final Thoughts

The Memphis Mojo Bus Tour offers a fantastic way to experience Memphis’s musical soul without the fuss of independent touring. The combination of live music, storytelling, and sightseeing makes it a memorable experience for first-timers and repeat visitors alike. The guides’ genuine passion and talent shine through, turning a simple city tour into a lively celebration of Memphis’s cultural legacy.

For music lovers, history enthusiasts, or anyone seeking a fun introduction to Memphis, this tour provides excellent value. It’s a relaxed, interactive, and engaging way to learn about the city’s most famous landmarks while enjoying the sounds and stories that make Memphis unique.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, most children enjoy the lively music and interactive aspects, but parents should consider the length and no-stop nature of the ride.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 3 hours, depending on the selected options and stops.

Can I buy tickets on the day of the tour?
It’s recommended to book 24 days in advance since the tour is popular, but same-day booking might be possible if spots are available.

Is there transportation to and from the hotel?
No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, but the meeting point at Alfred’s is centrally located with parking options.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable clothes, a hat or sunglasses for sun protection, and use the bathroom before boarding since there are no stops for that purpose.

Are the guides professional musicians?
Yes, guides are local musicians who not only entertain but also provide insightful stories about Memphis’s musical history.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent, but if canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or full refund.

What’s the value of the tour?
Considering the live music, storytelling, and visits to key landmarks, many reviews find it excellent value and highly recommend it.

Can I upgrade to visit Sun Studio?
Yes, you can add a ticket to Sun Studio, the legendary birthplace of rock and roll, for an even richer experience.

Is this tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
Most of the tour is on the bus, but check with the provider for specific accessibility concerns; the bus is designed to accommodate most travelers.

In short, the Memphis Mojo Bus Tour blends music, history, and fun into a lively journey through Memphis’s soul. Whether you’re a die-hard music fan or just curious about the city’s legendary sounds, this tour is a memorable way to get a taste of Memphis’s vibrant culture.