Sight guide · Memphis · United States
Visiting The Peabody Ducks
Twice a day at the historic Peabody hotel, a small flock of mallards marches along a red carpet to a John Philip Sousa tune, from their rooftop palace to the lobby's marble fountain and back again, led by the Duckmaster.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Bjoertvedt, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
The Peabody Ducks is an experience in Downtown and Beale Street, Memphis. Allow 30–45 minutes; it is free. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Experience
- Area
- Downtown and Beale Street
- Time needed
- 30–45 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- free and kids
- Best months
- March, September and November
About The Peabody Ducks
Twice a day at the historic Peabody hotel, a small flock of mallards marches along a red carpet to a John Philip Sousa tune, from their rooftop palace to the lobby's marble fountain and back again, led by the Duckmaster. The tradition dates back to the 1930s.
Tip: Arrive at least 30 minutes early to get a good spot around the fountain or on the mezzanine; the morning march is usually less crowded.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 30–45 minutes.
- Cost: Free — no ticket needed for the main area.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: Downtown and Beale Street, blues clubs, the Peabody's ducks and the riverfront bluff.
Best time to visit The Peabody Ducks
To avoid the biggest crowds, aim for the quietest of the good months:
- November: 17°C (63°F) highs, about 9 rainy days, quiet crowds.
- March: 18°C (64°F) highs, about 11 rainy days, quiet crowds.
- September: 30°C (86°F) highs, about 7 rainy days, moderate crowds.
When to visit Memphis has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Our 3-day Memphis itinerary visits The Peabody Ducks on day 2, together with Sun Studio, Stax Museum of American Soul Music and Overton Park and the Levitt Shell.
- No. 6 of the 18 sights in our Memphis things-to-do list.
- Day 2 of the 2-day plan.
- Listed in free things to do in Memphis.
- A family favourite in Memphis with kids.
Near The Peabody Ducks
Also in Downtown and Beale Street, so you can walk between them:
- Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum — 1.5–2 hours, mid-priced
- Beale Street — an evening, free
If you like The Peabody Ducks
- Tom Lee Park — Riverfront, 1 hour
- Overton Park and the Levitt Shell — Midtown and Overton Square, 2 hours
- Shelby Farms Park — East Memphis, 2–4 hours
Staying near The Peabody Ducks
Stay in Downtown and Beale Street ($$$) to walk here: blues clubs, the Peabody's ducks and the riverfront bluff. All areas to stay in Memphis.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at The Peabody Ducks?
Plan 30–45 minutes. With Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum nearby, it fits a half-day in Downtown and Beale Street.
+Is The Peabody Ducks free?
Yes, it is free to visit.
+When is the best time to visit The Peabody Ducks?
March, September and November, the quietest of the good months. Arrive at least 30 minutes early to get a good spot around the fountain or on the mezzanine; the morning march is usually less crowded.
+Do I need to book The Peabody Ducks in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.
+Is The Peabody Ducks good for kids?
Yes, it is one of our family picks in Memphis. Memphis is good for families who like music and the outdoors, with the zoo, the Peabody Ducks, Tom Lee Park's playgrounds, Shelby Farms and the Children's Museum.