The Historic Beale Street Entertainment District in Downtown Memphis is a focal point of visitors to the city looking for the region's great heritage in blues music. Beale Street is the historic home of blues music, and today it's a street full of live music, food, drinks and fun.

Where does that leave families? Well, Beale Street is a spot that draws in visitors looking for adult entertainment at night.

But during the day and early evening, family friendly Beale Street is in full effect.

Why Beale Street?

If visiting Memphis, you've likely been told or read that you should visit Beale Street. The street begins at the Mississippi River and goes about a mile and a half toward Midtown Memphis. The actual Beale Street Entertainment District only goes to Danny Thomas Boulevard, about a five-block stretch. And the part of the street with restaurants, bars and shops is only two blocks from Second to Fourth streets.

Beale Street plays an important role in Memphis and music history. In the early 20th century, Beale Street was the main business district of the African-American community in segregated Memphis. When residents of the Mississippi Delta moved from the farms to Memphis looking for work, they found their way to Beale Street. And the gritty blues music they played in the cotton fields in the hot sun found its way to the clubs of Beale Street.

Beale Street today remains the home of blues music, but it also played an important role in the birth of rock 'n' roll, thanks to a certain Memphian by the name of Elvis Presley who found his way to the clubs of Beale during his youth.

WC Handy, whose house is located on the east end of Beale near its intersection with Fourth Street, is considered to be the father of the blues. Handy wrote a campaign song titled “Mr. Crump” in 1909. The lyrics were later changed and the song was renamed “The Memphis Blues.” It’s considered the first published commercial blues song.

Today, a statue of Handy sits at the entrance of Handy Park at the corner of Beale and Third streets.

Family Friendly Beale Street Activities:

Beale Street has plenty of restaurants, all of which are family friendly. There is a heavy police presence on Beale, and minors are not allowed on the street after 11 p.m. But there is nothing scandalous to be seen on Beale, no matter the time of day. If you can handle your children seeing alcohol consumed, that's the most mature thing you will typically see in the evenings on Beale Street.

Discover the city's music history with the Brass Note Hall of Fame. Artists and contributors who have played an important role in Memphis music, from Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis, to Sam and Dave, Jerry Schilling, The Staple Singers and Justin Timberlake are honored with brass notes in the sidewalks of Beale Street.

Discover a unique souvenir. Beale Street has several unique shops, from music stores specializing in the city's great blues music to eclectic collections found at Tater Red's Voodoo Shop and A. Schwab, where everything imaginable can be found, including a soda fountain.

Have a meal. Beale is lined with restaurants, some of which are especially family friendly such as Hard Rock Cafe. The international music-themed restaurant moved from its original location at Beale and Third to the more prominent Beale and Second address where it will also be the home of the Memphis Music Hall of Fame.

Listen to live music. Often, there are blues bands set up in some of the small alleys in addition to all the clubs and bars of Beale. In addition, there are bands that set up in the large Handy Park, where there is also a small amphitheater where concerts and events often take place for free.

If your family is interested in art, the Ernest Withers Collection Museum displays the great photographer's work. Near Beale's intersection with Main Street is a statue honoring Elvis Presley. And at Main is the historic Orpheum Theatre, where Broadway shows, concerts and movies take place. Continue west to Beale's beginnings at Riverside Drive and explore the new Beale Street Landing overlooking the Mississippi River.