Graceland
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Located in Memphis, Tennessee, Graceland was the home of legendary American singer Elvis Presley, who is still known today as the King of Rock 'n' Roll. This Colonial Revival-style mansion boasts an interior of over 10,000 square feet and is situated on nearly 14 acres. Visitors can explore more than 120 acres filled with museum exhibits and memorabilia at the surrounding Elvis Presley's Memphis Entertainment Complex. As a testament to Presley's lasting legacy, more than 600,000 people visit to pay homage to the King each year.
Constructed in 1939, Graceland Mansion was acquired by Presley early in his career, in 1957, when he was just 22 years old. His parents and grandparents resided there full-time while Elvis pursued his acting and musical career in Los Angeles. Although the King owned several properties in the L.A. area, Memphis always remained his true home. Notable visitors to Graceland include Tom Hanks, Dwayne Johnson, Jason Alexander, and Wayne Gretzky.
Today, the home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was declared a National Historic Landmark in 2006. After the death of Presley's daughter, Lisa Marie Presley, the home was inherited by her daughters.
How to Get There
The Memphis International Airport is located just a few miles away. Local bus routes serve the area, including bus #42
Rent an RV For Your Visit to Graceland
Visit Graceland
Visitors flock to Graceland to immerse themselves in the life story of an iconic individual. Perhaps one of the most visited spots on the estate is the burial site of the King himself. Both Elvis and his grandmother are interred on the property in the Meditation Garden. Other sights include the car museum Presley Motors, where visitors can view and photograph Elvis' iconic pink Cadillac. You can also visit an on-site Sirius radio station dedicated to playing nothing but Elvis tunes.
Before leaving Graceland, you can visit one of the several available gift shops or one of three on-site eateries, including Minnie Mae's Sweets, which offers American classics like root beer floats and hand-dipped ice cream. Plan on spending at least three to four hours exploring the property.
Each August, Graceland hosts Elvis Week to honor his legacy, drawing tens of thousands of visitors for a week of movie screenings, candlelight vigils, costume contests, and even a Catholic mass. Consider planning your visit to align with the live performances at the Graceland Soundstage.
Graceland's annual Holiday Lighting Ceremony in November is a spectacle not to be missed. Emulating Elvis's festive spirit, Graceland is adorned with thousands of interior and exterior lights, a Santa with his sleigh on the lawn, a life-sized nativity scene, and numerous Christmas trees throughout the mansion. The entranceway is particularly enchanting with its blue lights. Special holiday-themed tours are offered from mid-November through early January.
Ticket Information
Ticket prices for the museums at Graceland start at $49.75, but for the full tour of the home and estate, expect to pay $79.75, which includes a self-guided audio tour available in several languages. Tickets are available for purchase on the official Graceland website. Advance purchase is strongly suggested.
Graceland is open year-round, seven days a week, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with an early close on Christmas Eve. The site closes to visitors on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Family-Friendly Options
Graceland is a family-friendly destination, and discounted tickets are available for children. Kids will love having their own iPads and audio for exploring the mansion, and the museum's airplanes will definitely be a hit with the little ones.
Children ages 2 and under are always admitted free, and depending on which tour you choose, children under the age of 4 may also be admitted at no cost.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit
There are several different attractions to see when visiting Graceland. First, you'll want to explore the Graceland Mansion itself to see how it looked during the time Elvis lived there. Next, head to Elvis Presley's Memphis museum exhibit to learn more about the rise of Elvis and his stardom. An exhibit about the 2022 "Elvis" movie may also be of interest. Be sure to stop by the Presley Motors Automobile Museum and see the airplanes as well. A few spots you may want to capture with a photo or a selfie include the mirrored TV room and the dramatic Jungle Room.
Graceland Accommodations
On Site Accommodations
The Guesthouse at Graceland is an Elvis-themed hotel located just steps away. Conceived by Elvis' wife, Priscilla Presley, this luxurious guest house offers a pool, event space, meeting rooms, and a 464-seat theater.
Also just a quick walk from Graceland Mansion is Graceland RV Park & Campground.
Graceland RV Park & Campground:
Full hookup sites
30/50-amp service
Free Wi-Fi
Pets allowed
Maximum RV length is 60 feet
Bathhouse
Laundry facilities
Bike trails
Swimming pool
24-hour security
Campgrounds Nearby
Campgrounds in Memphis, Tennessee, and the surrounding areas may offer a bunch of different services and amenities. However, only one offers the complete Graceland experience. Located next door to Elvis’ famous home, Graceland RV Park and Campground is great for those who can’t get enough of the King but also want to be minutes away from all the other great attractions Memphis offers.
This park is located only two blocks from Graceland and only a couple of minutes’ drive from all the major attractions Memphis has to offer. These Memphis campgrounds are great for their central location to everything that is available in the area. This park has full hookups and many amenities to give campers a comfortable place to stay while they explore the city.
This publicly owned park is located within the city limits of Memphis, making it a perfect location for those traveling to the city for a vacation or on business. They aren’t huge on the number of amenities that are available, but the daily fee is a great deal. That’s what makes this spot for RV camping in Memphis perfect for those who don’t need lots of frills.
Activities Near Graceland
Things to Do
Restaurants
While visiting Graceland in Memphis, you'll definitely want to try out some of Memphis' famous barbecue or some Elvis-themed dishes. A couple of well-known spots include Vernon's Smokehouse and Gladys' Diner, which serves up Elvis' favorite Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich.
Outdoor Recreation
If you're looking to explore the great outdoors during your trip, head over to the Mississippi River to go kayaking or canoeing. The Memphis Botanic Garden is another popular spot to enjoy some fresh air, with 96 acres of flowers, plants, and water features to explore.
National Sites
Weather, Safety & Accessibility
Weather & Packing
During your visit to Graceland, you'll likely want to visit the estate grounds, though most of your visit will be indoors in the museum or in the mansion itself. When planning your visit to Memphis, keep in mind that temperatures can reach the 90s during July and August. Rain is a possibility at any time of the year, but March, April, and December are usually the rainiest months.
Safety & Accessibility
With the exception of parts of the basement, Graceland is fully wheelchair accessible. A TV viewing is offered so that those requiring mobility devices can view the inaccessible areas. A shuttle with a lift is available for those who use wheelchairs or scooters to make the tour fully accessible. In the museum, the airplanes are not accessible. Captions are available on an iPad tour for visitors who are hearing impaired.
Conclusion
A visit to Graceland is a must for any fan of Elvis Presley, American pop culture, or American music. By exploring Graceland in person, visitors can experience first-hand the life of an unforgettable icon who had a huge and lasting influence on American culture and music. Graceland is one of the many amazing attractions to visit across the United States.
FAQ
Yes, aside from Graceland RV Park & Campground, Memphis and the surrounding areas offer several camping options. For instance, T.O. Fuller State Park is about 15 miles from Graceland and has campsites suitable for RVs and tents. Tom Sawyer's Mississippi River RV Park, across the river in West Memphis, Arkansas, features riverfront views and is a roughly 20-minute drive from Graceland.
Yes, Graceland is RV-friendly. The parking lot at Graceland can accommodate RVs and costs $15 per vehicle. Parking for smaller vehicles is available at a cost of $10.
Note that, although tickets can be purchased at the Ticket Office, purchasing tickets in advance is strongly encouraged in order to make sure you can enter during your preferred time. While you are welcome to take photos throughout the mansion, museum, and grounds, note that video recording as well as audio recording is prohibited. Flash photography is not allowed.
Yes! Kids will love viewing the colorful interiors and fancy cars at Graceland!
Pets are not allowed to visit Graceland Mansion, though there are boarding services nearby. If you're staying at the Graceland RV Park & Campground or the Guest House at Graceland, your pets can stay, with some restrictions.