Graceland

The Basics

Travelers wishing for an independent tour experience have several ticket options to choose from, including a mansion-only tour (led by John Stamos on an iPad) and comprehensive Graceland tickets that offer access to the Presley Motors Automobile Museum (home of Elvis’ 1955 pink Cadillac), Elvis: The Entertainer Career Museum, and the Elvis Discovery Exhibits. Guided tours of the mansion offer the added benefit of round-trip transportation from Memphis or Nashville, while VIP tour upgrades include skip-the-line access to the mansion.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Set aside three to four hours for a full visit.

• Tripods and selfie sticks are not permitted on tours.

• Flash-free photography is allowed.

• Most visitor facilities are fully accessible for wheelchair users.

• Dining options include Vernon’s Smokehouse and the Jungle Room.

• Some tickets are discounted for youth ages 5-10 and free for those 4 and under.

• The Graceland Exhibition Center hosts traveling exhibits from around the world.

How to Get There

Graceland is located in Southern Memphis, just west of the airport. While a guided tour with transport is the most convenient way to visit, it’s also possible to reach the mansion via the free Sun Studio shuttle bus, which runs every hour between Graceland, Sun Studio, and the Rock ’n’ Soul Museum.

When to Get There

It’s best to visit Graceland on weekday afternoons during the shoulder season (September to April) when lines are shorter and the mansion is less crowded. Expect long lines on holidays, summer weekends, on Elvis’ birthday (January 8), and during Elvis Week (mid-August).

An Airplane Fit for The King

In 1975, Elvis bought a 1958 Convair 880, which he named Lisa Marie after his daughter. For an extra fee, Graceland visitors can climb aboard the fully remodeled jet, complete with gold-plated seat belts, gold-flecked sinks, and suede chairs, and get a look at how The King traveled in style.

What is the best month to visit Graceland?

Since summers can get so hot around the Memphis area, most visitors aim for a Graceland visit during April and May or October and November. That being said, if you’re happy with 40–55ºF (4–12ºC) temperatures, November–February can be a great time to avoid the crowds—plus you might catch Graceland decked out for the holidays.

How long does it take to tour Graceland?

Most visitors will take about 60 to 90 minutes to tour the Graceland mansion, depending on their interest level. If you’re also interested in the add-ons—like the on-site car museum, Elvis Presley’s jet collection, or the gift shop—you can expect your Graceland experience to last anywhere from 2.5 to 3.5 hours.

Can you walk the grounds of Graceland for free?

Technically, yes, you can walk around certain areas of Graceland’s grounds for free—the meditation garden (with the graves of Elvis and his family) is regularly open at certain times of day, usually in the morning. You can also access the nearby Graceland Plaza and Crossing. To get inside the mansion proper, however, you’ll have to buy a ticket.

Is Graceland worth the money?

Whether or not Graceland is worth the money depends on your budget—and your interest levels in all things Elvis and pop culture. Ticket prices range anywhere from $80–$215 for adults; if you’re comfortable skipping the Graceland mansion and just want to experience Elvis Presley’s Memphis Entertainment Complex, tickets are notably less expensive.

How many days do you need at Graceland?

Most visitors are satisfied with a few hours to explore the Graceland mansion, the car museum, and the grounds (which include the Presley family graves). That being said, die-hard Elvis fans may want to stay the night at the on-site Guest House at Graceland, eat at Elvis Presley’s Memphis, and explore Elvis Presley’s Memphis Entertainment Complex.

What should I not miss at Graceland?

Many visitors are most excited to tour Elvis Presley’s former home, the Graceland mansion, and its grounds—which include the meditation garden and the Presley family graves. If you’re a serious Elvis fan, you’ll also want to tour the on-site car museum, get a look at Elvis’ jets, and explore the art and entertainment exhibits at Elvis Presley’s Memphis Entertainment Complex.

Ways to explore

Graceland is a sightseeing complex with a range of attractions. The major highlight for many is the Graceland Mansion, where Elvis lived and whose rooms have been preserved so visitors can experience the landmark as it existed during the King of Rock’s life. There is also Elvis Presley’s Memphis, an entertainment complex that contains Elvis: The Entertainer Career Museum, the Presley Motors Automobile Museum, and other themed exhibition areas. It’s also worth exploring Elvis’ Airplanes and the Meditation Garden, where Elvis and his family members were laid to rest.

Various packages offer different ways to see these attractions. Leave at least 3–4 hours to explore Graceland’s various attractions, or up to a full day if you’re visiting on a day trip from Nashville. After your tour, you can choose to spend the night at The Guest House at Graceland: a one-of-a-kind, Elvis-themed luxury hotel located on site.

Accessibility

Most of Graceland—including its gift shops, restaurants, visitor facilities, and exhibits—is accessible to wheelchair users. Two rooms in the mansion tour are not accessible, and the planes tour is not accessible.

Age limits

None, although some stroller restrictions in the mansion may make visiting with very young children difficult

What to pack

Your own headphones (if preferred), a Sharpie to sign the Graceland wall

What to wear

As some sights are outdoors, it’s best to wear comfortable, seasonally appropriate clothing.

Not allowed

Non-folding strollers, flash photography, any bags on tours, pets, selfie sticks, tripods

Amenities

iPad tours, hotel, restaurants, gift shop, restrooms, lockers

Address

Graceland is located in southern Memphis, just west of the airport. While a guided tour with transport is the most convenient way to visit, it’s also possible to drive to the landmark or make use of public transit.

Driving

To get to Graceland from Downtown Memphis, take Union Avenue to I-69. Take exit 5B towards US-51 S/Elvis Presley Blvd, and then follow signs to Graceland. The journey typically takes around 15 minutes, and paid parking is available on-site.

Public transportation

The 42 bus takes visitors from various points in Memphis to Graceland. However, because the journey takes close to one hour, traveling via taxi, rideshare service, or tour with provided transit is more convenient.

Best times to visit

Graceland is less busy in the afternoons, from 2pm onward—time your visit for after lunchtime to beat the crowds.

Best days to visit

Weekdays are typically less busy than weekends at Graceland. The site is closed annually on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

Best months to visit

Time your visit for the early-autumn shoulder season—the weather should still be pleasant enough for exploring Graceland’s outdoor attractions, but you’ll miss the peak of the summer crowds.

Special events

Christmas was one of Elvis’ favorite times of year, and it’s still a great time to experience Graceland. Visit between late November and early January to admire the decorations, take part in special tours, and commemorate the King of Rock’s birthday in January.