Guide to Visiting Graceland
5 Tips to Plan Your Visit to Graceland
Book Tickets in Advance
Graceland offers a variety of tour packages, and if you want to tour the mansion you have to book a comprehensive experience that include Elvis’s airplanes, car museum, and other exhibits. Book tickets online ahead of time to secure your preferred tour and avoid long lines, especially during peak tourist seasons.Arrive Early
To make the most of your visit, plan to arrive early in the day. This allows you to explore at a leisurely pace and ensures you have time to enjoy additional exhibits, shops, and dining options on the property.Choose the Right Tour for Your Interests
Graceland offers several tour options tailored to different levels of interest. For die-hard Elvis fans, the Ultimate VIP Tour provides exclusive perks like a personal guide and access to restricted areas. Casual visitors may prefer the standard mansion tour, which includes key highlights.Wear Comfortable Shoes
Graceland’s campus is expansive, including the mansion, museum exhibits, Elvis Presley’s Memphis entertainment complex, and the planes. Expect plenty of walking, so wear comfortable footwear.Explore Nearby Attractions
Pair your visit with other Memphis landmarks, such as Beale Street, Sun Studio, and the National Civil Rights Museum, to complete your Elvis-inspired journey.
Originally we had planned to stay two nights in Memphis but cut our visit short by a night to have more time with our friends in New Orleans. We arrived to Memphis around noon and debated having lunch, checking into our hotel, or heading to Graceland. We’re so glad we headed to Graceland first as we hadn’t realized how packed full of eager tourists it is and just how much there is to see.
ELVIS’S AIRPLANES AT GRACELAND
After purchasing tickets with a 3 p.m. tour time of the Graceland Mansion, we started with touring Elvis Presley’s airplanes, a fascinating glimpse into the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s extravagant lifestyle and love for travel. Located just steps away from the Graceland mansion, the two iconic planes—the Lisa Marie and the Hound Dog II—offer visitors a unique perspective on Elvis’s life beyond the stage.
The Lisa Marie, a Convair 880 named after his daughter, was custom-designed to reflect Elvis's larger-than-life persona. Stepping inside, visitors are greeted with lavish interiors, including gold-plated seatbelt buckles, suede chairs, a conference room, and a private bedroom. One of the most striking features is the bathroom, complete with 24-karat gold-flecked sinks, epitomizing the King’s penchant for luxury.
The smaller Hound Dog II, a Lockheed JetStar, was primarily used for shorter trips and as a backup plane. Though less opulent, it offers insight into Elvis’s busy schedule and constant need for mobility.
Visitors can explore the planes up close, marveling at the detail and personalization that defined Elvis’s style. Audio guides and exhibits provide context, sharing anecdotes about his travels, tours, and personal moments aboard these aircraft. Touring the planes is an unforgettable experience, connecting fans to Elvis’s remarkable life in a tangible, memorable way.
ELVIS’S CAR COLLECTION AT GRACELAND
Elvis Presley’s car collection at Graceland is a dazzling display of the King’s passion for automobiles and his penchant for luxury. Located in the Elvis Presley’s Memphis entertainment complex, the Elvis Presley Car Museum features over 20 vehicles that showcase his eclectic taste and love for speed, style, and innovation.
Highlights include his iconic pink Cadillac, gifted to his mother and famously associated with his early career. Visitors can also admire his Stutz Blackhawk, a favorite in his later years, as well as a fleet of Cadillacs, Rolls-Royces, and Lincolns. The museum also features his 1956 Harley-Davidson motorcycle, further emphasizing his flair for the dramatic.
Interactive exhibits and memorabilia enhance the experience, offering insights into how Elvis used his cars not just for transportation but as expressions of his personality and generosity. Visiting the collection is a must-see for fans of Elvis and classic cars alike.
ELVIS’S GRACELAND MANSION
Visiting the Graceland Mansion at Christmas was a magical experience, blending the charm of Elvis Presley’s home with the festive spirit of the holidays. As we approached on the bus the sparkle of the Christmas lights broke through the rain and lightening surrounding our drive. During this special season, the mansion is adorned with holiday decorations, including sparkling lights, a life-sized nativity scene, and Christmas trees inspired by Elvis’s own traditions.
As you step into the living room, you’re greeted by a white Christmas tree decorated with blue ornaments—a nod to Elvis’s hit song “Blue Christmas.” The pristine white sofa, grand mirrored walls, and stained-glass peacocks create an air of timeless elegance. Nearby, the music room features Elvis’s piano, where he likely played holiday tunes for family and friends.
Of course, as a Chef, I had a special interest in the kitchen. The kitchen is warm and inviting, reflecting the era of Elvis’s life in the home. Though not extravagant, it’s a cozy space where meals were prepared for the Presley family and their many guests. The vintage appliances and wood-paneled decor transport visitors back to the 1970s.
One of the most vibrant areas is the jungle room, which feels even cozier during the holidays. Its Polynesian-inspired decor, complete with green shag carpet and wooden furniture, adds a unique charm. The room’s ambiance makes it easy to imagine Elvis relaxing here after a holiday meal. Throughout the mansion, the Christmas decorations pay tribute to Elvis’s family traditions, including his love for giving generously during the holidays. Audio guides and exhibits provide insights into how Elvis celebrated Christmas, from his favorite dishes to his passion for gifting loved ones.
Downstairs, the TV room showcases Elvis’s love for technology and entertainment. Decked out in bold black and yellow, the room features three televisions, allowing Elvis to watch multiple channels simultaneously. This space is brought to life with festive touches during the Christmas season, making it feel even more lively.
The game room is another highlight, with its fabric-covered walls and pool table at the center. The intricate design and vibrant colors of the room create an almost playful holiday vibe, enhanced by seasonal accents.
Elvis’s racquetball building at Graceland is a fascinating blend of athleticism and entertainment, reflecting his diverse interests. Originally built for Elvis to enjoy racquetball with friends, the space features a court and a lounge area. Today, it showcases his musical legacy, with gold records, costumes, and memorabilia adorning the walls. Notably, this building holds special significance as it was the last place Elvis played music before his passing in 1977. Visitors can see the piano where he performed his final songs, including “Unchained Melody.” The space offers an intimate glimpse into Elvis’s personal life and love for music and recreation.
The pool and backyard area at Graceland provide a serene contrast to the grandeur of the mansion, offering a glimpse into Elvis Presley’s personal life. The kidney-shaped swimming pool, surrounded by lush landscaping, served as a relaxing retreat for Elvis, his family, and close friends. The backyard also includes a well-maintained lawn where Elvis’s daughter, Lisa Marie, often played.
Nearby, the Meditation Garden adds a reflective and tranquil touch, featuring a circular fountain and the final resting place of Elvis and his family. The Meditation Garden at Graceland is the final resting place for several members of Elvis Presley's family, as well as Elvis himself. Those buried there include:
Elvis Presley
The King of Rock 'n' Roll was laid to rest here after his passing on August 16, 1977.Gladys Presley
Elvis’s beloved mother, who passed away in 1958, was reinterred at Graceland after originally being buried in Forest Hill Cemetery in Memphis.Vernon Presley
Elvis’s father, who passed away in 1979, rests beside his wife, Gladys.Minnie Mae Presley
Known as "Dodger," Elvis’s paternal grandmother passed away in 1980 and is buried near the family.Benjamin Keough, Lisa Marie Presley’s son and Elvis Presley’s grandson, is buried at Graceland.
Lisa Marie Presley
Elvis’s only daughter, Lisa Marie, passed away in January 2023 and was laid to rest alongside her father and family in the Meditation Garden.
Additionally, a small plaque honors Elvis’s twin brother, Jesse Garon Presley, who was stillborn and buried in an unmarked grave in Tupelo, Mississippi. The Meditation Garden serves as a tranquil and reflective place where fans can pay their respects to Elvis and his family.
