Self Guided Walking Tour of Beale Street in Memphis

Its arena lights up with world-class entertainment just steps away from the street that made music history.

Created by the Smithsonian, this museum traces the birth of rock and soul from humble Delta beginnings to global fame. Authentic artifacts and personal stories reveal how Memphis shaped the sound of the 20th century.

Named after W.C. Handy, the Father of the Blues, Handy Park is where live music fills the air almost daily. Grab a bench, soak in the sound, and experience the spirit of Beale as it was meant to be—alive and spontaneous.

Built by formerly enslaved people in the 1860s, Beale Street Baptist Church stands as a cornerstone of Black history and faith. It once hosted civil rights leaders and remains a powerful reminder of resilience and community.

Step inside A. Schwab, the oldest store on Beale Street and a living museum of Memphis history. Founded in 1876, this quirky emporium still sells everything from voodoo charms to vintage souvenirs—capturing the city’s soulful mix of old and new.

Once a thriving vaudeville hall, the Historic Daisy Theater opened in 1917 and showcased some of the greatest Black performers of its time. Its stage continues to echo with the laughter, rhythm, and creativity that defined early Beale Street entertainment.

Since the 1930s, the New Daisy has been a launchpad for rising stars and legendary acts alike. From punk to blues to hip-hop, this Beale Street icon has hosted decades of unforgettable performances.

This museum preserves the powerful photography of Dr. Ernest Withers, who documented the civil rights movement and Memphis life with honesty and grace. His images offer a striking window into the soul of the city.

Wells, who launched her groundbreaking anti-lynching campaign right here in Memphis. It’s a quiet but profound reminder of courage in the face of injustice.

Celebrate the artists who shaped America’s soundtrack—from Elvis and B.B. King to Aretha and Isaac Hayes. This museum brings their stories to life through rare memorabilia, recordings, and pure Memphis spirit.

The King still reigns on Beale, immortalized in bronze just steps from where his career began. Stop for a photo and imagine young Elvis soaking in the sounds that inspired a revolution.

Once a hub for community gatherings and music festivals, this park honors Robert R. Church Sr., the South’s first Black millionaire. His legacy of empowerment and progress lives on in the heart of Beale Street.