Memphis gets spooky fast on this 90-minute walk. A local storyteller leads you through downtown sights tied to Earnestine and Hazel’s, the Orpheum Theatre, and more, mostly outside. I love the small-group feel (up to 24 people) and the fact that Earnestine & Hazel’s comes with admission included.

I also like how the tour reads like a good town history lesson, but with jumpy details. Guides such as TC, Daniel, Sheena, and Liz show up with strong storytelling, humor, and the patience to answer questions without steamrolling the group.

One thing to consider: this is a mostly-outdoor route with no guaranteed interior time in the buildings. If you’re expecting to go inside spots like the Orpheum or the John Alexander Austin House, you’ll be disappointed, so plan for walking, standing, and dressing for the weather.

Key things I’d circle before you go

• Up to 24 people keeps the storytelling from feeling like a conveyor belt
• Earnestine & Hazel’s admission is included, and that stop is the center of the vibe
• Mostly outside, no interior entrances at the listed buildings, so dress for the sidewalk
• A route that adds spooky downtown variety, from theater haunt lore to voodoo and hoodoo talk
• Strong guide energy, with humor and question-friendly pacing (you might even get bonus stops)

Entering the Alfred’s on Beale meeting zone (and why it matters)

The tour starts at Alfred’s On Beale, 197 Beale St, Memphis, TN 38103. This is a smart choice: you’re right in the Beale Street area, where it’s easy to find your way back if you want to keep the night going.

You’ll want to arrive early enough to settle in, because the tour is a set, guided walk. You’re on a schedule built around multiple outdoor stops, so showing up late can throw off your whole pace and timing.

From there, the route gradually works its way through downtown before ending at Earnestine & Hazel’s, 531 S Main St. That end point is convenient because it’s also a popular place to unwind after the walk.

Orpheum Theatre and Mary: a theater ghost that kicks things off

The first official stop is the Orpheum Theatre (outside only), with about 15 minutes here. The story centers on Memphis’ most famous ghost, 12-year-old Mary—a classic set-up for a walking tour because theater lore is made for drama.

Because you’re outside, you won’t be wandering hallways or trying to spot anything behind velvet ropes. But starting at a landmark like this helps you get oriented fast: you can look up, take in the building’s presence, and shift into story-mode right away.

A practical tip: bring a good outer layer even if it’s warm when you start. Night air in downtown can turn fast, and this tour keeps moving.

The John Alexander Austin House: romance with a chill

Next you’ll head to the John Alexander Austin House for about 10 minutes. It’s described as a beautiful-but-haunted love story, and that tone matters—these tales land better when the guide sets up emotion before the scary part.

Like the Orpheum, this stop is outside only. That means you’re paying for story time and location time, not an interior ticket.

Still, the short duration is a plus if you’re sensitive to long periods of standing. You’ll hit several sites in a tight loop without getting stuck at one spot too long.

Earnestine & Hazel’s included stop: the tour’s main event

Then comes the big one: Earnestine & Hazel’s. You get about 20 minutes, and this is the only stop on the core route where admission is included.

This matters for value. Even if you’re not a serious ghost hunter, this is the place where the tour’s “spooky Memphis” angle feels most real. The stop is also where people tend to lean into photos and the atmosphere—one reason this location shows up again and again in people’s memories.

You’ll want to know what is and isn’t included here: drinks and food are not included in your ticket price. Alcoholic beverages also aren’t part of what you’re paying for. If you want a snack or a drink, treat it like a bonus on your own dime, not a built-in perk.

One more practical note: the end of your tour is at Earnestine & Hazel’s, so you can choose to stay after your guided portion if you want. After the tour concludes, you can linger there, then walk back to Beale Street—about a 10-minute walk by going north on Main St. Your guide may even walk back with you.

The Green Beetle and Puck Food Hall: gangster and the weird stuff

After Earnestine & Hazel’s, the tone shifts into the weirder side of downtown.

You’ll see the Green Beetle next, described as a haunted gangster hideout (outside only) for about 15 minutes. Again, it’s story-first. You’re using the building as a stage set, not as a place to enter.

Then you’ll hit Puck Food Hall for about 10 minutes. This stop is framed around voodoo and hoodoo in Memphis. You’re getting cultural flavor here, told through ghost-tour language—so listen with curiosity, and keep an ear out for how the guide connects folklore to place.

If you’re the kind of person who enjoys a tour that mixes genres—ghosts, theater lore, and the supernatural slang of a city—this is where the route starts feeling like more than just a list of haunted addresses.

Lorraine Motel and Morris Cemetery: haunting in a respectful key

The final stop on the walk is the National Civil Rights Museum – Lorraine Motel area, with about 15 minutes allocated here. The tour links the moment to Memphis’ oldest former cemetery, Morris Cemetery.

This is a different kind of “haunted.” It’s not about jump scares or cartoon ghosts. It’s about memory, place, and the weight of history sitting right where people live their everyday lives now.

Because this part of the route is still mostly outside, you’ll want to keep your voice level in your group. Let the guide do the work of setting the tone, and don’t rush the moment.

How long it really takes: the 2-mile, mostly-outdoor reality

The full walking route covers about 2 miles on public sidewalks, with some elevation. This isn’t a hike, but it is real walking. If you have mobility limitations or expect to need frequent breaks, this is where you should be honest with yourself.

The good news: the total duration is about 1 hour 30 minutes, and the stop durations are spread out. The pacing helps, especially because multiple stops are relatively short.

This tour is also mostly outside and does not include entrance into the buildings listed. So dress for the weather and plan to stand for story beats.

If you wear shoes you’d only wear to a museum, you might regret it. I’d go for comfortable walking footwear, especially if you’re going in cooler months when sidewalks get slick.

Price and value: why $29.63 can make sense

At $29.63 per person, this Memphis ghost tour sits in the entry-level to midrange band for guided walking experiences. The biggest value play is that you’re paying for:

• a guided walking tour
• local taxes
• and admission included at Earnestine & Hazel’s

Most other stops are outside-only and list admission not included, which is perfectly fine—just don’t treat this as a multi-attraction ticket bundle. You’re mainly buying the guide’s storytelling and the ability to see key downtown landmarks in an organized loop.

So where does the money really go? Into having a local storyteller connect the sites, keep time, and handle group flow. When guides do that well, the tour feels like a night out that teaches you something—without turning into a long school field trip.

Group size and guide energy: what up to 24 people feels like

This is capped at 24 travelers. That number matters more than you’d think. It keeps you from feeling lost, and it gives your guide a chance to steer the story instead of shouting over a crowd.

The guide experience is a standout here. People mention guides like TC and Daniel bringing real humor into the mix, along with lots of patience for questions. There’s also a hint that the guide may adjust the pace if the group is smaller—so you’re more likely to get a smoother, conversational feel rather than rigid reciting.

One bonus perk: some runs may include extra quick stops beyond what’s listed as the main flow. It’s not something I’d bank on, but it’s a reason to stay flexible and enjoy the ride if your guide adds something interesting.

Parking, transit, and the easiest way to not stress

You’ll find several parking garages within a few blocks. If you want one close option, the nearest garage is at 149 Peabody Place, between Second Street and BB King Blvd., next to the Hampton Inn (about two blocks away).

You can also look for metered street parking around:

• Second Street just south of Beale
• Beale between Front and Second
• Peabody Place from Front to Fourth Street

The tour is also near public transportation, which is helpful if you’d rather avoid downtown parking games.

And don’t overthink it: the route ends near where you started. After you finish, you’re set up to keep exploring without needing a second transportation plan.

Who should book this Memphis ghost walk

This tour is a great fit if you want a classic Memphis night—Beale Street energy mixed with darker downtown storytelling. It works well for:

• first-timers who want a guided way to see key downtown landmarks
• couples who like spooky stories with humor
• people who enjoy short stops more than long, sit-down attractions
• anyone comfortable with walking about 2 miles and standing for outdoor story moments

It may be less ideal if you expect lots of building interiors or museum-style ticket access. This tour is built around the sidewalk and the story.

Should you book the Haunted Memphis Walking Ghost Tour?

I’d book it if you want a guided Memphis experience that stays fun, moves at a reasonable pace, and includes one meaningful venue stop at Earnestine & Hazel’s. At $29.63, you’re paying mostly for the guide’s storytelling skill and the structure that ties several well-known downtown locations together.

Skip it if you’re mainly chasing indoor, ticketed access at the Orpheum or the John Alexander Austin House. This one is designed for outdoor viewing and spooky narration, not a “go inside everything” night.

FAQ

How long is the Haunted Memphis Walking Ghost Tour?

The tour lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes.

Where does the tour start, and where does it end?

It starts at Alfred’s On Beale, 197 Beale St, Memphis, TN 38103, and ends at Earnestine & Hazel’s, 531 S Main St, Memphis, TN 38103.

How much walking is involved?

The tour covers about 2 miles on public sidewalks and includes some elevation.

Is the tour mostly outdoors, or do you go inside buildings?

It’s conducted mostly outside and does not include entrance into the listed buildings. You should dress accordingly for the sidewalk.

What is included in the ticket price?

Your ticket includes the guided walking tour and local taxes. Earnestine & Hazel’s also includes an admission ticket as part of the tour stops.

Are drinks or food included at Earnestine & Hazel’s?

No. Drinks and food at Earnestine & Hazel’s are not included in the ticket price.

Do I need separate admission tickets for the Orpheum Theatre or other stops?

Admission tickets are not included for several outside stops, including the Orpheum Theatre and the John Alexander Austin House. Earnestine & Hazel’s is the included admission stop.

How large is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 24 travelers.

What happens if the weather is bad?

This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

If you want, tell me what month you’re going and whether you prefer more history or more scares, and I’ll suggest the best time to schedule it in your Memphis plan.